Toyota has launched a new car-based SUV, offering passenger-car like comfort and performance.

Toyota's new all-wheel drive Kluger has seven-seat capability, delivering strong performance and confidence-inspiring handling while offering passenger car interior noise levels and ride comfort.

Three models are offered - all with 3.3-litre VVTi-equipped Quad Cam V6 engine, five-speed electronically controlled transmission, constant all-wheel drive and long-travel four-wheel independent suspension.

Kluger is one of the quickest six-cylinder all-wheel drive wagons in Australia, with zero to 100km/h acceleration in 8.1 seconds.

Its Quad Cam V6 delivers 172kW at 5600rpm and 328Nm of torque at 3600rpm.

Two all-wheel drive control systems are used, depending on model grade and options.

Entry level CV and mid-grade CVX have a viscous coupled centre limited slip differential and limited slip rear differential.

Top-of-the-range Grande has electronic all-wheel drive control, using the electronics of its vehicle stability control and traction control systems.

Safety equipment includes driver and front passenger SRS airbags and ABS anti-skid brakes with electronic brake force distribution and Brake Assist on all models.

All seating positions have a three-point seat belt and adjustable head restraint.

Front-seat side SRS airbags and curtain-shield airbags are standard equipment on Grande and optionally available (with VSC and TRC) on CVX grade.

CV has five-seat capacity, with the option of a third-row seat. CVX and Grande have seven-seat capacity.

Kluger's second-row seat has 60/40 split, 120mm of fore/aft slide adjustment and one-touch tilt and slide access to the rear cabin area. The second and third-row seats can be folded almost flat if not required.

Toyota Kluger is well specified, with five-speed automatic transmission, power-assisted rack and pinion steering, cruise control, six-speaker 3-in-1 audio system, luggage area tonneau cover, privacy glass for the rear side windows, rear quarter windows and back window, rear full-sized spare wheel, climate control air conditioning and trip computer on all models.

Kluger CVX's specification level above CV grade includes front foglamps, roof rails, alloy wheels, power front seats, 6-CD in-dash multi-changer and rear-seat heater controls.

Grande's specification advantage over CVX includes 17-inch alloy wheels, moonroof, touch-screen satellite navigation, rear spoiler, vehicle stability control, traction control, electronically controlled torque split, front seat SRS side airbags and side curtain-shield airbags.

CVX has the combined safety pack option of vehicle stability control, traction control, front seat SRS side airbags and full length side curtain-shield airbags.

Kluger has an entry level recommended retail price of $43,990*, while the more highly specified Kluger CVX , with seven seat capacity as standard, comes to market with a rrp of $48,990*.

The fully optioned Kluger Grande carries a rrp of $58,990*.

*plus dealer delivery and statutory charges