Toyota Venza is a 5-seater mid-size crossover manufactured by Toyota for the North American market, and since spring 2013 for the Russian market. The Venza was unveiled on January 14, 2008 at the Detroit Auto Show. The car went on sale at the end of 2008. The model is positioned as a car for young families who prefer an active lifestyle. Toyota describes the Venza as a mix of sedan comfort, station wagon functionality, and the spaciousness and off-road capabilities of a crossover.
Restyled Toyota Venza 2013 debuted at the spring 2012 New York Auto Show. The crossover is built on the Toyota K Platform and for this reason is a close relative Toyota cars Camry, Toyota Harrier, Toyota Highlander and Lexus RX. In terms of dimensions, Venza is a rather large car: the length is 4833 mm, the width is 1905 mm, and the height is 1610 mm. The wheelbase is 2775 mm. And no third rows of seats: the entire interior volume is given over to five passengers. In addition to five seats, Venza has a very solid trunk for a crossover - a volume of 975 liters, and with the second row seats folded down (the backrests fold automatically) - as much as 1982 liters.
In the lineup of the Japanese automaker, this model takes place one step below the Highlander crossover, and its main competitor in the United States is the Honda Crosstour. The changes affected the appearance and equipment of the car. The technique remained intact.
Distinctive features of the restyled 2013 Venza are a new radiator grille, LED sections in the head optics, integrated turn signal repeaters in the rear-view mirrors, and a retouched front bumper.
In addition, the Toyota Venza sports redesigned 19-inch wheels, and the range of available body paint options has expanded with the introduction of three new shades: Attitude Black, Cypress Pearl and Cosmic Gray Mica.
Japanese engineers paid special attention to the rear-view mirrors: they automatically tilt when reversing, have a backlight function during landing and are able to memorize 2 configurations of their own settings. In addition, the Toyota Venza boasts a front parking sensor (in addition to the rear, like everyone else).
In the cabin new Toyota Venza 2013 can be noted a different steering wheel and an upgraded multimedia system Entune, installed on expensive versions of the crossover in the XLE and Limited trim levels.
The technical part of the car has not undergone changes - the previous 2.7-liter "four" with a capacity of 185 hp are offered as power units. and a 268-horsepower 3.5-liter V6. Both modifications are front-wheel drive, but four-wheel drive available as an option. All-wheel drive is made according to the AWD scheme, and when the front wheels slip, part of the traction is transferred to the rear axle. The transmission is only a six-speed automatic. The car will be delivered to us only with a basic 185-horsepower 2.7-liter engine.
The base Elegance version offers light and rain sensors, xenon headlights, LED running lights, 19-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic roof and an electric sunroof, leather seat upholstery, dual-zone climate control, full power accessories, a stability system and an audio system with six speakers and 6 , 1-inch display.
The other two trim levels available (Elegance Plus and Prestige) have four-wheel drive and a rear-view camera.
The top version of the Prestige features an electric tailgate, a system for automatically switching light from high to low, a keyless entry system, a multimedia system and Russian-language navigation with a 7-inch screen, a premium JBL audio system with voice control and as many as 13 speakers.
For the Russian market, the Toyota Venza will be manufactured at the Toyota plant in Kentucky, USA.
On the hierarchical model ladder of the Japanese manufacturer, the Toyota Venza ranks one step lower than the Highlander and is a direct competitor to another Japanese crossover, the Honda Crosstour. Both of these cars are a universal solution for a family man who prefers an active lifestyle, but not at the expense of comfort and speed.
The second generation Toyota Venza received an updated radiator grille, consisting of three massive curved horizontally oriented fins. Above it, in the manner of Skoda cars, the manufacturer's logo is located, forming a small beak on the hood. The headlights are elongated and look quite stylish. Also, they can boast of lensed optics and a garland of daytime running lights.
Dimensions Toyota Venza
Toyota Venza is a mid-size crossover with two rows of seats. His dimensions are: length 4833 mm, width 1905 mm, height 1610 mm, wheelbase 2775 mm, and the ground clearance is 205 millimeters. Thanks to the solid ground clearance, the crossover can easily storm medium-sized curbs and easily navigate dirt roads away from civilization. For those who like to get out into nature, an all-wheel drive version is provided, which has even greater cross-country ability.
