Crossover or station wagon?
Not long ago, official Toyota dealers in Russia opened applications for a new Toyota Venza car for our country - its technical characteristics have been modified in accordance with the operating conditions of cars in our country. In general, the car was released at the end of 2008. But deliveries to Russia are only starting now. This will be a 2013-2014 Venza. This updated version was presented at the last New York Auto Show. The assembly of the car for the domestic market will be carried out in North America, at the production facilities of the plant in Kentucky.
The Japanese manufacturer classifies the Toyota Venza as a crossover, which, in their opinion, is indicated by the increased ground clearance, powerful engine and all-wheel drive system. However, with all the listed advantages, on a country road such a car will not be as comfortable as a full-fledged SUV. Therefore, it is more accurate to call it an “urban” crossover, or an all-terrain station wagon.
It is worth noting that the Toyota Venza was designed on the platform of the previous generation Camry sedan.
Appearance
Since only the restyled version of the Toyota Venza will be supplied to our country, we will not consider both generations of this car and conduct a comparative analysis of them, but will dwell in more detail on the updated Venza, which is of more interest to us.
In general, changes in the external appearance gave the car a more powerful and aggressive look, thereby preparing it for Russian reality. Venza's streamlined exterior design features new upper and lower grilles, fog lights and taillights for a dynamic look. The new look is complemented by 19-inch wheels. There is also a choice of three body color options. The Toyota Venza's dimensions are mostly similar to those of the Camry, but the Venza is significantly taller.
Key indicators of Toyota Venza:
- ground clearance or ground clearance is 205 mm;
- the curb weight of the car is 1860 kg for the front-wheel drive version and 1945 kg for the all-wheel drive version;
- trunk volume - 975 liters.
Interior decoration
The interior is luxurious and elegant. The new Toyota Venza features wood or carbon fiber inserts, giving the interior the appearance of a premium car. The seats and steering wheel are covered in high-quality leather, and the dashboard is equipped with LED backlighting.
The salon turned out to be ergonomic and very spacious. The developers took care not only of the comfort of the driver and front seat passenger, but also of the convenience of rear seat passengers by designing for them a folding armrest with cup holders, adjustable seat backs, a heating system and several pockets for small items.
Engine, transmission
It's time to take a closer look at the technical characteristics of the Toyota Venza. If in the USA and Canada the Toyota Venza is available with two engines, then only one power unit will be available for domestic buyers. It will be a 2.7-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine, which has been modified to a certain extent and prepared for the particularities of operation on Russian roads. In addition, by 3 hp. The power was increased, now amounting to 185 hp. And the maximum torque of 247 Nm at 4200 rpm helps to confidently accelerate the car to a top speed of 180 km/h. There is no information about acceleration speed yet, but the first generation model reached a speed of 100 km/h in 9.5 seconds.
The new Toyota Venza for Russian buyers will be equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission. There is no version of the car with a manual transmission. Venza is equipped with both exclusively front-wheel drive, typical for basic configurations, and all-wheel drive, which is activated through a multi-plate clutch when the front axle slips. This version is typical for more expensive modifications.
Fuel consumption and safety
Fuel consumption indicators are formed depending on the Toyota Venza model and its operating conditions:
- a crossover model with front-wheel drive in urban driving conditions consumes about 12.3 liters, outside the city the consumption decreases to 7.1 liters, and with a combined cycle fuel costs will cost approximately 9.1 liters;
- modifications with all-wheel drive consume 13.3 liters in urban conditions, about 8.0 liters on the highway, and about 10.0 liters of fuel will be consumed in mixed driving modes.
Many car enthusiasts who are interested in the Toyota Venza are interested in the question of why the Toyota Venza is not available to Russian buyers with the popular Toyota 3.5-liter six-cylinder engine. This is explained by the fact that more expensive Highlander brands are equipped with such units, the demand for which, if such engines are installed for Venza, will be significantly reduced. This is not beneficial for the Russian branch of the Toyota concern.
Toyota Venza is equipped with a fully independent suspension front and rear, which is based on MacPherson struts and is equipped with settings developed taking into account the characteristics of Russian roads. Ventilated brake discs are used on the front wheels, while non-ventilated discs are used on the rear wheels. The braking system of the new Venza includes anti-lock brakes, brake assist, brake force distribution, traction control and hill start assist. Moreover, all this additional equipment is available as standard.
