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 They've long since been replaced by minivans, SUVs and crossovers.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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  We like!!! - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By Lynn Church - December 24 - 3:26 am

  Wifes car--had a Honda Civic Sport that was too small for me and she wouldnt drive my Jag. This car drives like the Jag and she is comfortable with it. We took it south, brand new -- put on 5000kms, was impressed with performance--power and handling-- mileage was good. Unique good looks in and out. We think it is the right unit for our needs--we dont have wind noise!

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  My 2010 Toyota Venza - 2010 Toyota Venza
  By Marcos27 - December 11 - 10:00 am

  I just purchased my first 2010 Toyota Venza in Black. It drives excellent and my family feels safe in my new car. Toyota made me feel as if I was family and their service was excellent! My children enjoying riding in the new car and never want me to stop driving. My car is comfortable and the fuel expense is great! I would definitely recommend the Toyota Dealership to anyone so that they too can experience what I experienced. Its an amazing feeling when you purchase your first new vehicle and can leave the dealership with a smile on your face. I say Toyota will always be #1 in my book and I will definitely continue my communication with them as long as I am satisfied.

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  Toyota Did It Right - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By Macs Ride - November 28 - 2:30 pm

  Having just retired and buying new cars for over 40 years, we were looking for something that would sum up all the cars weve had before...good ride and handling, fuel efficient, luxury, roominess up front as well as storage, looks beyond on the norm both inside and out, quality, and feeling good after long trips. We have about 3400 miles on it and have no real complaints. One minor issue was the speaker covers on the attached had to be realigned for a better fit and that only took about 5 minutes with the dealer. To date we really like our Venza and this car really has summed up our cars in the past, including Mercedes, Cadillacs, Infinitis, and yes...even a few sport cars.

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  Great Vehicle - 2010 Toyota Venza
  By OMG - November 26 - 2:26 pm

  Really enjoying our Venza. Technology and bluetooth programming was easy and user friendly. Road noise is pronounced on the highway. The fit and finish is on the cheap plastic side and didnt line up evenly and required adjustment by dealer.

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  2011 Venza - 2011 Toyota Venza
  By jim829 - November 20 - 10:42 am

  We love the car! It has absolutely been a great car so far. Sun Toyota was an amazing dealership to go to and we will continue to buy our cars from here.

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  Excellent Sedan/Wagon/SUV - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By tictoctictoc - November 13 - 2:50 pm

  Ride: Have driven on I76, I80, I 90, I190, I78, I70, I86, Route 22 central PA and really its all smooth drive except for some bumps on I 86. Pickup: Good. Did well on the ups and downs of the Alleghenies. Noise: I contradict on the critics comments on the wind & road noise- Driving at 65mph and can hear the crisp and crystal clear music at level 6-7 maybe the premium JBL system (std on venza) is the performer. Engine & Mileage: V6 is powerful but fuel efficient. Driving between 50 mph-65 mph highway will give an avg fuel consumption of 27-29 mpg... isnt it wonderful!!! Tire: noise is also very low (have 20" Michelin). Seats: Leather seats are comfortable for a 4-5 hour dive at a stretch.

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  2011 FWD V6 Venza - 2011 Toyota Venza
  By missris - October 24 - 3:17 am

  I do work for a Toyota dealer and have access to all the cars. I had my Camry for 9 years and the Venza was a perfect next step. Before I bought the Venza I test drove the Ford Edge and Chevy Terrain. I also tried several new sedans to make sure I wasnt missing anything. After driving the Venza I dont think I could ever go back to a sedan.

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  Love Venza, but not gas mileage - 2011 Toyota Venza
  By vicki7 - October 23 - 5:45 am

  After much searching we loved the Venza for comfort and roominess. With back and hip problems its easy to get in and out of. The only design I would change is to bring the windows down another 2 inches. From inside going to drive-up windows, you have to raise your arm somewhat high and try to reach over and down to grab items. Also, the armrest could be a couple inches higher. Very disappointed in the gas mileage! Have had it a month and get just 16 MPG around town! I was use to a V6 Buick. FWD, that got 26 MPG, so this is a big disappointment. It doesnt even reach the gas rating suggested on its sticker. We dont drive lead foot either.

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  Very Sporty :) - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By Mary J - September 30 - 5:00 am

  I went out that evening to go shopping and ended up at the dealership saw the Venza and was hooked!! I know its a sort of station wagon but it feels like a sports car :), very comfortable, fast and stylish. Coming from an SUV Im very satisfied with this purchase!!! If youre looking to downsize check this out! Very nice! :)

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  Love the Venza! - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By KY - September 21 - 9:53 am

  I went into the dealership looking for a small 4 wheel drive SUV but Im so glad the salesman directed me to the Venza. Its perfect for my needs. It has plenty of room, is fun to drive and gets good gas mileage. I love the way it looks and the interior is really nice for the money. Great car!