4Runner vs. Venza someone please help

[volrus7]

I mentioned the Venza in another post I started and I wanted to seek you obviously biased opinions on my situation. I went to the dealership again today and saw a red AWD Venza with Nav and everything for $37k. This is the same price as the SR5 with options I've been looking at except that the 4runner doesn't have Nav or some of the other bells and whistles of the Venza.

Of course I realize that I'm sort of comparing apples to pizza in terms of these two vehicles, but I'm REALLY struggling with this decision. I love the look of both vehicles but I don't NEED a 4runner because the only off roading I'll be doing is the occassional ride through the family farm. The Venza can handle that I'm sure as long as I don't get into any mud. Realistically this vehicle will be 65% highway and 35% city driving. I also need to tow the occassional landscaping 4' x 8' trailer with a riding mower on it which again, the Venza can handle. The problem is I like the look of the runner a little better on the outside but obviously prefer the interior of the Venza.

Any suggestions for how to make my decision at all?

 

[nashman69g]

spend some time in both...test drive until you are comfortable in making a good decision.

 

[doberman_baby]

** Assuming you are comparing the V6 Venza to the 4runner **
If space --> 4runner
If gas --> Venza
If bells & whistles --> Venza or a Limited 4runner/or the SR5 upgrade package

Like you said it, it's non-comparable. Since you are in this forum ... the answer from everyone is 4runner :thumb3:

 

[PolkManiac]

I'm just having a hard time trying to imagine someone driving a venza around the farm, even on dirt roads. I'm sure the venza can handle it, but is that really what you want to be doing with a car?

Another thing to consider is resale value, I think the 4runner us going to hold its value better in the long run. The venza is a fine car, but is generally considered to have only OK performance, and I think the new factor will wear off after a couple years, which will ultimately translate to not holding its value as well.

 

[kingpin748]

I drove the Venza and thought it was pretty nice. We went with a 4Runner because of the size and the fact that I didn't want to be seen driving a Venza.

 

[qs933]

Any suggestions for how to make my decision at all?

My two cents -- the grass will always be greener on the other side, regardless of which choice you make. As long as both vehicles meet your functional requirements, and you're satisfied with the way they drive and the features they contain, you'll be happy with either one.

I like my Venza, as well as the 4th Gen 4Runner it replaced. My next vehicle will likely be a 5th Gen 4Runner, if only because I wouldn't buy the same vehicle twice in a row without it being redesigned or substantially changed.

The Venza rides higher than most cars, but definitely lower than the 4Runner, or even a Highlander. It's noticeable (and may be the deciding factor if riding high above traffic is important to you). However, it's much easier to step into the Venza (due to the lower height and low sill).

Feature-wise, for the $32K+tax I paid for my Venza V6 AWD, I got HIDs and a power liftgate, neither of which are available on the 4Runner. I also got leather, Smart Key and the JBL audio system.

 

[Ryan F.]

I originally went into the process of buying a vehicle intent on a Venza. It just seemed to be a logical step after my Matrix. On paper, it made complete sense. The Venza was kind of like a Trix on steriods. Plus this purchase was going to be the family's Go To ride for vacations, etc. Made even more sense...Carlike ride, more room, etc. Made sense until I drove the Venza that is. I couldn't see out of the thing, and I couldn't get comfortable. It felt low and wide, and I hated that feeling. I then drove a Highlander. Loved it, but it was a Highlander, and I needed something that had a following as I consider myself a Toyota enthusiast. People like their Highlanders, but drivers are passionate about their 4 Runners. I was told that I wouldn't like the platform. That was dead wrong. The minute I drove the Limited, I was sold, and I have never looked back. At 1,600 miles, I can say that it is the best vehicle that I have ever owned. I love everything about it from the styling to the driving. I drove about 150 miles the other day, and got out of the truck refreshed. The thing is flat awesome--rugged yet refined, and the damn thing has soul. My 2 cents...

 

[Jed]

I think you answered your own question--- if you don't NEED a 4Runner, then get the Venza. Unless for some reason you just WANT a 4Runner. But if I were you, I think it would make more sense to buy a Venza.

