Consumer Reports & the Venza

[Bob-blehead]

Originally Posted by venzoid

Funny about how Venza owners get passionate about I4 and V6. I follow the same discussion on the Highlander and Sienna forums and there is no passion and much less interest there. In fact, I think the Venza forum in general seems to be more lively. Not sure why.

The same lively debate goes on in the Rav4 forums as well. I think it may be that more Rav4 and Venza owners choose a 4 cyl than happens with the Highlander or Sienna crowds. Personally, I wouldn't consider either the Highlander or the Sienna with anything less than a 6 cyl., just due to the size / weight of those vehicles. Would be worth looking to see what the true mix is for all four of these vehicles.

[Throck]

Edmunds says: The Highlander grows even more appealing with the 3.5-liter V6, thanks to that engine's strong acceleration. This muscular V6 moves the 4,000-pound crossover with a briskness that makes this Toyota seem smaller than it is. The fact that this powertrain is also among the most fuel-efficient in the category is an added bonus. The four-cylinder engine gets slightly better fuel economy, but we wouldn't recommend it for anybody except the most frugal-minded, given the sacrifice made in terms of performance."
Not that edmunds is "the official last word", but they are independent. FWIW - the highlander weighs about the same as the venza.

[Bob-blehead]

Originally Posted by Throck

FWIW - the highlander weighs about the same as the venza.

Yeah, as I wrote that, I was thinking about the comparative weights of the two vehicles. The Venza is not light by any means (in comparison to say, a Civic or Corolla), weighing in at around 4,000 pounds. The Highlander weighs in at 3,946 to 4,464 pounds, depending upon the trim and drive spec you look at.

We (my wife and I) thought of the Venza more as a "car," and thus didn't mentally make the jump to "needing" a V6. Whereas, looking at vehicles such as a Highlander, or a Honda Pilot, I would be thinking "big vehicle," thus feeling a need for the V6. I don't know how others mentally frame the Venza, but I believe that this is how my wife approached it when she leased her Venza.

I will most likely be leasing a Venza when my Rav4 comes off lease, and if available, I most likely will be opting for the V6. I would not get the Highlander with anything less.

[Throck]

I would tell you to buy what you want and not worry about what others - on this forum or any magazine - tell you. You can read how other people feel about things, but ultimately it's your decision and your money. Good luck in whatever you choose. To me- and me alone- I think of the venza as a camry wagon. I know that's not what toyota thinks of it, but that is what I consider my venza to be.

[mickiemac]

Be aware that Consumer Reports rankings of the Venza I4 & V6 are based on the subscribers that actually own the vehicles and submit surveys. They did test the Venza in early 2009 and their overall impression has remained the same since they haven't tested it since. When I purchased my 2011 Venza FWD V6 I didn't consider the I4 because I wanted certain options that weren't available on the I4 (in my region) and the difference in the mpg (at least for me) was not that much different. I average between 25-26mpg in mostly two lane rural highway driving. One thing I did like about the I4 model were the 19" wheels - I think they look far better than the 20" wheels and I would imagine the higher profile (55 vice 50) would provide a slightly smoother ride. If I were to ever come across a pristine set of 19" wheels I might consider swapping out the 20" for them. Of course there are the handling and speedo calibration factors to consider.

[blackice]

Originally Posted by mickiemac

Be aware that Consumer Reports rankings of the Venza I4 & V6 are based on the subscribers that actually own the vehicles and submit surveys. They did test the Venza in early 2009 and their overall impression has remained the same since they haven't tested it since. When I purchased my 2011 Venza FWD V6 I didn't consider the I4 because I wanted certain options that weren't available on the I4 (in my region) and the difference in the mpg (at least for me) was not that much different. I average between 25-26mpg in mostly two lane rural highway driving. One thing I did like about the I4 model were the 19" wheels - I think they look far better than the 20" wheels and I would imagine the higher profile (55 vice 50) would provide a slightly smoother ride. If I were to ever come across a pristine set of 19" wheels I might consider swapping out the 20" for them. Of course there are the handling and speedo calibration factors to consider.

