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 They've long since been replaced by minivans, SUVs and crossovers.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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  A Hit for Toyota - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By d2scion - September 17 - 6:26 pm

  Love the vehicle. I bought it for my wife but I am kind of jealous of her now. This vehicle has the Lexus quality without the price.

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  Stunned in the Toyota Pre Owned Lot - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By lindrith - September 3 - 4:33 am

  After 10 years of Hondas, and with leases running out, my wife and I went shopping. Toyota was very willing to help us. While we had our sights on a 2010 Rav, when my wife saw the 2009 Venza, she got excited about its Lexus quality looks, feel in a 4 cylinder crossover. The car has 16000 miles on it but was practically immaculate. We have driven it in town and on I25, and it drives like a dream. Gas mileage has been creeping up to the 26 mpg level. it has a feel of richness for both appointments and handling. And all those cup holders......a PU drivers dream. CON: Only negative is trying to find the cargo cover. The Toyota cover is over $800! Internet still costs $575. HELLP

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  Some Of Toyotas Best Work - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By bhmcommute - August 12 - 5:23 pm

  We traded a 2008 Accord for this Venza, much less road noise than the Honda. The front seat comfort is excellent. We get the same gas mileage in a 4 cylinder as we did in the Accord. First two trips on a fresh engine got us 28.8, so its right on the 29 sticker. Plus no more brake problems like all late model Accords. Love the comfort and room. The back seat is one of the most comfortable of any I have ever sat in. 4 cylinder has plenty of power and the V6 is just plain fast for a family size car. Plus, it just looks great. Very modern and stylish. Would recommend to anyone.

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  Review after 10k miles - 2010 Toyota Venza
  By brianluedke - July 24 - 4:17 pm

  I reviewed this vehicle after I purchased it. Im now going over it again after 10k miles. It runs great. The AWD is awsome in the snow. Cant even tell it kicks in, but there is very little slipping during acceleration. Summer mpgs were 22-23, winter is more in the 20-21 mpgs, closer to 20. Still very good for AWD. No major problems or complaints. Could use a heated backside of the seat and heated steering wheel, but other than that its great. I tested a lot of vehicles before leasing this one. The Venza had a lot more to offer and drives much nicer. It turns through cornors with ease and accelerates very quickly. The exterior looks set it apart from the rest.

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  Great vehicle - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By cferl - June 6 - 5:26 am

  This is great!! Its a car with excellent space, performance, style. I bought it for my wife and she loves it. Have a 3 year old with car seat in the back and it is huge in the rear seat. Also very safe for kids and wife. Nicest riding car Ive ever owned. At night the auto high beams and hid lights make for the best night driving experience Ive ever had. I found myself saying that quite a bit the best. 20inch wheels are awesome, and the ride does not suffer.

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  Awesome car! - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By mama - June 5 - 10:00 am

  I absolutely love this car. I went from a 2005 camry to a 2007 camry to this 2009 venza and there are no words for this car. Pure luxury. Leather seats are well made, dust does not stick to the dash as most cars do. The rear hatch door with a push of a button opens and closes. SAT radio, seat warmers and just so many options that came with it.

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  The best Crossover vehicle on market - 2010 Toyota Venza
  By Jackson - May 10 - 4:36 am

  Bought my Venza V6 FWD at the end of the year to take advantage of the new car sales tax incentive. Only if I had known Toyota would be in such trouble + incentive of $1500 cash, I would have waited. Felt like I was short changed by Toyota. Other than that, the Venza is great! I was drawn to the styling inside and out since day 1 of introduction. Took me a year to take ownership. Love the 20" wheels and aggressive styling. The interior is spacious and center console well designed.

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  Venza Frenzy - 2010 Toyota Venza
  By RBScott - February 27 - 8:30 am

  We purchased a Venza because of the way the body style looked, very sporty and doesnt look like a box. After driving it we were very pleased. It is very roomy, I am 64" and I had plenty of leg room, and it handles great. Acceleration is better than expected. We are satisfied with the interior style and its features. It has a very comfortable ride(doesnt ride like a truck)

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  I Love It!!! - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By toyotas last - February 4 - 5:36 pm

  I just picked it up yesterday so I will give you my early thoughts. Nice ride but a little bumpy, nothing to complain about. The I4 has plenty of power. The look of the car inside and out is amazing. The JBL is incredible, loud and clear. The leather is very classy. Im looking forward to driving it every day.

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  My Dream Car - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By Kris - January 9 - 5:36 am

  Some dream of sport cars, nut this Venza is truly my dream car. I love driving it every day. Meets all my needs with space and comfort. No regrets. Good gas mileage on highway. Love the sequential shift for mountain driving. People always ask me what it is, still dont really have an answer, its so unique.