Kerryn Boogaard Kerryn Boogaard
Beverly Goldsmith Beverly Goldsmith
Zoe Bingley-Pullin Zoe Bingley-Pullin

We try: The Toyota Kluger:

A family SUV that’s spacious, comfortable and convenient
By Jenny Lewis
Date: May 16 2015
Editor Rating:
kluger

Like many families, we discovered we needed a larger car to accommodate our expanding tribe and busy lifestyle.

So we’ve embarked on a sometimes overwhelming and infuriating process of buying a new family car.

I say this, as many dealers ignore me in the process and talk to my husband about what I needed to drive.  A common practice that frustrates me greatly, as I’m the one that will drive it and has the final say on what we purchase.

Anyway, as part of our research, this week we took the new 2014 Toyota Kluger for a test run after being attracted to an array of features and technologies that promise to make family life easier.

One of these is the remote release Power Back Door in the Grande.  The door has a memory function, which you can use to set your preferred height and it can be opened and shut from a button on the driver's side of instrument panel, a switch on the wireless key fob or simply by pressing the button on the rear tailgate.

So loading or unloading when it's raining or you have your hands full with children or shopping is stress free.

There’s also a convenient glass hatch which means the whole tailgate doesn’t need to be opened for small items - you simply flip up the glass and pop the bags in without any fuss or bother.

The Kluger has a great variety of creature comforts to keep everyone happy, including state of the art, 6-speaker, touchscreen audio system with bluetooth, and it's packed with technologies and features like, cruise control, vehicle stability control and auto-on/off headlights electric power steering making it an enjoyable people mover to drive.

klugerinterior

The interior design focuses on comfort, storage and style - offering plenty of leg and headroom.

The 2014 model is slightly larger than the previous and seven seats are now standard across the range with air conditioning vents and upholders for the kids up the back in the third row.

Safety features include 7- SRS airbags, traction control, reversing camera and advanced ABS anti-skid braking system.

The Kluger is available in two-wheel drive or all wheel drive and is an attractive made for families on the go looking for a durable car.

I found the car a great drive, which I felt safe in on the open road - offering excellent visibility and very comfortable ride for everyone. The doors also open widely making it easier to get younger kids in and out of the car.  

I’d recommend it to families with 3 or more children looking for a safe, spacious and convenient vehicle.

2014 Toyota Kluger: Key features model by model

GX
3.5-litre V6 engine and new six-speed automatic transmission
Seven seats
Reverse-view camera
Rear parking sensors
Seven airbags
Cruise control
Air-conditioning
Front fog-lights
Daytime running lights
Six-speaker stereo
18-inch alloy wheels

GXL (gains over GX)
Tri-zone climate control air-conditioning
Keyless entry and push-button start
10-way electric driver’s seat adjustment
Roof-rails
Leather interior accents
Leather steering wheel and gearknob

Grande (gains over GXL)
19-inch alloy wheels
Projector LED headlights with auto high-beam control
Sunroof
Ventilated front seats
8.0-inch infotainment system with DAB+ digital radio and satellite navigation
9.0-inch rear seat Blu-ray entertainment system
4.2-inch driver information screen
Second row sunshades
Power tailgate
Woodgrain interior trim
Radar cruise control
Low speed collision avoidance
Lane departure warning system
Blind spot monitoring system

2014 Toyota Kluger pricing (plus on-road costs)
GX 3.5-litre V6 6-speed automatic – $40,990
GXL 3.5-litre V6 6-speed automatic – $49,990
Grand 3.5-litre V6 6-speed automatic – $63,990

Share This Tweet This Email To Friend
Related Articles
woman-in-car
The women of Australia have spoken, voting for their favourite…
Read more
britax-baby-car-seat
It's called a 'platinum' and it's priced accordingly - but…
Read more
applecar
Volvo and Apple get together to introduce Apple CarPlay.
Read more
car_on_laptop
Tips for selling a car online, when to buy and…
Read more
Cry babies

Dry your eyes!
The newest additions are on their way from the Babies who cry real tears!

Shipping-containers-freight-wallpaper-preview

Latest Tech Used In Shipping Containers
Read how the shipping industry has revolutionised

Motherpedia cover-2

Win 1 set of a 4-book hardcover illustrated boxed set
Barbara Murray’s new 4-book Sound Stories is perfect for parents and educators and could assist with NAPLAN results

Motherpedia cover (4)

Where to celebrate Oktoberfest Australia
Get ready for this celebration!

Motherpedia cover-4

A Fortnight of Foodie Experiences at East Village
A taste of East Village. What's in it for me?

Globber my too fix up cover

We Try: Globber My TOO Fix Up
A scooter that grows with your child

Throw a winning cricket pitch

3 Steps to a Winning Backyard Cricket Pitch
Ex-Adelaide Oval legend curator Les Burdett shares his tips for getting your backyard cricket pitch test match ready this summer

A bike that follows your kids life cycle - motherpedia - cover

A Bike That Follows Your Kids Life Cycle
Check out the Bunzi 2-in-1 gradual balance bike!

Moonlight lifestyle

Moonlight Cinema to bring…
Moonlight Cinema announces brand new Western Sydney venue

Screen shot 2019-11-26 at 8.29.12 am

Your Magical Christmas Wonderland…
Adventure park is about to light up the night sky with its "Christmas Festival of Lights"

Screen shot 2019-11-21 at 11.11.36 am

The Preston Market Gets…
It's time to feel pumped up for the holiday season!

Bruno-kelzer-zqzuigxcvrq-unsplash

Bunnings team members get…
Help raise funds by buying a snag or donating at your local store.