Review: Toyota XU40 Kluger (2007-13)

Review: Toyota XU40.I Kluger (2007-10)

Overview

Released in August 2007, the Toyota XU40 Series I (XU40.I) Kluger was a large SUV, available in front- and all-wheel drive models. Manufactured in Miyawaka, Japan, the XU40.I Kluger was powered by 3.5-litre V6 petrol engines that were mated to six-speed automatic transmissions. The XU40.I Kluger range initially consisted of KX-R, KX-S and Grande variants. While the KX-S and Grande had seven seats, buyers had a choice of five or seven seats for the entry-level KX-R.

2GR-FE engine

The 3.5-litre 2GR-FE V6 petrol engine had an aluminium block and cylinder head, double overhead cams per cylinder bank, four valves per cylinder, dual variable valve timing (which controlled phasing on intake and exhaust camshafts), an Acoustic Control Induction System (ACIS) which increased the length of the induction tract for low-rev torque and shortened the tract for top-end power, and a compression ratio of 10.8:1.

The front-wheel drive Kluger models were fitted with U151E automatic transmissions, while the all-wheel drive models had the five-speed U151F automatic transmission.

Dimensions and body

Compared to the XU20 Kluger , the XU40 Kluger was 95 mm longer (at 4785 mm), 85 mm wider (1910 mm) and had a 75 mm longer wheelbase (2790 mm); ground clearance also increased to 206 mm (previously 184 mm).

Suspension and steering

The XU40 Kluger had MacPherson strut suspension with coil-over springs front and rear, with L-shaped lower arms at the front and dual transverse links at the rear. The Kluger was also fitted with electric power steering.

4WD system

The Toyota XU40 Kluger’s permanent four-wheel drive system included a bevel-gear centre differential which provided a default 50:50 front:rear torque split. Rather than a viscous coupling, the 4WD Klugers had an electronic traction control system which could redirect torque in the event that traction was lost. The 4WD Klugers were also fitted with downhill assist control.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Toyota XU40 Kluger included dual front airbags, a driver’s knee airbag, front side airbags, roll-sensing full-length curtain airbags (including the third row of seats, where fitted), ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control, hill start assist, active front seat head restraints and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.

Brakes

The Toyota XU40 Kluger had 328 mm by 28 mm ventilated front brake discs with twin-piston calipers and 309 mm by 10 mm solid rear discs.

ANCAP crash testing

In ANCAP crash testing , front- and four-wheel drive Toyota XU40 Klugers manufactured after March 2008 received a five star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 33.31 out of 37. In the offset crash test, protection from serious chest injury was marginal for the driver. A default score was awarded in the side impact test, though maximum points were received in the pole test.

Features: Kluger KX-R

Standard features for the Toyota Kluger KX-R included 17-inch alloy wheels with 245/65 R17 tyres, a six speaker sound system with CD player, auxiliary input and MP3-compatibility, air conditioning, reversing camera with 3.5-inch display, cruise control, multi-function steering wheel, remote central locking, power mirrors and windows, a height adjustable driver’s seat, a tilt and reach adjustable steering wheel, 12 volt power outlets, tinted windows, trip computer, front door courtesy lamps, cargo blind, a full-sized spare wheel, an alarm and immobiliser.

The second row seats had a 40/20/40 split second seats with 120 mm of fore/aft slide adjustment. Access to the third row seats was via a one-touch tilt and slide walk-in function for the kerbside 40 per cent portion of the second-row seat. Furthermore, the third row of seats could fold flat and be stowed under the cargo floor, while the centre seat in the second row could be removed and stored under the centre console.

Features: Kluger KX-S

The Kluger KX-S was further equipped with 19-inch alloy wheels with 245/55 R19 tyres , a six-disc CD changer, three-zone climate control air conditioning, leather seats, power adjustable and heated front seats, Bluetooth connectivity, front fog lights, a four-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel, leather-wrapped gearshift knob and stainless steel scuff plates. Visually, the KX-S was distinguished by its ‘smoked chrome’ radiator grille, ‘smoked’ headlights and taillights and dark silver roof rails.

Features: Kluger Grande

Compared to the KX-S, the Kluger Grande added satellite navigation with eight-inch display, AVN four-CD changer, DVD rear-seat entertainment system with rear headphones, automatic headlights, proximity key, power tailgate, woodgrain trim, tilt-and-slide moonroof, voice recognition, power-operated tailgate and electrochromatic rear view mirror. The Grande was distinguished by its chromed front grille, clear headlight and taillight treatments and silver roof rails.

2009 Kluger Altitude

In March 2009, the limited-run Kluger Altitude was released. Based on the KX-R, the Kluger Altitude added 19-inch alloy wheels, front fog lights, black fabric interior trim, a tilt-and-slide moonroof, a rear-seat DVD entertainment system with nine-inch screen and wireless headphones, black roof rails and ‘Altitude’ badging.

Related links

• Press Kit: Toyota XU40 Kluger (August 2007)
• Press Release: Toyota XU40.I Kluger Altitude (March 2009)

Review: Toyota XU40.II Kluger (2010-13)

Overview

Released in November 2010, the XU40 Series II (XU40.II) Kluger introduced a simplified line-up, cosmetic changes and improved equipment levels. Greater refinement was also achieved through redesigned engine mounts.

Visually, the XU40.II Kluger could be identified by its narrower headlights and grille, new bonnet, bumpers, front fenders, tail-lights and door mouldings. Inside, there was a revised colour for the dashboard and greater seating flexibility for seven seat models with a 50:50 split and folding backrest for the third-row seat.

Features

Compared to its XU40.I predecessor, standard features for the XU40.II Kluger included an improved audio system with iPod/USB inputs, Bluetooth connectivity, door mirrors fitted with puddle lamps and privacy glass.

The Kluger KX-S gained perforated leather seats (for the front and second row seats). Beyond this, the Grande featured new 19-inch alloy wheel designs, a 3.5 mm auxiliary input for the navigation system, revised woodgrain trim that extended to the rear climate-control surround and chrome-finished roof rails.

2012 and 2013 Kluger Altitude

In November 2012 and June 2013, seven-seat Kluger Altitude variants were released. Based on the Kluger KX-R, the limited-run Altitude variants were further equipped with 19-inch alloy wheels with 245/55 R19 tyres, front fog lights, a satellite navigation system with 3D maps and SUNA live traffic updates, a tilt-and-slide moonroof, and a rear-seat entertainment system with a DVD player, nine-inch screen and wireless headphones. Visually, the Altitude variants could be identified by their black roof rails and ‘Altitude’ badges. The Altitude was available in front- and four-wheel drive.

Brochures

• Brochure: Toyota XU40.II Kluger (October 2010)
• Brochure: Toyota XU40.II Kluger (October 2012)

Related links

• Press Release: Toyota XU40.II Kluger Altitude (November 2012)
• Press Release: Toyota XU40.II Kluger Altitude (June 2013)
• Wikipedia.org: Toyota XU40 Kluger/Highlander