Which Family Car - Kluger, CX9 or Pajero

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?

Comments

  • -2

    outlander 30k new

    • +10

      The Outlander smaller and in a different classification.

      • +7

        Yeah I got an outlander. Wouldn't recommend it if you've got a few kids. Back row across is pretty small. Can't fit 3 adults in there comfortably. Also no rear air vents. Kids complain all the time about how long it takes to cool the car.

        In short I regret buying an outlander.

        • I actually dont regret buying a 2nd hand outlander, but Im actually coming from a 2 seater sports car where I had to rent a family car if I wanted to take more than 1 person :P

  • +6

    I think you're comparing different segments of the market, really. Kluger and CX9 are family SUVs (2WD/AWD), the Pajero is a 4WD for off-roading.

    • +2

      I do understand that it is for off-roading, but can't it be used as a family car? I like it because it is quite spacious and people have nothing negative to say about the engine. To top it off, it is made in Japan.

      • +5

        Oh it totally can, 100%, it's just you may find that you're paying for features you're not using and miss out on things that you would. If you're looking for comfort something designed as a family car will probably be more comfortable and have more safety features / technology when compared with a similarly priced and sized 4WD.

        • +1

          Yep. Fair point. It doesn't have the new features like Adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring etc

          • +3

            @RSmith: If you won’t be using 4WD at all then you’d be better off with Kluger, Santa Fe, Sorento or CX-9 as the ride will be more comfortable.

      • Pajero will not ride as well around town compared to the other two

    • -8

      The first two are not SUV's. SUVS are sport utility vehicles, like Forester XT's for example. CX9's and the like are large hatchbacks. The "SUV" part for these vehicles is just marketing.

      I would go for a stationwagon like an outback, you get utility capability with a ton of space.

      • +1

        No outback has 7 seats

      • The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries, which prepares the industry new car sales figures each month (VFACTS) disagrees.
        https://www.fcai.com.au/sales/segmentation-criteria

        • -2

          Good for them, fact is they are still nothing more than raised hatchbacks. They have no sports or utility in any measurable way besides height. They should be referred to as crossovers. As I said, as Cx-9 is not in the same league as something like a cherokee or forester xt. Those are SUV's.

          • +3

            @Ahbal: I don’t see anybody here claiming they have sport, utility, or otherwise. The fact is that the Australian market classes these vehicles as sport utilities, so it is factually correct to call them SUVs in an Australian context. There’s no universally agreed definition of what comprises an SUV (see also: Wikipedia) so it’s up to the individual to determine if they meet any other intended purpose.

          • +1

            @Ahbal:

            fact is they are still nothing more than raised hatchbacks.

            The RMS NSW class both the CX-9 and the Cherokee as station wagons.

      • No. SUV is a marketing term created by Jeep's marketing team for the Cherokee.

        Since you want to be a stickler, the defining differences of the XJ Cherokee where monocoque construction and 4x4 (with low range). But the next 'SUV' was the Bronco for their 2 door on a ladder frame.

        So that would make a Forester only an AWD wagon (it's low and has no low range) unless we accept that an SUV is a marketing term for a slightly lifted wagon.

  • +13

    The Hyundai Santa Fe would be my suggestion.

    • TBH, I haven't even considered Santa Fe or Sorrento. I will definitely check out the Santa Fe.

      • Friend has a new Santa Fe and father has a new Pajero. I gotta say, I do like the Santa Fe more. It feels more like a family car and less like a off road 4wd. Both are nice cars, but as for living with it every day for family and work commutes, the Santa Fe is a very nice vehicle. Definitely worth a look.

      • +3

        I've had a Sorento since 2013 with zero issues. Worth a look at Santa Fe/Sorento at least. Warranty at 7 years for Kia is a bonus.

      • Check the reviews on Santa FE. Give up the idea after reading product reviews. I am also in the market to replace the CX9, yes it is my user name :-). I think Kluger is the most reliable and car which holds its value.

    • Especially the top model santafe outlander looks awesome and will give comparable interiors to cx-9

  • +6

    Go for the Kluger, Toyota's hold their value well throughout the years

    • +1

      Agree. The Grande trim level is nice but not worth the big price jump though. Great family SUV.

