Powered by
Subscribe to the only car newsletter you’ll ever need

2016 Toyota Kluger Grande Review

 

Good points

  • Refined, relaxed petrol V6
  • Smart, family-friendly interior
  • Proven reliability with inexpensive servicing

Needs work

  • No diesel available
  • Boot is a little smaller than rivals
  • No nav on GXL and stepping up to Grande is expensive
2016 Toyota Kluger Review

Seven-seaters are appealing even if you only have two kids. Knowing that you’ve got the flexibility to carry their friends and all the gear is worthwhile peace of mind.

Combine the practicality with SUV styling that Australians love, and you’ve got a winner on the showroom floor.

Toyota now have three models in this game – the Land Cruiser Prado and Fortuner being serious off-roaders in their spare time.

The Kluger ditches aspirations of getting muddy for better handling, a more comfortable interior and handsome styling.

Those attributes, coupled to Toyota’s reputation for reliability, make it unsurprising that the Kluger is very popular: more than a thousand are shifted each month.

However, unlike its rivals the Kluger is an American-built car and that means this is a petrol-only proposition. Now that petrol is comparatively cheap, the diesels of the Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento carry less of an advantage.

There’s no avoiding the fact that the 2016 Toyota Kluger is more expensive than both those rivals. So, the question is, are you getting what you pay for by opting for the Toyota?

Budget Direct
Comprehensive cover
/ year
(indicative only)
Budget Direct
Comprehensive cover
/ year
(indicative only)

Key specs (as tested)

Engine
Capacity
3.5L
Cylinders
6
Induction
Naturally aspirated
Power
201kW at 6,200rpm
Torque
337Nm at 4,700rpm
Configuration
Conventional
Power to weight ratio
100kW / tonne
Fuel
Fuel type
Petrol
Fuel capacity
72L
Consumption
10.6L/100km
Average Range
679km
Drivetrain
Transmission
Automatic
Drivetrain
All wheel drive
Engine configuration
V6
Gears
6
Dimensions
Length
4865mm
Width
1925mm
Height
1730mm
Unoccupied weight
2020kg
Cargo space seats up
529L
Cargo seats down
1171L

About Chasing cars

Chasing Cars reviews are 100% independent.

Because we are powered by Budget Direct Insurance, we don’t receive advertising or sales revenue from car manufacturers.

We’re truly independent – giving you Australia’s best car reviews.

Terms and conditions

The estimate provided does not take into account your personal circumstances but is intended to give a general indication of the cost of insurance, in order to obtain a complete quote, please visit www.budgetdirect.com.au. Estimate includes 15%^ online discount.
^Conditions Apply

Budget Direct Insurance arranged by Auto & General Services Pty Ltd ACN 003 617 909(AGS) AFSL 241 411, for and on behalf of the insurer, Auto & General Insurance Company Limited(ABN 42 111 586 353, AFSL 285 571).Because we don’t know your financial needs, we can’t advise you if this insurance will suit you. You should consider your needs and the Product Disclosure Statement before making a decision to buy insurance. Terms and conditions apply.

Indicative quote based on assumptions including postcode , 40 year old male with no offences, licence suspensions or claims in the last 5 years, a NCD Rating 1 and no younger drivers listed. White car, driven up to 10,000kms a year, unfinanced, with no modifications, factory options and/or non-standard accessories, private use only and garaged at night.

^Online Discounts Terms & Conditions
1. Discounts apply to the premium paid for a new Budget Direct Gold Comprehensive Car Insurance, Third Party Property Only or Third Party Property, Fire & Theft Insurance policy initiated online on or after 29 March 2017. Discounts do not apply to optional Roadside Assistance.
2. Discounts do not apply to any renewal offer of insurance.
3. Discounts only apply to the insurance portion of the premium. Discounts are applied before government charges, taxes, levies and fees, including instalment processing fees (as applicable). The full extent of discounts may therefore be impacted.
4. We reserve the right to change the offer without notice.