Which Family Car - Kluger, CX9 or Pajero

RSmith on 18/04/2019 - 11:27
Last edited 18/04/2019 - 11:37

Thinking of buying a family car… The options that I have in my mind are: Kluger, CX9 or Pajero.

I need a seven seater, although the last row seats will get used rarely (mostly, when kids friends come along).

Kluger is good but seems a bit pricey.
CX9 the same (although feels bit squishy compared to Kluger) and has a space-saver tyre.
Pajero - can get a demo 2017 model has under 10000 KMs on the odometer for around 42K. Last row is a disgrace.

Leaning a bit towards Pajero at this stage, but have never driven a diesel car in my life.

Thoughts?

Automotive Car Mazda Mitsubishi Toyota

Comments

    • BartholemewH on 19/04/2019 - 21:23

      Which 4 litre turbo engine are you referring to? Is it the 2.5 litre?

      • usmanyousaf on 20/04/2019 - 06:48
        +1

        Yes. I meant to say 4 cylinder turbo engine.

    • hibijibis on 20/04/2019 - 21:06
      +1

      pretty sure the cx9 has apple carplay now

      • burningrage on 20/04/2019 - 22:26

        CX9 for 2018MY will be retrofit. I was quoted $450 last week.

        FOr 2019MY, some will have it factory-fitted, some retrofit.

  • LFO on 19/04/2019 - 17:05

    Need space and comfort? On top of power and safety?
    Get a Mercedes Benz V-Class (like Valente).
    Discover what real comfort is.
    No hard at all to drive nor to park. Give it a drive test, at least.

  • snajper on 19/04/2019 - 17:17
    +2

    Cx9 would be miles better family 7 seater… pajero is very outdated and toyota is ok….but mazda is now probably holding value as much as toyota but 2.5 l turbo petrol is much better engine

  • Baa on 19/04/2019 - 19:23

    We were in the same boat last year and got the cx9.

    Cx9 had the best boot space with all the seats up, only one that could fit a pram and then some. Also had the clip for a car seat in the back.

    It is a tank though, but has been solid for 18 months

  • cushydeskjob on 19/04/2019 - 19:47

    Passat wagon.

    • whooah1979 on 19/04/2019 - 20:00

      A Passat wagon is not designed to carry 7 people.

  • Kamsi on 19/04/2019 - 20:24

    Santa fe highlander 9l/100km, no dpf issues.

  • aussieolfaction on 20/04/2019 - 01:28

    You wouldn't go wrong with the Kluger, CX9 or the Santa Fe Highlander. Pajero is a different class of vehicle, as has been pointed out by another user.

  • DialADeal on 20/04/2019 - 05:33

    The Volkswagen Tiguan allspace is great value. Can pick one up new for 44k (also have/had 1.99% finance rate). Comes super spacious with a great range of standard features.

    • whooah1979 on 20/04/2019 - 05:56

      The Tiguan is similar to the outlander. The third row is rather cramped.

      • Kamsi on 20/04/2019 - 11:07

        I haven't seen any suv that have third row spacious.

    • the4thzodiac on 21/04/2019 - 18:16

      Is the 1.99% still available? I think they only have it on the Golf now.

  • RSmith on 20/04/2019 - 16:09
    +1

    Had a look at Kluger, CX-9, Pajero and Pathfinder.

    Kluger looks good and the wife likes it too.

    Was quoted 55K for a 2018 Gxl.

    Pajero doesn't have space after the last row seat is up.

    The rest feel similar from space aspect. Kluger has a full size spare, which is good as punctures seem to love me.

    • spackbace on 20/04/2019 - 19:19

      Wait till may for eofy sales on the kluger

      There's also the black edition if you want black wheels etc

      • RSmith on 20/04/2019 - 19:25

        Thanks. Will do.

        Would the offers provide substantial discount?

        • ShortyX on 21/04/2019 - 00:53

          What did you think of the Sorento? The SLi mid range diesel would be about $6k cheaper, or cheaper again for an ex demo.

