Toyota Kluger turbo put to the test

A punchy new motor headlines running changes for a practical SUV that has won over thousands of Australian families.

Affordable seven-seat SUVs are getting harder to come by after Mazda dumped its CX-9 and CX-8 but Toyota’s Kluger is one of the more appealing options.

Here’s everything you need to know about the Toyota Kluger.

Toyota’s Kluger is a practical pick.

VALUE

Toyota’s Kluger range kicks off at about $56,500 drive-away for the two-wheel drive GX tested here.

This is about $5000 more than entry-level alternatives from Kia and Hyundai.

Prices rise to $66,500 for the mid-tier GXL and $79,000 for the full-fruit Grande.

You can add all-wheel drive grip for $4000 more and fuel-sipping hybrid power for another $2500 across the range.

Toyota recently updated the Kluger and ditched the thirsty non-turbo V6 petrol engine in favour of a grunty 2.4-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol.

Hybrid models use the tried and tested 2.5-litre petrol engine paired with three electric motors and a small battery.

The Kluger GX represents the affordable option in the range/

Our Kluger GX had a small eight-inch touchscreen while the other grades score a bigger 12.3-inch display. The GX also misses out on a 12.3-inch digital driver display found in the Grande. It has a mix of analog dials and a small low-res information screen.

Toyota backs its vehicles with a five-year/unlimited km warranty and servicing is cheap at $1325 over five years.

Resale is another strong point. The Kluger holds onto its value better than rivals.

Entry-level models make do with cloth seats.

COMFORT

The GX’s cabin isn’t swimming in standard equipment but it has everything you are likely to need.

Cloth wrapped seats are comfortable and manually adjustable. You sit high above the traffic and have excellent forward vision.

Toyota has used plenty of hard wearing plastics to keep the price down but there are some nice touches including a faux-leather wrapped steering wheel and gear shifter, a soft-touch dashboard and oodles of storage compartments including cup holders in the third row.

In typical Toyota fashion the layout is practical with easy to reach climate buttons and steering wheel controls that are very user friendly.

Premium Kluger variants get leather trim and low-profile alloys.

The second-row seats fold forward with a single touch to grant access to the third row.

It’s tight in the final pew for adults and taller teens but the second row can slide forward to liberate more leg room.

All three rows have their own airconditioning vents, which will keep the kids happy on longer trips. There are five USB charging ports covering the two front rows.

Soft suspension cushions passengers against bumps and lumps of all sizes making for a comfortable commute. It’s quiet too, with only minimal engine and road noise entering the cabin.

SAFETY

This is a family car and Toyota has made safety a top priority.

It’ll automatically apply the brakes if it detects a potential collision with another car and it’ll sound the alarm if a car is approaching from the side as you reverse as well as warn you if a vehicle is in your blind spot.

There are seven airbags and the Kluger performed strongly for adult and child protection in independent crash tests.

Safety is a strong point for the Kluger.

DRIVING

The Kluger is no dynamic masterpiece but it’s adept at lugging crowds around in comfort and safety.

The turbo engine has less power than the V6 but more torque delivered lower in the rev range, which makes it feel more responsive.

The soft suspension setup means it handles pockmarked roads with poise but is less convincing through corners, leaning and pitching when asked to change direction quickly.

Steering is well weighted but on the slower side, which can make it feel cumbersome.

You’ll need to pay attention when navigating tight spaces, as it’s a big car.

It’s relatively efficient, drinking a claimed 8.3L/100km compared to the old V6’s 8.7L/100km. It only requires the cheapest unleaded petrol too.

VERDICT 3.5/5

The Kluger shines brightest in its cheapest form and it’s worth going for hybrid power if you can stretch the budget.

ALTERNATIVES

The Kia Sorento is an impressive machine.

Kia Sorento S, from $50,790 drive-away

Thirsty V6 engine isn’t as refined but it’s cheaper and has a seven year warranty.

A new Santa Fe is just around the corner.

Hyundai Santa Fe, from about $50,500 drive-away

Mechanically identical to the Kia but a new model is on the way so there are deals to be had.

Volkswagen's Tiguan Allspace is a compact option.

Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace Life, from about $51,600

Sharp driving SUV that is smaller but surprisingly roomy. Third row only suitable for part time use.

Premium Kluger models have a more colourful cabin.

TOYOTA KLUGER GX TURBO

PRICE From about $56,500 drive-away

ENGINE 2.4-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol, 198kW and 400Nm

WARRANTY/SERVICING Five years/unlimited km, $1325 over five years

SAFETY Seven airbags, auto emergency braking, lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert and radar cruise control

THIRST 8.3L/100km

SPARE Full size

LUGGAGE 552-litres

Originally published as Toyota Kluger turbo put to the test