Toyota Kluger Review
2000-2007
The Toyota Kluger (XU20 Series: 2000–2007, sold in Japan as Kluger V and Kluger L, and globally as the Highlander) is one of Toyota's most respected mid-size crossover SUVs. Built on Toyota's refined K platform (shared with the Camry and Harrier), the Kluger offers smooth car-like unibody handling, elevated 180 mm ground clearance, spacious 5 or 7-seater seating layouts, and optional full-time 4WD or E-Four hybrid all-wheel drive. Powered by a 2.4L 4-cylinder (2AZ-FE), a 3.0L V6 (1MZ-FE), or a 3.3L V6 Hybrid (3MZ-FE), the Kluger remains highly sought after in East Africa for its bulletproof mechanical durability and highway cruising comfort.
*This score is awarded by our team of expert reviewers after extensive testing of the car
What’s good
- Smooth Camry-based unibody ride: Absorbs highway expansion joints and rough upcountry roads without truck-like body bounce.
- Sub-2.5L KRA tax classification (2.4L): The 2,362 cc engine stays inside KRA's sub-2,500 cc valuation tier.
- Impressive 272 hp V6 Hybrid performance: The 3.3L THS II Hybrid delivers 0–100 km/h in 7.4 seconds with 17.8 km/L economy.
- Proven Toyota spare parts cross-compatibility: Engine and suspension components share high interchangeability with the Toyota Harrier and Camry.
What’s not so good
- Thirsty 3.0L V6 petrol engine: The 1MZ-FE V6 consumes 7–9 km/L in city traffic.
- Dated 4-speed automatic on 2.4L models: Lacks an overdrive 5th gear for optimum highway cruising economy.
Most popular: Kluger 2.4S Four / Kluger Hybrid G-Package
5 doorsPetrol, HybridAutomatic, CVT
At a glance
- Model
- Toyota Kluger V / Kluger L / Kluger Hybrid (MCU20 / ACU20 / MHU28 Series)
- Production years
- 2000–2007
- Body type
- 5-Door Mid-Size Crossover SUV
- Seating capacity
- 5 or 7
- Fuel types
- Petrol, Full Hybrid (THS II V6)
- Engine sizes
- 2,362 cc (2.4L) / 2,994 cc (3.0L V6) / 3,310 cc (3.3L V6 Hybrid)
- Transmission
- 4-Speed Automatic / 5-Speed Automatic / e-CVT
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive (FWD), Full-Time 4WD, or E-Four AWD
- Ground clearance
- 180 mm – 185 mm
- Source market
- Japan (JDM RHD Spec) / Australia
Trims & variants
2.4S / 2.4S Four
- Setup
2.4L 4-cylinder DOHC VVTi petrol (160 hp / 221 Nm), 4-speed Super ECT automatic, FWD (2.4S) or full-time 4WD (2.4S Four), tank size 72 L, returning 11.0 km/L combined (10-15 mode).
- Why it gets shipped
The core volume choice for everyday drivers; balances reliable 4-cylinder power, low upkeep costs, and sub-2.5L duty tax savings.
Fuel consumption
Figures for the Toyota Kluger 2.4S / 2.4S Four (2,362 cc 2AZ-FE Petrol - ACU20 / ACU25). Tank: 72 L (about 792 km combined). Real-world use varies with load, traffic and altitude.
Running cost
- City driving
- KES 2,579 / 100 km
- Highway driving
- KES 1,773 / 100 km
- 1,000 km a month
- KES 20,633
- Full tank (72 L)
- KES 16,341
Based on petrol at KES 226.96/L, 15-10-2026 to 14-11-2026. Combined economy unless stated.
Work out a trip costPackage tiers
| Package | Level | Key features |
|---|---|---|
| 2.4S / 3.0S | Standard Comfort | Fabric seating, 16-inch alloy wheels, manual climate control, 6-speaker audio, fog lamps. |
| 2.4S Four / 3.0S Four | All-Weather 4WD | Full-time 4WD, heated side mirrors, rear spoiler, upgraded cloth trim, snow mode. |
| Hybrid Base | Tech Hybrid | THS II V6 hybrid system, E-Four electric AWD, Optitron gauges, dual-zone automatic climate control, 17-inch alloys. |
| Hybrid G-Package | Flagship Luxury | Leather seats, power front seats, 18-inch dark grey alloys, roof rails, rear privacy glass, premium JBL sound system. |
About the Toyota Kluger
Kenya strictly enforces an 8-year age limit from manufacture month and right-hand drive regulations for direct overseas imports. While first-generation Kluger models (2000–2007) are now sourced primarily within the local Kenyan pre-owned market, understanding its powertrain variants and duty valuation baselines remains essential for buyers and dealers.
Models equipped with the 2.4L 2AZ-FE (2,362 cc) engine qualify for sub-2.5L KRA tax valuation baselines, offering significantly lower taxation and running costs compared to 3.0L and 3.3L V6 variants.
Disclaimer
Tax figures are estimates based on October 2026 KRA schedules. Always verify specific chassis CRSP entries with your clearing agent prior to purchase.
