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Today's Drive: 2014 Toyota Venza

Something a little different
2014 Toyota Venza.
2014 Toyota Venza.

The Toyota Venza is somewhat unique in Toyota’s lineup, which consists of high-quality models with generic characteristics. The Venza boasts expressive styling, an engaging driving experience, driver-friendly technology and impressive versatility that gives it a bit more charisma.

The Venza is larger than the RAV4, yet smaller than the seven-passenger Highlander. This makes the Venza a great choice for someone looking for the versatility of a small SUV, but doesn’t want the bulk or brutish look of some SUVs.

While the Venza’s car-like chassis does limit its off-road ability and towing capacity, its reliable choice of engines, comfortable seating for five and impressive standard features make it a strong competitor in the crossover SUV segment.

The Venza experienced some notable changes for the 2013 model year, so Toyota didn’t make huge alterations for 2014. XLE and Limited models receive standard power-folding mirrors and the Limited also adds front and rear parking sensors.

Design
The Venza shares the same platform as the Toyota Camry and Highlander. Therefore, the V6 engine, transmission, brakes, steering and suspension are the same and can be trusted as reliable and dependable. However, the Venza is more than just an amalgamation of the two models.

The Venza offers the comfort you expect from a premium sedan and combines it with the higher seating position and outward visibility associated with an SUV. It also provides a wider, more athletic stance and available all-wheel-drive.

The Venza is also a product exclusive to North America. Despite the fact that it shares its platform with other Toyota vehicles, the U.S.-based design team made sure it is visually different than the Camry and its larger sibling, the Highlander.

While it sits taller than a Camry, step-in height remains low, so getting in and out is still easy for height-challenged people and the elderly.
 
Also, since it has a lower centre of gravity, the Venza is naturally safer and sportier than traditional SUVs. Seven standard airbags add to the peace-of-mind.

Even though the Venza was given a make over last year, the visual differences were limited to the grille, mirrors, and the lights. The standard 19-inch wheels (20-inch wheels are available) give it a muscular appearance.

Performance
There are two engine options to choose from for the Venza, as in the past. The base model Venza comes with a 2.7-litre four-cylinder which returns a combined city/highway fuel economy rating of 8.6L/100km. However, the Venza is not a light vehicle and with only 182 hp available, merging onto a highway is not the easiest.

The 268 hp, 3.5-litre V6 is much more up to the task. This engine still achieves a combined fuel economy rating of 9.6L/100km. This should be the engine of choice for those who plan to do a lot of highway driving.

Regardless of which powerplant you choose, it will be mated to a six-speed automatic ECT transmission with sequential shift mode. Also, both can be equipped with AWD drivetrain for increased traction all year.

All Venza models come with electric power steering which is surprisingly responsive and provides a reasonable amount of feedback. It can feel a bit heavy at slower speeds, however.

The large wheels that look nice are a bit harsh over rough pavement and allow some noise to enter the cabin, but adds to the overall styling.

Environment
The cabin inside the Venza feels large, airy and spacious in all directions. Head, leg and hip room numbers are all near the top of the segment. To make the cabin feel even more airy, an optional panoramic moonroof allows all occupants to enjoy the sky.

From the eight-way adjustable driver seat, the instrument panel features a high-visibility Optitron display. Toyota also allows Venza owners to adjust the size of the font of the information centre to increase legibility.

Since the Venza has no third-row of seating, it is able to offer 70.1 cubic feet of cargo space when the seats are folded down. To increase its utility, the Venza has standard 60/40 split folding second-row seats with a remote release in the cargo area. This means you don’t have to leave the rear hatch while loading larger items.

Standard on the Venza is a Display Audio system using a 6.1-inch touchscreen that is capable of connecting to external devices through an auxiliary audio jack, a USB port or via Bluetooth. Voice-recognition is also standard and several upgrade packages, including leather seats and navigation, are available.

Overall, the comfort level is high and the seats provide good support over long drives.

Features
Starting prices range from $28,695 to $32,250. The Venza has four models to choose from and three packages.

Standard equipment includes keyless entry, eight-way power adjustable driver seat with memory function, tilt and telescoping steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, heated exterior mirrors with turn signals, power rear hatch, and automatic headlights.

Additional features, available as options or on higher trims, include leather seats, heated front seats, backup camera, navigation, push-button start, and automatic high beams.

Fuel efficiency numbers (L/100km) for FWD four-cylinder models are 10.0 city, 6.9 highway for 8.6 combined and AWD models return 10.2 city, 7.1 highway and 8.8 combined. Six-cylinder models in FWD trim are rated at 11.1 city, 7.7 highway and 9.6 combined and AWD models see 11.4 city, 7.9 highway for 9.8 combined.

Thumbs Up
Making AWD available across the Venza range is a much appreciated gesture from Toyota. The one-touch fold-flat seats certainly makes the Venza very user-friendly. The car provides good balance of performance and comfort.

Thumbs Down
While the base engine is reasonably economical, it still leaves plenty to desire.  It is somewhat unique in its approach but is it unique enough?

The Bottom Line
The 2014 Toyota Venza is a roomy, versatile crossover that offers premium styling and car-like driving dynamics that’s hard to beat.