        • spackbace on 21/04/2019 - 01:50
          -1

          Let me check my crystal ball 😂

          Kluger offers were best in December-Feb, they really died in march/April. Hoping eofy brings back better deals

    • p1 ama on 20/04/2019 - 22:06
      +2

      Since you're quite concerned about space, have you thought about people movers like a Tarago or Kia Carnival?

      Having used the Tarago a fair bit when I had family here, I find that it addresses one of your main issues, which is having a spacious last row. The last row in a Tarago isn't comfortable, but it's far better than any of the cars you have in mind. Being a slightly above average height person (181cm), I find it pretty hard to sit in the back row of a Kluger, it feels like I'm squatting really. The Tarago is pretty comfy. Also, when the back seats are up in the Kluger, you basically have no boot space, whereas with the Tarago, you have plenty enough for a few suitcases and bags.

      I've never driven a Carnival, but the Tarago is available in a V6 option, which is probably very similar to the Kluger engine (might even be the exact same one) and it drives well for what it is (obviously you're never going to be taking corners quickly in something that has such a high centre of gravity, but same goes for the Kluger).

      Might not be as "cool" or trendy as an SUV, but if I had to have a car to take around more than 4 people, I'd much rather get a people mover. With the 7 seater SUVs, you've really got to consider that the last row is really sitting in what is a large hatch boot. The sliding doors are also much easier to get people in and out of the car too.

  • HmrW on 20/04/2019 - 23:34
    +1

    Another vote for kluger, purchased one second hand (2009).
    Spacious, yes its bit thirsty but for long drive its quite efficient.

    Third row seat is quite good

  • Rocket on 21/04/2019 - 09:58
    +1

    We have had a Kluger for 9 years now and it hasn’t skipped a beat. Has been extremely reliable, doesn’t cost a lot to run or service and drives beautifully. I couldn’t recommend it more highly.

  • johno3456 on 21/04/2019 - 11:32

    Hi RSmith,

    I did a similar review earlier this year, presently have an old pathfinder to update, and liked the Kluger, CX9 or Pajero (SPORT), not sure if you meant the sport or the full Pajero. Of the three, I preferred the Pajero Sport - better access to the third row and your knees are not up by your ears; we have four kids (oldest is 18) and the wife refuses to drive a van. She likes the extra height provided by a 4x4 and I like its ability to pull a boat and trailer. We dont do proper off roading.
    For 44-46k you can get a 2017/2018 Exceed. I tried many of the other 3rd row cars Sante Fe etc but ended up comparing them all to the Pajero Sport.

    I am waiting for the EOFY sales.

    Johno

    • ShortyX on 21/04/2019 - 15:07

      The Pajero Sport has a weird folding system for the third row.

  • Mixinitup on 21/04/2019 - 12:05

    When I was looking at the Pajero the aircon at the back was not good if I can remember correctly. We ended up going pathfinder over the others as the 360 degree camera helps a lot in parking although it chews fuel alot

  • CapitalCitizen on 21/04/2019 - 12:50

    Has the OP considered the Holden Acadia? Definitely more space than Sorrento/Santa Fe, much more comfortable than the Pajero, much more tech than the dated Kluger, and a punchy petrol engine that is more than a match for CX9 (although the CX9 interior is definitely nicer).

    • spackbace on 21/04/2019 - 19:52

      Holden Acadia

      If you want to throw money down the drain then sure, buy a Holden in 2019 😂

      • CapitalCitizen on 22/04/2019 - 07:44
        -5

        Yep, so that would explain why Holden can’t keep up with demand for the Acadia - because people love throwing money down the drain. I thought we were trying to help out OP with options so they could go and drive them and decide for themselves - it would make no sense not to at least consider the Acadia (which is made by GMC who know a thing or two about making good SUVs)… but OP has not said why they are not looking at the Acadia as an option?

  • This Guy on 21/04/2019 - 13:16

    The good 7 seater SUV's are basically the same, just at different prices.

    Buy the Sorento/Santa Fe (They are currently twins). CX9 if you want to pay a few thousand more. Klugger if you want to pay $10k more.

    If you want a 4x4 the Trailblazer is currently the budget pick (MUX lost engine reliability factor with their euro 5 motor but has lower out put), followed by the MUX and Everest (nicer, as everything is half a decade newer, but more expensive). Skip Land Cruiser and Patrol unless you have a $40k - $60k to burn on a nicer ride.

