Prime
The Toyota Kluger: A perfect family SUV
On average, a full or major service for the Kluger costs approximately Shs480,000, while minor service ranges between Shs250,000 and Shs400,000. PHOTO | ROLAND D NASASIRA
What you need to know:
- With its high ground clearance, roomy interior, and impressive fuel efficiency, the Toyota Kluger stands out as an excellent upgrade from a saloon car, making long-distance travel and urban driving a breeze.
When Miracle Arikiza speaks about his Toyota Kluger, a 1996 model he recently acquired, his admiration for this car is evident. He even jokes that if he were not married and he and another male motorist driving another car were pursuing the same woman for a date, he would have the upper hand.
“A Kluger is more presentable and commands respect because it falls within the category of sport utility vehicles (SUVs). If I had the opportunity to buy another Kluger, I would go for it because it performs better than most saloon cars,” Arikiza says.
Initially, Arikiza considered purchasing a saloon Mercedes-Benz, whether an S, C, or E-Class. However, his choice changed when his wife insisted on a bigger vehicle with higher ground clearance to comfortably accommodate their family, especially for upcountry travel.
“During the recent festive season holidays, I travelled with my family to Kabale District in western Uganda. I noticed that the Kluger offers plenty of interior space, ensuring that no passenger feels squeezed. The back seats are as comfortable as those at the front and even more comfortable compared to other cars of the same category. It gives me the confidence to drive from Kampala to Mbarara City in western Uganda without making a stopover because of the ample legroom for all passengers,” Arikiza adds.
Service and maintenance
Arikiza’s service manual indicates that he has 480km remaining before his next service mileage. When he acquired the vehicle in September 2024, despite the previous owner maintaining it well, he overhauled several components to ensure it was roadworthy. Although the engine was intact, he replaced the engine oil, gearbox oil, automatic transmission fluid (ATF), brake pads and other serviceable parts.
“When you buy a car from someone, do not assume it is in the best mechanical condition. Have it inspected by a trusted mechanic to assess its state. A vehicle may seem like a good deal, but you may end up inheriting unresolved mechanical problems from the previous owner, who might have chosen to sell it cheaply rather than fixing them,” Arikiza advises. He further notes that since acquiring the Kluger, he has driven approximately 4,000 km without any garage visits.
On average, a full or major service for the Kluger costs approximately Shs480,000, while minor service ranges between Shs250,000 and Shs400,000. This maintenance schedule typically lasts between four and six months, assuming mostly urban drives. However, depending on the type of engine oil used, some vehicles require service after every 10,000 km to 15,000 km.
Fuel consumption
Regarding fuel efficiency, Arikiza’s Kluger delivers approximately 8km per litre in urban settings and 12km per litre on highways, depending on commute distance and driving habits. For example, he recently refuelled with three litres, costing approximately Shs14,700 (at Shs4,900 per litre). His daily commute from Kisaasi to Ntinda (about 3km) lasted three days on this fuel. Without additional errands and in the absence of heavy traffic, he covers about 20km in three litres.
With a 2.4-litre (2400cc) petrol engine, his weekly fuel expenditure for city errands amounts to about Shs100,000. For his recent trip from Kampala to Kabale and then to Rukungiri District in western Uganda, he spent Shs230,000. From Rukungiri back to Kampala, he topped up with Shs210,000, and upon reaching Mpigi, he added another Shs100,000.
Performance
Arikiza finds the Kluger’s performance both on and off-road satisfactory. On highways, he comfortably drives at speeds of 140 km/h. At speeds above 100 km/h, the tyres slightly protrude outward due to the vehicle's suspension dynamics, increasing stability. When driving on rough roads, the shock absorbers effectively handle bumps, ensuring a smooth and comfortable ride.
“A Kluger is easier and cheaper to maintain compared to newer SUVs. If you have a family and want to upgrade from a saloon car to an SUV, the Kluger is an excellent choice,” Arikiza concludes.
The only drawback he notes is that the Kluger’s radio system only operates up to FM 90, which limits station selection.
