Toyota Kluger GSU40R (2008-2013)

Roomy and safest car – This is the best car, it’s safe, roomy, comfortable and has a number of charger ports. It has cruise control and great control while driving. This car is 10/10. I use this car to transport myself, my 11 week old baby and my parents to and from our local city. I drive this car 2 hours a day on the highway and around the city I live in and it only… Read more

uses 11L per 100 kilometres. I do a basic service this car myself because it is that easy. Major things I will get done by a mechanic (if any). I have had this car almost 4 years now and I haven’t had any major problems. This car is brilliant and safe.

Long term review - after 11 years of ownership – I've had this 2WD Grande for a over 11 years since new. It's now done 180,000km's and I'm driving it much less than I used to. It was giving me trouble recently, running rough on start-up and blowing some dark smoke upong starting; running so rough that I turned off the engine worried that it'd shake itself to pieces. After that, it would turn… Read more

over on starting, but not fire up at all. I ended up getting it towed to a dealer who kept it for a couple of days. They replicated the problem then it came good by itself. They examined the engine in detail but were unable to find any fault. They did a few test starts and test drives without further problems. Diagnosis: dirty fuel. They suggested I run it on 98RON petrol for a couple of tank fulls, in case the injectors were dirty. I did this, then did some country trips covering hundreds of km's, all without further problems. So I'm very happy with the car again.

The only negatives I've had with this car are minor ones. It's a large cavernous car and sometimes feels like it handles like a boat, especially compared with our other more compact car. The fuel consumption around town is quite high, however it is surprisingly good on the highway. The ceiling mounted DVD player sometimes overheats to the point where it shuts down before the DVD finishes playing. The plastic headlights are not as clear as they use to be, which is probably to be expected after all these years and km's. The wood-grain finish is plastic wood (I think). It has the well-known Kluger steering wheel knock, which has surprisingly improved slightly as the years go by. The dealer said this can be fixed, but it's not an absolute necessity to fix it.

The positives far outweigh the negatives. Reliability has been amazing apart from the dirty fuel problem mentioned above. The car is regularly maintained regularly at a Toyota dealer, but nothing has needed fixing or replacing. It is very quiet, comfortable and spacious. The highway fuel consumption is around 9L/100km which is surprisingly good, possibly because it's 2WD rather than AWD. The seating design, comfort and flexibility are great. It has effortless overtaking power on the highway. The leather seats show very little wear despite the car's age. Similarly, the car's paint has held up well over the years and seems almost as good as new - although there are now lots of small stone chips at the roofline just above the windscreen. The dust-sealing around the doors and tailgate is much better than most other cars. The air-con blows really cold right from the get-go. The overall quality is as amazing as the reliabilty. Nothing has come apart or fallen off the car, either inside or outside. There are no rattles or squeaks. It could almost pass as a new car after 11 years.

I was thinking about replacing this car after it began giving me starting problems. Now that I know it was the fuel and not the car, I think I'll keep it for at least a few more years.

Love it – Bought our 2011 KX-S AWD almost 3 years ago and not one regret. We had rented a couple in the past which really helped us in replacing our dearly beloved Commodore. The front wheel drive felt too dangerous so we went with the AWD. The engine is quiet and responsive when you put your foot down. For a vehicle so big, it's quite surprising how… Read more

well it pulls. The car is well made and so quiet.

The 7 seats, although not used often are handy when you have a couple of extra people. I don't recommend long distances with teens/adults in the extra seating though.

Love the heated front seats on a cold day and how you can move the rear seats forward or backward and recline them too. Plenty of cup holders, every passenger is catered for. With our model we have climate control and that is the best when you have someone like me who is always cold when my family is hot.

The service schedule is good, you don't ever have to do a lot of things in one go, so it's easy to manage financially.

It does drink a bit of petrol, but we knew that going in. We are happy to have that as a downside to having a vehicle that fits our needs so well.

Wisely designed and well built – I purchased our Kluger KXR 2nd hand and now have had it 2 and a half years. Wife uses it as a school taxi and shopping trolley, it's normal working scenario is crawling in the traffic in school peak time, if you had some basic engine knowledge you'll know that this is the hell of any combustion engine vehicle. The Kluger eats it easy, hasn't show… Read more

any tiny issue at all. Internal space designed well, under boot storage space is very handy, my only complain is the driver's leg space is small and a little bit uncomfortable.