The rack and pinion steering wheel is equipped with an electric booster. Also, already in the basic modification of the car, the front seats are supplemented with:
- lumbar support system;
- safety hatch;
- front and side airbags, two each for front seat passengers;
- knee pad for the driver;
- side curtain airbags for front and rear row seats.
All this suggests that the developers of the updated Toyota Venza took maximum care not only about the safety of the driver and passengers, but also about the comfort and convenience of their movement.
Options and prices
The Venza model for the Russian car market has not only a beautifully designed interior and good build quality, but also a basic package almost typical of prestigious cars. However, Toyota Venza is offered in Russia not only in the basic configuration and, accordingly, has a different price, depending on the availability of additional equipment:
- The initial “Elegance” package includes xenon headlights, fog lights front and rear, LED running lights, 19-inch alloy wheels, leather steering wheel and seats, panoramic roof with sunroof, full power accessories, dual-zone climate control and cruise control, front electrically adjustable and heated seats, as well as a heated windshield, light sensors, rear parking sensors, an audio system with a 6.1-inch screen and 6 speakers, central locking and an immobilizer. The cost of this modification of Toyota Venza will be 1,587,00 rubles.
- The Elegance Plus package is complemented by a rear view camera and an all-wheel drive system. The price of the car in this case will increase to 1,688,000 rubles.
- The “Prestige” package includes an electric rear door, front parking sensors, an automatic headlight leveling system, a Smart Entry vehicle access system, an engine starting system with a Push Start button, a navigator in Russian with voice control, as well as a premium audio system with 13 speakers. The price of this configuration will be 1,793,000 rubles.
It's not easy to answer. The cars overlap in price: for example, the difference between crossovers in the same Prestige configuration is less than 150,000 rubles. Add here the same platform, comparable dimensions and a lot of standardized components. Essentially, the Venza is an all-wheel drive Toyota Camry hatchback, and the Highlander is an all-wheel drive Toyota Camry station wagon.
To prevent buyers' brains from exploding at the car showroom, the Russian representative office of the Japanese concern still sold out the models. First of all, with the help of power units. The Venza is supplied to our market exclusively with a 2.7 four-cylinder engine, while the Highlander is available with a more powerful and status V6 3.5. Equipment details play in favor of the first model, but the larger “relative” can take seven on board.
So what is it? Just another marketing ploy to not lose a customer, or are the cars really different, despite all their similarities? We'll figure out...
Let's see. Toyota Highlander is a classic two-volume car. The brutal and not very harmonious style should clearly appeal to men who are not averse to stylistic refinements. The main thing is that the Highlander from the outside gives the impression of a large SUV and resembles Land Cruisers, which means the designers have already pleased Russian buyers.
The Venza is more refined. Her streamlined look, while not overly intricate, is still more pleasing to the eye. First of all, freshness. And also unusual: it is difficult to determine which class this model belongs to. For a crossover it is squat, for a classic hatchback it is large, for a van it is too small. In general, you will be able to stand out from the crowd at first.
The Venza appears to have lower ground clearance. But this is an optical illusion! The ground clearance under the crankcase protection is the same for the cars – 205 mm. It’s just that the Highlander has better geometric cross-country ability due to its higher body position. It is thanks to the high-standing body that the Toyota Highlander seems like a truly large all-terrain vehicle - it’s hard to call it a crossover.
Once inside the Highlander, the first thing you immediately notice is the quality of finishing materials. There is not a single piece of plastic that is soft and pleasant to look at or touch in a car that costs two million. The “wooden” sticker on the dashboard on a gray background looks too colorful. And the skin is smooth and slippery.
But a miracle! Instead of the “branded” antediluvian electronic watch of the late 80s, the Highlander’s center console is crowned with a color multifunctional liquid crystal display of the on-board computer. The second all-Toyota screen, although with simple graphics, clearly and without much glare displays multimedia information and a navigation map.
