If a vehicle, by its very own design can be seen as unique, unconventional and enjoyable all at the same time, then any review of it should be the same.
The 2013 Toyota Venza is a crossover vehicle that since it’s initial launch in 2007 has been tough to categorize, but at the same time remains a practical and popular entrant in the mid size CUV category. Identifying the Venza’s competition may depend on who you talk to. While Toyota will list vehicles such as the Nissan Altima and the Honda Accord as its competition, a real world comparison would likely pair it against vehicles such as the Nissan Murano or the Ford Edge. The Venza is built on the same platform as the Toyota Camry, thus making a clear classification even more of a challenge, but a challenge I’m willing to take on as part of the ongoing Enviro Dad Test Drive.
What is clear though is that the Venza is a stylish and unique CUV. It is also a vehicle that, given it’s uniqueness deserved a somewhat unique approach when I decided to prepare a video review. As I’m someone who likes to pick up ideas from advertising campaigns for vehicles in the spotlight, not to mention a dose of light-hearted humour when appropriate, I took a different approach to the video review. Heck, I even decided to jump on a massive trend which is taking place as I write, which is to throw a little “Gangnam Style” into the review itself.
If I totally have peaked your interest by now, then check out my video review of the 2013 Toyota Venza:
With a variety of trims as well as driving and engine configurations, the Toyota Venza proves itself as a suitable and viable family vehicle for those looking for a mid-size CUV that’s uniquely styled and well suited for the demands of modern families. While it may be hard to categorize, it’s certainly not too hard to enjoy.
BY THE NUMBERS (Out of 10)
LOOK/DESIGN – 9.0
DRIVE – 8.5
THE GREEN FACTOR – 7.5
THE FAMILY FACTOR – 9.0
TECHIE STUFF – 8.5
VALUE – 7.5
(MSRP as Tested $41,320)
OVERALL SCORE – 8.5
I agree totally with your review except for the value rating as I think the overall quality of materials and construction surpass it’s competitors .There is though one glaring design fault that most owners may not have noticed. Although you can display AVG. MILES PER GAL—EST. MILES UNTIL EMPTY AND CHANGE THE GPS TO MILES BOTH THE ODOMETER AND TRIP ODOMETER ONLY DISPLAY KILOMETERS. I called Toyota Canada about this and was told they would pass my remarks on to their design and engineering department–Received the same answer from Toyota U.S.A.
Thanks Mel for your comment! Interesting about the measurement unit discrepancy…I wasn’t aware.
As for my value assessment, I typically based my rank in comparison to other vehicles in its class. I agree that Toyota produces vehicles of excellent quality and I also realize that value is highly subjective. However to my mind, in a general respect the Venza offers good value but not the best value available.
Thanks again!
Eric –thanks for your reply–Since I haven’t heard anything from Toyota engineering re this problem do you know of any way I could find out if they will have a fix for this problem–perhaps an inquiry from you ?
Great review. Still a bit too pricey for me but I love how thorough you are.
Paula
Thanks Paula! I appreciate the feedback and hope you’ll not only check back for future reviews but also look back at those already done. Cheers!