Hello Everyone. I am new to the forum and looking to purchase the Crosstour in the near future. I am just wondering if anyone considered the Venza while shopping for the crosstour. I find the CT is a better looking car, however the Venza offers slightly more for pretty much the same price.
I will be looking for a vehicle shortly to replace my 06 MDX. As such I had decided that I do not need another SUV as my family is moving away, (read my hockey goalie son will be done Hockey soon), and decided to reduce my outlay on cars and go back to Honda from Acura. That said I decided to test drive the Crosstour against the Venza.
Firstly I will tell you that I am a long time Honda fan, having owned 8 of them in the past, between my Wife and I. As such, obviously I am partial to the "drivers car" feel, which Toyota is not.
I have to say when I first saw the Venza, I loved the look, especially the 20" wheels, they are fantastic. On the otherhand the Crosstour at the front looks good, but my initial impression of the rear is UGLY, which my Wife also feels.
We test drove them both and I will tell you one thing, there is not a hope in hell of a Venza in my driveway.
Firstly, the Venza has a CHEAP interior, which lacks the usual Toyota fit and finish quality. The plastics on the dash and steering wheel, are very bottom shelf. It is clear Toyota is offering a lot of vehicle for the money, but has cut corners to do so. It also feels like you are driving a van. I also did not like the fact you cannot get a black interior, which I prfer. It drove like a big vehicle which I do not like. Now perhaps I was comparing it to my Acura MDX, which is a far superior and more costly vehicle ($15,000 difference in cost CDN). What I really liked about it was the keyless entry and ignition. I did not like how it handled or accelerated.I offered my Wife part of the test drive, and she was not interested.
Now onto the Crosstour, I still have some issues in my mind with the back end, but it is growing on me and quite frankly, I wont see it when I am driving. That said, the rear view is poor, and I think you need the Navi with the back-up camera for a better view when you are backing up. The interior is everything the Venza is not. I love the black interior. It is rich with excellent plastics, and fit and finish that would be at home in an Acura.The seats are also very good and comforatable and it is big inside, and is very similar to my Wifes TSX interior (Europeon Accord), except is bigger and the controls are laid out over a larger area. The car handles great, and the acceleration is amazing and smooth, much nicer than the Venza. The vehicle also seems well made, the doors close with a nice solid thunk, as does the rear hatch.
The Crosstour wins hands down IMHO. I am quite sure I will be getting one.
Do you mind me asking how much you purchased the CT for and which models you got. I am considering the EX-L Navi black/black 
