Pros
- Typical Toyota reliability
- Refined V6 engine with ample power
- Excellent levels of practicality
- Great build quality
Cons
- Can be very thirsty
- Lack of infotainment tech
- Bland styling
- Interior plastics are quite hard
Verdict
We wouldn't...
We'd be cautious
We would...
The Kluger/Highlander might not be the sexiest, most dynamic SUV available and it hardly exudes any real luxury or sophistication, but, we highly recommend it.
When it comes to an SUV that will hum along without any trouble for many years to come while keeping the things you love safe...
Publish: May 22, 2021
It may be the automotive equivalent of buying a family-sized fridge but the Kluger/Highlander has built a reputation for being a big, no nonsense, practical family hauler with typical Toyota reliability and an excellent ability to retain its value.
But is this reputation warranted? If a RAV4 is too small and a Prado is too large or potentially too off-road focussed, is the Kluger/Highlander worthy of your consideration when it comes to transporting you and your loved ones across the country? Read on.
It may be the automotive equivalent of buying a family-sized fridge but the Kluger/Highlander has built a reputation for being a big, no nonsense, practical family hauler with typical Toyota reliability and an excellent ability to retain its value.
But is this reputation warranted? If a RAV4 is too small and a Prado is too large or potentially too off-road focussed, is the Kluger/Highlander worthy of your consideration when it comes to transporting you and your loved ones across the country? Read on.
It may be the automotive equivalent of buying a family-sized fridge but the Kluger/Highlander has built a reputation for being a big, no nonsense, practical family hauler with typical Toyota reliability and an excellent ability to retain its value.
But is this reputation warranted? If a RAV4 is too small and a Prado is too large or potentially too off-road focussed, is the Kluger/Highlander worthy of your consideration when it comes to transporting you and your loved ones across the country? Read on.
- Air conditioning evaporators can fail requiring the dashboard to be removed to replace the failed component. This becomes expensive
- There are reports of front diff issues in the front-wheel drive variants and transmission problems, however, these are far from a common issue
- Early models had reports of faulty software however this was repaired by Toyota under warranty
- Check the service history to make sure these faults have been resolved
- Check for signs of off-road abuse
- Air conditioning evaporators can fail requiring the dashboard to be removed to replace the failed component. This becomes expensive
- There are reports of front diff issues in the front-wheel drive variants and transmission problems, however, these are far from a common issue
- Early models had reports of faulty software however this was repaired by Toyota under warranty
- Check the service history to make sure these faults have been resolved
- Check for signs of off-road abuse
- Air conditioning evaporators can fail requiring the dashboard to be removed to replace the failed component. This becomes expensive
- There are reports of front diff issues in the front-wheel drive variants and transmission problems, however, these are far from a common issue
- Early models had reports of faulty software however this was repaired by Toyota under warranty
- Check the service history to make sure these faults have been resolved
- Check for signs of off-road abuse
Body style:
- 5-door SUV
Engines:
- 3.5-Litre 6-cyl petrol: 201kW / 337Nm
Transmissions:
- 5-speed automatic, front-wheel drive
- 5-speed automatic, four-wheel drive
Fuel use:
- 11L – 11.6L/100km (combined depending on FWD or AWD)
Dimensions:
- Height: 1730mm
- Length: 4690mm – 4785mm
- Width: 1825mm
- Kerb Weight: 1835kg – 2040kg (Depending on variant)
Body style:
- 5-door SUV
Engines:
- 3.5-Litre 6-cyl petrol: 201kW / 337Nm
Transmissions:
- 5-speed automatic, front-wheel drive
- 5-speed automatic, four-wheel drive
Fuel use:
- 11L – 11.6L/100km (combined depending on FWD or AWD)
Dimensions:
- Height: 1730mm
- Length: 4690mm – 4785mm
- Width: 1825mm
- Kerb Weight: 1835kg – 2040kg (Depending on variant)
Body style:
- 5-door SUV
Engines:
- 3.5-Litre 6-cyl petrol: 201kW / 337Nm
Transmissions:
- 5-speed automatic, front-wheel drive
- 5-speed automatic, four-wheel drive
Fuel use:
- 11L – 11.6L/100km (combined depending on FWD or AWD)
Dimensions:
- Height: 1730mm
- Length: 4690mm – 4785mm
- Width: 1825mm
- Kerb Weight: 1835kg – 2040kg (Depending on variant)
Warranty:
3 years/100,000 kms
Servicing:
10,000kms or every 6 months
Model range, pricing and features
The Kluger/Highlander might not be the sexiest, most dynamic SUV available and it hardly exudes any real luxury or sophistication, but, we highly recommend it.
When it comes to an SUV that will hum along without any trouble for many years to come while keeping the things you love safe and secure, it’s very hard to look past the big Toyota.
We recommend trying to find a post-facelift, 2011-onwards model as we feel the update spiced up the aesthetics quite nicely and the extra equipment is worthy of the slight extra spend.
The Kluger/Highlander might not be the sexiest, most dynamic SUV available and it hardly exudes any real luxury or sophistication, but, we highly recommend it.
When it comes to an SUV that will hum along without any trouble for many years to come while keeping the things you love safe and secure, it’s very hard to look past the big Toyota.
We recommend trying to find a post-facelift, 2011-onwards model as we feel the update spiced up the aesthetics quite nicely and the extra equipment is worthy of the slight extra spend.
The Kluger/Highlander might not be the sexiest, most dynamic SUV available and it hardly exudes any real luxury or sophistication, but, we highly recommend it.
When it comes to an SUV that will hum along without any trouble for many years to come while keeping the things you love safe and secure, it’s very hard to look past the big Toyota.
We recommend trying to find a post-facelift, 2011-onwards model as we feel the update spiced up the aesthetics quite nicely and the extra equipment is worthy of the slight extra spend.
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Disclaimer
Please note that pricing information is subject to fluctuations in the automotive market.
Information correct as of May 22, 2021.
The advice provided on this website is general advice only. It has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on this advice, you should consider the appropriateness of the advice, having regard to your own objectives, financial situation and needs.
Read our full terms and conditions here.
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