The trunk of Toyota Venza can please with its capacity. When the backrests of the second row of seats are raised, there is 975 liters of free space in the rear. This is more than enough for everyday urban use as well as for a long trip. If, on a whim of fate, the owner needs to transport something larger, he can always fold the backs of the second row and free up to 1987 liters of free space.
Toyota Venza engine and transmission
Toyota Venza in the domestic market is equipped with one power unit, a six-speed automatic transmission variable gears, as well as a complete or front wheel drive... Although the choice cannot be called extensive, the proposed units are quite versatile and capable of meeting most of the requirements of potential buyers.
The engine of Toyota Venza is a transversely located in-line gasoline atmospheric four with a volume of 2672 cubic centimeters. Large displacement, proprietary gas distribution system and two upper camshafts allowed engineers to squeeze 185 Horse power at 5800 rpm and 247 Nm of torque at 4200 rpm crankshaft per minute. With such a power unit and an all-wheel drive system, the crossover picks up speed of one hundred kilometers per hour in 10.6 seconds, and the high-speed ceiling, in turn, will be 180 kilometers per hour. The engine's appetites are pretty decent, but it's worth noting that the volume is rather big. Consumption Toyota fuel Venza with four-wheel drive will make 13.3 liters of gasoline per hundred kilometers at a city pace with frequent acceleration and braking, 8 liters during a measured trip on a country road and 10 liters of fuel per hundred in a combined cycle.
equipment
Toyota Venza has a rich technical filling, inside you will find a lot of useful devices and ingenious systems designed to make your trip interesting, comfortable, and most importantly, safe. So, the car is equipped with: seven airbags, a rear view camera, climate control, multifunction on-board computer, light sensor, full power accessories, heated mirrors, windows and seats, xenon headlights, passive cruise control, adaptive headlights, electrically adjustable seats, lift and memory, sunroof and panoramic glass roof, premium audio system, electric boot lid , a standard navigation system, as well as a key card for starting the engine using a button.
Outcome
Toyota Venza keeps pace with the times, it has an elegant and stylish design that perfectly emphasizes the status and character of its owner. The car will look great both on busy city streets and on country roads away from civilization. The salon is a realm of luxury, high-quality finishing materials, verified ergonomics and comfort. Even a long trip will not cause unnecessary inconvenience to the driver and passengers. Inside you will find a lot of clever gadgets and useful systems that will keep you entertained on the road and greatly simplify the operation of your vehicle. The manufacturer is well aware that a car is not a high-tech toy and, first of all, it should give pleasure from driving. That is why, under the hood of the crossover there is a powerful and modern engine, which is the quintessence of innovative technologies, many years of experience in the field of engine building and the legendary Japanese quality... Toyota Venza will serve you for many kilometers and will give you an unforgettable driving experience.
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Crossover or wagon?
Not so long ago official dealers Toyota in Russia has opened the acceptance of applications for a new Toyota Venza car for our country - its technical characteristics have been modified in accordance with the operating conditions of cars in our country. In general, the car was released at the end of 2008. But deliveries to Russia are only starting now. This will be the Venza 2013-2014 model year. This updated version was presented at the last New York Auto Show. The assembly of the car for the domestic market will be carried out in North America, at the production facilities of the plant in Kentucky.
The Japanese manufacturer classifies the Toyota Venza as a crossover, which, in their opinion, indicates an increased ground clearance, a powerful engine and equipment with an all-wheel drive system. However, with all the listed advantages, on a suburban road on such a car it will not be as comfortable as on a full-fledged SUV. Therefore, it is more accurate to call it "urban" crossover, or off-road wagon.
It is worth noting that the Toyota Venza was built on the previous generation Camry sedan platform.
External appearance
Since only a restyled version of the Toyota Venza will be supplied to our country, we will not consider both generations of this car and carry out their comparative analysis, but will dwell in more detail on the updated Venza, which is more interesting to us.
Overall changes external appearance gave the car a more powerful and aggressive look, thus preparing it for the Russian reality. Sleek Venza exterior styling with new upper and lower radiator grilles, fog lights and rear light turned out to be very dynamic. The new look is complemented by 19-inch wheels. There is also a choice of three body color options. The dimensions of the Toyota Venza are mostly similar to those of the Camry, but the Venza is significantly taller.
