GRPFAN

When shopping for your 2012 RX 350, did anyone check out the 2012 Toyota Venza?

My neighbor just bought new Venza and I got to say their almost a clone to the RX 350 in
size and approx. $12,000 to $14,000 cheaper.

The Venza even offers 80 -90% of the options that are on the RX 350.

I did take one for a drive last fall before deciding on the 350 and was very impressed what
Toyota did to their Venza..

You think Toyota Venza will draw a lot of owners away from paying the extra $$$$ for a RX350??

InRBigness

I find the Venza looks like someone stepped on it. The RX is higher in stance and seating posistion. The Venza to me was like a station wagon where as the RX is more like a sport ute. Just my impressions.

RX_330

I don't think it'll take sales away from the RX350 at all. And I don't think it has. The interior, ride, and material quality of the RX350 is leaps and bounds over the Venza.

MX5NES350

Looked at both. Lexus was hands down better if you can afford the extra change

LexBob2

I don't think Venza sales hurt RX to any great extent. Sales in 2011 were RX 83K -13%, and Venza 39K -18%. Different buyers and different price points.

Sfcyclist

Def not an rx but if you're comparing them loosely. Interior an exterior has major differences and if those are not a factor then comparison maybe close.

In relatively similar type of comparison is the highlander. I'm very impressed with the motor but if you take into account everything else, it's not an Rx.

Evitzee

Drove a Highlander and Venza first and then an hour later drove an RX ......not even on the same playing field. Just opening the door of the RX showed it was a much more upscale car than a Venza or Highlander. Waaay too much hard plastic in the Highlander, as well as the Venza.

Sfcyclist

Vienza was actually a Lexus when first introduced. I can see why it's now on Toyota line up.

Highlander and Vienza both great cars but not at rx level. Those are both great cars in their categories though!

Cruiter

The Vienza was never in the US Lexus line up. Maybe it was for another country but not ours.

It's a different price point for a different customer. I doubt any of the parts have the same part numbers as those on the RX.

GRPFAN

I sat in the Highlander before I bought the Lexus but didn't drive one.

The size seem a little larger over the RX 350 which would be nice, but the quality of the RX,
and the styling is why I paid the extra $$$$.

Another reason for me to buy the RX 350 is I keep my cars for at lest 12-15 years before trading.
Not that anything in the Toyota line wouldn't last that long.

Another thing, when I read here why you people chose a Lexus for their quality etc, then 2 years
later trade it off, just don't make sense to me.

Mark86

I agree that the Venza is the most similar Toyota model to the RX, but the build quality and materials are far superior in the RX. It seems with Toyota, they offer a few of the advanced features on the Toyota models but you can't have it all. For example, I noticed that you could get the HID headlights with auto high beams on a Venza but no rain sensing wipers, auto dimming side mirrors or memory seats. Personally, I feel that the Venza looks more like a station wagon than an SUV.

py0413

I checked the Venza out before buying my RX in 2011. I have to say the Venza looks more aggressive especially with its dark-chorme 20" wheels. However, I took a test drive and riding in as a passenger for half an hour; I just don't think it was a comfortable ride. It's almost like they are trying to hard to bring out the sportiness. Very identical to the early build IS-F as they were desperately to compete with the C63 & M3. But the price tag on those Venzas is sure very attractive for what they offer.

rxsuperman

We looked hard at the Venza before we bought the RX. 3 reasons we bought the RX instead of Venza: 1) Venza used cheap looking hard plastic material on the dash 2) RX gave a more comfortable and luxury ride than the Venza 3) RX gave a more commanding view than Venza

The bottomline is you get what you paid for.....Venza is not bad consider its price......

RXSF

DIfferent buyers so I dont think it has stolen sales from the RX. The RX remains the number 1 selling luxury SUV on the market for many years running now. Sure you might notice some similarities in design, such as the 2nd row fold flat handles in the cargo bay, but as others have mentioned the materials are where they differentiate the most.

Also the Venza was never a Lexus model, and also the Venza is only sold in north america and not overseas.

kitlz

I looked at both during the 2009 NY Auto Show. When I meandered over to the Venza, the pseudo textured leather and plastic surfaces were an immediate turnoff. I couldn't tell you about how it was equipped because I walked away. That Camry grill on steroids was also too much. But I'm sure for the price the Venza suits some people just fine. I think they come in some nice colors. The RX created the luxury SUV market and continues to dominate like RXSF said. Obviously the Venza has not been much of a threat.