In normal circumstances, Toyota’s presentation of a special-edition Kluger would have been seen as a last-minute ploy to help maintain buyer interest as a new model looms.
In the case of the Black Edition Kluger introduced early in 2019, it may only be one the special-edition variants Toyota will want to drag out as the all-new Kluger, originally expected this year, looks as if it won’t drop into the Australian market until 2021.
So, for the time being, the Toyota Kluger Black Edition is about as fresh a Prado as you’re likely to find.
Based on the mid-spec GXL, the Kluger Black Edition, according to Toyota, edges toward the top-spec Grande model with three-zone climate control, power tailgate, “premium” part-leather seats with 12-way power adjustment – on the driver's side only – keyless entry and start, sat-nav, digital radio, rain-sensing wipers and roof rails.
The “black” description refers to the upbeat Kluger’s 19-inch wheels, blacked-out upper and lower grilles and “smoked backplates” for the self-dipping (halogen) headlights and lower side mouldings.
The Black Edition Kluger asks a price that, at $55,970 (plus on-road costs) for front-drive versions (and $59,970 in all-wheel drive form as driven here), makes it $1020 more expensive than its GXL donor models. Despite the black themes, it’s available in a range of eight colours across the Toyota paint spectrum.
Toyota’s recent step up to a five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty is welcome, as is the $180 fixed pricing for the first six services over three years/60,000km but the six-monthly/10,000km servicing intervals remain a hiccup in a market where 12 months is the general norm.
As you’d hope, the seven-seat Kluger not only appeals with its generous cabin space: it drives acceptably well too. The ride is notable for its cushy smoothness, the steering is well weighted and, helped by the Black Edition’s larger 245/55R19 tyres, not entirely lacking in road feel.
This is no agile, thundering road warrior by any means, but the Kluger nevertheless presents with a certain degree of dynamic sharpness and responsiveness. The steering spins from lock to lock in a quick 2.8 turns for an 11.8m turning circle that equates with competitors such as Mazda’s CX-9 and Holden’s Acadia.
The 218kW/350Nm 3.5-litre short-stroke atmo V6 is smooth and quiet, but lacks some of the mid-range punch needed to shift the two-tonne-plus mass. In terms of kilowatts it’s well enough endowed, but the high revs (4700rpm) needed to produce maximum torque can make it sometimes reluctant on the road.
The eight-speed auto transmission gets quite busy when the Kluger is hauling up a long freeway inclines too, partly explaining its thirst for (regular unleaded) fuel. Against the official claim of 9.5L/100km, our review Kluger was quite a bit off track with a recorded 11.8L/100km.
The Kluger Back Edition was introduced to national Toyota showrooms in March 2019, in front-drive or AWD form, with an eight-speed auto only.
Although it is described as a special edition model, Toyota executives have put no number on how many will be built at its North American plant in Princeton, Indiana.
With its added attitude, the Black Edition Kluger could get some traction among buyers of a more flamboyant bent than is expected of regular Toyota customers.
The $1020 premium brings not just the tougher looks, but also the added equipment that complements the already-impressive safety technology which includes autonomous emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitor, adaptive cruise control, auto high beam, rear cross-traffic alert and a reversing camera.
Though the Toyota Kluger could be seen as the penultimate family car, it has yet to come on board with the Apple CarPlay/Android Auto functionality that is being adopted across various Toyota vehicles.
Unlike many SUVs proclaimed as seven-seaters, the Kluger really delivers on its promises. The centre-row seating offers leg, head and shoulder room to spare – as well as a fully-flat floor – and this is one of a very few large SUVs that will accept adult passengers in the third row, allowing them relatively easy access/egress as well.
The Toyota is generous with luggage too: From 195 litres with all seven seats in place, it progresses through 529 litres with the third-row seats folded to a maximum1872 litres with everything bar the front seats laid flat (leaving a bit of an unfortunate gap in the floor between the folded second and third-row backrests) that’s comparable with all but the most commodious rivals such as the cavernous Holden Acadia.
The Toyota Kluger may not be the edgiest large SUV, but it’s still, by any measure, entirely competent in terms of comfort, space and build quality, and remains capable, quiet and smooth-riding on the road even when judged against its far more contemporary peers.
Although Toyota in Australia is undoubtedly keen to see the arrival of its all-new replacement in 2021, there’s little wonder the Kluger continues to grasp the large SUV segment by the horns.
Price: $59,970 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 3.5-litre six-cylinder petrol
Output: 218kW/350Nm
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Fuel: 9.5L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 221g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: Five-star ANCAP (2014)