Honda Crosstour vs. Toyota Venza
01-20-10, 11:08 AM
#46
Lexus Fanatic
01-20-10, 11:12 AM
#47
Lexus Fanatic
You prefer the Venza because of looks alone...and maybe space efficiency? (I'm assuming you have not yet driven a Crosstour)
The Venza is a nice design, I'll admit, but I think that the 19 and 20-inch wheels were a mistake (I noted that in my Venza review). And Toyota salespeople tell me that one reason they don't sell more of them is that some potential customers balk at the high potential cost of raplacing those big tires...though, of course, that is normally done only once every 30,000 miles or so.
However, if that is not an issue to you, I agree.....go ahead and indulge yourself with a new one. You could certainly do a lot worse. And, if you don't get much in the way of rain or snow on the roads there in Silicon Valley, you can get a FWD versions.
I'd like to see Lexus do a version of the Venza. I'm going to suggest that to the Lexus reps next week at the D.C. show.
The Venza is a nice design, I'll admit, but I think that the 19 and 20-inch wheels were a mistake (I noted that in my Venza review). And Toyota salespeople tell me that one reason they don't sell more of them is that some potential customers balk at the high potential cost of raplacing those big tires...though, of course, that is normally done only once every 30,000 miles or so.
However, if that is not an issue to you, I agree.....go ahead and indulge yourself with a new one. You could certainly do a lot worse. And, if you don't get much in the way of rain or snow on the roads there in Silicon Valley, you can get a FWD versions.
I'd like to see Lexus do a version of the Venza. I'm going to suggest that to the Lexus reps next week at the D.C. show.
I will only consider a 4WD/AWD SUV for use in serious snow in high Sierras. Yes the mild sunny climate of Silicon Valley doesn't require AWD, which is why I have other sportier RWD cars too.
IMO, I think the 19" and 20" wheels are an important factor in the sales success and subjective appeal of Venza. I also think a Lexus version of the Venza would be cool.
Note: Toyota properly engineered the larger diameter wheels and tires into the design (with appropriate gearing to match), therefore sidewall height and cushioning is adequate. Below are the appropriate tire specs for a Venza versus Outback for example.
Outback 225/60/17 5.315" sidewall height, 27.63" diameter
Venza 245/55/19 5.305" sidewall height, 29.61" diameter
Last edited by IS-SV; 01-21-10 at 01:36 PM. Reason: tire specs added
01-20-10, 11:17 AM
#50
Lexus Fanatic
01-20-10, 11:41 AM
#51
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All 3 vehicles are about the same spec-wise. The Venza and RX appeal to the same customers. The Highlander is more of a butch 3 row CUV, while both the Venza and RX are soft riding 2 row CUVs for smaller families. That's what I meant by saying that the RX was already very similar to the Venza. I don't see much need for a Lexus version. Lexus needs a larger 3 row crossover...
01-20-10, 11:46 AM
#52
All 3 vehicles are about the same spec-wise. The Venza and RX appeal to the same customers. The Highlander is more of a butch 3 row CUV, while both the Venza and RX are soft riding 2 row CUVs for smaller families. That's what I meant by saying that the RX was already very similar to the Venza. I don't see much need for a Lexus version. Lexus needs a larger 3 row crossover...
So, this Toyota guy was saying it's close to a RX.
01-20-10, 11:48 AM
#53
Lexus Fanatic
All 3 vehicles are about the same spec-wise. The Venza and RX appeal to the same customers. The Highlander is more of a butch 3 row CUV, while both the Venza and RX are soft riding 2 row CUVs for smaller families. That's what I meant by saying that the RX was already very similar to the Venza. I don't see much need for a Lexus version. Lexus needs a larger 3 row crossover...
But I see your point that maybe Lexus could generate more sales from a 3 row crossover versus a Lexus (sporty) version of the Venza. My preference would still be the Lexus version of Venza, but I'll admit I'm not looking for a minivan substitute.
01-20-10, 03:38 PM
#54
Lexus Fanatic
Lexus, in the 3-row department, currently has only the GX and LX...both truck-based and off-road-capable.
01-20-10, 04:15 PM
#55
Lexus Fanatic
Undoubtedly, if that is the case, Lexus marketers would have their eyes on the 3-row Buick Enclave, and the competition that vehicle is providing. The Enclave, not surprisingly, is been a success so far.
Lexus, in the 3-row department, currently has only the GX and LX...both truck-based and off-road-capable.
Lexus, in the 3-row department, currently has only the GX and LX...both truck-based and off-road-capable.
. LX and GX are selling about 500 units a month and are non-players in the 3-row SUV market, being truck-based doesn't justify the poor sales.
. RX at about 8000 units per month is a lucrative top-seller.
. Enclave runs about 5000 units per month (about the same as Venza), not bad.
01-20-10, 08:14 PM
#57
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If it wasn't for the grille, I'd love the Venza. I'd say I prefer its interior layout to the RX by far.
The Crosstour is a bit of a disappointment. The prototypes showed so much promise and looked great, far better than the final product.
The Crosstour is a bit of a disappointment. The prototypes showed so much promise and looked great, far better than the final product.
01-21-10, 07:43 AM
#59
Lexus Fanatic
01-21-10, 08:58 AM
#60
Lexus Fanatic
Yes, we can speculate about what Lexus is looking at to expand their markets and the following stats show Toyota/Lexus success with specialized crossover SUV's:
. LX and GX are selling about 500 units a month and are non-players in the 3-row SUV market, being truck-based doesn't justify the poor sales.
. RX at about 8000 units per month is a lucrative top-seller.
. Enclave runs about 5000 units per month (about the same as Venza), not bad.
. LX and GX are selling about 500 units a month and are non-players in the 3-row SUV market, being truck-based doesn't justify the poor sales.
. RX at about 8000 units per month is a lucrative top-seller.
. Enclave runs about 5000 units per month (about the same as Venza), not bad.
While the Venza will probably sell more as its competition to the Subaru Outback (which clearly outsells it) becomes more widely-known, I still think it would do even better (and some Toyota salespeople are also saying this) if it came with, say, 17" wheels standard and the 19 or 20-inchers were an option instead.
Last edited by mmarshall; 01-21-10 at 09:03 AM.