Toyota Venza vs Lexus RX 350

Replying to: xGuessWhox (Jan 29, 2009 8:35 pm)

I dont work for any Toyota dealer, I'm a consumer who can fairly look at two cars, ignoring the names, and state which is the better value for the cost. Its when people make BS statements like "The car just feels and looks cheap and the drive is nowhere smooth or quiet as Lexus and I was disappointed after mere few minutes into the test drive" that I come with the response I did. You keep talking about how much better the Lexus is with "high-end" this and that, when they literally have the same features. Did you not see this post?
 
http://townhall-talk.edmunds.com/direct/view/.f1c3447/17
 
Unless by high quality you mean 'The Lexus has wood grain on the wheel, and the Venza doesn't', you must be flat-out "blind" to not see the similarities in the car. Especially after looking at the side-by-side pics in the post above. There is nothing cheap about either car, they both have the same features and options available; the layout is the only difference. If you want to argue that the Lexus is better because the placement of the center vents are horizontal rather than vertical, have fun talking to yourself.
 
And as far as the exterior differences...:
 


 
Okay, connect the Lexus headlights to the center grille, add some more curves and smooth indents to the car body, and you have what looks pretty damn similar to a Venza. Or vice versa. Your argument really has no grounds.

Replies to this message:
• wwest (Jan 30, 2009 9:03 am)
  • venomshot629 (Jan 30, 2009 11:31 am)
• qs933 (Jan 30, 2009 11:18 pm)
  • wwest (Jan 31, 2009 9:47 am)
  • jkenley (Jan 31, 2009 11:18 am)
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Replying to: venomshot629 (Jan 29, 2009 9:03 pm)

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• venomshot629 (Jan 30, 2009 11:31 am)

Replying to: DAGHVAC (Jan 29, 2009 11:09 am)

Replying to: wwest (Jan 30, 2009 9:03 am)

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• berri (Jan 30, 2009 4:40 pm)
• bodble2 (Jan 30, 2009 5:23 pm)
  • wwest (Jan 31, 2009 9:44 am)
    • qs933 (Jan 31, 2009 12:00 pm)

Replying to: terry79 (Jan 30, 2009 3:45 pm)

Replying to: terry79 (Jan 30, 2009 3:45 pm)

Yeah, but those 20" wheels make an otherwise fairly ho-hum cross-over look pretty hip. That was my reaction when I first saw a photo of a Venza. All I saw was those huge wheels, and thought, "what the hell model is that?"

Replies to this message:
• wwest (Jan 31, 2009 9:44 am)
  • qs933 (Jan 31, 2009 12:00 pm)

Replying to: venomshot629 (Jan 29, 2009 9:03 pm)

I like the Venza, but the difference between it and the RX is more than just "the layout." The RX is simply more luxurious and the 2010 model differentiates itself quite well from the Venza. The 2010 RX will likely start at least $10K higher than the base Venza V6. It should look and feel more expensive because it is.
 
What this means to you all depends on your expectations. Those with "Lexus" expectations are likely to conclude that the leather isn't as soft, the woodgrain trim far inferior to real wood, and the ride much too rough. Those with "Toyota" expectations will probably find the Venza to be one of the better interiors in the Toyota lineup.
 
I'm sure the product managers at Toyota and Lexus mull over positioning extensively when planning their respective products. Even the wheel choice probably reflects the differing target audience. The Venza has 20" wheels that look great.
 
The 2010 RX has 19" wheels (with 18" standard) -- sacrificing appearance for what's probably a quieter, smoother ride. I saw a 2010 RX with 18" wheels in person today and was disappointed with the way it looked, especially when it was parked near a Venza with those 20" wheels.

Replies to this message:
• wwest (Jan 31, 2009 9:47 am)
• jkenley (Jan 31, 2009 11:18 am)
  • qs933 (Feb 01, 2009 11:40 am)
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Replying to: bodble2 (Jan 30, 2009 5:23 pm)

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• qs933 (Jan 31, 2009 12:00 pm)

Replying to: qs933 (Jan 30, 2009 11:18 pm)