The ergonomics of the large crossover are up to par: it fits well in the car and looks far away. The only thing missing is lateral support for the seats and steering wheel adjustment ranges. Otherwise, everything is built according to the usual, and therefore convenient, scheme: not only is everything at hand, but also the keys, according to the Toyota tradition, are the size of a matchbox, and the radio and climate control washers can be rotated even with mittens.
There are as many as four (!) cup holders at hand: for Coca-Cola, Pepsi-Cola, Nuka-Cola and coffee. And there's enough room in the armrest for a bucket of French fries. In a word, “Made for USA”.
The Toyota Venza also cannot be called a crossover, but for a different reason - you get into it, almost like a regular car. The materials here are no better. But the interior is more modern and much more interesting. The main stylistic highlight of the cabin is the asymmetrical center console, and the main feature is a multifunctional tunnel-armrest with a section that moves on rails.
There are also no problems finding the right buttons and adjustments. Except that everything is designed a little differently. Both displays in the Venza are exactly the same as in the Highlander, although the navigation map firmware was more recent.
Venza is especially attentive to smartphone owners: a special compartment has been made for them with velvet edges inside and a hole at the bottom for connecting the device to a USB port or 12-volt outlet. By the way, the “carbon fiber” finish looks much nicer than the “wooden” one.
The interior of both cars is quite spacious, especially for a person of average height. However, if the “Highlander” takes the volume of the body and the height of the roof, then the “Venza” takes the light pouring from all sides: panoramic glazing and two hatches do their job; The spaciousness here is felt more visually.
The second row of the Toyota Venza is very good: wide, spacious, with a soft sofa, an adjustable backrest and a huge amount of space, allowing you to sit cross-legged.
The trunk is the delight of the summer resident, traveler, family man and just a “plushkin”. 957 liters in the nominal position, and with the seats folded - 1988 liters!
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But to describe everything that is happening behind the backs of the front seats in the Toyota Highlander, a paragraph is not enough. First of all, it’s worth saying that the salon... has six seats. Yes, yes, I didn’t say exactly “six,” although formally there are seven places. It’s just that the second row is, in fact, two chairs connected by a partition-armrest. It's not very comfortable to sit here. But this place can easily be occupied by a child seat - then seven will be comfortable. If you stay on the second row together, the level of comfort will be like in a business-class car: folding armrests, autonomous climate control with separate air deflectors and plenty of space in all directions.
The Highlander has its own secret “zest” in the armrest. An additional multifunctional box “lives” inside it, which can be swapped with the same folding armrest of the second row of seats, finally making the sofa a double one.
The trunk, of course, is even larger than in the Venza - as much as 1198 liters. A maximum of 2,700 liters of cargo can be crammed into the car - the same amount as, for example, in a commercial Peugeot Partner heel. And with all the seats folded down, there will be room for only 292 liters of luggage. It can also be loaded through a separately folding glass. However, what is most memorable about the Highlander is not its cargo-and-passenger capabilities, but its magnificent engine. The seemingly ordinary 3.5-liter naturally aspirated V6 works wonders even with an old five-speed automatic transmission.
A more than confident start from a standstill, a distinct grip in the mid-speed zone and an indicative peak of traction at the “top”. Moreover, the engine power cannot be called excessive, but it is always enough and everywhere. And in terms of elasticity, this engine can give odds to many of its turbo “colleagues”. We can’t help but say thank you to the Japanese for the soft “automatic”, which protects the occupants of the cabin from jerks and jolts, and for the carefully adjusted accelerator sensitivity, thanks to which the driver uses the capabilities of the power unit in the most precise way. And as a sign of mutual gratitude from the “Highlander” itself - a pleasant rumbling of six cylinders.
The fact that the Toyota Highlander is more suitable for long-distance voyages is clearly evident from its fuel consumption. On the highway at a speed of about 100 km/h, we managed to achieve a figure of 9.4 liters per “hundred”. Moreover, an increase in speed to 120-140 km/h does not greatly affect appetite - the average consumption rises to 12-12.5 liters. But in the city crowd, get ready to see 18, 20, or even all 25 liters per 100 km.
