The refreshed 2017 Toyota Kluger has been revealed in the US and will arrive in Australia late in February.

THE REFRESHED 2018 Toyota Kluger has been revealed in the US boasting improved performance, and tweaked styling and “improved convenience”. It arrives in Australia in late February.

The refreshed Kluger sticks with the current car’s V6 but it’s been tweaked to provide more power and torque, up to 218kW and 350Nm of torque, a power bump of eight per cent. The tweaked engine is mated to a new eight-speed automatic transmission. Toyota claims the new transmission improves fuel consumption by around 10%, ranging from 9.1-9.5L/100km depending on the variant.

The Kluger is offered in both two-wheel drive and all-wheel drive variants. The all-wheel drive variants are on-demand systems and drive the front wheels only until slip is detected and can then direct up to 50% of torque to the rear wheels. Following on with additional safety features, the refreshed Kluger is fitted with seven airbags, reversing camera, reverse-parking sensors, anti-skid brakes with brake assist and electronic brake-force distribution, stability and traction control, and hill-start assist control.

There are three variants to choose (and all are available in either 2WD or all AWD) from with the mid-spec GXL getting an 8-inch audio screen, satellite navigation, digital radio (DAB+) and a powered tailgate. GXL variants also offer three-zone climate-control air-conditioning, keyless entry and ignition, roof rails, premium steering wheel and shift knob, and leather-accented seats with heated front seats and a 12-way power-adjustable driver’s seat. Top-of-the range Grande expands its suite of comprehensive safety features with rear-cross-traffic alert and supplements its lane departure alert with steering control and sway warning, and a panoramic view monitor that uses four cameras – front, rear and in the side mirrors.

Exterior styling tweaks include a new front grille which is a painted silver finish on GX and GXL and a chrome finish on Grande. The tail-lights have been redesigned “for a sleeker look and now feature standard LEDs while the Grande is distinguished by a rear bumper chrome garnish”.

Inside, Toyota has added soft-touch surfaces, bright accents and silver metallic garnishes on GX and GXL. Grande is offered with silver woodgrain-look garnishes and blue LED ambient lighting around the dash and doors.

Toyota Australia’s executive director sales and marketing Tony Cramb said the facelifted Kluger expands driver enjoyment and offers an even better package for families.

“The latest updates to Kluger are focused on areas that owners will appreciate – enhanced driveability, quicker overtaking, substantially improved economy and the added convenience of new features,” Mr Cramb said.

Pricing and final specifications will be released closer to the local launch.