2013 Toyota Venza

Exterior

For the 2013 model year, the Venza has received a new exterior design language thanks to the addition of a new, distinctive grille, new headlights and fog lamps, an angled rear hatch, spoiler, and wide wraparound taillights.

Toyota is also offering a new set of wheels: the four-cylinder models ride on standard 19", 10-spoke aluminum alloy wheels, while the V6 models have received new 20" five-spoke aluminum alloy wheels. Power-assisted, ventilated front and solid rear disc brakes are standard on all models.

Interior

For the interior, customers can choose between three different colors: Ivory, Light Gray, and Black. All three versions will be offered with an Optitron speedometer and tachometer, while the XLE and Limited grades will also include a TFT multi-color center instrument panel display. All three models will also have ample head room, shoulder room, hip room, and couple distance.

Toyota is also offering an adjustable center console that features a sliding cover and armrest, three iPod/MP3 player holders with wire concealment features, and a large storage compartment. The new console is equipped with a USB port, auxiliary audio jack, and 12-volt power outlet.

A new addition to the Venza is the Toyota Entune multimedia system that leverages the mobile smartphone to provide a richer in-vehicle experience with fully integrated access to navigation, entertainment, and information services.

Engine

The Toyota Venza is powered by a four-cylinder or a V6 engine, combined with FWD or AWD systems. The 2.7 liter four-cylinder engine delivers a total of 181 HP at 5,800 rpm and 182 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,200 rpm, while the 3.5 liter V6 goes up to 268 HP at 6,200 rpm and 246 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,700 rpm.

The four-cylinder models have a fuel economy of 21 MPG city/27 MPG highway for the FWD model and 20/25 for the AWD, while the V6 versions deliver 19 MPG city/26 MPG highway for the FWD models and 18/25 for the AWD.

Both engines are combined with a six-speed sequential-shift electronically controlled automatic transmission with intelligence (ECT-i).

Prices

The new Toyota Venza will go on sale later in 2012. Prices will be announced at a later date.

Competition

The list of competitors for the Toyota Venza includes models like the Honda Crosstour and the Subaru Outback, both coming with updates for the New York Auto Show. All three models have received an impressive list of updates for the 2013 model year, but the question is which of those updates are preferred?