I think the 20" look far better than 19". Size matters I guess. When I park next to a crossover with smaller rims I always think the Venza looks better.

[blizzardpearl613]

The fittest in the venza is awful! Their are gals everywhere. I can't believe a $40,000 SUV was built like this! I love it otherwise those.

[lpatrick]

Originally Posted by arabianobsession

I'm not sure if they've worked out the bugs in the 4cyl. yet. The 3.5 V6 has been around since (I think???) 2007, and the 4 cyl. (2.7) is a newer engine, came out in '09, and is shared with the Highlander.

Just my 2 cents worth theory

We have owned our Venza I4 since 2009. Zero problems period!

[blizzardpearl613]

Sorry guys my iphone autocorrect went retarted in my post. What I ment to say was.....the fitment in the venza is awful. Consumer reports had it right in their online youtube video review. This thing has panels popping up everywhere, it's ridiculous. I have the top trim venza and its embarrasing that a $40,000 vehicle was actually released to the public to buy like this. I went from a 2006 acura tl to a 2008 honda accord v6 sedan to this. Honda seems to have better fitment. I love the venza so much but this is bad. Do they fix this under warranty or recall?

[Throck]

Originally Posted by blizzardpearl613

Sorry guys my iphone autocorrect went retarted in my post. What I ment to say was.....the fitment in the venza is awful. Consumer reports had it right in their online youtube video review. This thing has panels popping up everywhere, it's ridiculous. I have the top trim venza and its embarrasing that a $40,000 vehicle was actually released to the public to buy like this. I went from a 2006 acura tl to a 2008 honda accord v6 sedan to this. Honda seems to have better fitment. I love the venza so much but this is bad. Do they fix this under warranty or recall?

Toyota has long been chastised for cheap interiors by reviewers. They improved the camry in 2012, but left the venza alone. Take a look at the interiors on any new toyota and I think you'll find (with the exception of your leather) that the venza interior is no better than any other toyota. In fact, I think you'll find the fit and finish to be poorer than any other toyota on the lot - including the yaris - while having the same cheap, hard shiny plastics of all the other toyota interiors. To ME, the venza's interior is what I would expect in an econobox.

[blizzardpearl613]

Very interesting reply. This is my first toyota so I didnt know. It is a shame as the dash components are all nice soft touch materials. I just don't know how the assembly line got away with letting the venza's go off the line with speaker grilles popping up and all the other panels popping up and having gaps. It is ridiculous. It boggles my mind.

[arabianobsession]

^It's far from the only Toyota in the lineup with that issue. More like almost all of them pop/squeak/rattle to the extreme. You know it's bad when your 90's Ford product has almost zero fitment issues and makes no noise and your brand new Toyota seems like it has the interior of a Yugo, lol.

[blackice]

I have not had this experience. The fit on my Venza is tight and there are no squeaks rattles etc. If you have a lemon in terms of the interior it is your fault for accepting it. As far as Toyota being chastised for poor interiors..well this is not true. Whenever I rent a car (Ford, Chrysler in particular) I am really surprised by the cheap feel. You like the feel of these cars then that is good --be happy that you got what you wanted.

[Throck]

I think it's a matter of what standards you have. I rode in my friend's new chrysler 200 over the weekend. It has been panned by most critics, but I would LOVE to have his interior in my venza. Although he paid $21k OTD for his base model chrysler 200, the interior (except for no leather) is FAR nicer than my venza.

[arabianobsession]

Originally Posted by blackice

I have not had this experience. The fit on my Venza is tight and there are no squeaks rattles etc. If you have a lemon in terms of the interior it is your fault for accepting it. As far as Toyota being chastised for poor interiors..well this is not true. Whenever I rent a car (Ford, Chrysler in particular) I am really surprised by the cheap feel. You like the feel of these cars then that is good --be happy that you got what you wanted.

It is not a lemon, it is a common problem. I have spent 4 years working at a Toyota dealership and haven't been in many Toyotas that were squeak/rattle/pop free. Unfortunately it's just something you see pretty often.