The main indicators of Toyota Venza:
- ground clearance or clearance is 205 mm;
- the curb weight of the car is 1860 kg for the front-wheel drive version and 1945 kg for the all-wheel drive version;
- trunk volume - 975 liters.
Salon decoration
The interior is luxurious and elegant. The interior of the new Toyota Venza features wood or carbon inlays to give the interior the look of a premium car. Armchairs and wheel covered with quality leather, and the dashboard is equipped LED backlight.
The salon is ergonomic and very spacious. The developers have taken care not only of the comfort of the driver and passenger front seat, but also about the convenience for rear seat passengers, having designed for them a folding armrest with cup holders, adjustable backrests, a heating system and several pockets for small things.
Engine, transmission
It's time to take a closer look at the technical characteristics of Toyota Venza. If in the USA and Canada, Toyota Venza is produced with two engines, then only one will be available for domestic buyers. power unit... It will be a 2.7-liter four-cylinder petrol engine, which has been modified to a certain extent and prepared for the peculiarities of operation on Russian roads. In addition, 3 hp. the power was increased, now amounting to 185 hp. And the maximum torque of 247 Nm at 4200 rpm contributes to the confident acceleration of the car to maximum speed at 180 km / h. There is no information about the speed of acceleration yet, but the model of the first generation reached a speed of 100 km / h in 9.5 seconds.
The new Toyota Venza for Russian buyers will be equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission. Car versions with mechanical box transmissions are not foreseen. Venza is equipped with both front-wheel drive, which is typical for the basic equipment, and all-wheel drive, which is activated when the front axle slips, which is activated via a multi-plate clutch. This version is typical for more expensive modifications.
Fuel consumption and safety
Fuel consumption figures are formed depending on Toyota models Venza and its operating conditions:
- a front-wheel drive crossover model in urban driving conditions consumes about 12.3 liters, outside the city consumption is reduced to 7.1 liters, and with a combined cycle, fuel costs will cost about 9.1 liters;
- modifications with all-wheel drive in urban conditions consume 13.3 liters, on the highway about 8.0 liters and about 10.0 liters of fuel will be consumed in a mixed mode of travel.
Many car enthusiasts interested in Toyota Venza are interested in the question of why the Toyota Venza with the popular six-cylinder Toyota 3.5-liter engine is not supplied to Russian buyers. This is due to the fact that such units are equipped with more expensive Highlander brands, the demand for which, if such motors are installed for Venza, will significantly decrease. This is not beneficial for the Russian subsidiary of the Toyota concern.
The Toyota Venza is equipped with a fully independent suspension front and rear, which is based on MacPherson struts and is equipped with settings tailored to the characteristics of Russian roads. Ventilated brake discs have front wheels, while non-ventilated discs are used on the rear wheels. Brake system new Venza is equipped with anti-lock braking system, auxiliary braking system, distribution system braking efforts, traction control system, as well as the help system at the start on the rise. Moreover, all this additional equipment is already available in basic configuration.
The rack and pinion steering wheel is equipped with an electric power assistance. Also, already in the basic modification of the car, the front seats are supplemented:
- lumbar support system;
- safe hatch;
- front and side airbags, two each for front seat passengers;
- knee pad for the driver;
- side curtain airbags for front and rear seats.
All this suggests that the developers of the updated Toyota Venza took maximum care not only of the safety of the driver and passengers, but also of the comfort and convenience of their movement.
Options and prices
The Venza model for the Russian car market has not only a well-designed interior and good build quality, but also a basic configuration that is almost typical for prestigious cars. However, Toyota Venza is offered in Russia not only in the basic configuration and, accordingly, has a different price, depending on the equipment with additional equipment:
- The entry-level Elegance package includes xenon headlights, front and rear fog lamps, LED running lights, 19 " alloy wheels, leather steering wheel and armchairs, a panoramic sunroof, full power accessories, dual-zone climate control and cruise control, front seats with electric adjustment and heating, as well as heating windshield, light sensors, rear parking sensors, an audio system with a 6.1-inch screen and 6 speakers, central locking and immobilizer. The cost of such a modification of the Toyota Venza will be 1,587,00 rubles.
- The Elegance Plus trim level is complemented by a rear-view camera and an all-wheel drive system. The price of the car in this case will increase to 1,688,000 rubles.
