2015 Toyota Venza Limited AWD

On February 22, 2015July 21, 2015 By stuwright47In *CROSSOVERS, ToyotaLeave a comment

A test car that was delivered to me recently was a 2015 Barcelona Red metallic five-door Toyota Venza with all-wheel drive and a V-6 engine. Since the Venza was introduced into the Toyota line six years ago as a 2009 Camry derivative (one of many), the company has chosen to dress the car out with lots of equipment. And the one that I was loaned had enough in the line of options to bring M.S.R.P. to $42,193.00. Included was the Limited package of options were leather seats/shift knob/steering wheel, twin power heated front buckets, smart key system, pushbutton and remote starter, power liftgate, backup camera, navigation system, 13-speaker JBL stereo, XM radio, automatic high beam headlights, panoramic glass moon roof, IPod connector, Bluetooth, and rear bumper protector. The car also had chrome door handles, puddle lamps, fog lights, four-season floor mats, paint protection film, and mudguards. On balance, it was quite a number of upgrades.

First off, I departed for Denver out on I-25 on a winter morning. I wanted to meet my family for lunch at Zadie’s Restaurant near Cherry Creek. The Venza has a 268hp V-6 (@ 6,200 rpm) with 3.5 liters, dual overhead cams, 24 valves and dual variable valve timing. Torque is 246 lb. ft. (@ 4,700 rpm) and the the transmission attached to it is a 6-speed electronically controlled model with with sequential shift mode. All of this drivetrain spec provided ample passing power and I was satisfied with the Venza’s ride, guidance, and handling. Dual climate control kept both the wife and I comfortable and the tilt/telescope kept the wheel in a proper attitude for the driver. This upgraded Toyota had carbon fiber-looking trim in quite a few locations in the car and it was very attractive. So was the dashboard material and gauges. And the cargo space behind the second-row seating is 36.6 cubic feet. Fold the middle row of seats down and the total cargo space comes to 70.2 cubic feet. Weight/wheelbase/length of the Venza is 4,045 lbs., 109.3″, and 189″, respectively.

Fuel mileage for the Venza is 18 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined. I observed an average of 22.4 during my week with the car. I mentioned the acceleration – reportedly the Venza V-6 goes 0-60 in 6.9 seconds, without a great deal of fuss. The car rides on big 20” five-spoke silver allow wheels that look great, shod with P245/50R20 Goodyear Eagle RS-A all-season steel belted radials. And the drive system is all-wheel with Active Torque Control and the suspension is 4-wheel independent MacPherson strut with stabilizer bars.

I left Zadies less satisfied with the lunch (breakfast, actually – I don’t care for the pancake syrup) than the car, and noticed a lot of looks from shoppers in the Cherry Creek district. The Toyota Camry has produced a lot of offspring, and the Venza is the best-looking one of the bunch.

2015 Honda CR-V 5-Door AWD Touring Crossover

On February 16, 2015 By stuwright47In *CROSSOVERS, HondaLeave a comment

Japan’s Honda Motor Company began as a motorbike manufacturer in 1949, and by 1962 they produced a motorcycle that caught the fancy of my big brother, a 150cc black bike with twin cylinders. By 1964 the company became the world’s biggest motorcycle producer and that year I joined my brother and purchased a 50cc Honda, later trading it for a 1965 305cc white “Dream”. Another brother bought a similar, blue Dream and the three of us terrorized the streets of Albion (and Grant) Nebraska for years thereafter.

Honda began producing automobiles shortly thereafter, and now is one of the ten largest such manufacturers in the world. Many are made in America and sent to Japan; more in fact than are exported to America from that country. One of Honda’s products is the CR-V, which perhaps stands for “compact recreational vehicle”. It has been produced since 1995, and originally was a knockoff of the Civic. Since the cancellation of the Honda Element, it has moved into the entry-level SUV slot for the company.

A recent test that I conducted was of a 2015 Honda CR-V Touring model in a Copper Sunset Pearl paint scheme with black leather interior. It had an M.S.R.P. of $33,775.00, including freight of $880.00. As a Touring CR-V, it came with a lot of equipment such as navigation (7″ screen), heated seats, power memory driver seat, lane watch system, radar cruise control, moon roof, power tailgate, high end alloy wheels, fancy roof rails, fog lights and 7-speaker XM stereo. The lane keeping assist arrangement allowed me to drive down I-25 without touching the steering wheel and the lane watch camera peeked at the blind spot on the passenger side (to the rear) for ease of lane changing. In town the system is particularly helpful as a right turn is anticipated. The leather seating inside the Honda was supportive and attractive with room for five adults.

