Toyota Kluger KX-S AWD

Super SUV

The Toyota Kluger is now into its second year of its second generation in Australia and it is proving one of the most popular vehicles in its class. Last year it took 17.8 per cent of medium SUV sales, beating the Ford Territory for the first time in the process.

While no rock-hopping 4WD, it is still an all-wheel-drive wagon with some 4WD ability much like a Ford Territory, and seven-seat models of the Subaru Tribeca, the Holden Captiva and Hyundai Santa Fe.

The Kluger does not have a dual-range transmission or separate chassis and its unitary platform is similar to the one Toyota uses in the Aurion.

The Kluger has only one engine choice, a 3.5lt petrol V6 linked to a five-speed automatic. Taking the lead from the Ford with its Territory, the Kluger comes in three trim levels, available with either two-wheel-drive (2WD) or at extra cost, all-wheel-drive (AWD).

While there's also a range-opener in the KX-R and a luxury model called the Grande, we tested the mid-spec KX-S AWD, which retails for $56,490 (plus on-road costs). The front-wheel-drive version of each AWD model is also available for $4500 less.

DRIVER AIDS
All Klugers have Hill-start Assist Control (which releases the brake only when you begin to accelerate) and the all-wheel-drive models have Downhill Assist Control (which uses the braking system to attempt to keep speed at a slow crawl on steep tracks), electric power steering, ABS brakes with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA), plus stability control and traction control are all standard features.

The airbag count is long: driver and front-passenger airbags, front side airbags, driver's knee airbag and roll-sensing curtain side airbags are fitted, for all three rows of seats.

All Klugers also have steering wheel audio and multi-information display controls, MP3-compatible CD/radio, air-conditioning, a reversing camera with inbuilt 8.9cm screen, alloy wheels, split-fold second-row seat, opening tailgate glass, glass-mounted radio antenna and backlit Optitron instrument cluster.
 
The mid-spec Kluger KX-S we tested also has 19in alloy wheels, front foglights, power front seats, front dual-zone and rear climate-control air-conditioning, seven-occupant, third-row seating, driver's variable cushion length adjustment, front-seat heaters, leather seats, steering wheel and gearknob, steering wheel air-conditioning controls, and a six-disc in-dash CD audio system with Bluetooth.

ALLOY V6
The Kluger's 2GR-FE 3.5lt V6 engine has double overhead cams, is an all-alloy construction and also features variable valve timing.

The 2GR-FE is a very good engine, and certainly in the Kluger it does not disappoint. It is very smooth and responds well at low rpm and yet spins out to its redline quite freely, even if it gets a little noisy beyond 4500rpm.

The engine is linked to a manual-mode five-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission, which seems to have a good ratio spread and changes gears very smoothly. While some automatics are easily fooled by a sudden lunge at the throttle or lifting off, the Kluger's auto is very good, taking whatever happens without abrupt shifts.

The on-demand four-wheel-drive system apportions drive to the front wheels only until wheel slip is sensed, when drive is channelled to the rear axle. This AWD system is just one reason of many that puts the Kluger - like most of its competitors - in the all-wheel-drive class, not off-road four-wheel-drive class, as it is a reactive system that should be enough to get out of trouble on a slippery boat ramp but it's probably not the best system for off-roading. The Kluger's clearance, at 205mm, is acceptable for some high-crown dirt roads.

The Kluger seems quite fuel efficient when traveling solo but the addition of a trailer behind really adds to the fuel bill. The average fuel consumption as quoted for the Australian Standard test is 11lt/100km for the combined urban/country cycle.

During testing, we saw around 13.5lt/100km in solo urban driving, and with a 1449kg tare trailer behind, fuel consumption on the freeway and secondary roads averaged between 17lt/100km and 19lt/100km.

Cruising speed was set at 80kmh on the secondary roads and 100kmh on the freeway.

TOW TIME
Toyota recommends in the Kluger owner's handbook that weight stabilisers be used "when towing a caravan trailer etc", but we noted that after hitching up our caravan there was only a small suspension droop (the towball download was 163kg) so we thought it was worth testing the Kluger without the stabilsers. It turned out, with our caravan, that it didn't really need them.

The Kluger gets bonus points from the start when the rear-view camera allows seamless solo hitching. Once on the move, the large side mirrors were usefully large, reducing the need for extension mirrors.
 
The Kluger shouldered the extra weight behind it very well, with only a very slight yawing movement at speed when driving over large bumps.

The V6 performs well with the extra weight, with responsive low-rpm torque on tap and if an overtaking manoeuvre is really required, the Kluger has ample acceleration available between 80 and 100kmh to get the rig back safely on the correct side of the road.

Toyota recommends that Sport or fourth gear be selected when towing ("In order to maintain efficient engine, braking and electrical charging performance", according to Toyota). It's easy to see why Toyota says this, as inclines do cause the transmission to shift up and down as it unsuccessfully attempts to settle down to its 1800rpm at a 100kmh fifth-gear cruise. In fourth gear, 100kmh equates to about 2500rpm, which makes the cabin seem a little noisy compared with fifth gear revs.
 
The unbraked tow capacity is 700kg, with a maximum of 2000kg and axle maximum weights are 1340kg (front) and 1590kg (rear). Based on the 1450kg trailer we used for the test, the Kluger will comfortably tow up to its maximum tow capacity, especially with the assistance of load levelers.

Toyota recommends that a new vehicle (or a vehicle with new powertrain components) not be used for towing for the first 800km. It recommends that the fixing bolts of the tow ball and bracket be checked for tightness after 1000km.
 
Extra servicing requirements are in the schedule for Kluger when towing. Routine servicing is every 10,000km or six months, but when towing the engine oil and oil filter require replacement every 5000km or three months. Other additional service requirements for towing usage includes changing the auto transmission fluid and front differential fluid every 80,000km, and the chassis bolts will require re-tightening every 50,000km.

ON THE INSIDE
Inside, the Kluger is typical Toyota: a well-built, quality cabin that some may find a little bland. It is a large, welcoming space with comfortable front seats (if lacking a little for side support) with plenty of under-thigh support. The rear seat slides fore-aft, which is very convenient for a compromise on second/third row leg room or cargo space as required. However, the centre position in the middle row is uncomfortable.

Third row occupants will find the seat easy enough to access but it really is not intended for adults, as most in this class. There are numerous, handy storage bins throughout the cabin, with the centre console box an especially large space.

The driver has a very clear instrument cluster ahead and large well-placed controls clearly marked. Vision is very good, with the exception of side view on sharp corners where the large rearview mirrors obstruct view (but the mirrors themselves provide an excellent view to the rear).

The cargo area is a large, flat load space (with the third-row seats that fold neatly under the floor) that can be accessed via the lift-up tailgate (or separately opening tailgate window). Like most of its type, with third row seats up there is little cargo space provided.

The medium SUV is a hotly contested category, and it is fair to say that the Kluger sits up near the top of the ladder in this class. It is well made, has a well designed interior with no lack of room, a sweet V6 engine with plenty of power and a chassis that provides ample mid-range towing capacity.

Fuel consumption around town isn't great, and handling is not as inspiring as the Ford Territory, but if you can live with that the Kluger is the pick of the mid-size SUV bunch.

For further information, visit www.toyota.com.au