Come to think of it, the Venza actually does talk, provided you opt for the available navigation system with voice command.
The centre stack hosts simple, easy-to-use climate control switchgear and a portable music player cradle right below the heated-seat controls. The centre console slides under the armrest to reveal a decent-sized storage bin, and that’s where you’ll find the sound system’s USB port; if your USB key is more than two inches long, though, like the one that I use for storing MP3 files, you won’t be able to close the console completely.
The seats also get good marks. The leather covering’s pattern which, in our test car is beige with black piping, looks upscale. They proved very comfortable during the course of the week, and like I mentioned previously, their cushion height is just right for getting and out; you don’t lean or climb to get in like in a car or a truck.
Two engines are available in the Venza, and both serve their purpose. Our tester is equipped with the company’s 3.5-litre V6, which produces 268 horsepower and 246 pound-feet of torque; bolted to a 6-speed automatic with manual mode, the 0 to 100 km/h sprint takes 7.2 seconds, which is more than quick enough for this type of vehicle.
The V6 can also allow the Venza to tow up to 3,500 pounds. But for most people, we believe the 182-horsepower, 4-cylinder engine will do the job nicely. The smaller mill will also deliver better fuel economy than the 12.8 L/100 km we’re averaging over the course of the week with our 6-pot Venza.
The only real negative point about this crossover vehicle is that it’s not very entertaining to drive. It’s not nauseatingly boring, mind you, but the steering feels a little disconnected, the ride isn’t cushy nor sporty, and at over 4,000 pounds, it feels a little ponderous. In addition, winter tires for this vehicle won’t come cheap. But that doesn’t stop us from liking it for its all-around virtues.
The centre stack hosts simple, easy-to-use climate control switchgear and a portable music player cradle right below the heated-seat controls. The centre console slides under the armrest to reveal a decent-sized storage bin, and that’s where you’ll find the sound system’s USB port; if your USB key is more than two inches long, though, like the one that I use for storing MP3 files, you won’t be able to close the console completely.
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| The leather covering’s beige with black piping pattern looks upscale. (Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com) |
The seats also get good marks. The leather covering’s pattern which, in our test car is beige with black piping, looks upscale. They proved very comfortable during the course of the week, and like I mentioned previously, their cushion height is just right for getting and out; you don’t lean or climb to get in like in a car or a truck.
Two engines are available in the Venza, and both serve their purpose. Our tester is equipped with the company’s 3.5-litre V6, which produces 268 horsepower and 246 pound-feet of torque; bolted to a 6-speed automatic with manual mode, the 0 to 100 km/h sprint takes 7.2 seconds, which is more than quick enough for this type of vehicle.
The V6 can also allow the Venza to tow up to 3,500 pounds. But for most people, we believe the 182-horsepower, 4-cylinder engine will do the job nicely. The smaller mill will also deliver better fuel economy than the 12.8 L/100 km we’re averaging over the course of the week with our 6-pot Venza.
The only real negative point about this crossover vehicle is that it’s not very entertaining to drive. It’s not nauseatingly boring, mind you, but the steering feels a little disconnected, the ride isn’t cushy nor sporty, and at over 4,000 pounds, it feels a little ponderous. In addition, winter tires for this vehicle won’t come cheap. But that doesn’t stop us from liking it for its all-around virtues.
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| With the 268-horsepower, 3.5-litre V6, the Venza sprints to 100 km/h in 7.2 seconds. (Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com) |