Styling from Honda on this crossover is improved and slightly updated for 2015. I’ve always admired the CR-V styling, and the new one was perfectly suitable to my eyes. I particularly like the paint color, and although the wheels were not anything that I was wild about, others that saw the Honda made positive comments about them on a couple of occasions. They were 2-tone 18″ x 7″ alloys fitted with P225/60R18 Dunlop AT20’s, and with that aspect, the ride was great.

Wheelbase of the CR-V is 103.1″, overall length is 179.4″, weight is 3,624 lbs., and towing capacity is 1,500 lbs. Power is supplied by a four-cylinder, 2.4 liter engine with 185 horsepower at 6,400 rpm. Torque is 181 lb. ft. at 3,900 rpm, and a CVT (continuously variable) transmission is standard without a manual-mode arrangement. Ground clearance is 6.8″ on the all-wheel drive CR-V, and the EPA ratings are 26 mpg-city, 33 mpg-highway, and 28 mpg-combined. I obtained 26 mpg during my week with the Honda.

As my test of the Honda CR-V unfolded, I found myself becoming pretty familiar with, and fond of, the car. Honda sells almost 30,000 of these each month in the U.S., and it is evident why Americans find it so appealing.

2015 Nissan Versa Note SR Sedan

On February 8, 2015 By stuwright47In *PASSENGER CARS, NissanLeave a comment

A Versa Note SR was delivered to me last week for reviewing, and the first thing I noticed was that it was a model I had never tested (nor seen) before. It was more attractive than prior Notes in that it had interesting ten-spoke black-accented wheels and lower-body sporty fascia on both ends of and the sides of the car. This Note is 11.7” shorter (at 163.7”) than the Versa sedan that Nissan sells while resting on the same wheelbase of 102.4”. Thus, maneuverability is enhanced in this car without a reduction in interior space. My test Note was painted Metallic Peacock (blue-green) and inside it was equipped with charcoal sport synthetic suede seating for five. Not only does it seat five, it does it quite comfortably and has a large 18.8 cubic foot cargo compartment behind the back seats. Two buckets are up front and in the rear is a 60/40 split fold down bench seat with plenty of legroom for back seat passengers.

The cloth front buckets have a console in between, a single armrest attached to the driver’s seat, and also a hand brake that I always prefer. Four cup holders are included as are power windows and locks, cruise control, steering wheel audio controls, intermittent wipers, Bluetooth phone setup, Ipod interface, remote keyless entry, power mirrors, and MP3 playback stereo. As an SR, the car is also equipped with a rear vision camera and satellite radio. The car has five doors counting the hatchback, 16” alloy wheels with P195/55R16 Bridgestone Ecopia Grand Touring EP422 low rolling resistance, all-season radials, chrome-trimmed fog lights, and chrome accented mesh grill. Under the hood rests a 1.6 liter, four cylinder, DOHC, 16 valve engine that puts out 109 hp with 107 lb. ft. of torque. Redline is 6000 rpm, and reportedly 0 to 60 time is 9.8 seconds. Fuel economy ratings are 31 city and 40 highway, 35 combined (10.8 gallon tank), and I observed 35.9 mpg during my week at the wheel. That is pretty darn good for running around, mostly in town. As usual, I took a trip to Denver on the Interstate, and found that the ride and handling were compliant, and wind noise was minimal.

Base M.S.R.P. for the Note SR is $17,530.00, as my test car was equipped with the CVT automatic transmission, SR convenience equipment package ($660.00), carpeted cargo and floor mats ($180.00), and freight ($825.00). The total came to $19,195.00. CVT stands for continuous variable transmission, part of the PureDrive system on this 2015 Nissan Versa Note, enabling the car to exceed next year’s Cafe fuel economy and CO2 emission standards. In addition to the transmission, this PureDrive Versa Note has aerodynamic body styling, friction-reducing micro-finished engine components and variable valve timing. I earlier bragged about the fuel economy, and these features are the reason why.

My week in possession of the Versa Note was pleasing, both to the senses and the pocketbook. I would like a different color, but seven alternates are available, as are 3 other models that are less expensive. The Versa Note SR is a little car I could see myself owning.