My one is a 2wd model, fwd's simplicity is good for fuel and maintenance, the front diff is combined with the transmission thus an ATF change is the only thing needed for the power delivery system, much simpler than awd models. however I found on wet condition you need take extra care for slipping when accelerating or turning, but on highway it handles very well even in pouring rain.

I service the car as the manual request, sometimes change the engine oil earlier than the manual asked as it's primarily used to drive short distance and in bad traffic condition, that's the only thing this car demands. Everything works as it should. For it's drive condition it's obviously not good for fuel consumption, it's about 12-13 L per 100 km, which I feel happy with considering it's size, and it would go down to less than 9 L per 100 km on highway only drive. can't ask more for a 3.5 L V6.

All in all this kluger is a thing that you can rely on, with correct services it would never let you down.

Utterly reliable, big comfortable country cruiser – Purchased new early 2009, now have done 358,000kilometres. Have had it serviced religiously and service costs have not varied greatly since the $160 fixed cost for 100,000 km guarantee that it came with. Beyond basic service had new rear shocks at 270,000km, front brake pads at 310,000 km rear brake pads at 350,000km, ancilliary belt at 350,000… Read more

km. Fuel consumption normally in 9s, on soft country cruises into 8s, country/ city visit 10s. Other than stone chips, wear on steering wheel cross piece and also on front centre console lid still feels like the car we purchased 12 years ago.

Highly reliable – Pros: Car runs like dream even after 258000 kms Huge boot space when 3rd row seats are folded Have accommodated 6 people ( 4 adults + 2 children still in child seat) and had no issue for space. 2 Adults can sit with ease at 3rd row. Will be good for couple of hours drive. Centre seat in middle row can be removed and stowed in Air con vent for… Read more

all 3 rows Good suspension. Hardly you will notice bums in the road. Reasonable servicing cost and parts are cheap. Super quiet engine Easy to get kids in and out of the car Cons: Fuel economy. In real world I'm getting around 14l/100 kms. Not enough boot space when all 3 row seats are used 3rd row seat can’t be folded individually. I think the latest model does have that option. Infotainment system is very average. Had to change it to aftermarket one. Conclusion : Anything below 5 star would not do justice for a car that runs so smooth even after 12 years and 250k+ kms.

Great car and perfect for the Fam – Great car and very reliable. No issues what so ever but the 5 speed is a bit clunky/sloppy sometimes but I feel I can take the car anywhere and it will never let me down. Fuel consumption, well is high, more like 14-14.5l to 100km Show details

Has been a good family hauler except for some annoying things – Purchased KXR AWD brand new in 2012. Driven 100 000 kms to date mostly in the metro Melb suburbs. Family has been happy with it overall. Massive space inside. Two seats in 3rd row come in very handy at times. People (kids) sitting in 3rd row appreciate having their own air vents. Quick acceleration even with full complement of seven people. Great… Read more

for long distance drive (except for fuel use) and going up/down alpine roads in winter. Worry-free driving except for the below.

Beware of the following though:

(1) Big but thirsty - Expect 15 L/100 kms fuel consumption average on short trips. Can go down to as low as 9 L/100 kms on highway trips.

(2) Middle seat in second row is the least comfortable place to sit on. It is narrow and lacking in cushion/padding. You feel like you're sitting on a brick.

(3) Hard easy-to-scratch plastics everywhere (but given this is base model, i thought probably that is expected)

(4) Steering knock - This seems to be common in many of this generation of Klugers (based on other reviews I've read). I started to notice it just when the 3-yr vehicle warranty expired. I raised it with dealer service department but was told they could not replicate it. Two years on, the issue was getting worse until I went on to another dealer. I was quoted $700 to have the steering shaft replaced new. Apparently the shaft was misaligned. Luckily or unluckily, I figured in a collision in which, as part of the repair, the wheels were to be aligned. No other mechanical repair was done. The rest were repairs to panels. And to my surprise, the wheel alignment seemed to have fixed that issue of steering knock. (Note: the repair was done by a smash repairer - not the Toyota dealer which quoted me $700 to replace the shaft). Fingers crossed, since then I have not had the steering knock happening again.

