Topic: Test Drive: 2013 Toyota Venza

[sailor723]

I don't get steelies. Sure if you have an old POS,whatever, but I don't know how many people I saw who just blew 40-50-60 grand on a car and are rolling around on POS looking steelies for half the year. Christ, pony up the extra hundred bucks and get something that looks half decent FFS.

I agree. I was able to find a set of 10 spoke Hyundai Sonata Limited alloys with good tires for $400 on Kijiji. I then mounted winter tires on my factory 5 spoke alloys.  I do understand why most Venza owners will not downsize to smaller winter tires as the large rims are what gives character to the Venza's "stance".  I've always liked the look of this vehicle inside and out but have no need for something this size...     

I don't know, I downsized from 20" on the ML to 17" winters on cheapo $99 alloys....looks OK to me ( better than steelies) and saved a ton of cash over the 20" wheels and winters option

[Northernridge]

I'm happy to give full marks to everyone that switches to snow tires in winter (reduces the likelihood of them smashing into me). While I think stealies are ugly, I don't deduct any points for them. It's a question of individual budget and aesthetics, either way you get a thumbs up from me.

[sacrat]

It's funny how the last time Toyota created a wagon off the Camry (1993) , it could have made any top 10 list of ugliest cars. Meanwhile the Venza looks great. Here is the link (not sure how to copy image of the rear end of picture 11 if some else can)
https://www.google.ca/search?q=1993+toyota+camry+wagon+pics&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a

[carcrazed]

Not so sure if cars look better with steels, but a main reason for them is that they will allow your original rims on your $40,000 vehicle NOT to look like a POS after a few years. Anyone who buys a Venza factors in appearance and is willing to compromise on other areas in order to get a very attractive SUV. In the winter, appearance goes out the window with the salt, slush, etc. I personally look forward to the coming of spring so I can remove the steels and restore my car's original appearance with the alloy rims. My alloys are in perfect shape (make sure you clean AND wax them PRIOR to storage).

I absolutely do. Vehicles look better with black steelies during the winter, and with nice non-chromed alloys the rest of the year. Not sure why, but that's my personal preference.

I thought getting steelies were not only for cost-saving, but more for reducing brakes' exposure to salt.

[rvanbo]

When I said I put 17" RAV 4 rims with winter tires on the Venza, I should have mentioned that they aren't black steelies. Rather they are silver painted 5 spokes with the Rav4 centre cap.  Not terribly attractive, but with the taller profile to match the stock 19" overall rim height that the 4 cyl Venza comes with it steel has a pretty beefy appearance.  I steelies on the other family cars, but also bought cheapo wheel covers to dress them up a bit.  My wife just couldn't stand the plain black steelies.

[jasonhevans]

Not to sidetrack the tire discussion, but I test drove the Venza back in ~2011... I was debating between the Venza (V6 Limited), Outback and the Volvo XC70.  Was looking for a replacement for my 2004 Outback and wanted an all wheel drive wagon with raised ground clearance for the winters here in Newfoundland.  Not a real fan of the new Outback, so had hope to go with the Venza, but found the Volvo was more practical... the cargo area was more usable - the Venza's was too rounded... it was difficult to find snow tire options (at the time - maybe easier now) and it was essentially impossible to put a roof rack on with the panoramic roof extending to the edges... Overall just didn't seem too practical for a crossover/CUV type vehicle... I ended up with an XC70 T6, set of 16" snowtires and rims, integrated roof rails to install roof box when needed and a cargo area with near vertical sides, including the hatch... and the 300hp from the T6 is fantastic...

[Snowman]

The weekend run to The Rally of the Tall Pines resulted in 8.9957l/100km. Great result considering winter tires and the pace.

[johngenx]

FOUR decimal points?   

[bridgecity]

FOUR decimal points?   

Well if he rounded, it would have taken him to 9.0L/100km, which doesn't look nearly as good as 8.99..

[Snowman]

FOUR decimal points?   

Well if he rounded, it would have taken him to 9.0L/100km, which doesn't look nearly as good as 8.99..

  the 99 cent rule

[Snowman]

The Blizzak WS-70's were tested in winter like conditions for the first time and I was pleased. Especially with my co-pilots who would yell "turn left HERE!" while I'm flying at 120.

[safristi]

Time fer a ROLL_BACK................

[dave]

The Blizzak WS-70's were tested in winter like conditions for the first time and I was pleased. Especially with my co-pilots who would yell "turn left HERE!" while I'm flying at 120.

Hey!  You got plenty of notice...and you never missed a turn.   

Maybe if you cracked the spine on the navigation system manual and figured out how to operate it you wouldn't have to rely on your hung-over co-pilots 

[Danno001]

The weekend run to The Rally of the Tall Pines resulted in 8.9957l/100km. Great result considering winter tires and the pace.

Impressive performance considering you have the V6, winter tires and winter gas.