HEELS ON WHEELS: 2014 TOYOTA VENZA REVIEW

HEELS ON WHEELS
By Katrina Ramser
San Francisco Bureau
The Auto Channel

INTRO TO THE VENZA VEHICLE
The Toyota Venza is part-car, part mid-size utility vehicle for a go-anywhere, do-anything vehicle with amble room for five and associated cargo. It’s unique styling has taken root with American drivers and has expanded to three varying trim grades.

I drove a 2014 Toyota Venza with the 268-horsepower 3.5-liter DOHC V6 engine with Dual VVT-i paired to a six-speed automatic transmission and optional all-wheel drive. Available in the base LE, mid-level XLE and loaded Limited trim, my Limited test drive came with the following standard equipment: leather upholstery; eight-way power driver’s seat; heated front seats; premium touchscreen navigation system; backup camera; Entune multi-media; Bluetooth; thirteen-speaker audio system; panoramic glass roof; power liftgate; dual-zone climate control; 3.5-inch multi-information display (temperature, clock, fuel economy stats); steering-wheel mounted controls; and nineteen-inch wheels. Total vehicle price as described came to $39,570.

Toyota gave the Venza significant design and interior enhancements last model year, so for 2014 you’re looking at a few minor upgrades. Competitors include the Honda Crosstour, Nissan Murano and Ford Edge.

HEELS ON WHEELS REVIEW CRITERIA

Stylish But Comfortable Results: Behind the wheel, the Venza gives you SUV dimensions minus the often unwelcomed sensation of sitting up high. The flowing center console design can be reconfigured to hide media devices and even hold a medium-sized purse. The Venza is refined throughout, from the soft-touch leather to the wood accents. Although the second row is roomy, is lacks first-class treatment: no heated seats or climate dials – just a pull-out center console. The panoramic glass roof does extend far enough so all five can enjoy the stars above.

Reliability & Safety Factor: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) rates the 2014 Venza with an overall rating of 5-Stars. The vehicle also earned “Good” in every crash test area with The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and you can view the actual results on their website. Star Safety is standard equipment for all models. The Venza also features ABS with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), enhanced Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Traction Control (TRAC) and Brake Assist.

Cost Issues: The pricing for a fully loaded Venza is a competitive $39,570. A similarly packaged Ford Edge Limited is $35,100 – but you’d pay to pay for a sunroof, power liftgate and push-button start so prices are relatively the same. An easy-to-navigate SUVs outfitted with the same features are the Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring trim ($37,720 with options) and the Hyundai Santa Fe Limited with Tech Package at $38,550.

Activity & Performance Ability: The premium V6 engine has plenty of power and pairs well with the excellent handling – you’ll have more driving ease than if you were behind the wheel of a traditional crossover. Yet it is a lot of weight to whip around if you’re doing quick traffic dodging. You’ll also be reminded of the Venza’s utility proportions during parking, where it can be hard to see all angles.

The Green Concern: With all-wheel drive, the Venza’s V6 engine retains 21 miles-per-gallon city and 25 highway for a combined 21 – typical results of any vehicle with this configuration. Although there is a more fuel-efficient 2.7-liter four-cylinder that gets 20 miles-per-gallon city and 26 highway on both all-wheel drive and front-wheel drive, these numbers can be hard to compete with as the Hyundai Santa Fe’s 2.4-liter engine nets 25 combined with all-wheel drive.

FINAL PARTING WORDS
The 2014 Toyota Venza – from its sedan styling to SUV feel – pleases drivers wanting a capable and more luxury-like ride that can handle the road during all seasons. Opt for the commanding V6 engine and all-wheel drive.

©2014 Katrina Ramser Parrish