Since Toyota's claim to fame is decidedly more vanilla-utilitarian than driving excitement, I'm pleasantly surprised by how well the Venza handles. Although it's based on the Camry platform, the AWD Venza feels much more solid and planted over rough road and while cornering.
Underhood is a powerful 3.5-litre V6 that puts out 268 hp and 246 lb.-ft of torque. This is a really impressive engine – silken smooth with a nice fat power band. While I wouldn't describe the Venza as sporty, it's certainly no slouch when it comes to highway passing.
The V6 is mated to a smooth-shifting six-speed automatic transmission that's never caught lurching or hunting for gears. I paid a price for the engine's performance, however, as my week's average fuel consumption was 12.9 L/100km. There's a 182-hp four-cylinder engine in the base model, but since it delivers only marginally better fuel consumption, the powerful V6 is the better choice.
Electric power steering is more communicative than others in the Toyota stable, but there's still an overall feeling of disconnect. Yet it's quick and light enough to negotiate congested traffic without ever feeling ponderous.
Packed like sardines in the plaza's parkade, I give silent thanks that the Venza's easy to manoeuvre in tight quarters despite its size. Light on its feet, it's relatively easy to wedge in beside the requisite Bimmers, Audis and Mercedes MLs, and stylish enough not to stand out like a country bumpkin.
Backing out is nothing short of terrifying. Is there a rule of thumb that the more upscale the shopping mall, the more kamikaze the pilots? I'm grateful for the backup camera, a great defence against ladies of leisure more intent on their cell phones than driving.
Later that week, a favourite gal pal, her daughter and I head out for thai food and a much-anticipated movie night seeing The Bridesmaids. We erupt in giggles after receiving a friendly honk from another Venza driver. I've experienced that before while driving certain premium marques, but really – acknowledgement from the Venza fraternity?
Underhood is a powerful 3.5-litre V6 that puts out 268 hp and 246 lb.-ft of torque. This is a really impressive engine – silken smooth with a nice fat power band. While I wouldn't describe the Venza as sporty, it's certainly no slouch when it comes to highway passing.
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| Underhood is a powerful 3.5-litre V6 that puts out 268 hp and 246 lb.-ft of torque. (Photo: Lesley Wimbush/Auto123.com) |
The V6 is mated to a smooth-shifting six-speed automatic transmission that's never caught lurching or hunting for gears. I paid a price for the engine's performance, however, as my week's average fuel consumption was 12.9 L/100km. There's a 182-hp four-cylinder engine in the base model, but since it delivers only marginally better fuel consumption, the powerful V6 is the better choice.
Electric power steering is more communicative than others in the Toyota stable, but there's still an overall feeling of disconnect. Yet it's quick and light enough to negotiate congested traffic without ever feeling ponderous.
Packed like sardines in the plaza's parkade, I give silent thanks that the Venza's easy to manoeuvre in tight quarters despite its size. Light on its feet, it's relatively easy to wedge in beside the requisite Bimmers, Audis and Mercedes MLs, and stylish enough not to stand out like a country bumpkin.
Backing out is nothing short of terrifying. Is there a rule of thumb that the more upscale the shopping mall, the more kamikaze the pilots? I'm grateful for the backup camera, a great defence against ladies of leisure more intent on their cell phones than driving.
Later that week, a favourite gal pal, her daughter and I head out for thai food and a much-anticipated movie night seeing The Bridesmaids. We erupt in giggles after receiving a friendly honk from another Venza driver. I've experienced that before while driving certain premium marques, but really – acknowledgement from the Venza fraternity?
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| Electric power steering is more communicative than others in the Toyota stable. (Photo: Lesley Wimbush/Auto123.com) |