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 They've long since been replaced by minivans, SUVs and crossovers.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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Impulse buy - 2009 Toyota Venza
By Marla - March 24 - 7:36 pmWe spent 3 hours looking at and test driving a Camry Hybrid...and then saw a Venza sitting in front of the showroom. It was love at first sight with both the exterior and interior. After sitting in it and test driving it, we were sold. The interior is roomy, upscale, and has lots of storage. Ride and handling excellent.
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We Love Our Venza - 2009 Toyota Venza
By John & Luanne - March 22 - 10:33 amThis vehicle is Great! Love the looks, features, ride, and versatility. We bought the V6 and love the power vs gas mileage. We averaged 22 mpg over the first 7k. The dealership has been a pleasure from the start. "Great Deal"! Very roomy and comfortable interior. The leather is a great option. We use the power tailgate much more than I imagined. Keyless option also a must, we love it! The only complaint we have is the very slow to move front power seat. I am 6, and my wife 5. Much adjustment necessary when we switch. Memory seats would really help! We looked at other crossovers, and we still believe the Venza is without a doubt the best looking, and best value in its class.
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Great Value Performance Comfort - 2009 Toyota Venza
By Oscar - March 19 - 10:00 amWe researched the purchase of our next car for 7 months. Choice was narrowed down to the Honda Crosstour, Ford Edge, Murano, Lexus RX350 and the Venza. The Venza won out for performance,Design,Comfort, and Toyota Quality. The V6 has more power than anyone would need in normal driving. I have a bad back and getting in and out of Venza by far was the most comfort. Looks ahead of it time with 20 inch tires. All in all just a great car for the $$$$$
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Well Rounded Vehicle - 2009 Toyota Venza
By TXVenza - March 14 - 3:26 pmI am surprised by how much I like the Venza. My numeric ratings are based on comparison to peer vehicles. It is comfortable to drive and is very comfortable for passengers. My wife and I made a 2,000 mile round trip from Central TX to Phoenix. We experienced 26 MPG on this highway trip and cruised at 80 MPH during large stretches of the trip. The Venza is also a good day-to-day vehicle. It is quite capable of hauling small to mid-size items (groceries to small furniture items). Acceleration is surprisingly good. It feels "heavy" during cornering. The electronics (Navigation and stereo) are good. The ride is solid. Cabin noise is quiet up to about 65 MPH and never too loud.
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It has been a year - 2010 Toyota Venza
By luvtoyota10 - March 14 - 10:01 amIt has been a year ( and 2 weeks) Since I got my 2010 Toyota Venza. Its Fun To Drive compared to my previous vehicle (2000 toyota 4runner). The sterring may be light but it is very agile. The ride is bumpy but I got over it. Its Great in the snow. I feel safe in it and it handles well in wet conditions. The color is fantastic. Very comfortable seats and good (front visibility) the Back up camera helps alot. The bluetooth streaming audio is fabulous.
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Luv my Venza - 2010 Toyota Venza
By playmkr jones - March 8 - 1:40 pmI love my Venza. I am an avid cyclist and had been seeking a vehicle to transport my bike with a couple of friends bikes to charity bike ride events that could handle a couple of guys that are pretty good size and still very athletic (me- 64" tall 280lbs and friends 66" 250 lbs -. I took six months to thoroughly research my choices and whittled it down to the T- Venza, A- ZDX and H-Accord Crosstour. I eliminated the Cross Tour after the test ride- seemed woefully low on power and handled like a truck. I really liked the ZDX but getting in and out was very awkward and it wasnt at all worth the price difference of $20k or more for similar equipment. Very sleek and I get constant looks.
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My Venza - 2009 Toyota Venza
By bobbykhoury - March 7 - 2:20 pmTraded in a new Camry after seeing the Venza. My wife thought I was nuts. Now she loves to ride in it. I took a 1000 mile trip and the 4 cyl did what needed to be done. Everyone I know just says WOW great looker.
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The rootbeer did me in - 2009 Toyota Venza
By yote ohio - February 27 - 5:13 amPreviously owned a 2005 Camry. Hard to give up 32 mpg, but fell in love with the root beer colored Venza. Have driven it 1000 miles now 50/50 Highway/City Avg Mpg is 27. The key is to keep the rpms below 2000 as much as possible.
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Love my Venza!! - 2009 Toyota Venza
By lal_clt - February 12 - 9:30 pmI bought my 2009 FWD 6-Cyl Venza in May, 2009. I now have 81,000+ miles on it and have only had one minor problem in the last 4.5 years! It is the best car I have ever owned and I love everything about it. I think its the best kept secret on the market. I recently bought a vacation condo near the beach and was able to transport all of my odds and ends - chairs, headboard, kitchen table, etc in my car at various times because there is so much cargo room. Ill probable replace my car at the end of 2014 and it will be another Venza!
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Toyota Does It Again! - 2009 Toyota Venza
By Stratman - February 9 - 5:00 amWe traded in our 2007 Camry SE v-6 to purchase the Venza after my wife saw it and felt it was the hatchback she had been looking for. The Camry, I feel, never got the recognition it deserved for being a true hot rod both in sheer speed and handling while also being quite docile in everyday driving. The Venza is like a Camry wagon with the same drive train, length and same suspension as the SE model. The Venza is well appointed and with a few options added, is really nice. The size of the vehicle is just right for most, the seating is very comfortable, and even the six speaker stereo (which we have) is clean and crisp in sound. Sitting next to my built 77 Cherokee provides quite a contrast.
