rockyboy

It is the Toyota Venza V6. It's the closest non-luxury vehicle to the RDX. One of the best valued Toyotas you can buy

NBP04TL4ME

Venza was discontinued in the US in 2015 and is finishing up worldwide in 2017..............................

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

Another great Rocky thread

rockyboy

Most likely because Toyota is not getting a high profit margin on the Venza (thus the value proposition of the Venza). It's unfortunate if they discontinue it because now people will be stuck with choosing a Rav4 (very cheaply built car, got one as a rental before) and an expensive Toyota Highlander (top trim more expensive than RDX Elite!)

TacoBello

What the hell was the point of this thread?

NBP04TL4ME

Probably had nothing to do with profit margin. The Venza is an odd / unique vehicle as it isn't a sedan, (but is built on the Camry chassis) and it isn't an SUV. It never really caught on with the buying public which I believe killed it.

TacoBello

What I gather from this thread is that the RDX is the same as the Venza, and should ultimately be killed off. That's what OP is saying, right?

NBP04TL4ME

rockyboy

The Venza is a crossover, it's slightly bigger than the RDX. Great vehicle with a 268 horsepower V6 and 20 inch wheels

rockyboy

No, this information would help someone who is looking for a vehicle similar to an RDX but less expensive.

kurtatx

well, it's basically a powerful, well equipped CR-V. So I'll go with the CR-V

rockyboy

If I had to choose between the CRV or a V6 Venza, I would go for the Venza. Better engine, more spacious for a similar price. The CRV is a decent 4 cylinder vehicle though.

TacoBello

Why the fuck would you settle for a Venza, when you can get a minivan. Sweet V6 and even MOAR room.

think of all the 9.5/10 bitches you can haul in the minivan, to soccer practice. Er, I mean...

rockyboy

Mini van is too big and not sporty. It's for a person who has kids. A crossover is a better balance between practicality and sportiness.

TacoBello

Bruh, have you ever driven a venza?

NBP04TL4ME

Fixed it for you.

There is nothing sporty about a Venza.

C'mon let's be serious here. Rocky wouldn't drive or own a Toyota because they take too long to service - according to him.

colt427

RDX = tier 2 luxury.

guytdt

Outback 3.6R is the one. It has heated steering wheel that RDX doesn't have and adaptive headlight. The latter is what I like.

BLEXV6

Looked at the Venza when it first came out as I liked the look of it, until I saw the plastic dash that is fugly, The RDX is wayyy better.

TacoBello

The Venza, while sharp looking from the outside, drives like a minivan and offers zero sportiness whatsoever.

rockyboy

For a non-luxury vehicle, the Venza accelerates very fast, drives much better than a minivan. It has 268 horsepower and available 20 inch tires, much more than many competitors who offer only 4 cylinder engines. Yeah, the Subaru Outback and Forester are other decent non-luxury vehicles.

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

no one cross shops high end Merc's with the RDX, no one cross shops the Venza, ESPECIALLY when it's being discontinued.

plus, you have the elite, where you can pull mad fine hunniez. better fill up with costco gas and get some costco slacks!

chickdr

Another one is the Hyundai Tuscon. Yes, it is a 4 banger, but option wise the Ultimate level meets, or beats the RDX even at the Advance level. One of the only standard CUV's out there with available ventilated seats

rockyboy

Yeah but it's a Hyundai. Build quality is questionable.

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

^your post are questionable...

snorf

I owned a 6 cyl venza and currently own a '16 RDX advance. The interior of the venza gave new meaning to cheap. I do not think toyota could have founder cheaper, harder plastics to use in the car if they wanted to (i.e. classic toyota interior). It was larger than the RDX and roomier. The ride was a little smoother even with the standard 20 inch rims. Like the RDX, it was a 2 ton soccer mom vehicle with electronic steering - not a formula one machine. There was a big difference in drivetrain:
RDX:
6 cyl
timing belt (requiring changes)
SOHC with VVT - power kicks in about 5000 rpm I'm told (haven't pushed mine that far)
6 speed tranny requiring first flush at 25k miles then additional flushes
recommended fuel - 91 octane

Added: the venza was also a

Venza:
6 cyl
timing chain
DOHC - excellent power throughout entire rpm range not just once VVT kicks in
6 speed tranny with permanent tranny fluid (doesn't need to be changed)
recommended fuel - 87 octane

IMHO (just mine, no need to trash me) the venza was overall a better car with a cheaper interior. My wife wanted an RDX for her birthday thus we got rid of the venza.