    • +1

      American built… drinks like an alcoholic, truely horrid fuel consumption

  • +1

    Pajero is kinda thin, which shows in the middle seat.
    If buying diesel, make sure it gets a long run every 300-500kms to burn off the DPF.

    Drive all 3, sit in all 3 and compare them. The pickup from a petrol engine is so different to the diesel that it might put you off straight away.

    I'd wait till may for the EOFY sales to start

    • Pajero is kinda thin, which shows in the middle seat.

      I'm sorry, I didn't understand that.

      I'd wait till may for the EOFY sales to start

      Thanks for the suggestion.

      • +1

        Pajero is a thin car compared to the others, which results in a smaller middle-row seat.

        Look at the middle seat in the middle row, you can't fit an adult in there (or it's squishy).

        • Cool. Will check it out.

        • +27

          Others might describe it as narrow.

          • +7

            @Euphemistic: Oh yeah 😂 I would too if my brain was working when I replied lol

    • The Pajero DPF issue was only on pre 2009 models. Autos had DPF issues that forced the car into limp mode and manuals had issues with dual mass flywheels. 2010 and later are fine.

      Re the spacesaver tyre, I wouldn't want to have to use one of those if I had a car full of people.

      • Who are you replying to?

  • -5

    Volvo XC90 should satisfy the needs.

    • +1

      I think it is out of my budget.

      • -5

        I'm seeing 2015 models with about 100km for around $50k.
        Probably a better vehicle that the three you have mentioned, or the others that other people have mentioned.

        • +11

          An XC90 out of warranty and 100kms is nowhere near better than the vehicles op have in mind.

          • -1

            @whooah1979: OK, differing opinions.
            My read of OP's post was that 7-seats was the deal-breaker.

          • +4

            @whooah1979: The XC90 is by far a superior car in terms of ride/build quality except I’d be really mindful of servicing/maintenance and tyre costs plus parts if anything goes wrong. New jap/Korean car with 5-7 year warranty is prob a better/safer proposition

            • @hdew47221: Rubbish, build quality is nothing special. My sister ditched her xc90 for a Ford Everest because they were sick of the poor reliability and repair bills. Having money shouldn't mean you make dumb Euro car decisions (pretending you have money might make you). Anything slightly off road was a joke - Dad had to pull her out of wet grass with his Navara. A work colleague just traded hers for a CX9 and is over the moon.

  • +1

    Make sure you consider the space behind true rear seats when occupied, especially if you are considering using them often. More than a few times we were putting stuff under feet in the middle row or on the trot racks when we had a pram and a Captiva (learned that lesson). Our pathfinder has much more usable space now but it’s still fairly small.

  • +4

    We just got an Isuzu MU-X over the Pajero Sport for just under 50K.. Talking to Mechanics the 3L engine and ASIN Transmission is one of the best combos ever made..

    Isuzu are making a car that won't break and excellent for towing and has 7 Good seats.. Since it is less complected it has less high tech stuff and less to break(such as the electric handbrake on the Paj Sport).

    • Any DPF concerns (as pointed earlier by spackbace)?

      • +8

        You're going to have that on pretty much any diesel these days, it's not model specific. The DPF is a Diesel Particulate Filter and is fitted to reduce vehicle emissions - essentially to meet mandatory emission limits (e.g. Euro 6). The "problem" is that a DPF only really works once the vehicle gets up to speed and heats up enough so that the DPF can "burn" off its stored particles. If you don't do this you'll end up getting a warning light and the vehicle may be put in to a "limp home" mode which limits it to (from memory) 80k/h and you may require a service call. At worst you'll need to replace the DPF entirely.

        That's one reason people don't recommend a diesel for a daily commuter car, e.g. driving to the shops, dropping the kids off at school, etc, if you're not also going to get it out on the highway on a semi-regular basis.

        • +1

          Load of crap. Hyundai and KIA set their DPF to activate at 5km/h instead of the more usual 30-50km/h which other manufacturers choose. They are only unsuitable to constant very short, highly loaded trips (2 minutes down a hill - break - 2 minutes back up the hill).

          Sales people recommend the petrol versions in these brands because they are in stock and cheaper, making a sale quicker and easier.

