Pricier 2017 Toyota Kluger steps up in power and features

The facelifted 2017 Toyota Kluger has arrived in showrooms across Australia copping a slight price increase which Toyota says is outweighed by the combined value of the more powerful engine, new transmission, better fuel economy and improved standard equipment levels.

The three-tier range opens with the $43,550 plus on-road costs GX, a hike of $1,360. Stepping up to the GXL is a $53,550 plus ORCs proposition, an increase of $2,360. At $65,935 the top spec Grande is $1,860 more expensive than before. All-wheel drive is available across the range at a $4,000 premium.

Highlighting the 2017 update is the revised drivetrain, starting with the new 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine which now gains improvement to power and torque thanks to direct-injection and new calibration. Toyota says the updated V6 delivers quicker acceleration and effortless overtaking with an increase in power of almost 8.5 per cent to 218kW while torque rises to 350Nm, up from the previous 201kW and 337Nm.

The new V6 is matched with an eight-speed automatic transmission which replaces the previous six-speed item. With extra ratios, fuel economy is said to have improved by at least 10 percent.

On the official combined cycle, 2WD Kluger uses 9.1L/100km for the GX and mid-spec GXL grades and 9.3L/100km for the range-topping Grande while all AWD variants are rated at 9.5L/100km. See comparison table below for fuel economy figures.

2017 Toyota Kluger fuel consumption and emission improvement over 2016 model

Toyota has also lifted the level of standard features in the 2017 Kluger, with the mid-spec GXL variants now come standard with an 8-inch infotainment screen, satellite navigation, digital radio (DAB+)3 and a power back door with the convenience of an independently operated glass hatch.

Top-of-the range Kluger Grande expands its suite of safety features with rear-cross-traffic alert and supplements its lane departure alert with active steering assistance and sway warning.

Grande, newly specified with front parking sensors, also gains a panoramic view monitor that uses four cameras – front, rear and in the side mirrors.

Styling updates convey a more elegant presence with the new front grille on GX and GXL variants featuring a silver-painted finish, while Grande receives a painted chrome finish.

Tail-lights have been redesigned for a sleeker look and now feature standard LEDs while the Grande is distinguished by a rear bumper chrome garnish.

Newly designed alloy wheels (including spares) are 18-inch with five double spokes on GX, 18-inch with seven outer and seven turbine-style inner spokes on GXL, and 19-inch with 12-outer and 12 black inner spokes on Grande. Three new exterior body colours include silver, brown and an additional red hue.

Inside, Toyota has enhanced quality with higher grade materials, soft-touch surfaces, bright accents and greater refinement with silver metallic garnishes on GX and GXL. Grande is offered with silver woodgrain-look garnishes and blue LED ambient lighting around the dash and doors for a more premium ambience.

Like before, the 2017 Toyota Kluger is offered in two-wheel-drive and on-demand all-wheel-drive configurations.

Every Kluger is fitted with seven airbags, reversing camera, reverse-parking sensors, anti-skid brakes with brake assist and electronic brake-force distribution, stability and traction control, and hill-start assist control.

Other standard features include air-conditioning, cruise control, electric power steering, six-speaker display audio with Toyota Link5 connected mobility, front foglamps, privacy glass, power-adjustable exterior mirrors and a 72-litre fuel tank.

In addition to its new features, GXL variants have additional features including three-zone climate-control air-conditioning, keyless entry and ignition, roof rails, premium steering wheel and shift knob, and leather-accented seats with heated front seats and a 12-way power-adjustable driver’s seat.

Grande includes a suite of advanced safety features including a pre-collision safety system with autonomous emergency braking, active cruise control, lane departure alert, blind spot monitor and auto high beam.

Additional premium Grande features include a tilt-and-slide moonroof, ventilated front seats with two-position memory for the driver’s seat, nine-inch rear-seat entertainment system with Blu-ray player, heated exterior mirrors with memory function and puddle lamps, electro-chromatic interior mirror, second-row retractable sunshades and a back-guide monitor for the reversing camera.

2017 Toyota Kluger pricing (excluding on-roads)

GX $43,550 (+$1,360)
GXL $53,550 (+$2,360)
Grande $65,935 (+$1,860)
AWD: Add $4,000 ($29 less on Grande)