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 They've long since been replaced by minivans, SUVs and crossovers.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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  Love my VENZA! - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By NJMOM - September 22 - 5:36 pm

  I got my Venza after lots of research in March 2009. Being a long time Camry owner, I truly love this car. Its built like a bulldog, wide and low, great design and aerodynamics. I havent had any problems with this car so far, and I have over 20,000 miles on it now. We took it on a trip to Cooperstown, NY and it was a great, very comfy.

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  Its Not a Station Wagon! - 2010 Toyota Venza
  By Patty - September 19 - 7:23 am

  Had been driving Volvo XC70s for the last 13 years, and got tired of the station wagon styling, but wasnt willing to go to an SUV or mini-van. Loved the Venza the first commercial I saw. Finally found a slightly-used (2,300 miles) 2010 fully loaded, including navigation. Have had the car for 10 days and love it. It has great styling and is fun to drive. Ride is a little bumpy at times due to the 20" tires, but my XC70 had a similar feel. It feels very stable on winding roads. I havent driven it at night to see how the auto dimming headlights work, but they seem like an interesting concept. Have already made one trip to the plant nursery and came home with a full load- easy loading.

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  sorry I purchased this car - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By merrel - August 30 - 6:49 pm

  27,000 miles, 4 years old, steering column shot and very noisy. Toyota was $1750 to replace this. My next Toyota will be a Honda.

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  Love my Venza - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By LAL in Charlotte - August 8 - 5:03 am

  I have been in love with this car since it debuted at the Detroit Auto Show in Jan, 2008. I wanted an upscale car with just two rows of seats, but with the cargo area of an SUV. This fits my needs perfectly. Ive got almost 1000 miles on it now and I look for excuses to take it out for a drive. Its easier to get in and out of than my former SUV, but Im sitting higher than in a car. The front hood slopes so that all you see in front of you is road and I feel like I have good vision all the way around. The transmission is silky smooth and it has more than enough power. Getting ready for a trip this weekend I appreciated the low load-in height in the cargo area. Fantastic car!!

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  Flawless - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By Keemo - August 5 - 1:46 pm

  Like all Toyotas, my Venza is flawless. Styling in and out is beautiful. I am very surprised by the performance of the 2.7L. Mileage is exactly what Toyota claimed. Power is much better than expected. If youre in the market for a Venza take a close look at the 2.7L. I bought the basic Venza and it has more standard equipment than any car Ive ever owned. My Toyota Venza isnt the most exciting car on the road. It isnt the fastest. It isnt the most luxurious. Its not the prettiest (but darn close). But if youre looking for a great value for you money and looking for a car that is really pretty, built well that does everything that is advertised, take a hard look at the Toyota Venza.

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  Nice Clunker Update - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By CT Venza Owner - July 25 - 2:20 pm

  Taking advantage of Cash for Clunkers, I traded in my Nissan Xterra and Toyota Camry Hybrid. I liked the Venza because it was similar to the Camry and I knew that I would have a short learning curve for Navigation, etc. The seats are quite comfortable and the Navigation has nice voice-controlled update from the Camry. Love the 20" wheels and the AWD. Obviously, mileage is less than the Hybrid, but for the V6, it is not bad. Still breaking in the engine and trying not to go over 55 mph on highway, but sometimes, I get carried away. Smooth engine and lots of power.

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  Love our Venza - 2010 Toyota Venza
  By Bill - July 24 - 7:46 pm

  We bought a Venza from Boch Toyota in Norwood, MA in April. My wife drives it and loves the entire car. The many features and the way it handles makes it a perfect car. The many features such as the automatic lift on the rear hatch allows for easy storage. The car has comfortable seating and beautiful styling. Everywhere it draws favorable attention. You cant beat a Toyota for quality. We have had several different brands and now have a Highlander in addition to the Venza.

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  One of the best cars that I have owned! - 2015 Toyota Venza
  By Janice - July 20 - 6:18 pm

  I purchased a red 2014 red Venza. I had a 2010 green one prior and I only traded it because I wanted a red one and I wanted more features. The Venza handles well and is a comfortable ride. Very happy with this car and sorry to see it discontinued. If I ever replace it I probably will go back to a General Motors car. Toyota doesnt have anything else that I like. I already had a Rav4 and I like the Venza much better. I just traded the Venza for a 2017 Ford Escape Titanium. Even though I really liked the Venza I owned two and it was time for a change.

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  I love my new car! - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By kathleen - June 24 - 4:53 pm

  I just purchased this yesterday! I went to the dealership for a used SUV. Discovered the Venza and fell in love. This is a beautiful CUV. Roomy, luxurious and very eye catching. It has zing...so much Im bound to get a ticket! Its very attention getting and handles much better than a standard SUV. Its so nice. Im so happy with it. Its a soundproof car drive, but has the size of an SUV. Home improvement store, auctions and grocery runs will continue with this CUV. Its a very nice vehicle. Great price for this auto!

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  Cant go wrong with a Toyota!!! - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By J.Holmes - June 17 - 7:43 am

  Love my little red wagon, thats what I call my Venza. Just love it!! Its fun to drive and gets very good gas mileage. Ive been getting anywhere from 22 to 24 miles to the gallon...and I live up desert area and its very hilly. Climbs hills no problemo! I get a lot of looks and people coming up and asking about my wagon! My husband and I we love the sporty look of the Venza. The only thing I wish we had gotten was cloth seats, dont care for the leather seats. But solved that problem just bought seat covers. Good Job Toyota! Love it!!!