          • @This Guy: Dont think it is to do with over a set speed, it is to do with a high heat that needs to be generated to burn off the Diesel particles that is related to speed and time hence why they say going on a freeway for a long run once every few weeks. This is the same with all diesels with a DPF.

            Talking from experience as our car was always used for short 15 minute journeys with work close and the occasional longer journey. The DPF failed in the end and was over $5k to replace..

            • @PerthectDeal: DPF's activate via temperature. They block carbon particles and allow CO2 and water to pass. They do this by heating the particles up high enough that they break down into CO2 and water.

              DFP's are tuned to activate (reach the required temperature) at a certain load (basically speed). On utes this load is normally reached around 40km/h (some are 30km/h) as most utes are very old but highly modified designs.

              A DPF enabled engine should run rich if a burn has not been detected for a certain period of time. The unburnt fuel will be oxidized (read burnt) before the DPF, raising the temperature to activate the DPF.

              Hyundai and KIA passenger diesels are designed to activate the DPF from 5km/h. The only way to screw them is constantly never getting the car up to temperature with only very short journeys (like if you live at the top of a hill and the shops are at the bottom). Even then, they just need to be driven for 10-20 minutes to refresh, where as most ute's need to be driven above 40-80km/h to refresh for 10-20 minutes, depending on their condition and refresh cycle.

              Most passenger car manufacturers have had significant problems with their diesels once they installed DPF's. I am only using Hyundai group as (to my knowledge) they have so far avoided any major diesel scandal's (unlike Ford, Mazda, Toyota, Subaru and VW for example).

    • They started having engine issues at a similar rate to everyone else over the last year or two.

  • +2

    I think Kluger is a safe bet.

    Nissan has some great options. I think the family sized pathfinder might suit…don't know specifics.

    Anyone else care to weigh in?

    • +5

      The Pathfinder has an unreliable CVT transmission.

      • +3

        Look at the resale on Pathfinder. They are dirt cheap for a reason, as Shorty alluded to.

  • +4

    The Pajero is an ancient car. You’d be crazy to buy one.

    • Out of curiosity, why?

      • It doesn't have the latest Euro tech which could be both good and bad thing.

      • Very weak engine, rubbish gearbox, ancient tech, crappy interior, poor interior room, poor fuel economy, the list is endless.

  • +2

    We've had a Pajero for 12 months and we love it with the only downside being that servicing costs are more than we had expected.
    First diesel car we've had but it absolutely drives like a car not a truck and is super easy to park etc.
    The main thing that sold us on it compared to the Kluger and CX9 is that the second row is quite spacious and fits our 3 teenagers fine.
    So many other cars we test drove had more or less an arm rest in the middle seat position and not a comfortable seat at all.
    As for the third row, we're a bit like you in that we rarely use it but when we have it's been quick to put up and comfortable for kids.
    We had a Territory previously which had endless suspension problems which is why we went to a 4WD although we probably won't take it off road too often it's good to have the option! We have speed bumps on our street which definitely didn't help!
    Fuel is a similar cost to before.
    Good luck with your decision!

    • only downside being that servicing costs are more than we had expected.

      Do you mind me asking how much does it cost for servicing?

      • +2

        No probs…
        6 month around $470, 18 month around $1100, 24 month around $1000.
        This included front brakes at 18 months and rear brakes are also worn and will be done next service.
        Also front tyres just about due.
        We do do a few kms as it's our family car but definitely more $$$ than the Ford!

  • +2

    We bought a near new 2015 SLi Sorento in Jan 2016 and it's been a great car. For a family SUV, the Sorento, Santa Fe or new CX9 with the turbo petrol engine would be the best choice in my opinion.

    We're actually looking for a 4WD now as we want to do more beach and offroad driving, and currently looking at the Pajero, Pajero Sport or Triton. I wish the Pajero had some improvements like updating the interior and exterior and improving the third row. One feature that I like is the 4x4 High Range setting with the centre diff unlocked so you can leave it in that mode all the time.

  • We just got a Kluger, love it. Very smooth drive, spacious and hubs likes the fact that the seats can be put down (he was so keen on a ute, nah). I sat in the CX9 (IIRC), didnt find it as smooth.

    • +1

      The downsides of the Kluger is a bit of body roll and higher fuel consumption.