Surprisingly, the Toyota Highlander does not have American laxity in behavior on the road. The two-ton crossover rushes smoothly along the highway, swimming into turns with a slight delay and without swaying on potholes. The car can only be shaken by too much speed in a sharp turn, when the heavy body submits to the power of energy. At high speeds, uneven road surfaces become more noticeable. If you drive calmly, then the Highlander walks over potholes as if walking on cotton wool - complete comfort. But as soon as you add gas, the joints and cracks begin to take shape. Especially large ones sometimes annoy with muffled blows.
The sound insulation of the Toyota Highlander is impeccable up to a speed of approximately 100 km/h. Then the hum of the tires and the aerodynamic noise of the large and square body begin to appear. The Venza has less reason to be proud of its engine. Although it has a decent volume - 2.7 liters, and 187 horsepower, and the automatic transmission is more modern - six-speed. But there are only four cylinders, and there are still 86 fewer “horses” than in the Highlander. And in terms of weight, the Venza is not much inferior to the Highlander.
No, the car has enough power unit. But right next to each other. If in the city this is not particularly noticeable and, in general, does not interfere in any way, then on the highway everything falls into place. Here you see smooth acceleration, trying to catch up with the tachometer needle and a muffled squeal of the engine. And overtaking is only with a good margin in the oncoming traffic. On the other hand, if everything is done measuredly and smoothly, as it should be on a family crossover, then the only complaint about the Venza’s dynamics will be the inability to quickly overtake when there is an urgent need. And so, it goes and goes: you need to go 100 km/h - it will go 100, you need 150 km/h - it will go 150.
The Venza's automatic settings, regardless of driving style and the mode turned on, are always on the side of comfort. That is, switching occurs smoothly and imperceptibly. Sixth gear is not for speed records, but for the sake of efficiency. By the way, looking ahead, we note that the average fuel consumption of the Venza during the test day was not much inferior to that of the Highlander. Not surprising: under the same loads, the engine of the younger Toyota operates at noticeably higher speeds. Regularity and smoothness are also necessary when driving a Venza. As in the Highlander, you feel that the car is weighty, and it’s not worth sending it into a “steep dive” again. The front wheels here also react to steering deviations with a theatrical pause, but due to the lower driving position, there is no urgent need to brake before a bend.
We left off-road testing of crossovers behind us. And it’s clear that the Highlander’s advantage over the Venza is obvious. Permanent all-wheel drive versus plug-in, better geometric cross-country ability and a couple of buttons that have nothing to do with off-road capabilities, but in the right hands can at least somehow help. Venza becomes the sixth all-wheel drive vehicle in the Toyota family. True, this did not increase the number of real SUVs in the model line. Moreover, if you put together the direct and indirect parameters of “off-road”, the Venza turns out to be the most incapable of all Toyotas. Except that it doesn’t really cling to curbs.
The official sale of the Venza in Russia applies to the model with only one of the available engines, but in three modifications at once. This crossover has not advertised itself as anything bad, although it also has certain nuances. The Venza is positioned as an innovative, “smart” car. Previously, it was available only through direct purchase in the States, where, in fact, the assembly process takes place. However, Venza is now officially supplied to our country, and therefore the number of “gray” models is beginning to gradually decrease. It is necessary to study the technical specifications of the Toyota Venza 2013 and determine its cost.
Dimensions
Venza is a rather big car. Judge for yourself: its length is almost 5 meters (4893 mm), width – 1905 mm and height – 1610 mm. With such indicators, Toyota's turning radius is 5.96 m. The weight barely reaches two tons. The car’s ground clearance is also impressive – a considerable 205 mm. True, in combination with all this, rather modest approach and departure angles are observed - only 17 and 21 degrees, respectively.
The dimensions lead to a considerable luggage compartment: its volume is 975 liters and can be increased to 1988 liters by folding the seats. With all this, the Venza is capable of transporting up to 480 kg of cargo. In addition, driving with a trailer weighing up to one and a half tons is allowed.
Power units
When considering the technical characteristics of the Toyota Venza, one cannot ignore the engines with which it can be equipped. It would be more accurate to say about the engine in the singular, since models with only one engine are officially supplied to the domestic market: we are talking about a 2.7-liter gasoline engine with a power of 185 hp. (achieved at 5,800 rpm).