- The "Prestige" package includes an electric tailgate, front parking sensors, an automatic headlight adjustment system, a Smart Entry car access system, an engine start system with a Push Start button, a navigator in Russian with a voice control function, and a premium audio system with 13 speakers. The price of this configuration will already be 1 793 000 rubles.
Mounted on massive 19-inch rollers, the design of the Toyota Venza crossover with voluminous sidewalls, muscular stern and expressive frontal area looks quite impressive. Representatives of the automotive community recognize the great advantage of this model as the successful design of the doors, which provides unprecedented ease of landing, as well as the short overhang, which greatly simplifies the parking process.
This mid-size crossover with ATC and AWD is a versatile solution to tackle heavy city traffic and tackle any obstacle on rough terrain with ease.
Style and comfort
The Venza crossover is distinguished by its elegant bodywork: massive elements (bumpers, swollen wheel arches, large alloy wheels) are perfectly combined with smooth exterior lines. The design looks impressive and thought out to the smallest detail: large doorways make the fit comfortable and emphasize the solidity of the car. Also, the body is distinguished by such features as closable sills and a panoramic roof.
Elegance and functionality
The interior of the Toyota Venza is spacious and ergonomic. It will be comfortable even for very tall passengers, because the space above your head has increased significantly. Illuminated side mirrors are also provided for easy fit. And you can enjoy the beauty of the starry sky simply by pressing a button: the car's sunroof opens with an electric drive. The car will give the level of comfort of the "premium" class. The feeling of freedom is provided by the wide space between the front passenger and driver's seats. Rear passengers will be accommodated with no less convenience: the second row of seats is equipped with adjustable backrests and armrests.
Manufacturability and power
The Toyota Venza crossover model is equipped with a full range of modern solutions, for example, the Smart Entry / Push Start keyless entry system. On the central console of the car there is a 3.5 '' touchscreen display showing the readings of the main systems: fuel consumption, temperature outside the window, information on engine operation and climate control. Ease of parking is the result of equipping the crossover with a rear-view camera.
Significant details
The model is available in three trim levels: Elegance, Elegance Plus and Prestige. All-wheel drive and front-wheel drive modifications equipped with a 2.7 liter engine (185 hp) are available to buyers in Russia. The motors are aggregated with a 6-speed automatic transmission... Average fuel consumption of Toyota Venza is 9.5 - 10 l / 100 km.
On June 15, the official sales of the Toyota Venza, a cross between the Camry and Highlander models, will start in Russia. The car came out in American style, large and noticeable, but not without oddities. To study the nature and "Americanism" of this "interclass" phenomenon AvtoVesti went to the historical homeland of Venza.
The young woman was no longer young: the American-developed Toyota Venza went into production at a plant in Kentucky back in November 2008. Not so few second-hand "Venz" were imported to Russia through "gray" channels. But only this year Toyota finally officially brought the "American" to our market. Better late than never, as they say. Yes, and Venza, which survived the lightweight in 2012, is still good-looking and looks, as they say, “pretty good”, that is, quite good. And if at a gas station they suddenly ask what kind of device it is, you can safely say: such a cross between Toyota Camry and "Highlander". And this is not far from the truth. Toyota's people say that Venza is a combination of comfort and handling of the Camry sedan with the capacity, functionality, high seating position and high ground clearance of the Highlander crossover.
The metis turned out to be even larger than its progenitor: the Venza is 48 mm longer than the rather big "Highlander", although it is 150 mm lower in overall height. But the ground clearance of "Venza" is only a millimeter less than "Dad's" (205 mm), and it is more convenient to get into it, because the height of the landing in the cabin is 70 mm lower than that of the Highlander. In terms of the distance between the first and second row of seats, the difference is only a few millimeters at all, and Toyota's people also promise the largest space in the class in the "gallery".
Factory roof rails are available to Americans as an accessory, but they are not yet offered in Russia. But, unlike the USA, the Russian Venza already have LED day lights... And the headlights are not halogen, but already xened, and both the near and high beam... And in the top-end "Prestige" configuration, the headlights also automatically switch from far to near and back. The headlight washer is also standard. The wheels are already in the basic configuration - only 19-inch.
