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 They've long since been replaced by minivans, SUVs and crossovers.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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  Dark Horse and/or Sleeping Beauty! - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By annie - September 12 - 8:33 am

  Handling is great, responds well, delightful to drive country roads and highways. Long 8 hour trip, no back issues which normally can be a problem for me. Roomy and well designed interior makes everything easily reached, interior space design is roomier than one would imagine allowing for easy storage and access. Gas mileage is better than rated for which is nice surprise. I couldnt be happier with my choice..it has turned out to be MORE positive than anticipated! A real gem of a car yet to be discovered.

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  What i expected - 2010 Toyota Venza
  By papjc - September 11 - 12:30 pm

  The Venza has been everything i expect so far. MPG 23.5 around town. Expect better of open road. More than enough power for my driving style. Family of 4 loves the room, comfort, sunroof and being able to play Ipod. Did not want the key-less system at first. But, have actually come to like the system.

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  Well thought out car. - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By Jerry Alland - August 30 - 2:03 pm

  This is one of the more pleasurable cars I have owned recently (owned several including CX7 traded for this car). If you would call it negative, the ride could be more plush & I am dismayed that no optional wheels are offered as well as the Memory function for the seats/mirrors. Gas mileage is very good & I keep a log of gas used.

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  Venza is a Class Act - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By Susan Semegran - August 27 - 5:50 am

  I have been in my Venza for a month and I love it. Its beautiful and the ride is powerful and smooth. Interior appointments are easy to use and very classy. Interior has a lot of room in the front and in the back seat. Lots of storage room. Who needs an SUV. The Venza does it all. Toyota does it again. I had my Rav4 for 8 years and loved it. Now Ive gone the next step up with the Venza.

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  Took a chance on 1st yr model No regrets - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By Mike MacDonald - August 23 - 9:00 pm

  We bought our 09 Venza V6 FWD in snowy Ottawa and brought it back to Toronto. The dealers here wanted too much. The car performs flawlessly with excellent throttle response from the powerful six. Braking is good for the heft and space is generous. Build quality is standard Toyota ie: far beyond the domestics. The traction and stability control negate the need for AWD so money could be spent on accessories. Head and leg room are just adequate for me and my wife (both 6) and rear seat is huge for the kids. Overall we are very pleased with the Venza and I recommend it highly. Very well priced.

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  I love the venza!! (:>) - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By Cathy - August 18 - 7:46 am

  I love the Venza and would recommend it to everyone. My husband and I just came from a 200 mile trip and it was great!! The weather was BAD --but the Venza didnt mind it at all, no problems and the navagations was sooo very helpful, over all I have a lot of faith in the Venza. I only have it for 1 and half months. I cant think it would give me any problems. In the next 6 months I will let you know if I have any problems --I have a lot of faith in it and dont think I will.

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  Venza review - 2010 Toyota Venza
  By Jimmy Houston - August 5 - 10:00 am

  I put 6k miles on it in the first 2 mos and have been very pleased with the way it handles and its performance. I selected the 4 cylinder engine for a little better fuel economy. The ride is great and the interior space is more than any vehicle I have owned. The back seat is huge.

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  It is the best of the best. - 2015 Toyota Venza
  By Ai Nguyen - July 22 - 6:18 am

  It is very comfortable whenever I drive this Venza. Everything was built to make customers feel good and safe for their life. I will recommend all friends, family members and people I know to buy this vehicle. Toyota, please continue to make this super vehicle and you will proud about one of your best products.

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  Eye catcher - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By Stan - July 21 - 9:56 am

  Purchased car used with 8400 miles, just turned 12,000. We love our Venza! So classy and fun to drive. Lots of power with the V-6. Really good gas mileage 19/26. Ride is more sporty than the Lexus, but still comfortable enough for us. The Michelins do make a difference. We decided on the Venza vs another RX Lexus which we loved. Price was a strong consideration. We trust Toyota and think they are getting bad press. Its a keeper for us. A good looking SUV/crossover.

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  2011 Venza - Nav system, Leather, Panoramic Sunroof, tow kit, loaded - 2011 Toyota Venza
  By rw_atl - July 10 - 11:15 am

  Ive had the 2011 Venza for a month now. It has steadily grown on us.. what we initially liked, now we LOVE! This is a very comfortable car with lots of headroom, legroom and width! My 3 sons are all 63" and they fit in the back seat with lots of legroom! It drives very well and handles well. Its not a sports car, but it handles better than our old Honda Odyssey Minivan, and my Toyota 4-Runner. Plenty of power (v6) and all the solid technology (Nav, sat, cd, ipod, etc) you need in a car these days. Gas mileage is about 20 around town and 25 on the highway (80mph). Excellent build quality all around. Panoramic sunroof is really a nice feature.