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

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...

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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 Styles

  • 5 door Wagon

Engine Specs

  • 3.5 litre, 6-cylinder petrol, 201kW / 337Nm (All Models)

Transmission

  • 5-speed Sports Automatic (All Models)

Fuel Consumption

  • 8.7 – 15.0 / 100km (KX-R, KX-S, Altitude)
  • 9.2 – 15.6 / 100km (Grande)

Length

  • 4690mm – 4785mm (All Models)

Width

  • 1825mm – 1910mm (All Models)

Height

  • 1730mm – 1760mm (All Models)

Wheelbase

  • 2790mm (All Models)

Kerb Weight

  • 1830kg – 2055kg (All Models)

Towing

  • 700kg (unbraked) – 2000kg (braked) (All Models)

Ancap Ratings

  • Not tested (KX-R, KX-S, Grande, Altitude)
  • 5 stars, tested 2008 (KX-R, Altitude, KX-S, Grande)

Body Styles

  • 5 door Wagon

Engine Specs

  • 3.5 litre, 6-cylinder petrol, 201kW / 337Nm (All Models)

Transmission

  • 5-speed Sports Automatic (All Models)

Fuel Consumption

  • 8.7 – 15.0 / 100km (KX-R, KX-S, Altitude)
  • 9.2 – 15.6 / 100km (Grande)

Length

  • 4690mm – 4785mm (All Models)

Width

  • 1825mm – 1910mm (All Models)

Height

  • 1730mm – 1760mm (All Models)

Wheelbase

  • 2790mm (All Models)

Kerb Weight

  • 1830kg – 2055kg (All Models)

Towing

  • 700kg (unbraked) – 2000kg (braked) (All Models)

Ancap Ratings

  • Not tested (KX-R, KX-S, Grande, Altitude)
  • 5 stars, tested 2008 (KX-R, Altitude, KX-S, Grande)

Body Styles

  • 5 door Wagon

Engine Specs

  • 3.5 litre, 6-cylinder petrol, 201kW / 337Nm (All Models)

Transmission

  • 5-speed Sports Automatic (All Models)

Fuel Consumption

  • 8.7 – 15.0 / 100km (KX-R, KX-S, Altitude)
  • 9.2 – 15.6 / 100km (Grande)

Length

  • 4690mm – 4785mm (All Models)

Width

  • 1825mm – 1910mm (All Models)

Height

  • 1730mm – 1760mm (All Models)

Wheelbase

  • 2790mm (All Models)

Kerb Weight

  • 1830kg – 2055kg (All Models)

Towing

  • 700kg (unbraked) – 2000kg (braked) (All Models)

Ancap Ratings

  • Not tested (KX-R, KX-S, Grande, Altitude)
  • 5 stars, tested 2008 (KX-R, Altitude, KX-S, Grande)

Warranty

  • 3 years / 100,000 km (All Models)

Servicing

  • 10,000 km / 6 months (KX-R, KX-S, Altitude, Grande)

