I looked closely at getting a Highlander (both types) and a Lexus before I decided to go with a Venza. I also looked at a Murano, which led me to talk to some mechanics about towing with a CV transmission.
What I learned was there are two types of cv's: one like the Murano which is a band type, the other hydraulic, like the Lexus (I might have these types reversed as it has been awhile since I researched this). Anyway the type Lexus uses you can tow with out having little if any negative impact on the CV.
The other type, used by the Murano, is considerably stressed by prolonged towing and they advised against using it as a tow vehicle with any regularity.
I just returned from a trip to the beach at the VA-NC border, and am pleased with the Venza's towing ability. Not quite as stable as my older Honda Ody which had a lower center of gravity, but more torque and control overall.
I got 18 mpg on flat-hilly terrain and my Venza is 4 wd. Someday we'll see how it does in the mountains....
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