Article Comments - 2009 Toyota Venza V6 Full Test

52 messages, Last post on Oct 27, 2009 at 3:45 AM

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What is this discussion about? Toyota Venza, SUV

2009 Toyota Venza V6 Full Test and Video - Bottom Line: Pure people-packing utility in a package that's more practical than an SUV, though with less character.(more)

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#5 of 52 Looks nice, but too close to Lexus $$ by superm Jan 02, 2009 (8:11 am)
Just how close is this to an RX350, especially now that the RX is going for close to invoice? Replies to this message: qs933 (Jan 02, 2009 11:10 pm)
#6 of 52 Re: Looks nice, but too close to Lexus $$ [superm] by qs933 Jan 02, 2009 (11:10 pm)
Replying to: superm (Jan 02, 2009 8:11 am) They are related (same engine, for example), and if you assume that the Venza is going for MSRP and the 2009 RX350 is being closed out closer to invoice, there probably is a pricing overlap. Even though the '09 RX is at the end of its model cycle, it's still a very nice vehicle. Plus, you'd get the longer Lexus warranty and the premium dealer experience. The '09 RX has memory settings for the driver, power tilt/telescoping steering wheel, and LED tails, none of which are available on the Venza. On the downside, the '09 RX will be replaced in a couple of months by the redesigned 2010 model, so your brand new vehicle will already seem "old" -- for some that's a big deal. For others, it doesn't really matter (especially if you prefer the '09 styling). The '09 RX also lacks some of the features found on the Venza (but will be in the '10 RX) including the Smart Key and an aux-in jack (the '10 has USB input which is even better).
#7 of 52 Re: Article Comments - 2009 Toyota Venza V6 Full Test [shockopopper] by kharris Jan 04, 2009 (7:02 am)
Replying to: shockopopper (Dec 30, 2008 6:03 am) I generally agree with your comments, but I have a question. You said that "this vehicle makes more sense for aging Boomers who don't want to climb up into their SUVs anymore, but still want some of the higher driving position that they offer". I also saw a similar statement in a brief review of the Venza somewhere else. Why do people say it's easier to climb into? Both the Venza and the Highlander have the same 8 inch ground clearance and both have the high seating position, so how can the Venza be easier to get into? Replies to this message: petl (Jan 04, 2009 7:57 am) macpro (Jan 04, 2009 8:26 am) bobquebec (Oct 27, 2009 3:45 am) qs933 (Jan 04, 2009 1:37 pm) macpro (Jan 04, 2009 2:29 pm) qs933 (Jan 04, 2009 3:43 pm) and 1 more...
#8 of 52 Re: Article Comments - 2009 Toyota Venza V6 Full Test [kharris] by petl Jan 04, 2009 (7:57 am)
Replying to: kharris (Jan 04, 2009 7:02 am) Venza's height is 6 inches less than the Highlander. It's the interior design and the lower exterior profile (not ground clearance) that likely makes it easier to get into. Replies to this message: macpro (Jan 04, 2009 8:26 am) bobquebec (Oct 27, 2009 3:45 am)
#9 of 52 Re: Article Comments - 2009 Toyota Venza V6 Full Test [petl] by macpro Jan 04, 2009 (8:26 am)
Replying to: petl (Jan 04, 2009 7:57 am) My brother has a Highlander and I have a Venza and although the ground clearance is the same, it's easier for me to enter and exit the Venza. Toyota has a good example on their web site. They state: "A unique low and narrow sweeping door rocker allows passengers to smoothly slide in and out of the Venza. Unlike SUV's, a low step-in-height eliminates the feeling of having to climb into the vehicle. http://www.toyota.com/vehicles/minisite/venzaexperience/index.html Replies to this message: bobquebec (Oct 27, 2009 3:45 am)
#10 of 52 Re: Article Comments - 2009 Toyota Venza V6 Full Test [kharris] by qs933 Jan 04, 2009 (1:37 pm)
Replying to: kharris (Jan 04, 2009 7:02 am) Why do people say it's easier to climb into? Both the Venza and the Highlander have the same 8 inch ground clearance and both have the high seating position, so how can the Venza be easier to get into? I know lots of articles point to the design of the Venza's narrow rocker panel. When comparing it to truck-based SUVs in general (like the 4Runner), the ease of entry becomes abundantly clear. I would guess that it's a little less clear comparing the Venza to other car-based SUVs/CUVs, since even the Highlander is much easier to get into than the 4Runner. The 4Runner's ground clearance is listed as 8.7 inches versus the Venza's 8.1 inches, so it has less to do with the raw figures for ground clearance. It would be interesting to measure how high the driver's seat is off the ground for both vehicles -- I'd bet it's much more than the 0.6 inch difference in ground clearance. If I have a chance, I'll measure it for my 4Runner. Replies to this message: macpro (Jan 04, 2009 2:29 pm) qs933 (Jan 04, 2009 3:43 pm) macpro (Jan 04, 2009 4:03 pm)
#11 of 52 Re: Article Comments - 2009 Toyota Venza V6 Full Test [qs933] by macpro Jan 04, 2009 (2:29 pm)
Replying to: qs933 (Jan 04, 2009 1:37 pm) Venza measurements: I adjusted my driver seat to the highest position, then measured from the front of the seat to the ground. It measured 28 inches. Then I adjusted my driver seat to the lowest position, then measured from the front of the seat to the ground. It measured 26 inches. To summarize, seat height varies from 28 inches to 26 inches depending on seat adjustment. Replies to this message: qs933 (Jan 04, 2009 3:43 pm) macpro (Jan 04, 2009 4:03 pm)
#12 of 52 Re: Article Comments - 2009 Toyota Venza V6 Full Test [macpro] by qs933 Jan 04, 2009 (3:43 pm)
Replying to: macpro (Jan 04, 2009 2:29 pm) Here are my (2005) 4Runner's measurements: Adjusted the driver's seat to the highest position, measured from the front of the seat to the ground: 33 inches. Adjusted to the lowest position, measured from the front of the seat to the ground: 31 inches. So, in comparison to the Venza; - 4Runner seat height: 33 to 31 inches - Venza seat height: 28 to 26 inches Looking at the step in to the 4Runner, there are about 8 inches of rocker + running board from the left-most edge of the driver's seat to the edge of the running board. The running board is the first "obstacle," with two levels of the door sill. The upper part of the sill is level with the carpet. Replies to this message: macpro (Jan 04, 2009 4:03 pm)
#13 of 52 Re: Article Comments - 2009 Toyota Venza V6 Full Test [qs933] by macpro Jan 04, 2009 (4:03 pm)
Replying to: qs933 (Jan 04, 2009 3:43 pm) From the carpet area (driver's side) to the outside edge is 5 inches with 3-1/2 inches being a large plastic area and 1-1/2 inches is metal with the words VENZA. From the ground to entry point is just over 14 inches.
#14 of 52 Scion Xv by gearhead1977 Jan 15, 2009 (12:50 pm)
The only thing I'm not sure about is the "angry" Toyota grille. Other than that, the rest is pure Toyota. Not exciting, but gets the job done. Will it sell? Probably. In great numbers? Probably not. Does Toyota REALLY need this in their line-up? I don't think so. How about a Scion version of this instead of putting a Toyota badge on it? Maybe someone with an Xb would like mid-size cross-over with a bit more flair. This could be the Scion Xv!!