Review: Toyota XU20 Kluger (2003-07)

Review: Toyota XU20.I Kluger (2003-05)

Overview

Released in October 2003, the Toyota XU20 Series I (XU20.I) Kluger was a five- or seven-seat SUV. Manufactured in Miyawaka, Japan, the Toyota XU20 Kluger was powered by a 3.3-litre 3MZ-FE V6 petrol engine that was mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. Furthermore, the Kluger range consisted of three variants: CV, CVX and Grande.

3MZ-FE engine

The 3.3-litre 3MZ-FE V6 petrol engine had an aluminium alloy block and cylinder head, six-bolt main bearing caps, forged connecting rods, lightweight alloy pistons with Teflon-coated skirts, electronic fuel injection, double overhead camshafts per cylinder bank (belt and scissor gear-driven), four valves per cylinder, variable intake valve timing (Toyota’s ‘VVT-i’), a compression ratio of 10.8:1, twin knock sensors, a two-stage acoustic controlled induction system (Toyota’s ACIS-II) and electronic throttle control.

The 3MZ-FE V6 engine was mated to Toyota’s five-speed U151F automatic transmission.

Dimensions and seating

Sharing its platform with the Lexus XU30 RX , the Toyota XU20 Kluger was 4690 mm long, 1825 mm wide and had a 2715 mm long wheelbase; while front-wheel drive models were 1680 mm tall, four-wheel drive models were 55 mm taller (at 1735 mm). Inside, the Kluger’s second-row seat had a 60/40 split, 120 mm of fore/aft slide adjustment and one-touch tilt and slide access to the rear cabin. The second and third row seats – where fitted – could also be folded almost flat if not required.

Suspension

The Toyota Kluger had four-wheel independent MacPherson-strut type suspension, with lower L-arms at the front and dual lower transverse links and a lower trailing arm at the rear.

All-wheel drive systems

The Toyota XU20 Kluger’s all-wheel drive systems differed between the variants –

• The Kluger CV and CVX had a viscous-coupled limited-slip centre differential (with bevel gears) and a limited slip rear differential. In normal conditions, this system provided a 50:50 front:rear torque split. In the event that wheelspin occurred on one of the axles, the viscous coupling would lock the differential to equalise the speed of the axles, transferring torque to the wheels with traction; and,
• The Kluger Grande (and Kluger CVX where fitted with electronic stability control and traction control) had an electronically-controlled centre differential that was integrated with the electronic stability control and traction control systems. According to Toyota, the electronically-controlled torque distribution provided more precise traction.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Toyota XU20 Kluger included dual front airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters. The Grande added front side airbags, curtain airbags for front and second row occupants, electronic stability control and traction control; these features were optional on the CVX.

Brakes

The Toyota XU20 Kluger had 296 mm by 28 mm front brake discs and 288 mm by 10 mm solid rear discs; single piston floating calipers were fitted front and rear.

ANCAP crash testing

In ANCAP crash testing, the Toyota Kluger CVX – equipped with dual front airbags – received a four star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 26.43 out of 37. In the offset crash test, protection from serious chest and leg injury was marginal for the driver. In the side impact test, a default score was awarded. The Grande variants – which were further equipped with front side airbags and curtain airbags – also received a four star rating, albeit with a score of 28.43 as an additional two points were received in the pole test.

Features: Kluger CV, CVX and Grande

Standard features for the entry-level Toyota Kluger CV included 16-inch steel wheels with 225/70 R16 tyres, a six speaker sound system with CD player, climate control air conditioning, cruise control with speed alert, remote central locking, power mirrors and windows, a tilt adjustable steering wheel, cargo cover, privacy glass, a trip computer, an alarm and immobiliser.

The Kluger was also fitted with a full-size spare wheel as standard.

The Kluger CVX was further equipped with 16-inch alloy wheels, a six-disc in-dash CD player, power adjustable front seats, front fog lamps, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift, roof rails and rear ventilation controls.

Beyond this, the range-topping Kluger Grande added 17-inch alloy wheels, a satellite navigation system, power moonroof, woodgrain interior trim and rear spoiler.

2005 Kluger CV Sport

In April 2005, the limited-run Kluger CV Sport was released. Compared to the standard Kluger CV, the Kluger CV Sport added 16-inch alloy wheels, front fog lights, floor mats, roof rails, a rear spoiler and ‘Sport’ decals.

Related links

• Press Kit: Toyota XU20.I Kluger (October 2003)
• Press Release: Toyota XU20.I Kluger CV Sport (April 2005)

Review: Toyota XU20.II Kluger (2005-07)

Overview

Released in October 2005, the XU20 Series II (XU20.II) Kluger introduced Euro III emissions compliance for the 3.3-litre V6 engine, ‘defogger logic’ for the climate control system and cruise control memory pre-sets for speeds less than 40 km/h.

Features

Compared to its XU20.I predecessor, the Kluger CV was fitted with 16-inch six-spoke alloy wheels and roof rails, while the CVX gained a rear spoiler. The Grande’s all-wheel drive system was also changed to a viscous coupled limited slip centre differential, as per the CV and CVX variants.

Related links

• Press Release: Toyota XU20.II Kluger (September 2005)
• Wikipedia.org: Toyota XU20 Kluger/Highlander