Quick Spin: 2013 Toyota Venza Touring AWD

2013 Toyota Venza. Click image to enlarge

Manufacturer’s Website
Toyota Canada

Review and photos by Jim Kerr

Photo Gallery:
2013 Toyota Venza Touring AWD

Of all the vehicles Toyota makes, the Venza is one of my favourites. It looks good, performs well, is comfortable and is sized just right for grocery shopping, garage sales, cross country adventures and around-town errands. The 2013 model continues to rank high in my books.

It seems hard to believe that the Venza nameplate is just four years old. When this crossover utility vehicle was introduced as a 2009 model, it was offered in both four-cylinder and V6 configurations and with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive for either powertrain. That continues with the current offering. We tested a Venza with all-wheel drive and 3.5L V6 engine. If you wish to visually tell them apart, the easiest way is to look for the dual exhaust and the 20-inch five-spoke alloy wheels on the V6 models. The 2.7L I4 models come with single exhaust, 19-inch wheels and a 10-spoke wheel design. You wouldn’t be disappointed with either.

Exterior changes for 2013 include a new front grille and bright fog light bezels that really set off the rich Sunset Bronze paint on this vehicle. The outside mirrors now incorporate integrated turn signal indicators, blind spot convex mirror and puddle lamps. New taillights freshen the rear end but the basic styling of the Venza remains untouched, which is good because it already looked good.

2013 Toyota Venza. Click image to enlarge

Inside, simulated woodgrain trim is found on the centre console and dash, and a three spoke steering wheel includes audio and BlueTooth connection controls. The interior styling appears more unified than the original Venza, with a smooth curving dash and better colour matching of adjacent panels for a more unified look.

All-wheel-drive models, both four- and six-cylinder, are available with one of four option packages. A Leather Package includes leather seating and heated front seats. The Premium package builds on the Leather Package, adding power rear hatch, backup camera, panoramic sunroof and theft deterrent system. Our test vehicle came with the Touring Package, that adds navigation, power front passenger seat, premium leather seating, Smart Key system for keyless entry and Push button starting, leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, driver’s memory seat and mirrors, auto-leveling HID headlamps and LED daytime running lights. It feels very luxurious inside. The final JBL option package includes all the other packages and adds a 13-speaker JBL audio system and automatic high-beam system.

Even without the option packages, the Venza is very well equipped with a 6.1-inch dash display with voice recognition technology, USB and auxiliary audio inputs, XM satellite radio, automatic climate control, power driver’s seat, cruise control, trip computer and information display. There is great interior room in both the front and rear seats, and with the optional panoramic dual-glass-panel sunroof, there is excellent visibility in all directions. Backing into a parking spot was easy even without the assistance of the crystal clear backup camera display.

Storage is great, with a huge compartment in the centre console with a sliding top that covers it with wood trim. A small door on the lower centre stack holds a cell phone or other media device and there is an opening at the bottom of the compartment so cables can run into the console, where USB and auxiliary inputs are located. If it’s cargo room you need, there is excellent space behind the rear seats and 1,940 L (68.5 cubic feet) of room with the rear seats folded – you are set for garage sales and antiquing.

2013 Toyota Venza, photos by Greg Wilson (I4 AWD model pictured). Click image to enlarge

On the road, the 268 horsepower V6 has power to spare. The six-speed automatic shifts smoothly, active torque control applies power to the wheels with traction, and the Venza feels surefooted on gravel and slippery roads. Independent suspension all the way round smooths out bumps and the first thing most people notice inside the Venza is how quiet the ride is. Stability control, traction control, ABS and Brake Assist are just part of Toyota’s STAR safety system found on all Toyota vehicles.

For 2013, Toyota has given buyers a bonus, pricing it less than last year’s model but adding more than $550 of additional standard equipment. I liked the Venza a lot when it was first introduced and it is worthy of being in my top-10 list still today.

At a Glance:
Configuration: Compact sport utility
Engine: 3.5 litre 16-valve V6 engine producing 268 horsepower @ 6200 rpm and 246 ft. lb. torque @ 4700 rpm
Transmission: Six speed automatic
Fuel economy: 11.1 L/100 km City; 7.7 L/100 km Highway
Suspension: Front and rear: MacPherson gas strut, anti-roll bar, coil springs
Brakes: Four wheel discs, ABS, brake assist, hill hold control
Special Features/Options: Electronic stability control, traction control, keyless entry, automatic climate control, backup camera, dual glass roof panels, leather interior trim, power rear hatch