 

[Quentin]

I think you answered your own question--- if you don't NEED a 4Runner, then get the Venza. Unless for some reason you just WANT a 4Runner. But if I were you, I think it would make more sense to buy a Venza.

I pretty much agree with this. Initially, around 18 months ago, I was looking at Venza v. Highlander and ruled out the Venza based on it being "not different enough" from my other two vehicles.* As time went on, I was pretty set on the Highlander and never really considered the 4th gen 4Runner due to the, what I considered, old 1GR and poor fuel economy that came with it. After reading up on the 4WD system of the Highlander and the HiHy, being the older, less aggressive 4WD compared to what is in the RX350 and Venza's 6AT, I was unsure about the Highlander. Then the 5th gen 4Runner came out. The improved fuel economy w/ the updated 1GR, the add'l interior space, the look, a selectable 4WD, and finally the test drive had my wife and I both saying "let's take it home".

*I really like the Venza. If I didn't already have a fuel efficient 4 door hatchback as a daily driver, I'd certainly get one. It easily has the best back seats available. I tried to get my mom into one, but the deals that they had on the Rav in the spring and 17" wheels, instead of 19" or 20", which were dealbreakers for my dad, made the Rav a more attractive option. Mom is regularly seeing 26+ MPG in her V6, 4WD limited.

 

[M1911]

The 4Runner rides pretty well, for a truck. It handles pretty well, for a truck. It brakes pretty well, for a truck. It gets reasonable fuel economy, for a truck. But you will never mistake it for anything other than a body-on-frame truck with a solid rear axle.

If you don't need a 4WD, body-on-frame truck, then get a car or crossover -- it will ride better, handle better, brake better, and get better mileage.

 

[mpaquette]

I easily solved this problem: my wife drives a Venza and I drive a 4Runner.

 

[DEKA3]

I originally went into the process of buying a vehicle intent on a Venza. It just seemed to be a logical step after my Matrix. On paper, it made complete sense. The Venza was kind of like a Trix on steriods. Plus this purchase was going to be the family's Go To ride for vacations, etc. Made even more sense...Carlike ride, more room, etc. Made sense until I drove the Venza that is. I couldn't see out of the thing, and I couldn't get comfortable. It felt low and wide, and I hated that feeling. I then drove a Highlander. Loved it, but it was a Highlander, and I needed something that had a following as I consider myself a Toyota enthusiast. People like their Highlanders, but drivers are passionate about their 4 Runners. I was told that I wouldn't like the platform. That was dead wrong. The minute I drove the Limited, I was sold, and I have never looked back. At 1,600 miles, I can say that it is the best vehicle that I have ever owned. I love everything about it from the styling to the driving. I drove about 150 miles the other day, and got out of the truck refreshed. The thing is flat awesome--rugged yet refined, and the damn thing has soul. My 2 cents...

Ryan,

I feel the same.

I had a 3rd gen and 4th gen 4runner many years ago. I then went to a Highlander, a Camry & later a Matrix. I never felt comfortable in anything else other than a 4runner. When I bought the first non-suv, the sales manager at the dealer looked at me funny and asked me if I was sure about the decision I was about to make. I felt pretty certian that i would love a car again. But I was never happy. When my 'Trix got smashed up, I was in the market again for a new VEHICLE. I looked at the Venza, the Explorer, the Expedition, the 4Runner & a Highlander. Well, to make a long story short, I am in my 5th gen 4runner and have never been happier. Just my .02

 

[FlyNavy]

Sounds like you need a Subaru Outback

 

[T4Fun]

I mentioned the Venza in another post I started and I wanted to seek you obviously biased opinions on my situation. I went to the dealership again today and saw a red AWD Venza with Nav and everything for $37k. This is the same price as the SR5 with options I've been looking at except that the 4runner doesn't have Nav or some of the other bells and whistles of the Venza.

Of course I realize that I'm sort of comparing apples to pizza in terms of these two vehicles, but I'm REALLY struggling with this decision. I love the look of both vehicles but I don't NEED a 4runner because the only off roading I'll be doing is the occassional ride through the family farm. The Venza can handle that I'm sure as long as I don't get into any mud. Realistically this vehicle will be 65% highway and 35% city driving. I also need to tow the occassional landscaping 4' x 8' trailer with a riding mower on it which again, the Venza can handle. The problem is I like the look of the runner a little better on the outside but obviously prefer the interior of the Venza.