However, the first thing I do is look into the trunk, which the Yankees also claim to be almost the largest in the class. I press the button for the fifth door, the lock opens, but the door itself is not moving. It must be opened with handles, handles. But here there is an electric drive (albeit without position memory and only in the top version "Prestige")! Yes, but it will only work on the rise of the door from the buttons in the cabin and on the key fob. And the glass of the tailgate, by the way, does not open separately - contrary to American traditions.
But the trunk itself is really huge, up to the ceiling behind the rear seats - 975 liters (y - 757 liters), the floor is low, the "gates" are wide, I don't want to load. Only if something rolled into the far corner, you will have to climb into the trunk with your feet, and it is easy to get smeared into the slush on the protruding bumper. But if you fold the back sofa, the volume of the "barn" will reach two cubic meters - you can take out half an apartment! But a fully packed Venza will go to the dacha already "squatting down": there is no automatic floor level correction under the load (like, say, y) in the rear suspension.
To the rear passengers "Venza" is hospitable: the threshold is low and it is convenient to sit down, wide doors open almost 90 degrees and cover the threshold itself with the lower part, protecting it from dirt. True, it will not work to put the mother-in-law in the third row: unlike the Highlander, the Venza has only five seats. The rear sofa is 12 mm higher than the front seats, but the roof does not press (plus there is already a huge double hatch in the base) and it is very spacious here, there is where to put your feet, and your knees do not rest against the back of even the seat that is fully moved back. The sofa itself, sewn into slippery leather, is completely flat in profile and does not hold in sharp turns. But the backrest is tilt-adjustable, the headrests are fitted well, there is a lamp right above your head, so you can comfortably relax with a book in the gallery. For complete happiness, only heating is not enough, which, for example, is available from "Krossstur".
Salon "Venza" is offered in three three colors: beige and gray with brown and black wood inserts, as well as black with inserts that imitate carbon (pictured). Already in the basic configuration, 7 airbags, active front head restraints and belt pretensioners are responsible for safety. At the same time, Venza has a "five-star" rating according to the results of crash tests of the American Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
The third passenger, especially the tall one, is no longer so at ease. He feels the protruding armrest with his back, at his feet he has a massive transmission tunnel, and his knees can rest against the sidewalls of the front backrests. I was also touched by the combination of premium "chips" with cheap solutions. For example, lifting the glass, the servo slows down the last centimeters so that the window closes without knocking. But on the other hand, under the ceiling - like simple pulling handles taken from a suitcase, without any microlifts there, which are now even on budget cars. American contrasts!
Is the plastic in the cabin also made in the American way? In the upper part of the dashboard and front doors, it is soft to the touch, below it is already hard and sonorous. But it looks decent and does not creak on the move: at least in the new test car, the interior and dashboard were "silent". But the sliding armrest between the front seats can creak and knock in some positions. Only by the Yankees themselves, the topic of plastics and squeaks is up to the lantern: they, unlike the Russians, are not so fixated on this. It is more important for them that they have where to stick the can of "cola" and shove the small things on the road. With this, "Venza" is in complete order, everything is just in American traditions. There are plenty of pockets and pockets, cup holders between the chairs are large, with LED lighting. In the center console there is a mini-branch of the trunk with three (!) Containers with a total volume of 13.7 liters. My camera sank into one of them, like a black hole, together with a wardrobe trunk! And I, being naive, thought that it was a Chevrolet Tahoe with a big glove compartment ...
Gigantomania also occurs in the case of wide front seats. There are no questions about the setting ranges, but the seats were clearly made for people wider and heavier than me: with my height of 180 cm, I literally dangle in them. Developed lateral support, elaborate backrest profile? No, you haven't heard! Everything is simpler and without frills, like a home sofa. I'll find fault with the location of the automatic transmission selector: when you use the manual mode of the box, the elbow rests against the back of the seat. Visibility is also nuanced. The windshield pillars are very massive and block a considerable field of view - be on the lookout. The rear "wiper" clears only a small "embrasure", and on front glass although there is a heated brush, but there is no rain sensor, which would be much more useful than a light sensor. The side mirrors were also surprising. But not that they are folded only by hand. It's just that the mirror elements are already small, and they've been tweaked a little from them, setting a lens in the corner, showing the car in the blind zone. A twofold solution: someone will probably like it, but I never had time to get used to it.
