Toyota Kluger KXS 2011 Review

I'd forgotten just how toey the Kluger is. With 200 "killer wasps" under the bonnet, it certainly gets mobile and gets mobile quickly. The trade-off unfortunately is higher fuel consumption, because Kluger has a reputation for knocking it back, given its head.

Launched here in 2003 this is the second generation and is much larger and more powerful than before. Toyota upgraded the mid-sized softroad wagon in November, in the face of stiff competition and sliding sales, with price cuts but the addition of extra kit at the same time.

Available in two and four-wheel drive configuration, with seating for five or seven people, Kluger is in many ways the ideal family wagon.

VALUE

Our test vehicle the mid range KX-S is priced from $50,990, or $4500 less than the all-wheel drive version.

The revised range includes a revamped exterior with a new bonnet, grille, bumpers, front fenders, headlamps, taillights and door mouldings. Inside, Kluger has revised centre-dash register colour for all grades and increased seating flexibility for seven-seat versions with a 50:50 split-fold backrest for the third-row seat. Puddle lamps have also been added to the exterior mirrors.

The seven seat KX-S is $500 cheaper but now gets perforated leather-accented trim on the first and second-row seats, and chrome finish on the roof rails. It also has an improved audio display screen and USB input for its six-disc CD MP3 audio unit.

Our test vehicle has plenty of interior room, a good sized luggage area and will take most dirt tracks and beach access roads in its stride, which is generally the only off-roading that most people want to do.

TECHNOLOGY

Officially, the mid-sized softroader is good for 11.0 litres/100km, but in reality it tends to use more than this. We were getting 12.5 litres/100km during testing, but in the past we've seen 14.5. At first we thought this might have been because this particular model is front wheel drive only, but the all-wheel drive spends most of its time in front-wheel drive and Toyota quotes the same 11.0 litres/100km for both wagons anyway.

With 201kW of power at 6200 revs 337Nm of torque at 4700 revs, Kluger has a tow rating of 2000kg. With seven airbags and a full complement of safety systems, Kluger has a five-star safety rating and receives a three-star rating from the Movement’s Green Guide.

VERDICT

If you don't mind paying for the fuel, then Kluger is sure to hit the spot.

TOYOTA KLUGER KXS 2WD

Price: from $50,990
Warranty: 3 years/100,000km
Engine: 3.5-litre V6 engine, 201kW/337Nm
Body: SUV
Transmission: 5-speed automatic, two-wheel drive
Thirst: 11.0L/100km