Toyota Kluger: Which Version Should You Buy?
The Toyota Kluger data covers four catalogue series within two generations: the first generation from 2000 to 2007, including its 2003 restyling, and the second generation from 2007 to 2013, including its 2010 restyling. Every listed Kluger is an SUV 5-doors.
The Toyota Kluger data covers four catalogue series within two generations: the first generation from 2000 to 2007, including its 2003 restyling, and the second generation from 2007 to 2013, including its 2010 restyling. Every listed Kluger is an SUV 5-doors. The main buying decision is between the lighter first-generation 2.4 AT and 3.0 AT models, the later second-generation 2.7 AT and 3.5 AT models, and the Hybrid 3.3 CVT. Buyers prioritizing fuel consumption should start with the second-generation 3.3 CVT, while the 3.5 AT provides the highest output and quickest measured acceleration. The 2.7 AT is the least powerful second-generation choice but matches the Hybrid’s measured combined consumption.
Toyota Kluger generations: what changed?
The first generation ran from 2000 to 2003 as an SUV 5-doors with four listed versions. The range consisted of the 2.4 AT with either FWD or AWD and the 3.0 AT with either FWD or AWD. The 2.4 AT produced 160 hp and 221 Nm, while the 3.0 AT produced 220 hp and 304 Nm. All four used a 4-speed Automatic transmission, carried 75-litre tanks and had 180 mm of ground clearance.
The first-generation restyling ran from 2003 to 2007 as an SUV 5-doors with five listed versions. It retained FWD and AWD forms of the 160 hp 2.4 AT and 220 hp 3.0 AT, while the 3.0 AT changed to a 5-speed Automatic transmission. It also introduced the AWD Hybrid 3.3 CVT with 211 hp and 288 Nm. The gasoline versions had 180 mm of ground clearance, while the 3.3 CVT had 175 mm. Tank capacity was 72 litres across this series.
The second generation ran from 2007 to 2010 as an SUV 5-doors with three versions. The FWD 2.7 AT produced 187 hp, the AWD 3.5 AT produced 273 hp, and the AWD Hybrid 3.3 CVT produced 212 hp. Ground clearance rose to 206 mm, while tank capacity was 73 litres. The 2.7 AT and 3.5 AT used a 5-speed Automatic transmission; the 3.3 CVT used a Variable transmission.
The second-generation restyling ran from 2010 to 2013 as an SUV 5-doors with the same three version names and the same listed output, performance, consumption, weight, clearance and tank figures. One recorded technical difference concerns engine installation: the restyled 2.7 AT is Front, transverse, whereas the 2007–2010 2.7 AT is Front, longitudinal. The restyled 3.5 AT and 3.3 CVT are also listed as Front, transverse; their earlier installation layout is not measured.
Toyota Kluger engine specs
| Series | Version | Output | Torque | Displacement | Fuel | Cylinders and layout | Boost | Gearbox | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000–2003 | 2.4 AT | 160 hp | 221 Nm | 2362 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| 2000–2003 | 2.4 AT | 160 hp | 221 Nm | 2362 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | AWD |
| 2000–2003 | 3.0 AT | 220 hp | 304 Nm | 2994 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| 2000–2003 | 3.0 AT | 220 hp | 304 Nm | 2994 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 4-speed Automatic | AWD |
| 2003–2007 | 2.4 AT | 160 hp | 221 Nm | 2362 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | AWD |
| 2003–2007 | 2.4 AT | 160 hp | 221 Nm | 2362 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| 2003–2007 | 3.0 AT | 220 hp | 304 Nm | 2994 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 5-speed Automatic | FWD |
| 2003–2007 | 3.0 AT | 220 hp | 304 Nm | 2994 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 5-speed Automatic | AWD |
| 2003–2007 | 3.3 CVT | 211 hp | 288 Nm | 3311 cc | Hybrid | 6, V-shaped | No | Variable | AWD |
| 2007–2010 | 2.7 AT | 187 hp | 252 Nm | 2700 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Automatic | FWD |
| 2007–2010 | 3.5 AT | 273 hp | 337 Nm | 3456 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 5-speed Automatic | AWD |
| 2007–2010 | 3.3 CVT | 212 hp | 287 Nm | 3311 cc | Hybrid | 6, V-shaped | No | Variable | AWD |
| 2010–2013 | 2.7 AT | 187 hp | 252 Nm | 2700 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Automatic | FWD |
| 2010–2013 | 3.5 AT | 273 hp | 337 Nm | 3456 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 5-speed Automatic | AWD |
| 2010–2013 | 3.3 CVT | 212 hp | 287 Nm | 3311 cc | Hybrid | 6, V-shaped | No | Variable | AWD |
On calculated specific output, the first-generation 2.4 AT delivers about 67.7 hp per litre, while the 3.0 AT delivers about 73.5 hp per litre. The restyled first-generation 3.3 CVT produces about 63.7 hp per litre. In the second generation, the 2.7 AT develops about 69.3 hp per litre, the 3.5 AT reaches about 79.0 hp per litre, and the 3.3 CVT produces about 64.0 hp per litre. The 3.5 AT therefore has both the highest absolute output and the highest calculated output per litre among the listed versions.
Toyota Kluger performance and mpg
Performance was not measured for any listed first-generation version: acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h is not measured, top speed is not measured, and city, highway and combined fuel consumption are not measured. That applies to every 2000–2003 2.4 AT and 3.0 AT, as well as every 2003–2007 2.4 AT, 3.0 AT and 3.3 CVT.