2015 Volkswagen Jetta SE FWD Sedan

On January 19, 2015January 19, 2015 By stuwright47In *PASSENGER CARS, Volkswagen1 Comment

The number one selling Volkswagen is the Jetta, produced since 1979. It is currently in it’s sixth generation form, this new design having been introduced in June of 2010 as a 2011 model. For 2015 the Jetta received a mid-cycle update in the front/rear styling and in standard equipment offerings. A Platinum Gray metallic Jetta SE four-door sedan was brought to my home on a recent Monday morning, and I immediately got inside to check out the optional equipment. Heated leatherette seats, heated mirrors, and Sirius satellite radio: check. Power lumbar “V-tech” Titan black leatherette bolstered buckets and leather wheel: check. Touchscreen radio/CD changer and Bluetooth and IPod connection: check. Pushbutton start (on the console along with the emergency brake) and five-speed manual transmission: check. Although most of the buzz with Volkswagen has recently been about the new masculine (supposedly) Beetle introduction, this Jetta is almost the newest VW in the lineup and, as mentioned earlier, the most popular. It’s easy to see and feel why, because this is a real nice car.

I jumped in and took off for Interstate 25 for a test drive and a chance to do some mall shopping somewhere along the way. A real firm ride is in store for the operator; a feeling of quality (and quietness). The steering wheel is rather thick with many controls, and the five-speed transmission quite manageable. The turbocharged four cylinder (EA888), 1.8 liter, 170 hp (6,200 rpm) engine provides an ample amount of power. More, in fact, than would seem available with that horsepower rating. Torque is 184 lb. ft. (1,500 – 4,750 rpm), and the highway fuel economy rating is 37 mpg on the highway, 25 mpg in the city, and a combined mpg figure is 29. The fuel tank holds 14.5 gallons.

Guiding the Jetta up the Interstate is pleasurable. Once again, the ride is firm, but handles the aging Interstate quite well. I had plenty of punch for changing lanes and running by service trucks and seniors. At the mall parking lot I stepped outside to view the styling of the VW. It’s good, if not spectacular, and looks particularly nice from the front with the new 2015 grill treatment. The mirrors have lighting stripes on them and up front are good-looking fog lights. The Jetta has a wheelbase of 104.4″, overall length of 183.3″, and the car weighs 3,047 lbs. Backseat legroom is suitable for a big human being, and the trunk is the biggest in its class, at 15.5 cubic feet. In the center of the back seat is a flop-down armrest/cup holder, and this VW had no power moonroof

This is the best-looking Jetta to date, and has 16”, Sedona ten-spoke alloy wheels to dress it up. Tires mounted on them are 205/55R 16” mud and snow radials. Base price for the SE was $18,995.00 and a lighting package ($995.00) and freight ($820.00) were added, bringing the M.S.R.P. to $20,810.00. Bottom line; I could see myself owning a car like this. The styling, roominess, drivability, and value puts the car high on the list of its segment competition.

2015 Toyota Sienna FWD SE Premium Minivan

On January 12, 2015January 14, 2015 By stuwright47In *MINIVANS, ToyotaLeave a comment

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BRRRRR! It’s cold and wintery as I conduct this mid-January test of the Toyota Sienna minivan from the Rocky Mountain Redline press fleet. The front-wheel drive system works well getting my wife and I around Northern Colorado, and thankfully, no blizzards took place this month; just a couple of nice snowfalls. Front and rear heat is on hand in the Sienna so that I can warm up the vehicle pretty fast with zero degree temperatures to contend with. That system includes air conditioning and is a three-zone setup with separate temperature controls for driver and passengers, both front and rear. A digital control panel is ceiling-mounted in the rear of the Sienna.

My test Sienna was the SE Premium model with several upgrades such as backup camera, audio/navigation with 7″ screen, SiriusXM radio, Bluetooth connectivity, Toyota’s Entune app suite, Blu-ray 16.4″ rear entertainment center with headphones, perforated black leather seating for eight, 40/20/40 middle row seating with stowable center seat, stowable third row seat, cruise control, tilt/telescope, Smart Key system with remote/pushbutton starter, triple 12v power outlets, blind spot monitor, rear cross traffic alert, and ten cup holders.