  • +1

    I can't comment on the others, I've never even been in a Kluger but a mate has a CX9 and is happy enough with it. I did however have a Pajero from '09 - '17 and was my daily driver. The only reason I sold it was because I had a 2 door and had to move to something with 4 doors.

    It was a great vehicle for me. Comfortable and fairly car like yet reasonably capable offroad. You'd barely know it was a diesel, good power and torque with excellent driving characteristics. Never had a single DPF issue. The earlier NS model did have some problems but they were fixed by the NT so the model OP is looking at you won't even know it's there.

    Big advantage of the Pajero is you can use 4H on road which was excellent in the wet, especially on offroad tyres that don't do as well as a road tyre in those conditions. They are a heavy vehicle and while efficient for their size/weight they do use a bit of fuel so keep that in mind.

    It's true that it is an old design but it's proven to be extremely reliable. I think you need to test drive it and your other options and see what you think for yourself.

    • -1

      Never had a single DPF issue.

      If you only owned a 2009 2 door model, it didn't have a DPF…

      • +3

        Yes it did. The autos had them the manuals didn't. Shorties were only available as autos.

        • Shit sorry didn't realise they'd been used for that long. Funnily enough it seems the next series dropped the DPF (?)

          • +1

            @spackbace: Yes, the previous NS model (07 - 09 IIRC) used a different type of DPF and had a lot of issues. It was mostly fixed by the end of the run but I still wouldn't buy one now. The NT changed to a more open type of DPF but only on the auto for some reason and the manual didn't have one at all. There were no issues with NTs DPF. The NW, or maybe it was the NX, I think may have dropped them altogether. No idea what's happened since. Avoid the NS just in case and you'll have a very reliable and capable vehicle with good road manners and comfort that can go further offroad than any SUV should you want to.

  • +2
    • +2

      Considering it takes about 6 months for the car to get to us, I'm sure op wants a car before sometime in 2020 😉

      • get something used while waiting. Sell again later

        • Why wait? There's always a new model of something around the corner, but you're always buying now…

  • In laws have the CX9 and are happy with it. I did consider it for myself for a while but went in a different direction. An associate has a Kluger and is very happy with it as well. It will have good resale. Santa Fe always had an odd interior with Sorrento being more to my taste.

  • +5

    Kluger mate; we just got a new GXL AWD in Feb, after extensive research for 7 seater, and it is just brilliant. Awesome cabin space, second row flat floor, third row room (including actual room for a pram and shopping) and the rear hatch window on the GXL is a God-send; can't overstate its usefulness… I was hell bent on the new Prado until I saw how tight the boot was with third row up (Pajero is even worse, as third row is not split) - zero regrets going with Kluger. PS: The engine "goes", hence Police prefer it as the urban SUV. City fuel consumption for us sits at about 11L in inner Melbourne; a trip to the NSW South coast last month saw it drop to low 9L. Hope that helps.

    • -1

      A friend has an older Kluger and their fuel usage is about the same. Very good for a large comfortable car. They love theirs and it has been trouble free for years. In comparison my CX5 sits on 15Ll and I don’t drive it hard.

  • Op, what's your budget?

  • Is there any difference between the Kluger (Made in USA) vs the previous model that was made in Japan? Build quality wise or performance.

  • FWIW, I was in a similar position 2 years ago. I drove many cars. My favourite was the Sorrento but ended up with the Santa Fe (DM2 highlander) with factory "load assist kit" to enable occasional small caravan towing (which wasn't available in the Sorrento). I did think the Pajero Sport was great value and good for off-road or heavier towing, but a bit too agricultural for everyday family driving.
    No Android Auto / ACP was big let down in the Mazda / Toyota options, although I did like the CX9 too. I'm not sure if this is still absent from current models.

  • We had the same dilemma when our 3rd child came along and the Mrs had to trade in her beloved Hyundai Tucson. 7 seaters are ugly :(

  • We bought a new CX9 6 months ago. I was really keen on the Hyundai Santa Fe, and test drove both extensively. Santa Fe has loads of bells & whistles coming standard 'moon roof' is especially nice, but also adaptive cruise built in phone charger, blind spot assist etc. Very nice car. Mazda is a bit more pricey, and its probably mostly for the badge, and the fact that ppl think Japanese build > Korean build. I'm not sure that is correct, but thats the perception which is a reality when it comes to resale. CX9 drove a bit more solidly in my opinion, and it feels luxury. Definitely drive both, or all the ones that you're getting close on. Good luck, its fun to get a new car!
    FYI CX9 is rolling out Apple Car Play now, and they called me to retro fit our 2019 model with it for about $700. New ones may have it come pre-loaded, but you'd have to check your specific car, as it may depend on build date.

