2017 Toyota Kluger review

You cannot always get what you want, as The Rolling Stones once chimed.

Toyota Australia continues to be unable to get diesel power into the Kluger despite it being the pick for family haulers in our country, simply because this SUV is built in the US where anything but petrol power is on the nose.

However, at least the 3.5-litre V6 now gets what it needs - a fuel consumption cut.

When the facelifted Kluger arrives in Australia in late February, the $41,290 plus on-road costs entry price for the GX front-wheel drive model is not expected to change. But its claimed urban fuel consumption falls from 14.0 litres per 100 kilometres to 12.4L/100km, while its extra-urban sticker moves from 8.0L/100km to 7.2L/100km.

For the first time the overall combined cycle average drops into single digits, from 10.2L/100km to 9.1L/100km.

The same figures apply to the (currently $51,190 plus on-roads) GXL front-wheel drive model grade, but this middle-tier model now gets extra equipment such as satellite navigation with digital radio and an electric tailgate.

It's still be possible to spend big on the (currently $64,075 plus on-roads) Grande, but at least it also gets a kit boost - now with lane-keep assistance and front parking sensors with surround-view camera.

The option of all-wheel drive will continue and, currently holding a $4000 premium over the above models, it could now more than ever be worth forking out for.

Although fuel consumption drops, power and torque figures rise. The previous 201kW and 330Nm already tested the traction of the front-wheel drive versions, but thanks to the addition of direct fuel injection the V6 now produces 218kW and 350Nm.

An eight-speed automatic transmission also aids both performance and economy, adding two extra ratios over the previous unit to permit the engine to fall to fewer revs on the freeway and more accurately work with the right revs for other places such as hilly terrain.

All-wheel drive versions still claim to drink 0.4L/100km more than their front-drivers, but they fall by a similar per centage compared with the outgoing models.

The fuel fall could have been greater had Toyota Australia employed the stop-start system fitted to US models; but its research shows the minor (circa 0.2L/100km according to some manufacturers) improvement isn't worth the cost impost, while it argues that many buyers turn off the system that switches the engine off at the traffic lights anyway.

More disappointingly is that the Grande remains the only model grade in the range to score active cruise control with autonomous emergency braking (AEB) that can detect a forward collision and apply the brakes should a driver fail to react in time.

Toyota has announced the new Camry will get both features across the range despite an expected $30,000 starting price, while the Mazda CX-9 is the newest contender in the large SUV class and it gets AEB across the range.

Other issues concern the lack of any equipment addition in the GX, which suffers through with 18-inch alloys, a plastic steering wheel, 6.1-inch touchscreen (but without Apple CarPlay or Android Auto smartphone mirroring technology) and little else.

It makes the sizeable step up to the GXL seem like good value given its new additions (nav, power tailgate) plus a leather-wrapped steering wheel, leather trim with heated front seats, electrically adjustable driver's seat and larger 8.0-inch screen.

And with the CX-9 topping out at $59,390 plus on-roads, Toyota would be wise to lower the Grande's sticker even if it scores a rear DVD player and panoramic sunroof over the Mazda.

All model grades score few exterior changes, limited to a new multi-slat front grille with daytime running lights integrated into the headlights, fresh alloy wheel designs and new LED tail-lights with L-shaped bezels.

And there are even fewer interior changes to what is now a three-year-old design.

Fit and finish remains excellent, however, and if the dashboard design isn't stylish then it at least remains intelligent and thoughtful - arguably greater virtues for a family car.

The long storage tray that runs across the dash continues to be supremely handy, while there are cupholders and bottle holders aplenty and potentially the largest centre storage box around.

Yet for all the Kluger's seeming bigness, it doesn't feel as huge as a CX-9 behind the wheel. In fact, in terms of exterior dimensions it neatly falls between the Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento, and the Mazda and Nissan Pathfinder, which is an ideal place to be.

The Toyota continues to give nothing away to any competitor in terms of comfort and space. The front seats are richly padded, the middle bench is roomy, and it slides forward to increase third-row legroom ahead of reasonably supportive twin pews.

But the boot is micro hatch-sized (195 litres) when all seven occupants are on board.

If the cabin is the Kluger's greatest asset then the V6 engine runs a close second, boasting the same creamy, refined disposition as before.

The 3.5-litre remains too much for the front wheels to handle when quick throttle is added from standstill, but the all-wheel drive version feels quick as it gets all power to the ground.

The new eight-speed automatic even slams through its ratio set in a sporty fashion from standstill. Probably of greater importance, however, is the way it subtly picks lower gears quickly and quietly even before the driver has to add throttle on hills.

With peak torque not produced until 4700rpm the auto does have to often kick back several gears in what is a 1.9-tonne-plus vehicle. But at least there are narrower gaps between gears compared with the previous six-speed, which limits excessive flaring of engine revs to the detriment of refinement, driveability and economy.

Thankfully, Australian-bound models will retain the same steering and suspension tune as the outgoing versions, because the tested US-spec model grades - dubbed Highlander - had a flabby connection to the front wheels while the suspension was cushier.

In the latter case, greater ride comfort would be appreciated in locally bound Klugers but our versions do offer increased body control ideal for rougher Australian country roads. It's a hardly perfect trade-off, though.

At least the handling of all current generation Klugers is secure, with the chassis displaying signs of enthusiasm and driver enjoyment that previous generations failed to muster.

All of which means that while the facelifted Kluger is hardly revolutionary, it is decently evolutionary with the sum total of its improvements being greater than the individual parts.

Toyota Australia might not have got the diesel they wanted for Kluger buyers, but they need to give punters in this segment exactly what they need from this solid large SUV option - a decent price cut now, and active cruise and AEB on all models as soon as possible.

2017 Toyota Kluger pricing and specifications

On sale: February 2017

Price: From $42,000 (estimated)

Engine: 3.5-litre V6 petrol

Power: 218kW at 6600rpm

Torque: 350Nm at 4700rpm

Transmission: Eight-speed automatic, front- and all-wheel drive

Fuel use: 9.1L/100km-10.6L/100km

• For all the latest information visit our Toyota showroom.