In any configuration, the engine is combined with a six-speed automatic transmission; the only difference is in the drive: both a front-wheel drive version and a car with all-wheel drive are available. Depending on this, the technical characteristics of the Toyota Venza vary: acceleration to hundreds ranges from 9.9 s to 10.6 s. The maximum speed developed by the unit is set at 180 km/h. Fuel consumption in the combined cycle is 9.1 liters for the front-wheel drive version and 10 liters for the all-wheel drive Venza.
By the way, until the beginning of this year, a model with a 3.5-liter engine was also available, which had a power of 268 hp. Accordingly, the engine also had significantly higher fuel consumption - about 13 liters in the combined cycle and was capable of accelerating the Venza to 214 km/h.
Options
As already mentioned at the beginning of the article, the official Venza in Russia is available in three modifications. It's time to study them carefully.
So, the simplest configuration – “Elegance” – is available only for the front-wheel drive version and includes:
- leather upholstery;
- leather steering wheel;
- fog lights;
- xenon headlights;
- low beam headlight LEDs;
- auto-correction of headlight angle;
- panoramic roof;
- alloy wheels.
Safety elements in Elegance include:
- directional stability system;
- airbags: driver, passenger, side, driver's knee and curtain;
- anti-lock braking system;
- traction control system;
- brake force distribution system;
- emergency braking assistance system;
- assistant during reconstruction.
For the comfort of the driver and passengers, the following is provided:
- heated front seats;
- electric sunroof;
- full electric drive of windows, side mirrors, and front seats;
- cruise control;
- power steering;
- light sensor;
- rear parking sensors;
- multifunction steering wheel;
- heated windshield and side mirrors;
- auto-dimming rearview mirror;
- air conditioner;
- dual-zone climate control;
- memory settings for the driver's seat.
Finally, the multimedia equipment of the package consists of:
- CD-recorders with a connector providing the possibility of an external audio device;
- on-board computer;
- multifunctional color display;
- Bluetooth module;
- six speakers.
Those wishing to purchase a version with all-wheel drive are offered the Elegance Plus package, which differs from the simple Elegance only in the presence of a rear view camera.
The richest configuration, which is available only to owners of cars with front-wheel drive, is “Prestige”. This package is characterized by the following:
- The car is additionally equipped with an adaptive road lighting system;
- Instead of rear parking sensors, a combined one is offered, i.e. combined in one rear and front;
- the ability to enter the car without a key is offered;
- the engine starts and stops using a button;
- The package also includes an electric trunk drive;
- the music system is already equipped with 8 speakers, there is also a subwoofer;
- there is a rear view camera;
- Finally, the equipment includes a navigation system.
It is worth noting that each trim level provides as an option the possibility of pearlescent body painting. It is interesting that such painting has become available exclusively on our market. Here in America, Venza is usually painted in matte colors, without gloss or glare.
Car cost
The price of a Toyota Venza varies depending on the configuration. So, the buyer of a car in the “Elegance” version will need 1,570,000 rubles, and “Elegance Plus” will cost a little more: that same “plus” adds another hundred thousand rubles to the cost, giving a result of 1,671,000 rubles. The richest package – “Prestige” – will cost 1,776,000 rubles.
Whether the Toyota Venza 2013 model will be available - the technical characteristics of which are more powerful, and therefore the price is different, is still unknown. Let us only note that true Toyota fans are waiting for such a modification.
On the Japanese manufacturer's hierarchical model ladder, the Toyota Venza occupies a place one step lower than the Highlander and is a direct competitor to another Japanese crossover, the Honda Crosstour. Both of these cars are a universal solution for a family man who prefers an active lifestyle, but without sacrificing comfort and speed.
The second generation Toyota Venza received an updated radiator grille, consisting of three massive curved horizontally oriented fins. Above it, in the manner of Skoda cars, the manufacturer’s logo is located, forming a small beak on the hood. The headlights have an elongated shape and look quite stylish. They also boast lensed optics and a garland of daytime running lights.
Dimensions of Toyota Venza
Toyota Venza is a mid-size crossover with two rows of seats. Its overall dimensions are: length 4833 mm, width 1905 mm, height 1610 mm, wheelbase 2775 mm, and ground clearance is 205 mm. Thanks to its solid ground clearance, the crossover can easily climb medium-sized curbs and easily navigate dirt roads far from civilization. For those who like to get out into nature, there is an all-wheel drive version with even greater cross-country ability.