Model range, pricing and features

Toyota Kluger-3

KX-R

Price when new: $39,990

Price used: $8,000 - $17,600

Equipment

  • 12V Socket(s) – Auxiliary
  • 17″ Alloy Wheels
  • 6 Speaker Stereo
  • ABS (Antilock Brakes)
  • Adjustable Steering Col. – Tilt & Reach
  • Air Conditioning
  • Air Conditioning – Pollen Filter
  • Air Conditioning – Rear
  • Airbag – Driver
  • Airbag – Knee Driver
  • Airbag – Passenger
  • Airbags – Head for 1st Row Seats (Front)
  • Airbags – Head for 2nd Row Seats
  • Airbags – Side for 1st Row Occupants (Front)
  • Alarm
  • Antenna – in Rear Glass
  • Audio – Aux Input Socket (MP3/CD/Cassette)
  • Audio – MP3 Decoder
  • Body Colour – Bumpers
  • Body Colour – Door Handles
  • Body Colour – Exterior Mirrors Partial
  • Bottle Holders – 1st Row
  • Bottle Holders – 2nd Row
  • Brake Assist
  • CD Player
  • Camera – Rear Vision
  • Cargo Blind – Rear
  • Central Locking – Remote/Keyless
  • Chrome Interior highlights
  • Chrome Ringed Instruments
  • Control – Electronic Stability
  • Control – Traction
  • Courtesy Lamps – in Doors Front
  • Cruise Control
  • Cup Holders – 1st Row
  • Cup Holders – 2nd Row
  • Disc Brakes Front Ventilated
  • Disc Brakes Rear Solid
  • Door Pockets – 1st row (Front)
  • Door Pockets – 2nd row (rear)
  • EBD (Electronic Brake Force Distribution)
  • Engine Immobiliser
  • Footrest – Drivers
  • Headrests – Active 1st Row (Front)
  • Headrests – Adjustable 1st Row (Front)
  • Headrests – Adjustable 2nd Row x3
  • Hill Holder
  • Illuminated – Entry/Exit with Fade
  • Illuminated – Key Ignition Barrel/Surround
  • Illuminated – Switch Panel (Window/ Locking)
  • Independent Front Suspension
  • Independent Rear Suspension
  • Intermittent Wipers
  • Map/Reading Lamps – for 1st Row
  • Metallic Finish Centre Console
  • Metallic Finish Centre Stack/ HVAC
  • Metallic Finish Door Handles – Interior
  • Metallic Finish Door Inserts
  • Metallic Finish Steering Wheel
  • Mudflaps – rear
  • Multi-function Control Screen – Colour
  • Multi-function Steering Wheel
  • Park Brake – Foot Operated
  • Power Door Mirrors
  • Power Steering – Electric Assist
  • Power Windows – Front & Rear
  • Rear Wiper/Washer
  • Remote Boot/Hatch Release
  • Remote Fuel Lid Release
  • Seat – Height Adjustable Driver
  • Seatback Pockets – 1st Row (Front) seats
  • Seatbelt – Adjustable Height 1st Row
  • Seatbelt – Load Limiters 1st Row (Front)
  • Seatbelt – Pretensioners 1st Row (Front)
  • Seatbelts – Lap/Sash for 5 seats
  • Seats – 2nd Row
  • Seats – 2nd Row (Rear) Flat Folding
  • Seats – 2nd Row Split Fold
  • Spare Wheel – Full Size Alloy Wheel
  • Spoiler – Rear Roof Mounted
  • Storage Area – Under Dash
  • Storage Compartment – Centre Console 1st Row
  • Storage Compartment – In Cargo Area
  • Storage Compartment – in Dash
  • Sunglass Holder
  • Sunvisor – Vanity Mirror for Driver
  • Sunvisor – Vanity Mirror for Passenger
  • Tacho
  • Tailgate with Opening Window
  • Trim – Cloth
  • Trip Computer

MY11 update

  • Audio – Aux Input USB Socket
  • Audio – Input for iPod
  • Illuminated (puddle lamps) Door Mirrors
  • Rear Windows – Extra Dark/Privacy

KX-S

Price when new: $49,990 - $50,990

Price used: $10,200 - $22,000

Adds

  • 19″ Alloy Wheels
  • Air Cond. – Climate Control Multi-Zone
  • Bluetooth System
  • CD Stacker – 6 disc In Dash/Cabin
  • Chrome Grille Surround
  • Chrome Rear Garnish
  • Electric Seat – Drivers
  • Electric Seats – 1st Row (Front)
  • Fog Lamps – Front
  • Heated Seats – 1st Row
  • Leather Look – Gear Knob
  • Leather Look – Steering Wheel
  • Leather Seats – Partial
  • Map/Reading Lamps – for 2nd Row
  • Roof Rails
  • Scuff Plates (on door sills)
  • Seat – Driver with Electric Lumbar

MY11 update

  • Seats – Perforated

MY12 update

  • Memory Card Reader

Grande

Price when new: $59,990 - $60,990

Price used: $11,800 - $24,400

Adds

  • CD Player – 4 Disc in Dash
  • Central Locking – Key Proximity
  • Chrome Door Handles – Exterior
  • Colour Display Screen – Front
  • Colour Display Screen – Rear
  • Compass
  • DVD Player – 2nd Row
  • GPS (Satellite Navigation)
  • Headlamps Automatic (light sensitive)
  • Headphones – Rear Passengers Wireless
  • Navigation System – DVD Audio
  • Navigation System – DVD Video
  • Power – Boot/Tailgate
  • Rear View Mirror – Electric Anti Glare
  • Remote Control – Multi Media
  • Starter Button – Key/Fob Proximity
  • Sunroof – Electric
  • Voice Recognition
  • Wood/Leather Look Gear Knob
  • Woodgrain – Centre Console
  • Woodgrain – Inserts in Door

MY11 update

  • Woodgrain – Facette

Altitude

Price when new: $44,990 - $49,990

Price used: $11,700 - $20,500

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.

Disclaimer

Please note that pricing information is subject to fluctuations in the automotive market.

Information correct as of Feb 23, 2024.

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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