Any suggestions for how to make my decision at all?

i suggest you look at the highlander. drives like a car, more space on inside than the 4runner (yes believe it, check the toyota website)

 

[Quentin]

i suggest you look at the highlander. drives like a car, more space on inside than the 4runner (yes believe it, check the toyota website)

I'm not sure about the numbers, but the Highlander feels significantly bigger than the 4Runner inside. As far as actual cargo space, I'd say that the Rav is quite close to the 4Runner. Just one of the advantages to a unibody and mounting the spare on the tailgate.

How's the GX working out?

 

[dxntxn]

Ryan,

I feel the same.

I had a 3rd gen and 4th gen 4runner many years ago. I then went to a Highlander, a Camry & later a Matrix. I never felt comfortable in anything else other than a 4runner. When I bought the first non-suv, the sales manager at the dealer looked at me funny and asked me if I was sure about the decision I was about to make. I felt pretty certian that i would love a car again. But I was never happy. When my 'Trix got smashed up, I was in the market again for a new VEHICLE. I looked at the Venza, the Explorer, the Expedition, the 4Runner & a Highlander. Well, to make a long story short, I am in my 5th gen 4runner and have never been happier. Just my .02

My story is similar. I had a 1st, 2nd and 3rd gen 4Runner then moved to an Avalon and Highlander. I was never satisfied with either of the last two. I've had my 4Runner just a couple of weeks now and absolutely love it.

It's been way too long since I grin when I see the truck and look forward to spending more time driving it. arty:

 

[volrus7]

Sounds like you need a Subaru Outback

Funny you say that, that was exactly my original intent was to go with the Outback. They have really good off road capabilities and are excellent on the road. Only one problem, it's nearly impossible to find a V6 version. Their 4 cylinder is sort of week and I don't like the CVT.

 

[volrus7]

i suggest you look at the highlander. drives like a car, more space on inside than the 4runner (yes believe it, check the toyota website)

I can believe it, I've sat in both. My concern is that like the Venza, the AWD is sort of a joke. Of course I guess the highlander has more ground clearance than Venza which is a plus.

Basically, on paper the Highlander is 110% ecactly the vehicle I NEED but to quote Daniel Burnham (famous architect/city planner) "...it has no magic to stir men's blood" if you know what I mean. I just don't get excited about telling people I drive a Highlander because it's so common.

Right now I feel like a woman trying to make a decision!

 

[Quentin]

I can believe it, I've sat in both. My concern is that like the Venza, the AWD is sort of a joke. Of course I guess the highlander has more ground clearance than Venza which is a plus.

Basically, on paper the Highlander is 110% ecactly the vehicle I NEED but to quote Daniel Burnham (famous architect/city planner) "...it has no magic to stir men's blood" if you know what I mean. I just don't get excited about telling people I drive a Highlander because it's so common.

Right now I feel like a woman trying to make a decision!

The Venza and Highlander have pretty different AWD systems. The Venza is much more aggressive in it's use of the rear wheels. I'm sure it isn't quite as good as the Outback's AWD, but the Outbacks get miserable gas mileage unless hooked to the CVT (I had 2 Imprezas before my GTI and my brother drives a turbo 4 outback). The space in the previous gen Outback doesn't touch a Venza, either. I haven't been in the newest model, so I cannot comment. They seemed to have made it larger in every way, though, so it probably isn't too bad. Really can't go wrong with either.

 

[volrus7]

The Venza and Highlander have pretty different AWD systems. The Venza is much more aggressive in it's use of the rear wheels. I'm sure it isn't quite as good as the Outback's AWD, but the Outbacks get miserable gas mileage unless hooked to the CVT (I had 2 Imprezas before my GTI and my brother drives a turbo 4 outback). The space in the previous gen Outback doesn't touch a Venza, either. I haven't been in the newest model, so I cannot comment. They seemed to have made it larger in every way, though, so it probably isn't too bad. Really can't go wrong with either.

Yeah, the new Outback is as big as the Forrester now but still a little smaller I believe than the venza. Probably between a Venza and Rav 4 if I were guessing.