Kluger MkII

BIGGER and more stylish than the original Kluger, Toyota's first car-based seven-seat SUV, the second-generation model is an even more formidable alternative to Ford's top-selling Territory and Holden's less-expensive Captiva import.

It may open with a higher ($39,990, for the front-drive KX-R) pricetag, but the new Kluger leapfrogs Territory in terms of interior space, engine power, fuel consumption, safety features and standard equipment.

All Klugers are powered by a 201kW/337Nm 3.5-litre V6, while the KX-R AWD costs $44,490, the mid-range KX-S adds $10,000 and the range-topping Grande adds another $10,000, at $59,990 for the 2WD and $64,490 for the AWD.