Ride Quality 4 cyl vs 6cyl?

[Reinehr]

Consumer Reports states that the ride in the 4 cyl with the smaller 19" wheels is better. True? And if so, is the difference very noticeable?

[bigted]

I can't say as I only test drove and purchased the 4 cyl. It has enough get up and go to get me into trouble and I just didn't need what the 6 cyl offered.

[brian_fenner]

I test drove both and didn't notice any notible difference...............they both handle fine IMHO. Not a $40-50K luxury car ride but not bad either.
I have the V-6 AWD as I regularily pull a trailer............great performance and nice ride.

Just got back from a 4-day trip which we got 27.5 MPG.............very nice for a 2-Ton machine!

[drash]

I just rode in the back seat of a V-6 AWD while my wife drove it, but in the end, she purchased an I-4 FWD. The V-6 AWD seemed busier, but not by much. Might have something to do with the tire make. Mine are Bridgestone Dueler H/L 400. Maybe someone else can tell us what tires came stock on their Venza and whether they upgraded and if they improved the ride or the handling. The ride is nothing like the old Avalon I traded in but then again I didn't really expect it to be - even if they are made on the same platform. Even though she got an upgraded package, it still falls short of the Avalon's "luxury". Get in press 1 button and the seats and outside mirrors automatically adjust. Keep in mind the Avalon cost several thousand more that the Venza and that was purchased in 2003.

[Kiwi]

we test drove both the I 4 and V6 back to back both around town and on the freeway. The V6 was noticeably less smooth than the I 4. Even the salesman who had not done this back to back comparison commented on how much smoother the I 4 was over the V6. The V6 also felt harsher and not as well planted or as stable on the freeway as the I 4. I wanted the power and feel of the V6 but the test drive quickly convinced my wife, myself and the salesman that the I 4 was far smoother (still not incredible) and felt more secure on the road than the V6

[Reinehr]

I've read all the responses with great interest. Still undecided between a RAV4 and Venza but I'm working on it - honest! Really appreciate the information provided. Thanks to all.