Added: the venza was also a FAR quieter car while the RDX (like the typical honda product) has some road noise and a lot of wind noise.

NBP04TL4ME

This is all you needed to say........... Happy Wife = Happy Life. However, do appreciate your comments on your ownership experience with your Venza.
My wife wanted an RDX as well and so we have a 2016 in the garage. She actually came from a Lexus ES350, which I believe had the same 3.5L V6 as the Venza. In terms of timing belts and other maintenance items, I take care of all that (some DIY, some @ independent Honda mechanic I found). She loves her RDX

Comfy

I think the Nissan Murano can also be considered a close competitor to the RDX. It has the size, V6 engine and most gadgets to match.

chickdr

Have you ever driven a 2017 Tuscon? If not go try an Ultimate and get back with me. Build quality is just as good as Acura IMHO.

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

^you DO know who you're dealing with, right?

rosen39

When I was replacing my 2008 Lexus RX-350, I did not like the styling (grill) of the new RX-350. I looked at the Venza and the materials & fit/finish were as nice as the Lexus. Same reliable engine and transmission, and both easy to work on for required maintenance. I did not go for the Venza because to get the V-6 you have to take 20" tires and wheels. I was not going to sacrifice ride quality for minimal handling benefit. The 2013 Acura RDX had the V-6 and 18" wheels and tires that gave the ride I was looking for. Both cars will deliver on quality and reliability. The KIA Sorrento is another vehicle that has quality, ride comfort, and a great V-6. Get by the stigma of owning a KIA, and it is a nice car. All my friends that own one are happy with them. They ride as good as the Lexus RX-350.
I have just traded the RDX for a Porsche Macan base model with the 4 cylinder turbo used on the Audi's and VW's. Not all the bells and whistles as the Acura, but I do love the Apple CarPlay on the Porsche. No need for factory navigation. It has 18" wheels and tires, so the ride is smooth, yet will still out handle the RDX. Stickered at $55K and bought for $51K. A little more than an RDX ($10K) but I'm spending it before the kids get it.

Skidoor

Did you join a Porsche forum? Based on this forum, I'd bet that forum is like going down the rabbithole. Lol...
BTW..nice choice.

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

The Macan is beautiful!!!!!!!

rosen39

Ha, ha. Yes, I joined two of them just to see what other owners have done for maintenance and mods. They are a different breed...........kind of like "know-it-alls" if you ask a question that has already been addressed in another thread. In the end, we are all "car people". Notice how I didn't say "car guys"? I am becoming very PC now.

rosen39

Yes, it has a similar dash and console (center stack) as their other models. Seats are leather and alcantara. I just couldn't go with a 2017 RDX. It looked to similar, inside and out, to my 2013. It would be like dating my wife's twin sister. How exciting would that be???

NBP04TL4ME

Congrats on the Macan

This made me literally laugh out loud.

rockyboy

I've been a passenger in a Tucson, found the ride very harsh and bumpy compared to the RDX.

rockyboy

I also looked at the Macan but the significantly higher price and maintenance made me not get it. The 6 cylinder RDX is faster than the 4 cylinder Macan, and has a more spacious
cabin.

rockyboy

Yes, the Murano is a nice vehicle except the exterior design is too whacky.

rockyboy

The RDX is quieter than the Venza and suspension is smoother also. It's basically a luxury version of the Venza. I like the engine of the Venza, same engine as in the Camry and Lexus ES.