Great Family Car!! – I bought this car because I had a family and thought it would be a great addition to the family. Now, it’s a part of our family. The boot space is very large, making it ideal for family road trips and the kids love it. The rear view camera is a help too.  Show details

A little disappointed Toyota! – As avid lovers of Toyota vechicles for many years after having a near new 2000 Torago, then a new 2007 CVX Kluger, to our current 2013 Toyota Kluger KXR 2wd bought new, we have been left a little disappointed this time around....The overall look & design are impressive as always but we have found the front wheel drive in the KXR to be extremely… Read more

dangerous in the wet weather due to so much power being delivered to the front wheels with only slight exceleration in the wet. The wheels often spin which is no reflection on the way the vechicle is being driven. We have found this to be extremely dangerous especially as this particular vechicle is aimed at a family passenger vechicle.

Would love to see this fault corrected. Also a diesel option in the Kluger would be a valuable selling point.

Solid – Very Happy with our kluger. Good family car. Reliable. Solid.

Awesome Family Car – I have the Grande, AWD & 7 Seater badge. It is a very Reliable, Spacious, Comfy & Luxurious Family Car.

Kluger is good value – Really like our Toyota Kluger. Drive a 2004 Toyota Corolla and very happy with it. Would buy another one. When we sell this one we have already spoken that our next car will be another newer toyota kluger. I think we will drive klugers for the next 20 years. Just buy a newer one every 5 years. We use it to get around and move the kids. Use the car 5 or 6 times a week. We get it serviced every 10 or 11,000 kms. Mechanic loves it. Show details

Love my kluger grande – This is the best car I have ever owned After changing from 2015 Nissan extrail to 2011 kluger grande alot of people told me are you crazy But now when they see me driving it around they love it It's very space full Love DVD Player GPS system sunroof I can go on and on Simple advice if you want to buy one spend the extra$$$ and get the grande You will love it. Show details

Perfect for my needs – This is our second Kluger..the first one still in service in our family at 170,000km. The only thing this car requires of me is regular servicing plus fuel. It is a phenomenal workhorse..no fuss, no bother just gets on with the job. If one reads motor magazines it handles poorly and doesn’t have the gimmicks of its competitors. Ok it’s about 2… Read more

tonnes and we didn’t buy a sports car. Recently I fitted a rowing machine into it without having to dismantle the thing. I have done weekend golf trips with 3 sets of clubs plus luggage..effortless.

The interior gets a bit scruffy, , but a bit of spit and polish work.

I have had over 60 cars and never with the exception of a Honda had anything as non temperamental as this vehicle.

Yes it’s a bit thirsty but the service costs and parts are modest.

If Toyota bring the hybrid version to Australia I will be the first through the door.

Excellent All Round – RELIABILITY : Zero issues SERVICE COSTS : I do my own servicing (oil/filters), o/wise Toyota tell me the auto is service free (sealed unit does not require servicing), plugs at 100k, fuel filter 80k. Did pads at 100k. ie servicing costs are very reasonable. DRIVE : Very sound in all respects, including towing, a little body roll around town but… Read more

thats ok.

FUEL : For a car this size I thinks its very good. We have FWD which are better on fuel.

INTERIOR : For me its got to many bells and whistles, some are practical but thats the modern car. O/wise no complaints.

Over all the Kluger is a fantastic package, highly recommended.

Best all rounder – 5 years of problem free motoring My AWD Kluger has been the best family car we have ever owned. Travelled long distance with 6 big sized kids Towed 18 ft Caravan ( better than my 2009 Diesel Hilux) Towed boats, had canoe on roof. Light off road tracks tackled with ease, Luxury travelling Ultra quiet interior Massive acceleration for a large vehicle I’m must say I was sad to my Kluger go to a new owner. I would highly recommend  Show details

very much happy with this car except for a couple of things – this is a great family car. it is a very comfortable ride and has a spacious boot which can convert to an additional 2 seats when needed. fuel economy is on the high side but that is too be expected considering it is a 2 ton vehicle with a v6 engine. i do a lot of long drives on country roads and this car made the trip a lot less tiring and more… Read more

enjoyable.

now for the issues with this car. The intermediate steering shaft knock that toyota did not take responsibility for. paid someone to regrease it to remove the knock. the very loud wind noise produced by the stock toyota roof rack. i need to put fairings to sort it out. the worse one is the engine oil present in one of the rear spark plugs. i have a 2010 kluger which was regularly serviced by a toyota dealer. how could you get an oil leak on a car regularly serviced and less than 10 years old?

