2009 Toyota Venza Review | Buyer Guide
A Tweener
Whenever there’s a gap in the Toyota lineup, you can be sure that it won’t last for long. The product planners get all over it, and a new vehicle pops up. Such is the case with the 2009 Toyota Venza.
According to Toyota spokesman, Ron Zeinstra, the Venza is designed to appeal to those who need something bigger than a Camry, but not as large as a Highlander SUV. In Toyota-speak, it’s a “car optimizer”—70-percent car, 30-percent SUV. Step-in height is about the same as a Camry sedan, but the passenger seating position is as high as that of the Highlander. Yet, the Venza’s roofline is nearly six inches lower than the SUV. However, to me, it’s a tall wagon, like a Nissan Murano or a Mazda CX-7.
The Venza is not as highly styled as either the Nissan or Mazda. In fact, its high beltline and massive 20-inch wheels give it a rather rugged look. This is in contrast to the interior that is very refined. The dash is finished in soft-touch vinyl that has the look of parchment. The standard cloth seats feature very attractive textured fabric, and the center console is cleverly designed with two large storage bins, and a sliding armrest.
The Venza offers seating for five with a generous amount of elbow space and legroom for all passengers. The cabin in my test car was especially light and airy with the optional panoramic moonroof. This roof has a conventional slider up front, and fixed glass in the rear. Behind the backseat is a well-finished storage compartment that offers 70.1-cu.-ft. of cargo space with the rear seat folded down.
Toyota powers the Venza with a new 2.7-liter, inline-four that generates 182 hp, and a 3.5-liter, 268-hp V-6 that it also uses in the Camry and Highlander. Both are teamed to a six-speed automatic transmission. The Venza is available with front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
My FWD test car had the V-6. This engine pulled strongly, yet was quiet, even at the upper end of the rev range. Its gas mileage was respectable at 19 City/26 Highway. The transmission complemented the engine in smoothness, and came with a manual mode that was easy to use.
The Venza uses a modified Camry platform, so it is not surprising that the driving dynamics are similar to that of the Camry. The Venza maneuvers easily in parking lots, and handles predictably out on the road. The cabin is quiet at highway speeds, and the ride smooth, even with the big 20-inch wheels.
Venza’s come in only one trim level that includes features like stability control, a six-disc CD changer, seven airbags and 19-inch wheels—20s with the V-6. Eight option packages, as well as several stand-alone features, like a navigation system, can be ordered as well. Pricing for the Venza starts at $26,695 for the four-cylinder, and $28,520 for the V-6.
Snapshot Review
Spacious and Refined Cabin
Excellent Power (V-6)
Good Road Manners