The trunk of the Toyota Venza can please you with its capacity. With the backrests of the second row of seats raised, there is 975 liters of free space in the rear. This is more than enough for both everyday city use and long trips. If, by a whim of fate, the owner needs to transport something larger, he can always fold down the backrests of the second row and free up up to 1987 liters of free space.
Toyota Venza Engine and Transmission
Toyota Venza in the domestic market is equipped with one power unit, a six-speed automatic transmission, as well as an all-wheel drive or front-wheel drive system. Although the choice cannot be called extensive, the proposed units are quite versatile and can meet most of the requirements of potential buyers.
The Toyota Venza engine is a transversely located in-line naturally aspirated four with a volume of 2672 cubic centimeters. The large displacement, proprietary gas distribution system and two overhead camshafts allowed engineers to squeeze out 185 horsepower at 5800 rpm and 247 Nm of torque at 4200 rpm. With such a power unit and all-wheel drive system, the crossover reaches a speed of one hundred kilometers per hour in 10.6 seconds, and the speed ceiling, in turn, will be 180 kilometers per hour. The engine's appetite is quite decent, but it is worth noting that the volume is rather large. The fuel consumption of a Toyota Venza with all-wheel drive will be 13.3 liters of gasoline per hundred kilometers at a city pace with frequent acceleration and braking, 8 liters during a measured trip on a country road and 10 liters of fuel per hundred in a combined driving cycle.
equipment
Toyota Venza has a rich technical content; inside you will find a lot of useful devices and clever systems designed to make your trip interesting, comfortable, and most importantly, safe. Thus, the car is equipped with: seven airbags, a rear view camera, climate control, a multifunctional on-board computer, a light sensor, full power accessories, heated mirrors, windows and seats, xenon headlights, passive cruise control, adaptive headlights, seats with electric settings, elevator and memory of parameters, sunroof and panoramic glass roof, premium audio system, electric trunk lid, standard navigation system, as well as a key card for starting the engine using a button.
Bottom line
Toyota Venza keeps up with the times, it has an elegant and stylish design that perfectly emphasizes the status and character of its owner. The car will look great both on busy city streets and on country roads far from civilization. The salon is a kingdom of luxury, high-quality finishing materials, precise ergonomics and comfort. Even a long trip will not cause unnecessary inconvenience to the driver and passengers. Inside you will find a lot of clever devices and useful systems that will not let you get bored on the road and greatly simplify the operation of the car. The manufacturer understands perfectly well that the car is not a high-tech toy and, first of all, it should provide driving pleasure. That is why, under the hood of the crossover there is a powerful and modern engine, which is the quintessence of innovative technologies, many years of experience in the field of engine building and legendary Japanese quality. Toyota Venza will serve you for many kilometers and give you an unforgettable driving experience.
Video
At the beginning of the year, the new Toyota Venza crossover became available for pre-order in Russia. This premium car has been known in the USA for several years, but it has only just reached our country.
About the model
Toyota Venza of the current model year will be available for purchase in the Russian Federation, that is, in an updated format. After restyling, the crossover was first presented to the public during the New York Auto Show. The version for Russia will be assembled at a plant in Kentucky, USA.
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Many say that it is not correct to consider this Toyota a crossover; it is more of an all-terrain station wagon. This is also supported by the fact that it was created on the basis of the Camry sedan of the previous generation. However, manufacturers claim that the Venza belongs specifically to crossovers, focusing on the increased ground clearance, the presence of all-wheel drive and a powerful engine. Taking into account both of these opinions, the Toyota Venza will be considered a crossover, but a city crossover, which is not very suitable for off-road assault.
New Toyota Venza
Last year's restyling led to a transformation in the appearance of the crossover. The radiator grille was updated, the bumpers and headlights became different. The public also saw new wheel rims, and turn signal indicators appeared on the side mirrors.