Perfect for family with young kids – Absolutely reliable car as Toyota deserves. Love the car because of its multimedia, my boys favourite. Sunroof, leather seats, inbuilt gps and so many add ons are the beauty of Toyota Kluger grande in reasonable price. Running costs a little bit which sometimes my take your thinking but it’s ok considering so many others.  Show details

Good family car – Comfortable to drive plenty of room. Perfect as a family car very safe and reliable. Servicing cost is cheap. Would buy another, forget buying 2litre engines pulling a 1600kg + vechile that struggle to pull the skin off a rice pudding. Has good power to overtake and tow a 17foot boat. Forget the Toyota haters we’ll do Toyota.  Show details

Fantastic – Great drive. Smooth ride, plenty of guts when overtaking, very comfortable interior. Running costs not much more than previous Mazda 3! Oodles of leg room. Transforms to 7 seats which is very convenient for families. Looks like new even through we bought secondhand just this year 2018! Overall love it!!  Show details

perfect car! – I bought a Toyota Kluger few years back. Nearly $50,000Km done. the car is awesome. I love this car. no nise at all! doing well performance. Dash boardalways shine and big room under the legs as well. fuel also doing very well. I can give 5 star for this car!1  Show details

Recently purchased and absolutely love it – As It is a grande, absolutely love the leather Sunroof and drives amazing. The power steering is ideal. And can drive awhile before needing fuel. 7 seats and power windows with the reverse camera is a massive plus. After purchasing a 2010 model. Will definitely continue on with the kluger.  Show details

Best car ever owned – By far the best vehicle I have ever owned and driven. It is like driving around in a lounge suite, great for travelling long distances in comfort. We purchased this car for the space, especially with 2 young children and car seats, as well as massive boot space - there are no other SUVs that can compare in space. Reliable to drive, being a V6 does use between 9-11litres per 100km. Will keep this family car for a long time, very satisfied.  Show details

We LOVE it! – We bought ours second hand in 2014 but it was pretty new so probably a 2013 or 12 model. Can not fault it. It seems a little big to drive is about the worst criticism I can have. It's not noisy, sometimes takes a little balance between stationary and acceleration but handles well. We've had no problems with it since we bought it over three years ago. Go for it!  Show details

Perfect Family car – This is the perfect family car, however, I really wish the company could come out with some buyback scheme where clients like myself can have new cars with a good buyback option which could be an incentive for clients like us who would love to stay with Toyota Family, I am currently wanting to sell my Kluger but I am not getting the right price for it  Show details

Best car ever – I was so scared to drive an SUV before due to its size, however, once I tried Toyota Kluger, I cant complain! Performance wise, A+++, I live in a high area so driving uphill is no sweat. The car is very roomy, so leg room and storage are never an issue. Its really great for long drive. It is a very reliable and quality car. Being a V6, petrol… Read more

costs is expected to be a little bit high, but I think that is offset by how good the car is in general.

Good family car – Great family car with lots of space. Very fast pick up with high performance. Looks great appearance wise. Feels safe and secured driving the car with high view. Interior is well designed. Very reliable but comparatively expensive than similar size competitor SUV’s. Very thirsty on fuel but worth it on highways.  Show details

Great car! – 2016 I bought my second hand Toyota Kluger 2010 model. Though this is not the top of the range at this time, I'm still loving it. Good for family especially for long drive. Good legroom and performance is great! The running cost just a bit expensive than the normal car.  Show details

No other car for me – After years of driving a Holden model of some sort, I decided to give Toyota a try. I will never go back. The heated leather seats are a bonus on these cold winter mornings. The electric adjustable seats are so comfortable. I did a road trip with my daughter last year and found it to be very economical. As for the smoothness and quietness of the… Read more

Drive, it is a dream. I have only had to do the normal replacement of tyres and normal tunes ups

Over all I have found my Kluger to be the best vehicle I have ever driven.

Not my favourite vehicle – Haven't had any issues with this car but it's just not a pleasure to drive. Maybe the current model is better, I'm short and have trouble with blind spots, although I have to say the steering wheel adjustment has great range, it is fantastic. Hubby doesn't mind driving it so I think its just a short person thing, the new models don't look as bulky, I'm sure they've improved but I would not purchase another.  Show details

Great vehicle but a little overpriced – Well in all fairness its a great vehicle smooth drive but i think its a little overpriced for what its worth and what you get out of it as you are missing many of those gadgets you get with other vehicles. Besides that great vehicle to drive around in. Bye  Show details