Second-generation performance is measured consistently in both the 2007–2010 and 2010–2013 series:
| Version | 0–100 km/h | Top speed | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.7 AT | 10.3 sec | 180 km/h | 11.7 L/100 km | 8.7 L/100 km | 9 L/100 km |
| 3.5 AT | 8.2 sec | 180 km/h | 13.8 L/100 km | 10.7 L/100 km | 12.4 L/100 km |
| 3.3 CVT | 8.4 sec | 180 km/h | 8.7 L/100 km | 9.4 L/100 km | 9 L/100 km |
The 3.5 AT reaches 100 km/h 2.1 seconds sooner than the 2.7 AT and 0.2 seconds sooner than the 3.3 CVT. All three share the same measured 180 km/h top speed, so the 3.5 AT’s advantage appears in acceleration rather than maximum speed.
The 3.3 CVT uses 3 L/100 km less than the 2.7 AT in the city, although it uses 0.7 L/100 km more on the highway. Both record 9 L/100 km combined. Compared with the 3.5 AT, the 3.3 CVT uses 5.1 L/100 km less in the city, 1.3 L/100 km less on the highway and 3.4 L/100 km less combined, while trailing it by only 0.2 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h.
Toyota Kluger dimensions, weight and clearance
Exterior length, width and height are not measured for any version, and wheel sizes are not measured throughout the data. The available comparison is therefore based on kerb weight, gross weight, ground clearance and fuel-tank capacity.
| Series and version | Kerb weight | Gross weight | Ground clearance | Tank | Wheel sizes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000–2003 2.4 AT FWD | 1540 kg | not measured | 180 mm | 75 L | not measured |
| 2000–2003 2.4 AT AWD | 1650 kg | not measured | 180 mm | 75 L | not measured |
| 2000–2003 3.0 AT FWD | 1630 kg | not measured | 180 mm | 75 L | not measured |
| 2000–2003 3.0 AT AWD | 1720 kg | not measured | 180 mm | 75 L | not measured |
| 2003–2007 2.4 AT AWD | 1700 kg | not measured | 180 mm | 72 L | not measured |
| 2003–2007 2.4 AT FWD | 1570 kg | not measured | 180 mm | 72 L | not measured |
| 2003–2007 3.0 AT FWD | 1660 kg | not measured | 180 mm | 72 L | not measured |
| 2003–2007 3.0 AT AWD | 1760 kg | not measured | 180 mm | 72 L | not measured |
| 2003–2007 3.3 CVT AWD | 1890 kg | 2275 kg | 175 mm | 72 L | not measured |
| 2007–2013 2.7 AT FWD | 1805 kg | 2720 kg | 206 mm | 73 L | not measured |
| 2007–2013 3.5 AT AWD | 2075 kg | 2720 kg | 206 mm | 73 L | not measured |
| 2007–2013 3.3 CVT AWD | 2045 kg | 2720 kg | 206 mm | 73 L | not measured |
The 2000–2003 2.4 AT FWD is the lightest listed Kluger at 1540 kg. Within that series, choosing AWD adds 110 kg to the 2.4 AT and 90 kg to the 3.0 AT. In the restyled first generation, AWD adds 130 kg to the 2.4 AT and 100 kg to the 3.0 AT.
Calculated weight per horsepower further separates the choices. The 2000–2003 2.4 AT FWD carries about 9.6 kg per hp, while the 3.0 AT FWD carries about 7.4 kg per hp. In the second generation, the 2.7 AT carries about 9.7 kg per hp, the 3.5 AT about 7.6 kg per hp, and the 3.3 CVT about 9.6 kg per hp. These ratios support the measured result: the 3.5 AT is the quickest second-generation version.
Which Toyota Kluger version should you buy?
Choose the second-generation 3.5 AT if acceleration and output matter most. Its 273 hp exceeds the 2.7 AT by 86 hp and the 3.3 CVT by 61 hp. Its 337 Nm exceeds them by 85 Nm and 50 Nm respectively, and its 8.2-second acceleration time is the quickest measured result. The trade-off is the highest measured consumption: 13.8 L/100 km city, 10.7 L/100 km highway and 12.4 L/100 km combined.
Choose the second-generation 3.3 CVT if you want AWD, strong measured acceleration and the lowest city consumption. It reaches 100 km/h in 8.4 seconds—only 0.2 seconds behind the 3.5 AT—while recording 8.7 L/100 km in the city. Its 9 L/100 km combined figure equals that of the less powerful FWD 2.7 AT.
Choose the second-generation 2.7 AT if you prefer FWD and a 5-speed Automatic. It weighs 270 kg less than the 3.5 AT and 240 kg less than the 3.3 CVT. Its 9 L/100 km combined consumption matches the 3.3 CVT, but its 10.3-second acceleration is 1.9 seconds slower. Between the original and restyled second-generation 2.7 AT, the numerical performance, economy, clearance and weight figures are identical; the recorded installation changes from Front, longitudinal to Front, transverse.
Among first-generation models, choose the 3.0 AT over the 2.4 AT when output-to-weight matters. It provides 60 hp and 83 Nm more, while the equivalent FWD version adds only 90 kg in both the 2000–2003 and 2003–2007 series. The restyled 3.0 AT also gains a 5-speed Automatic in place of the earlier 4-speed Automatic.
Choose the first-generation 2.4 AT when the lowest kerb weight is the priority. The 2000–2003 FWD version weighs 1540 kg, the lowest figure in the catalogue. Choose its AWD counterpart only when AWD is specifically required, because output remains 160 hp and torque remains 221 Nm while kerb weight rises by 110 kg.
The first-generation 3.3 CVT is the alternative for buyers specifically seeking an AWD Hybrid in the earlier body. It produces 211 hp and 288 Nm, weighs 1890 kg and uses a Variable transmission. However, its acceleration, top speed and fuel consumption are not measured, so the data cannot support an economy or performance comparison with the first-generation gasoline versions. Price, sale availability, engine-oil capacity, reliability and problem data are also not measured, so they cannot determine the choice here.