Toyota’s Sienna SE Premium comes in five different colors and the one I drove was painted Salsa red pearl metallic. Of course the vehicle was equipped with power sliding side doors (they have roll-down windows) and a power rear lift gate. The length of the Sienna was 200.2″ set on a 119.3″ wheelbase; weight was 4,560 lbs. Getting in and out of the minivan is easier than a sedan and not quite at a crossover SUV level of convenience. Visibility is great, as is ride and guidance on the road. Handling is, well, as you would expect for such a vehicle, that being OK.

Minivan styling is not an attraction to such a vehicle, although I personally like the looks of all of them. This Sienna had bold-looking six-spoke gunmetal-finished gray 19″ alloy wheels with P235/50R19 steel all-season radials. Luggage rail cross bars were up top and round fog- and backup-lights dressed up the fascia, front and rear. The color was particularly attractive on the Sienna, a selection I would make if purchasing one.

Power for the Toyota minivan is produced by a 3.5 liter V-6 with 266 horsepower and 245 lb. ft. of torque. A six-speed automatic is coupled to it with the shift tower mounted on the dashboard to the right of the steering wheel. Thus, the driver (or front passenger) can slide over to the other armrest-equipped bucket seat, if desired. Fuel economy for the Sienna is 18 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway. The combined rating is 21 mpg. I found the performance of my test Toyota to be suitable, and the company also offers an all-wheel drive setup on the Sienna.

M.S.R.P. for the van totaled $41,293.00 – base price was $39,680.00 and freight plus odds and ends made up the difference. I enjoyed testing the Sienna and it seems to me to represent a pretty good value in its segment.

2015 Toyota Camry SE Hybrid Sedan

On January 8, 2015 By stuwright47In *HYBRIDS/ELECTRICS, ToyotaLeave a comment

Toyota has been building Camrys since 1982, and the car was originally a compact sedan. Now it has evolved into a midsize automobile, and year after year the company sells over 400,000 of them. I drove a new 2015 Toyota Camry Hybrid during the past few days, all over Northern Colorado as well as to Denver, and I found out that I like this new 2015 more than the 2014.5 that I had in the fall. It was the styling that won me over, as this new sedan has virtually all new body parts (everything but the roof), and is quieter, roomier, and even a little sportier. I was more of a fan of the 2007 (through 2011) Camry styling than I was of last year’s, and now this 2015 gets me back as a big booster.

The Camry Hybrid has a power train consisting of a CVT delivering power to the front wheels from its hybrid system. I have grown pretty accustomed to the CVT transmission setup in the Camrys; that includes both this one and the 2014.5 that I tested in the fall. CVT stands for continuously variable transmission (no shifts), and it is coupled to a gasoline 4 cylinder, 2.5 liter motor with 156 horsepower (@ 5,700 rpm) and 156 lb. ft. of torque (@4,500 rpm). Two electric motor/generators are on board to add in 141 more horsepower and 199 lb. ft. of torque. Combined power rating is 200 horsepower, and as I mentioned, it was pretty suitable for driving the midsize sedan. I liked the ride and handling better than last Camry I had, and styling (as I have mentioned) is great from all angles.

The Toyota Camry Hybrid mid-size FWD sedan has been available for eight years, and over the winter has been available in showrooms in its third generation configuration. My test Camry was equipped to the tune of $32,233.00, M.S.R.P. The base price of $27,995.00 for the SE model had as additions the blue illuminated door sills ($299.00) remote start ($499.00) four season floor mat package ($325.00), premium navigation/audio package ($1,300.00), moon roof ($915), and wireless charging system ($75.00). Freight charges came to $825.00. The car came in “blue crush metallic” paint and the cloth seating was a light gray in color. It’s a five passenger sedan with a decent sized rear passenger compartment and a 15.4 cubic foot trunk. It comfortably seats five adults. Miles-per-gallon fuel economy ratings for the car I drove were 40 City, 38 Highway, and 40 Combined. The fuel tank holds 17 gallons of at least 87-octane regular unleaded gasoline.

My test automobile was equipped as an above-average midsize sedan. On hand were such items as a good JBL stereo, 6.1″ touchscreen for nav and backup, fancier dash materials for 2015, sport cloth SofTex seating, satellite radio, 17″ alloys, and Bluetooth. Wheelbase of the Camry is 109.3″, length is 190.9″, and weight of the SE is 3,565 lbs.

There is a reason the Camry is America’s best selling car (almost 30,000 sold in November of 2014), and I experienced it firsthand this week with the SE Hybrid.

Stu's Reviews

Year: 2015