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View Full Version : Does Toyota really need to expand their vehicle lineup by adding a cuv?



Good Times
01-14-2008, 11:47 AM
Detroit 2008: Toyota Venza crossover to challenge Edge, Murano

http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/01/venza---01.jpg

http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/01/venza---22.jpg


Toyota just unveiled the Venza "crossover sedan," which is really another name for, you know, "crossover." With the Nissan Murano and Ford Edge obviously in its sights, the 5-passenger Venza neatly and stylishly fills the void left when the Highlander grew a third row and got bigger. Powered by either a 268-horsepower V6 or a 2.7L four-banger, the North America-designed and built Venza will be sold as a single trim level vehicle. The primary differences are that the six gets dual exhausts and 20-inch wheels, while the 2.7L has a single outlet and 19-inchers. Both engines are connected to a six-speed automatic with sequential shift, and the V6 has a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds, which exactly matches that of the Ford Edge and the current Nissan Murano. The front end clearly communicates Toyota's current styling themes while being Edgelike in its bright, large grille, and headlights that arc out towards the fenders. Inside, the Venza has an upscale, airy cockpit with niceties like contrast-piped leather seats. Storage is typical for vehicles in this class, and like its main competitors, it offers a panoramic glass roof. Pricing is to be announced, but if past performance is any indication, we expect to see a lot of Venzas filled with families on the road before long.

Full Article Here (http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/14/detroit-2008-toyota-venza-crossover-to-challenges-edge-murano/)

looks like a big brother to the matrix. but where does this put the highlander?

YotaFun
01-14-2008, 01:19 PM
Toyota Just wants to jump in the party with every one else.
I guess I always considered the Highlander and SUV but since it is based of the Camry Frame (IIRC) then it would be considered a crossover no?

Seanz0rz
01-14-2008, 01:33 PM
how about killing off the sequia? do we really need an suv that big?

YotaFun
01-14-2008, 02:12 PM
how about killing off the sequia? do we really need an suv that big?


Yes, I mean look at the Tahoe, on of GM's best selling SUV's.
The Sequia now looks like it :D

RobG
01-14-2008, 02:17 PM
It looks kind of like that Morano/Infinity Thing. Never really understood what that car was aimed at.

Personally I'd take the Subaru Wagon any day.

MTL_4runner
01-14-2008, 06:15 PM
I like the styling better than the 2008 Highlander but I think this will be a too little too late vehicle. This is what the Highlander should have looked like when it got redesigned. The choice of engines and trannys is rather unimpressive.....how about a CVT version like the Murano too? or maybe try and better some of the competitor's specs rather than just matching them, slapping on a Toyota tag and taking the highest price spot?