The appearance has become fresher and more courageous, as if specially prepared for Russian open spaces and roads. The dimensions are in many ways similar to the already announced Camry, however, the new Venza has grown significantly: its height has increased to 1610 mm, its length is 4833 mm, and its width is 1905. At the same time, the ground clearance has been increased to 205 millimeters, which is more than that of station wagons, but less than many of its classmates, for example, the same Volvo XC90. The front-wheel drive version of the crossover weighs 1860 kilograms when equipped, the all-wheel drive version weighs 1945. The trunk volume is impressive: 975 liters - quite a large volume even for a crossover.
Toyota Venza salon
The Venza's interior is decorated with carbon or wood-look inserts. The steering wheel and seats are covered in leather, the instrument panel is equipped with LED backlighting.
The inside of the crossover is spacious and comfortable. The rear seats can be folded in a 60:40 ratio, making the Venza look like a roomy station wagon. All seats have precise adjustment and a heating system. There are plenty of cup holders and various niches around for storing small items.
Technical characteristics of Toyota Venza
In North America, this crossover is available with two engine options, but for Russian customers there is only one power plant. This four-cylinder engine, the youngest in the line, has a displacement of 2.7 liters. It is equipped with a timing chain drive, sixteen DOHC valves and a Cual VVT-I valve timing system. After modification and preparation for Russian conditions, the engine began to produce 184 horsepower at 5800 rpm.
The maximum speed of the car is 180 km/h. Even the pre-restyling version accelerated to one hundred kilometers in 9 and a half seconds, so there is a possibility that after the update this figure improved.
It’s disappointing that the crossover will be supplied to the Russian market only with an automatic six-speed sequential gearbox, while in America a fairly high-quality and peppy manual is also available.
The basic version of Toyota Venza in Russia will receive only front-wheel drive by default, but more expensive modifications can be equipped with plug-in all-wheel drive, which is activated in case of slipping.
Venza is quite whimsical in its choice of fuel and runs on gasoline no worse than AI-95. At the same time, the consumption for all-wheel drive and front-wheel drive versions of the crossover is slightly different. In urban conditions, a Toyota with front-wheel drive consumes about 12.3 liters per 100 km, but when driving on the highway this figure drops to 7.1 liters. According to the manufacturer, in mixed mode the car will consume a little more than nine liters.
All-wheel drive consumes slightly more fuel. Characteristic figures for the city are 13.3 liters per hundred, for the highway – eight liters. In mixed mode, about 10 liters of fuel are consumed.
Let us remind you that the given figures correspond to a 2.4 liter engine. The older unit with a volume of 3.5 liters will not be sold in Russia due to a banal conflict of interest. A similar top-end six-cylinder engine is installed on another crossover from Toyota - the Highlander, which is both more expensive and sells well. Apparently, manufacturers have concerns that when installing a more powerful engine in the Toyota Venza, customers will buy it rather than more expensive cars.
The Venza has a fully independent suspension, both at the rear and at the front. MacPherson struts are used here, which are specially tuned to take into account the poor quality roads that are so typical for Russia. The front wheels are equipped with ventilated brake discs, while the rear wheels are equipped with non-ventilated ones.
Even the basic configuration boasts a rich set of electronic assistants: a braking assistance system, a brake force distribution system, an anti-lock braking system, traction control, and a hill start assist system.
Little is known about the safety level of the new Toyota Venza, since the results of official crash tests have not yet been published. However, there is no need to worry about the safety of the driver and passengers. Already the basic equipment is equipped with two front and two side airbags, a knee airbag for the driver and side curtain airbags for both the front and rear seats.
Prices and configurations of Toyota Venza
Toyota Venza is a premium crossover. The Russian market offers quite rich vehicle configurations, typical of premium representatives of its class.
In our country there are three trim levels: “Elegance”, “Elegance Plus”, “Prestige”.
The cost of a Toyota Venza in the starting “Elegance” configuration starts at 1,587,000 rubles. This includes the following options:
- Central locking;
- Immobilizer;
- Leather upholstery of seats and steering wheel;
- Audio system with six speakers and 6.1-inch screen;
- Rear parking sensors;
- Cruise control;
- Climate control;
- Electrically adjustable and heated front seats;
- Full power accessories;
- Heated windshield;
- Panoramic roof with sunroof;
- Xenon headlights;
- LED running lights;
- Front and rear foglights;
- 19 inch alloy wheels.
