Vehicle Preview: 2013 Toyota Venza

Introduction

The Toyota Venza offers a combination of a great look, roominess and versatility that made it a main stay in the North American market. The 2013 Toyota Venza will be no different, offering consumers with SUV flexibility thanks to its fold-flat rear seats, a spacious cargo area, available AWD and up to 3,500-lbs. towing capacity.

What’s new for 2013?

The 2013 Toyota Venza now offers a redesigned exterior, as well as several new standard features and updated option packages that include Toyota’s Entune multi-media system.

The Venza’s exterior redesign will add a new upper and lower grille, fog lamps and rear taillights for the 2013 model year. The 2013 Venza will also get a 19-inch wheel design.

The 2013 Toyota Venza will be available in three new exterior colors: Attitude Black, Cypress Pearl, and Cosmic Gray Mica.

Interior Design

The 2013 Toyota Venza offers three interior colors: Ivory, Light Gray, and Black. Each color is offered in fabric and leather depending on the trim. 

One plus to the 2013 Toyota Venza is that it has a uniquely designed center console that gives both the driver and front passenger the feeling that 60 percent of the vehicles space is accessible from their seating position.

Trims and features

The 2013 Toyota Venza is available in the following trims: The base LE, mid-range XLE and the top of the line Limited trim.

The 2013 Venza is offered as either a four-cylinder or V-6 in the base LE and mid-range XLE trims while the Limited model is only available as a V-6.

Each trim level adds new features for the 2013 Venza. Those who buy the LE model will get new Display Audio systems, puddle lamps, a blind-spot side mirrors, and outer turn signals. In addition to Entune multi-media features, XLE models add on reverse-tilt outside mirrors, a memory power driver's seat, and a navigation system. The top of the line Limited models now get the above mentioned features plus LED daytime running lights, premium 13-speaker JBL sound and an upgraded navigation system.

Under the Hood

The 2013 Venza offers four and six cylinder models in FWD and AWD versions.  The Venza’s 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine pushes 181 horsepower and 182 lb.-ft. of torque and is EPA-rated at 21 MPG city/27 MPG highway for the FWD model and 20/25 for the AWD.The 3.5-liter V6 is able to produce 268 horsepower and 246 lb.-ft. of torque The V6 FWD model has EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings of 19 MPG city/26 MPG highway and 18/25 for the AWD. 

Both engines are mated to a six-speed sequential-shift electronically controlled automatic transmission with intelligence (ECT-i), which helps optimize fuel economy. Uphill/downhill shift logic selects the proper gear for driving conditions and helps provide moderate engine braking during downhill driving.

The 2013 Venza offers an available Towing Prep Package on V6 models which add on an engine oil cooler, a larger radiator fan and a heavy-duty alternator.

Safety

Safety features on the 2013 Venza include Toyota's STAR Safety System which features enhanced Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC) Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist and the Smart Stop Technology (SST).Other safety features include: a driver’s knee airbag, driver and front-passenger front-seat-mounted side airbags, and front and rear side-curtain airbags, Front seat-belt pretensioners and more.

One great safety feature in the 2013 Venza is the active headrests found on the driver and passenger seats.  This feature equips the seat with a cable mechanism that will move the headrest upward and forward if the vehicle is struck from the rear, and thus limiting the movement of the occupant's head.

Conclusion

I want to get my hands on one and give it a test drive! The new exterior gives it a much better look, while the extra features should make this one worth a trip to your dealer.

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