  • +1

    I'm in a similar situation, although I want 4WD. The Toyota fortuner is extremely highly rated and is my choice. It's a close second to the Ford Escape whch are still out of my price range (second hand)

    https://www.carsguide.com.au/buy-a-car/all-new-and-used/all-…

  • -1

    volvo xc90 dude

  • +1

    CX9 or maybe CX8.

  • +2

    Landcruiser Prado! For $40ish you could pick up a 2015/16 model. We have an older model 2009 diesel and love it dearly. It’s awesome on fuel and very comfortable to drive.

  • -1

    My daily is the Hyundai Santa fe but I often swap car with my sister and drives her mazda cx-9. I would highly recommend adding those 2 on your test-drive list.

    -JJB's mrs

  • +7

    Kia Carnival.

    • +3

      For a growing family these are great.
      All 7/8 seats can be occupied and still have room in the back for pram, luggage, etc.
      Definitely not a race car but no slouch either depending on the powertrain.
      One of the few vehicle options with 4 anchor points for baby capsules and kids car seats.
      ISOFIX has been legal since 2014 but they must be anchored according to our laws on such things.

    • +3

      Wanting 7 seats and overlooking the Kia Carnival in favour of SUVs is insane. The Kia is straight up better at everything in the city except maybe impressing the soccer Mum's.

      Convincing the general public that they need a 4WD is an impressive con and I take my hat off to the marketing guys who managed it.

  • +3

    People mover bro.

    • +3

      Excellent suggestion. I'd suggest the Kia Carnival.

  • +1

    We bought a new Pajero GLX back in 2016 (pre DPF). It is great car, it does everything we need including going off-road and towing a camper trailer with ease. Yes, it is low tech, however it is tried and tested. It has Apple CarPlay and DAB though. Ample performance for a 4wd and fuel economy is decent enough. Not one single issue with the car. From memory it was around $45k driveaway.

  • +3

    Burnertoasty on 18/04/2019 - 14:40

    The Pajero is an ancient car. You’d be crazy to buy one.

    Seriously Burnertoasty you have NFI. The motors are tried and true. Basically the same engine since 2000 except from late 2006 they have common rail. From 2009 they used the AISIN gearbox that is in the twin turbo V8 diesel landcruiser.

    From 2000 to late 2006 they had a Jatco box.

    There are many Pajeros with 400,000 to 500,000k on them. Our 2007 has 330,000k and runs like a dream. Just did Sydney Brisbane Sydney and averaged 10.15 litres per 100k. Not bad for a vehicle that ways over 2 tonne.

    Like all diesels service is critical. Correct oils, filters changed on time with quality filters not no name shit. Auto flush every 45,000. Radiator flush and correct coolant used every 90,000k. Quality fuel not from Ali Baba Service Station.

    If you live in the inner city, drive kids 2k to school and back every day. Shops 3k away. In other words use your vehicle as a shopping trolley a diesel is NOT for you, and that's any diesel.

    • "Like all diesels service is critical. Correct oils, filters changed on time with quality filters not no name shit. Auto flush every 45,000. Radiator flush and correct coolant used every 90,000k. Quality fuel not from Ali Baba Service Station."

      Oh no. I am thinking of getting CX8. Is it really that fussy? I mean, I don't always service right down to the dot and second.

  • -1

    If i would have only these three options. Probably would go with CX9. Good thing is 4 litre turbo engine. Spacious inside outside. Modern car with modern tech.
    However, if I would have choice, I would also consider Kia Sorento GTLine(Brand new is expensive but can be purchased 10k kms for 45-50k).
    One of 2 reasons. 1. Modern tech inside outside with panoramic sunroof and android/apple car play and 360 camera view. 2. Capped price servicing.

    Downside with CX9. expensive to maintain, without apple/android car play.
    Would also consider test driving Hyundai Santa fe as well.

Login or Join to leave a comment