The multimedia system and navigator in "Venza" are Russified, and the radio receiver is reconfigured for Russian frequencies. But the touch screen in all configurations is only 6-inch (the 7-inch touchscreen is available only in the top-end Limited version of cars with V6 engines), and navigation tips are not duplicated on the screen under the windshield. I didn’t like the climate control “twists”: they are slippery and not clearly fixed.
How does it all go? Unlike the United States, in Russia "Venza" with a V6 engine will not be sold yet: it is expensive, and an extra competitor is not needed for the Highlander. Therefore, under the hood of the test car, there is only a 4-cylinder 2.7-liter engine with 185 hp. and a 6-speed automatic. The motor produces a decent 247 Nm of torque, but the Venza is no fluff either. The front-wheel drive version weighs 1860 kg, and the model with all-wheel drive we ran in is already 1945 kg. So, no miracles with dynamics: up to 100 km / h Venza AWD travels in 10.2 seconds, mono-drive - in 9.9. Do you like to drive? Venza, however, is not very good. She does not say that she is a "vegetable", but she is more tuned in to a calm, measured drift. And if you need dynamics, the motor must be rotated at 4000 rpm and higher, where it demonstrates a noticeable pickup. Although you shouldn't expect a kick in the ass in the style of the movie "Fast and the Furious" during acceleration, and the hysterical, hard sound of the engine is already breaking through into the cabin, which in such a "takeoff" mode also vibrates to the floor. In general, at first the crossover seemed noisy: the suspension is audible, the background muttering of the engine is audible even in quiet modes ... I got behind the wheel on the third day - and it seemed that it was not so loud, apparently, I got used to the car.
During the test
average fuel consumption made up
12.7 l
100 km of track
But Venza does not let you get bored, throws in nuances. Take, for example, "automatic". His soft but leisurely work, with delays in response to gas additions or releases, was not America's discovery. As well as the fact that in the "sport" mode, the tandem engine-box acts a little more actively. But the logic of manual mode is a mystery! In the "manual", the automatic transmission clearly lives its own life: it does not hold the selected gears, automatically switching "down" or "up" under the pressed or released gas, and, on the contrary, does not allow switching to higher stages with active acceleration.
I will also add that the box included in D does not keep the crossover on a slope: release the brake and the Venza rolls back. For this case, in all trim levels there is a "hill start assistant" (US), which, after releasing the brake pedal, holds the car for about 3 seconds. But if in European and Japanese cars such systems immediately "grab" the car, it is worth pressing the brake a little, then in Venza the pedal must be pushed further in order for the system to turn on and send a signal to the panel. The brakes themselves are also peculiar, with a long, like two-stage, pedal travel and some kind of "rubber" feeling, not much like intelligible information content. The grip of the brakes, taking into account the mass, was also average, although with active braking the Venza does not rush and decelerates smoothly.
In addition to the Venza, the 4-cylinder 1AR-FE series engine is installed on the American Highlander versions, the Sienna minivan and the Lexus RX270. The engine is equipped with inlet and outlet camshaft shifters, variable length manifold and variable displacement oil pump. In addition, the Russian versions have a larger coolant radiator and an additional oil cooler in the engine. Maintenance intervals - 10,000 kilometers, vehicle warranty - 3 years or 100,000 km.
In a straight highway, the crossover also goes like on rails. But there is no great desire to drive along the winding paths - the "format" of the car is not the same, its weight and sweeping habits are immediately felt. Comfort on the go? The suspension practically does not notice the road "trifle", but at large transverse joints the car already shudders. I also grabbed the site with a broken gravel grader. In general, the suspension allows you to drive quite actively on such a surface. But on deep transverse gullies and large pits, the steering wheel is already shaking, shaking, the suspension booming loudly and the vibrations from the hefty 19-inch "rollers" of 255/45 dimension are felt more and more. Eh, there would be 18-inch tires with a higher profile, it would be softer… But there will be no such wheels, the car already has only size 19 in the base (on V6 versions - even 20 inches). But the Russian "Venza" (and we drove the American versions) will receive softer shock absorbers and tires with reinforced tread! It’s useful, but the Venza doesn’t get too lumpy with such a suspension.
