Overview & Reviews

It's been decades since midsize wagons were the vehicle of choice for American families. They've long since been replaced by minivans, SUVs and crossovers. The Toyota Venza, however, could very well be described as a modern take on the old station wagon formula. The sleekly styled Venza boasts carlike handling, good fuel economy and plenty of versatility. Though lacking the ruggedness inherent in an SUV or the option for a third-row seat, the Venza is an otherwise ideal choice for families.

Current Toyota Venza
The Toyota Venza is related to Toyota's Camry sedan, so in a way you could think of it as a beefed-up Camry wagon. It sits relatively low to the ground, which makes it easier for passengers to get in and out. There's seating for up to five people, as no third-row seat is offered. Toyota has built in plenty of storage nooks and crannies to keep things organized, and there are plenty of cupholders, too. Cargo capacity with the rear seats folded down is just north of 70 cubic feet, which should suffice for most families.

Under the hood you'll find either a 2.7-liter four-cylinder that makes 182 horsepower and 182 pound-feet of torque or a more robust 3.5-liter V6 that cranks out 268 hp and 246 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission that sends power to the front wheels. All-wheel drive is optional. Towing capacity when properly equipped is 3,500 pounds.

The Venza is offered in LE, XLE and V6-only Limited trim levels. Standard feature highlights for the LE include 19-inch alloy wheels (20 inches on V6), dual-zone automatic climate control, a touchscreen infotainment interface, a power driver seat, Bluetooth and a CD player with a USB/iPod interface. Stepping up to the XLE gets you keyless ignition/entry, power-folding mirrors, a power liftgate, Toyota's Entune smartphone integration system, a rearview camera, leather upholstery and heated front seats. The Limited tops it off with xenon headlamps, a panoramic sunroof, front and rear parking sensors, a navigation system and an upgraded sound system.

Driving the Toyota Venza isn't a sporty experience, but in reviews, we've found this tall wagon handles reasonably well on curvy roads given its utilitarian purpose. On the highway, the overall ride is quite comfortable. The base four-cylinder engine provides adequate power to motivate this sizable wagon, although the V6 is obviously the way to go if passing folks on the highway takes precedence over achieving the best fuel economy. In terms of everyday usability, the Venza is an excellent, highly refined choice for just about anyone who needs to haul kids, pets, scuba gear, golf clubs and other family recreational cargo.

Used Toyota Venza Models
The Toyota Venza debuted for the 2009 model year and has received only minor changes. From 2009-'11 Toyota sold the Venza with just optional packages rather than the more traditional trim level structure implemented for 2012. The 2013 model year gained the Entune smartphone integration system and a slight exterior styling update. These latter Venzas are identical to the current version apart from the unavailability of a few convenience features, such as power-folding mirrors and front and rear parking sensors.

User Reviews:

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  nice, very nice - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By john - November 27 - 10:03 pm

  I would like to see 24mpg avg. i get 22 most of the time, Should have illuminated the garage door opener buttons. The exhaust tip is always full of gravel. I wish Toyota would recognize synthetic lubricants.

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  Very satisfied - 2010 Toyota Venza
  By Anonymous - November 19 - 2:00 am

  Have owned two months. Drive about 2,000 miles a month. Like everything about vehicle. High content for buck. Standard features are impressive. Very comfortable seats. Great ergonomics. Smooth and quiet. Great combination of economy and room.

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  Enoy my Venza! - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By StLouisR - November 18 - 12:13 pm

  Enjoy driving my Venza! Have over 1,000 miles now. Dont understand negative comments as mine is great. Looked at Nissan Murano (premium fuel), 09 Highlander (had an 03, but 09 too large now) before deciding. Easy in and out.

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  Gas milage - 2010 Toyota Venza
  By watermarks - November 14 - 6:27 pm

  We love our Venza . It works well for my wife and as well for me. Plenty of room in it. We have had it for 1 year. The only issue we have had it the gas milage. we are going by the computer gas meter and it says 17.3. When we first got it at the dealer it showed 16.1 and we ask the dealer if that was the real milage and they said that was just because of it sitting on alot. My wife is a real easy going driver and the computer gas meter always says 17 .3 to 17.5 in normal driving. We dont know if the computer is off or not. I had some friends that brought the exact car and engine from the same place and they get 23 normal driving and 26 on the highway . Disappointed in gas milage computer.

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  The Gospel according to Venza - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By Djustinmeister - November 14 - 5:16 pm

  The Good News: if you are looking to buy this car, dont be swayed by the occasional bad review.I dont know what those people are thinking.You just cant please some of the people most of the time. This is a very enjoyable and comfortable car to drive.I researched this car for 4 months, and drove it 5 times before I bought it, and I fell in love with it from the first moment I drove it. Have had it about a month and took it on a 400 mi. trip, and it was a total dream to drive on a trip, and no less pleasurable around town. I have had some rattle/noise problems, but they are being addressed. There is plenty of power with the 4 cyl and better gas mileage for sure. This car is a dream!

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  One of the best vechiles I have ever had - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By Sam - November 11 - 7:00 pm

  I bought it in Jan as I was very impressed with the interiors in the Detroit Auto Show. I was shopping for a Lexus but settled for the Venza as I felt that I was not losing too much and it does cost a lot less! Drives very smoothly everything about the vehicle is great. The handling is good. However it seems a little rigid at first.

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  Comfort, speed, sound! - 2012 Toyota Venza
  By dbbksl - October 30 - 7:31 pm

  Drove a Camry XLE V6. Adored that car, never had a problem, averaged 15K yearly, got better than EPA fuel economy. Considered new Camry when I bought car in March 12, but test drive of Venza XLE V6 changed my mind. Incredible seat comfort, versatile storage, stylish interior, and magnificent stereo. Also exceeds EPA rating for fuel economy, just like my reliable Camry did. Not a jiggle or squeak in the body. Traction and stability control make this car perform faultlessly in pouring rain and on slick streets. Braking also excellent.

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  Im loving it! - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By Steven M - October 30 - 7:00 am

  This is a car for anyone who wants a good dose of comfort, economy, and performance. The I4 moves it with authority. The amenities and quality are impressive. Reliability is an unknown for me as this is my first Toyota, but Toyota has a reputation for reliability.

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  great crossover - 2015 Toyota Venza
  By kenny - October 28 - 12:08 am

  We have a 2014 Venza Le v-6 AWD and love it. It is roomy, rides nice and handles great. We have been to Tucson twice and San Diego twice and this vehicle is great on the highway. Fuel economy could be a little better but some of that is due to the 20 inch tires. Over all we are very happy with the venza. That said if they dont bring it back we will probably switch back to a GM product.

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  Surprisingly Great - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By ken - October 10 - 2:06 am

  Traded a 2004 Mountaineer for the Venza primarily because of gas mileage. The 4 cylinder has enough guts to get me everywhere, even with four 200 pounders and golf clubs in it. The ride is OK - better than the Mountaineer, but not as good as my wifes Avalon. Can carry 3 sets of clubs with carts (tight) and 4 sets without carts.