Toyota reintroduces the Venza for 2021

[simple_gifts]

AWD standard, wow; hotcakes for sure.

 

[glock19]

tahoe and venza would never share the same driveway amongst owners...it's either gm or some japanese form...

Huh? Why not?

My wife and I used to have a GM and a Toyota. My parents currently have a GM and an Acura.

 

[john_pifer]

@edyvw

Great alternative to that BMW X3/X5 you were talking about in the other thread for your wife?

 

[xBa380]

The tablet infotainment centers are so beyond tacky. I guess we can thank Tesla for that 'trend', but it's so terrible. Always looks like an afterthought, I don't get the appeal.

 

[JeffKeryk]

The tablet infotainment centers are so beyond tacky. I guess we can thank Tesla for that 'trend', but it's so terrible. Always looks like an afterthought, I don't get the appeal.

The idea is kinda Japanese; beauty in simplicity. The dash is clean; uncluttered with buttons, gauges, etc.
After driving the Model 3, I find the Lexus GS dash overly complicated. And I love driving the GS.

These cars are different. It takes a ton of getting used to, but once you do you just might appreciate it.
I do miss the Lexus outside mirror warning lights; far better than just the objects around you on the center screen.

Having said this, each to their own. Some like it; others can't stand it.
I will say, younger people who grew up with computers take to it right away; far faster than others.

 

[PimTac]

I don’t mind them. Then again I don’t stare at them either as you shouldn’t be doing while driving. The HUD tells me all I need to know.

 

[Trav]

Toyota reintroduces the Venza as a 2021 model. It is a 39 MPG hybrid. $32,470–$39,800 MSRP.



https://www.marketwatch.com/story/t...only-and-it-has-a-lot-going-for-it-2020-08-13

I drove a diesel version of the old style, it was great and did more than 39 mpg. I much prefer the old style and a diesel than this one.

 

[Eddie]

I would seriously consider it if I could purchase with FWD and no hybrid. Ed

 

[edyvw]

@edyvw

Great alternative to that BMW X3/X5 you were talking about in the other thread for your wife?

Do not make me laugh man.

 

[xBa380]

The idea is kinda Japanese; beauty in simplicity. The dash is clean; uncluttered with buttons, gauges, etc.
After driving the Model 3, I find the Lexus GS dash overly complicated. And I love driving the GS.

These cars are different. It takes a ton of getting used to, but once you do you just might appreciate it.
I do miss the Lexus outside mirror warning lights; far better than just the objects around you on the center screen.

Having said this, each to their own. Some like it; others can't stand it.
I will say, younger people who grew up with computers take to it right away; far faster than others.

I mean, I am 32 so I grew up with computers but can't stand this trend! haha. Granted, I know they are popular and people must like them, but I much prefer the same type of display integrated in the dash in some form, versus standing above the sight line of the dash itself. Still don't need the buttons and all that... I just hate the positioning and the fact it looks like a tablet mounted to the dash with a suction cup or something.

I currently have a 2018 Camry Hybrid SE and the infotainment center is integrated nicely and it's minimalistic. The interior flows really well. I saw for 2021, Toyota decided to "tablet" the infotainment center and completely ruined the interior IMO.

Top pic is the 2018, bottom 2021 with the 'updated' interior.

 

[PimTac]

Part of that is preventing the driver from having to glance down at the screen. Placing it higher means the driver can quickly look without taking their eyes off the road completely. It also gains valuable instrument panel real estate.

 

[ryster]

Huh? Why not?

My wife and I used to have a GM and a Toyota. My parents currently have a GM and an Acura.

+1

My parents have a Ford and a Toyota

 

[JeffKeryk]

Part of that is preventing the driver from having to glance down at the screen. Placing it higher means the driver can quickly look without taking their eyes off the road completely. It also gains valuable instrument panel real estate.

Yep. And as touch screens become more prevalent, they need to be at arms length, near the steering wheel. To use Tesla voice commands, you have to touch the screen. Of course that assumes you know some commands... I mostly just set the AC temperature.

 

[Trav]

@edyvw

Great alternative to that BMW X3/X5 you were talking about in the other thread for your wife?

I cant say anything about this new one but the old one had a diesel engine that was much better than the BMW one of the same displacement, the engine was stellar and well matched to the drivetrain.
As far as being competition for the X5 no way, the X3 dunno.

 

[PimTac]

Yep. And as touch screens become more prevalent, they need to be at arms length, near the steering wheel. To use Tesla voice commands, you have to touch the screen. Of course that assumes you know some commands... I mostly just set the AC temperature.

I am surprised that you have physically do anything to use a voice command. Even on my Mazda there is a button on the steering wheel that I can press and then speak my command.

 

[john_pifer]

I cant say anything about this new one but the old one had a diesel engine that was much better than the BMW one of the same displacement, the engine was stellar and well matched to the drivetrain.
As far as being competition for the X5 no way, the X3 dunno.

Oh I was totally kidding, man! Just an opportunity to rile Eddy up.

 

[JeffKeryk]

I am surprised that you have physically do anything to use a voice command. Even on my Mazda there is a button on the steering wheel that I can press and then speak my command.

Tap the right steering wheel adjuster button or tap screen. Like other computers, there are multiple ways to get things done. Updates add commands and methods. I know only a little of the functionality.

 

[Trav]

Oh I was totally kidding, man! Just an opportunity to rile Eddy up.

Well you are not far from wrong I can tell you that. Speaking only about the diesel model the Venza diesel was a much better engine than the BMW one of similar size by far and the car itself was pretty dam good. The larger diesel in the X5 was a step above it in a larger car for sure but I wouldn't bet on the X3.

 

[edyvw]

I cant say anything about this new one but the old one had a diesel engine that was much better than the BMW one of the same displacement, the engine was stellar and well matched to the drivetrain.
As far as being competition for the X5 no way, the X3 dunno.

Previous X3 was not BMW IMO. It was an afterthought. New X3 is different animal.
As for diesel in X5, I had 35d with M57 twin turbo, and there is no diesel I would take over that one.
On other hand I have 3.0 D-4D in Prado, and it is mediocre engine at best even if you take into consideration that engine is made for different purpose. But issues after issues....

 

[Trav]

Yes the 3.0d in the X5 35d is a 6 cylinder a totally different animal then the 4 bangers. The BMW 4 cyl diesels are under powered (actual driving not paper numbers) and too thirsty for their size.
The 3.0 BMW M57 was not without issues either, many reports of carbon issues at around 75-80K.

Toyota owning Hino also has access to world class diesel technology. I am not a Japanese car fan but you have to look at the vehicles and engines for what they are, they make some very good cars and engines.