The Americans also promise to calibrate the electric power steering. And after all, on test cars - a typical American wattage and an unnatural effort on the steering wheel. Settings for change of direction, not for refinement of handling. I hope that the steering wheel of the Russian versions will become sharper, but what will definitely not change is the considerable (almost 6 meters) turning radius: you cannot turn around in a tight street in one sitting. Even in our car on the grader, knocks appeared in the steering mechanism. I would like to believe that I just got a bad car ...
The "Venza" has quite a serious clearance of 205 mm under the front gearbox. The bottom is generally flat, only the exhaust tract hangs down, which at the bends of the terrain risks being the first to come into contact with the ground. By the way, the list of accessories will also include a steel engine guard.
But I did not succeed in driving the car "into the fields" in order to test the all-wheel drive similar to the RAV4 with an electromagnetic multi-plate clutch in the rear axle drive. In the States, it is still necessary to find off-road, especially, wherever you spit - everywhere is private property. And local latifundists may not understand the desire of strangers to mix dirt on their lands. And if you consider how many weapons the American population has on hand ... However, having climbed the "Venza" from below, I was even glad that I had not climbed to look for adventure on my head. Because if Venza got stuck somewhere, then ... Dig-push! And this is not only a curse, but also a call to action. For there is nothing to pull, the car has no towing eyes! If a shallow crossover is pulled gently, then the front can be anchored at the stamped lower arms. But I would not have dared to pull at the less thick rear ones. Dragging by the hitch? It will not work either: in the American versions it is, but for the Russian it is not certified and is not sold by "officials". So, if you are really drawn to nature, then without a shovel - not a step off the asphalt. Or through friends-acquaintances or "gray" suppliers to order a towbar from the States and put it on the car yourself.
The folded backs of the rear sofa give a flat floor and 1,988 liters of volume. The backrests fold by themselves, just pull the handles in the trunk. Carpet on the floor and cargo nets are options, and the luggage compartment cover is included in the basic equipment of only the top-end "Prestige" equipment. Under the hard plastic floor there is a stowaway.
In short, the crossover turned out to be ambiguous. Not the freshest and most progressive, not the most sophisticated in habits, with questions about ergonomics and other oddities. However, our buyers are unlikely to be stopped by possible shortcomings of the car. Because on the other side of the scale, Venza has an expressive appearance and spacious salon, good equipment and high seating position over the road. And it is also Toyota, there is a special attitude towards it in Russia. So the expected Russian sales of 5,000 Venza per year by marketers do not look fantastic. In any case, even before the start of sales, the planned volume of pre-orders for "Venza" has already been exceeded twice.
The last question remains: how much to pay? The most affordable Venza is the front-wheel drive version "Elegance" at the price of 1,570,000 rubles. The list of equipment already includes leather upholstery, 2-zone climate control, xenon headlights with washer, heated front seats, CD radio with 6 columns and a 6-inch touchscreen, and rear parking sensors. Having paid another 101,000 rubles, we already get a four-wheel drive "Venza" with a rear-view camera. The top Venza will cost 1,776,000 rubles, and it will already have front parking sensors, a fifth door servo, keyless access to the salon and engine start, automatic switching of headlights from low to high, a Russified navigator and a powerful JBL audio system with 13 speakers.
In the photo - Venza, adapted for Russia. As the saying goes, find 10 differences. But they are! Rear bumper- already with red "fog lights", besides, Russian dealers will first install front and rear parking sensors in the bumpers themselves. Taking into account our "sandblasting" roads, the density of the "anticorrosive" on the hood has been increased plus additional anti-corrosion treatment. wheel disks, emblems and doorknobs.
Rivals? Toyota's rival to "Venza" No. 1 in Russia is Nissan Murano, costing from 1.59 to 1.93 million rubles. The second on the list is the Volvo XC70, but only diesel versions (2 and 2.4 liters) are suitable for the price of 1.43 to 1.87 million rubles. Have Subaru outback only 2.5-liter (167 hp) options fall into the price range (from 1,555,000 to 1,753,000 rubles). There is also an all-wheel drive VW Passat Variant Alltrack with a price tag of 1,529,000 rubles. Of course, let's not forget about the Honda Crosstour, but the updated 4-cylinder version (2.4 liters, 194 hp, 220 Nm) is available in Russia only with front-wheel drive, a 5-speed "automatic" and only in one top-end configuration the price of 1,599,000 rubles.
Engine