“Elegance Plus” provides for the installation of a rear view camera and an all-wheel drive system. The price of Toyota Venza in this configuration starts from 1,688,000 rubles.
The top-end “Prestige” package costs from 1,793,000 rubles and includes the following additional options:
- Electric rear door;
- Front parking sensors;
- Premium audio system with thirteen speakers;
- Navigator in Russian with voice control;
- Automatic head color adjustment;
- Starting the engine with the “Push Start” button;
- Smart Entry vehicle access.
Reviews from Toyota Venza owners
Owners note that Venza is more compact than its competitors - Highlander, Lexus PX450 or Volvo XC90. Of course, the rear seats won't fit a hockey team, but three passengers will be more than comfortable there. The interior is not as aggressive as some of its classmates; everything is smooth, harmonious and comfortable. In terms of ergonomics, the Venza can only be compared with the XC90, which is a very flattering comparison. Almost everyone notes the trunk volume: “Large, flat trunk (cool sleeping place).”
Some say that the Toyota Venza is “Just a big station wagon with the capabilities of a sub-SUV.” Agree, this is more than enough for urban conditions and trips out of town. In the city, by the way, there are almost no obstacles on the road for this crossover: you can park on the curb and pass speed bumps without difficulty. Noise insulation is also provided at a good level; engine noise becomes audible after 2000 rpm, but its sound is pleasant. 
Drivers also note the car’s confident dynamics: the engine, although not particularly powerful, confidently accelerates the crossover and maintains a constant speed. Numerous electronic systems allow you to avoid skidding, slipping and other incidents. On the highway the car feels great, which is not surprising, since it was created specifically for asphalt roads. The latter, we note, does not mean that dirt roads are contraindicated for him.
An important factor when choosing this car is the reasonable price of components and spare parts. The only thing that can be called expensive is the tires, but almost all 19-inch wheels are not cheap.
Test drive Toyota Venza (+ video)
We have already talked about the quality of the Toyota Venza interior, so we will only dwell on what has not yet been discussed. The front seats may not seem comfortable enough to some, but they can be adjusted and customized. Throughout the cabin there are a lot of compartments and cup holders, of which, by the way, there are 10 throughout the cabin. The exterior mirrors are somewhat disappointing, as they do not provide sufficient visibility into blind spots.
The speedometer plays a dominant role on the dashboard. There are no information sensors or windows provided here. But the screen of the multimedia system can display information about the climate in the cabin, as well as navigation and a lot of other useful data.
Considering the size and weight of the car, the engine copes with its tasks well. Of course, he doesn’t take off, but he picks up speed confidently and with fire. The automatic shifts gears confidently, and even when manual mode is turned on, the box itself decides which gear it will work in and shifts itself. Agree, this is a little strange.
When driving quietly, the Venza is soft and absorbs almost all road irregularities. As long as there are no big holes or bumps, you can drive at speed even on a dirt road. There are no suspension breakdowns even when overcoming large bumps, but this should not be abused. At high speeds in turns, things begin to roll, not only in the cargo compartment, but even in the trunks. During normal driving, turns are taken confidently and without rolls.
In urban conditions, Venza showed high maneuverability. It will turn around even where there is not enough space for Renault Logan, the dimensions feel good, and moving backwards is made easier by the presence of a rear view camera.
Venza is a solid, high-quality and comfortable family car. It will appeal to those who love comfortable trips with the whole family on asphalt roads.
Competitors
Many experts consider the Japanese car Honda Crosstour to be Toyota Venza's competitors. However, the Crosstour is a pure station wagon with not very high driving performance. In addition, with comparable trim levels, the Honda will cost two hundred thousand more, which for Russians who vote in rubles is a very important argument in favor of the Toyota Venza.
In terms of equipment and cost, the Hyundai Santa Fe is more or less close to the Venza. It also offers a wealth of equipment and a good design, but given our realities, the ground clearance of 185 millimeters may not be enough.
Bottom line
Toyota Venza is a car located between crossovers and station wagons. It combines good cross-country ability and a high level of comfort, which appeals to many buyers. The owners say that you can fall in love with this car at first sight, just get into the cabin. Well, we have no reason to doubt it, especially since Toyota Venza is only increasing the number of its fans from year to year.
