2013 Toyota Venza

Stand-up:  Whether you call it a modern crossover, a station wagon or an SUV one thing is for sure; the Toyota Venza is a do-it-all kind of car.

 

It’s been a while since I last drove a Venza and with its recent makeover for 2013, it seems like a good time to get reacquainted with one of Toyota’s most unique and clever offerings.  It truly is a Swiss Army knife, fusing nightlife style in a wagon-esque body with big interior space and minivan-like flexibility.

 

But the headline change for this year can be seen from the outside, where the Venza’s flashy new LED Daytime Running Lights add emphatic style to the redesigned grille.  No disrespect to Audi but these light pipes are some of the most attractive I’ve seen.  Restyled taillights, oversized 20” wheels and the addition of this Attitude Black metallic paint further express the Venza’s strong personality.   From its profile, you can see a bit of Dodge Magnum in its stance.

 

Other updates include new standard convenience features, updated option packages and Toyota’s Entune multi-media system.  4 and 6-cylinder power remain with this range topping Limited V6 AWD churning out 268 horsepower through a 6-speed auto with sport mode.  The Venza’s deceptively large footprint and weight of over 2 tons provides exceptional interior volume but also saps some of the enthusiasm from the motor.  Still, the 3.5-liter engine feels more than sufficient in most driving situations.  But the Venza’s missing link is steering feel which places a barrier between car and driver.  Combined with a suspension tuned for comfort cruising the Venza doesn’t exert nearly as much sport as it shows. It’s as a highway hauler and sport utility where the Venza feels most comfortable.  Just note that the 20” Goodyear’s aren’t helping the ride quality as much as they are your credibility.  Gas mileage is rated 18mpg city/25 highway.

 

Stand-up: If you’re one of those people who need lots of stuff it space in your car, you are going to love the Venza’s center console.  Not only are there a multitude of storage areas but it’s configurable in a number of ways.

The black leather seats with white piping and the textured dash material from the Prius look cool and the user interfaces are easy and intuitive. Toyota designers deserve a standing ovation for creating a space with a low step-in height, eye pleasing layout, a plethora of handy features and space…lots and lots of it highlighted by the executive sedan-like rear seats and cargo room to burn.

 

Stand-up: Expanding the Venza’s cargo room is easy whether you’re doing it from the rear seats…or whether you’re taking them down from the cargo area.

 

The only issue I take with the functionality is the optional remote start system that is cumbersome to operate.

 

Pricing starts at just under $29,000 for a front-drive Venza LE and tops out here with a small group of options at $40,689.  Stylish, smart and capable…it can even tow 3,500 pounds…the 2013 Venza makes friends with its users.