LOTS TO LIKE
There are many words used to describe Toyotas: bulletproof, dependable, trouble-free and vanilla. One word one never hears is “underappreciated.” Well, add it to the list because I’ve recently tested one of the best-looking vehicles Toyota currently builds — the 2013 Venza. And it’s underappreciated. Because it’s a sibling of the Camry, the Venza inherits all the attributes of its betterknown family member, and every comment made about the Camry can be said of the Venza. There are few times when I don’t object to being stuck behind someone in traffic, but whenever it’s a Venza it softens the blow. Venza’s design is highly practical, with a rear load-in height that is almost as low as Toyota’s other well-known people mover, the Sienna minivan. The Environmental Protection Agency rates Venza as a midsize passenger vehicle.
Venza has an aerodynamic shape with short overhangs, forward A-pillar, a low roofline and continuous brushstroke lines that run from the front grille to the D-pillar. Its angled rear hatch, spoiler and wide wraparound taillights that connect with the hatch door complete its stylized appearance.
The 2013 Venza comes in three models: the LE, XLE and top-of-the-line Limited. It’s
John Stein jstein@suntimes.com available in front- or all-wheel drive and comes with two engine choices: a 2.7-liter four-cylinder with dual variable valve timing with intelligence or a 3.5-liter V-6 (the V-6 is the only engine available in the Limited). The four-cylinder puts out 181 horsepower and 182 pound-feet of torque, and the V-6 produces an impressive 268 horsepower and 246 pound-feet of torque.
Both Venza engines are mated to a sixspeed electronic transmission with sequential shift. Four-cylinder models sit on 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels and radial tires while the V-6 comes with 20-inch options. Ground clearance is 8.1 inches.
Safety items are plentiful. They include Toyota’s Star safety system that features enhanced vehicle stability control, traction control, antilock brakes, electronic brakeforce distribution, brake assist, Smart Stop technology and hill-start assist. Furthermore, Venza comes with seven air bags, and driver and front-passenger seats employ active headrests. Just add driver awareness and Venza provides a safe haven for all occupants.
Handling is superb thanks to its low center of gravity and MacPherson struts. Electric power steering contributes to Venza’s spirited driving dynamics by helping provide a more direct steering feel at both high and low speeds.
Venza’s interior is made for everyone, Jennifer Burklow John Lemein no matter where they’re sitting. There’s an abundance of personal space with ample head, shoulder and hip room. It seats five, and passenger volume is 108 cubic feet; with the second row down the cargo volume is 70.2 cubic feet.
Amenities include dual-zone automatic climate control with air filter; 3.5-inch LCD multi-information display with outside temperature, clock, climate control settings, fuel economy information, average speed and trip distance; center console with sliding cover and armrest, plus a warehouse full of storage space; and the usual power features.
If you really feel like spoiling yourself, opt for the Limited because it includes everything the XLE provides plus premium harddisk-drive navigation with Entune, a feature that includes a 7-inch high-resolution touch screen with split-screen capability, AM/FM CD player with MPE/WMA playback capability and a raft of other items that will make an audiophile believe in a higher power. Furthermore, Limited comes with a panoramic glass roof with front power moon roof and high-intensity discharge headlights with automatic high beams and LED daytime running lights. The high-beam feature detects oncoming vehicles and automatically switches the headlamps from high to low beam.
The warranty is good: three-year/36,000-
Terry Boyle mile comprehensive, five-year/60,000-mile powertrain and five-year/unlimited-mileage corrosion perforation. It also includes Toyota Care — a complimentary maintenance plan with the purchase or lease of every new Toyota. For two years or 25,000 miles (whichever comes first), every new Toyota will be covered for all normal factory-scheduled service as well as 24/7 roadside assistance.
Finally, Venza can be ordered in one of nine exterior colors and three interior colors (cloth or leather).
A new Venza LE with FWD starts at $27,850 with the Venza Limited V-6 with AWD starting at $39,020. For all those who will buy only an American car, Venza is for you; it’s manufactured in Georgetown, Ken.