The Toyota Kluger is a midsize crossover SUV produced by the Japanese automaker Toyota since 2000. Originally introduced in North America as the Highlander and later rebranded worldwide as the Kluger, this practical yet stylish SUV is now in its third generation.
Specification | Detail |
---|---|
Engine | 3.5L V6 Petrol |
Power | 218hp @ 6,600rpm |
Torque | 342Nm @ 4,700rpm |
Transmission | 8-Speed Automatic |
Drivetrain | All Wheel Drive |
Dimensions | 4,795mm x 1,930mm x 1,750mm |
Wheelbase | 2,850mm |
Ground Clearance | 176mm |
Curb Weight | ~2,000kg |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 litres |
The latest 2023 Kluger iteration (at the time of this publication) sports a bold front fascia accentuated by a large spindle grille with chrome surrounds and integrated LED headlamps. The sculpted hood and lower front bumper give it a commanding road presence. In profile, the Kluger exhibits clean body lines and a rising beltline culminating in a distinctive C-pillar design element. 18-inch alloy wheels and dual exhaust finishers add to the premium aesthetics. Overall, the exterior styling successfully blends aggression with subtlety for maximum visual impact.
On the practicality front, the SUV body style provides excellent cargo capacity and ground clearance suited for Kenyan roads. Features like auto headlamps, rain-sensing wipers, hands-free power tailgate, and welcome lighting enhance everyday usability.
Step inside the cabin and you are greeted with high-grade soft-touch materials across the dashboard and door inserts. The dual-tone colour theme accentuates the spacious and airy layout. All three-row seats are upholstered in perforated leather for ventilation during hot weather.
Both front and middle rows offer generous legroom and adjustability for comfortable long drives. Accessing the third row is easy thanks to the one-touch slide and fold middle seats. With all rows upright, there’s still a decent 268 litres of cargo space expandable to 1,181 litres with the third row folded.
Entertainment needs are handled by a large 8-inch touchscreen equipped with smartphone replication software, integrated navigation, and a 9-speaker JBL sound system. You also get three-zone climate control, ambient interior lighting, multiple USB charge ports, and ample small item storage areas.
Powering the Kluger is an efficient 3.5-litre V6 petrol mated to an 8-speed automatic gearbox and all-wheel-drive system. Output figures stand at 218hp and 342Nm enabling swift acceleration for overtaking or merging onto highways. The SUV handles winding roads with minimal body roll thanks to its car-like unibody construction and independent suspension. Fuel economy is rated at 7.9km/l under standard conditions which is quite respectable for this class of vehicle.
Safety takes top priority in the family-oriented Kluger. All variants come equipped with seven airbags, ABS, stability control, active cornering assist, and brake assist as standard. Higher trims add blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror.
As part of Toyota Safety Sense, you get pre-collision warnings with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and auto high beam. These advanced driver-aids provide peace of mind during accident-prone situations on unpredictable Kenyan roads. Additional protection comes from ISOFIX child seat anchors, hill start assist, downhill assist control, and a reverse camera with backup guides.
Once out on the streets, the Kluger feels planted with the all-wheel-drive system capably channeling power to maximize traction. The chassis absorbs abnormalities like potholes and rumble strips with composure. Generous 210mm of ground clearance means you can tackle off-road excursions too. The steering weighs up well at highway speeds imparting confidence during sudden lane switches. Hit the spirited backroads and the Kluger leans into corners as expected from an SUV but grip levels are plenty thanks to the 18-inch rubber.
The Kluger is relatively affordable to own in the long run. Toyota provides a 3-year/100,000km warranty which can be extended up to 5 years. Recommended service intervals are pegged at 10,000km or 1 year. Each visit would cost approximately KES 8,000 for minor maintenance and KES 35,000 for major 30,000km checks.
In terms of running costs, the 65L fuel tank needs topping up every 480km or so, costing about KES 33,600 at current petrol rates. Comprehensive insurance renewal is tagged at KES 60,000 per annum with providers like AAR and Jubilee. Not exactly cheap to run but par for the course in this segment.
Version | Price (KES) |
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GX | 6,000,000 |
GXL | 7,200,000 |
Grande | 7,850,000 |
The petrol V6 and 8-speed auto combination have proven reliable over long-term ownership. The thousands of units plying globally over the past decade highlight Toyota’s excellent build quality and durability credentials. Locally, used 4th generation Klugers have crossed 200,000km without any major repairs as per online forums. Provided maintenance is kept up, expect 15 years or 300,000km of fuss-free motoring from a Kluger.
The Kluger does suffer from a few flaws, however:
When compared with chief competitors like the Ford Explorer, Subaru Ascent and Nissan Pathfinder, the Kluger holds its own with better reliability ratings, lower cost of ownership and Toyota’s unrivalled service network.
The Ascent offers slightly more interior space while the new Explorer flaunts better tech integration. But factoring in overall value, the Kluger strikes the optimum balance of practicality, efficiency, safety and brand trust for most buyers. Test drive all options to determine priorities, but rest assured the Kluger will satisfy the majority in this segment.
In closing, the Toyota Kluger is an accomplished entrant in the fiercely competitive midsize SUV space. It blends ruggedness and reliability with on-road comfort and advanced tech in attractive packaging. Strong resale value and badge equity further bolster the ownership proposition for family-oriented buyers. Yes, it does have a few chinks in its armour, but nothing that critically undermines the fundamentals. If you prioritize space, driving dynamics and hassle-free maintenance above all, the Kluger warrants a spot on your consideration set.