    The Pajero has not been updated to the same level as the other 4x4s. The MUX is outdated but still a decade ahead of it. It is the worst vehicle in the list, but if you like it, buy it.

    • ShortyX on 21/04/2019 - 17:24

      What about Pajero Sport?

    • spackbace on 21/04/2019 - 19:53

      Skip Land Cruiser and Patrol unless you have a $40k - $60k to burn on a nicer ride.

      Pretty sure the $90k+ Landcruiser has never been mentioned in this post 😂

  • xDan on 21/04/2019 - 23:36

    OP Have you considered the Tiguan Allspace?

    • RSmith on 21/04/2019 - 23:55

      Actually, I haven't considered any European car as I have the impression that they are expensive to maintain.

      • whooah1979 on 22/04/2019 - 07:25

        They are and owning one without a manufacturer warranty may mean a higher TCO than other brands.

  • akanian on 22/04/2019 - 00:26
    +3

    Personally I often need to transport 6-7 people including 2 kids (4 and 5), and the Honda Odyssey is the best choice for me. I have driven the Kluger for a while with the family and it just doesn’t cut it. It is just too much hassle whenever we need to utilise the 3rd row.

    The Odyssey has very comfortable 3rd row seats (even for a 6 foot guy) and the boot can still fit a trolley full of groceries. The 3rd row is easiily accessible WITHOUT having to fold any seats in the luxury model.

    The automatic sliding side doors make entering and exiting the vehicle a breeze and power is surprisingly sufficient even with a full load (6 passengers with 3-4 larger suit cases jammed packed).

  • Munki on 22/04/2019 - 00:26

    In a pretty similar position as OP. I'm looking at the Kluger and CX-8/9. The announcement of a new Kluger is piquing my interest though, so might wait for that.

  • yoyo on 22/04/2019 - 06:43

    OP when you mention the Pajero, are you talking about Pajero Sport or the good old Pajero ? 2 very different 4wd cars with little in common apart from the Pajero name.

    • RSmith on 22/04/2019 - 08:06

      Good old Pajero. I liked the muscular looks of it.

      Interior wasn't as spacious unfortunately. Third row seat is a joke.

      • yoyo on 22/04/2019 - 21:34

        Yeah I like it too, but it lacks a lot of the modern touches (like safety aids) as well it hasn’t been updated and it is the last to carry the name. Great 4wd cars, but not sure if they are great family cars like the other 2 you originally mentioned.

  • donnot on 22/04/2019 - 12:31
    +1

    FWIW our Kluger is almost 10 years old, coming up to 200,000km's and has been brilliant mechanically (absolutely no issues) and trim is as-new. Great to drive with a bit of body-roll (as expected).

  • digitalbargain on 22/04/2019 - 22:20

    Another happy Kluger owner here.. it's going on 7 years/100k kms but still going strong and I'd imagine it's easily got another 7 years in it at least

  • BlitzR on 23/04/2019 - 07:57

    Have you considered the new Ssangyong Rexton? The styling and features is far better then previous versions. It's a large SUV that also has true 4WD features that has a Mercedes 7speed auto box that will let you go offroading. The top of the line Ultimate version is just below $53000 and all version come with an unlimited 8year warranty. Checkout this review to see if you like it https://youtu.be/McZhBazd2OU

    • ShortyX on 23/04/2019 - 15:13

      My reservations would be the suspension (as noted by John in the review) and customer support.

      I wish Hyundai/Kia brought out a 4WD wagon.

  • hooyn on 23/04/2019 - 10:07

    My parents got the CX9 with the 2.5L turbo. Great car, drives great and has very modern features that you'd find in the more luxury european models.

  • RSmith on 26/04/2019 - 21:02

    Thanks for the input guys. Had a look at Kluger and CX-9 in detail.
    CX-9 looks good but the lack of aircon vents for the last row and space saver tyre are the drawbacks.

    I have decided to go with Kluger and will wait and see what the EOFY offers are like.

    BTW, would anyone know if Novated lease would be more cost effective compared to the current finance offer of 2.9% comparison rate by Toyota?

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