Toyota Kluger

Back in 2011 Toyota reintroduced a refreshed version of the Kluger SUV. The new model now has enhanced styling, additional safety features and a new powerful engine. 

Toyota Kluger

At the front design consists of a new front facia, hood and fenders. It also has new black air intakes with chrome accents. The headlights and tail lamps are also redesigned.  It also gets restyled color-keyed power remote outside mirrors, and silver-painted front grille.

New chrome grill

The top of the range model now has chrome door handles and roof rails, puddle lamps and rear spoiler. It’s also now available in three trims namely Base, SE and Limited each with its own unique features and styling details. Base and SE models are equipped with standard 17-inch alloy wheels while Limited models features standard 19-inch alloy wheels.

New 3.3 litre 270hp V6 engine

Under the bonnet are a choice two engines. There is a 2.7-litre four-cylinder engine with an output of 187hp and 186 lb.-ft. of peak torque. The engine is equipped with a variable intake manifold and dual variable valve timing with intelligence (VVT-i). The engine is married to a standard six-speed automatic transmission. The engine will need 9.4 litres to cover 100km.

Enough room for 7 occupants

The other is an all-new 3.3litre V6 engine that has an output of 270hp and 248 lb.-ft. of torque. The V6 engine is also equipped with dual VVT-i and a variable intake manifold. A five-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission (ECT) offers selectable manual sequential shifting. 

New 17-inch alloy wheels

Power is managed on the four wheels by a Four-wheel independent suspension is via MacPherson struts in front and a dual-link strut rear suspension system. A direct tire pressure monitoring system is designed to alert the driver if pressure in a tire drops to critical levels. 4WD suspension is only available on versions with the V6 engine. The new Kluger comes equipped with Toyota's Star Safety System. This system integrates operation of enhanced Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), Electric Power Steering (EPS) and the anti-lock brake system (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA).

Restyled front headlamps

Downhill Assist Control (DAC) is standard equipment on all gas 4WD models. The DAC feature is designed to maintain a constant speed and maintain handling and steering control by reducing wheel lock under braking even at slow speeds on slippery descents. It also comes with seven airbags. These include advanced driver and front passenger airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags and a driver's knee airbag. Roll-sensing side curtain airbags help to protect the occupants of all three rows in the event of certain side collisions or vehicle rollovers. Additionally, all Kluger models are standard equipped with front active headrests that prevent whiplash. 

Restyled r

It has an open, airy and versatile interior with seating for seven occupants. There are numerous storage compartments throughout the cabin, along with 10 cup holders, four bottle holders, two front and one cargo-area 12-volt auxiliary power outlets and cargo area tie down hooks.

Stunning rear lights

The Base and SE grades feature a center console, shift knob with silver-painted accents and front driver and passenger assist grips. The center console, shift knob and assist grip on the Limited grade feature wood grain-style trim.

Posh dashboard with the new infotainment system

Access to the third-row is made easy by placing the walk-in lever at an easy to reach position at the bottom of the passenger-side second-row seat. Standard one-touch levers inside the cargo area allow the second-row seats to fold forward and flat. 

Restyled side profile

The third-row seats function in a similar manner, using a lever in the back of the seat. There is also front and rear air conditioning; eight-way adjustable driver's seat (10-way on Limited); power door locks and windows with driver's window jam protection and auto-up/down feature; manual tilt and telescopic steering wheel; cruise control; multi-function keyless entry system; UV-reduction windshield and rear privacy glass; digital clock; dual sun visors with vanity mirrors and sliding extensions; conversation mirror; illuminated entry system; scheduled maintenance indicator light and a full-size spare tire. The Kluger SE and Limited grades feature a standard backup camera with a 3.5-inch multi-information display. 

Larger side mirrors with integrated turn signals

The Base model can be upgraded to have the same feature with the inclusion of an optional Tech Package. The display includes a backup camera monitor, clock, outside temperature, warning messages, and cruise information that includes average fuel economy, average speed, distance to empty, current fuel economy, and trip timer. On models equipped with the optional navigation system, the backup camera's images are viewed on the seven-inch navigation screen.

Fog lamps

Other optional equipment include a voice-activated touch screen navigation system with an eight-inch screen; JBL premium audio; leather seat trim with heated front seats, and a power tilt/slide moonroof. A power liftgate that can be opened and closed with a key fob is an available option on the Base grade and standard on SE and Limited. 

The model Kenyans are familiar with

Prices for the new Toyota Kluger start at $39990 (Kshs  4 million excluding taxes)