2017 Toyota Kluger GXL AWD Review | No Step Forward For Toyota’s Updated Family Hauler
When it comes to large SUVs, Toyota is king with not one, but three cars in the class thanks to the off-roadable Fortuner and Prado and the more urban-suited Kluger which sits alongside competitors like the Mazda CX-9, Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento.
It’s a tough, and widely varied segment that includes much smaller seven-seaters like the Holden Captiva (which despite its age and low quality still sells in significant numbers) and crossover wagons like the Subaru Outback and Passat Alltrack.
But the Kluger, updated for 2017 with a new engine and transmission, continues its family focus with seven seats standard across the range and high levels of equipment, offset by commensurate pricing for all models.
Vehicle Style: Large SUV
Price: $57,550 plus on-road costs
Engine/trans: 218kW/350Nm 3.5-litre 6cyl petrol | 8sp automatic
Fuel Economy Claimed: 9.5 l/100km | Tested: 11.1 l/100km
OVERVIEW
As part of an update earlier this year, Toyota has slightly massaged the Kluger’s looks with a bolder grille design, revised front bumper, and new-look alloy wheels. The changes aren’t sweeping, but they’re enough to keep the big wagon contemporary.
Under the bonnet, Toyota has been a little more liberal with the changes, adding a more powerful version of the Kluger’s 3.5-litre petrol V6 for 218kW and 350Nm in total, plus a new eight-speed automatic for improved fuel efficiency.