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 They've long since been replaced by minivans, SUVs and crossovers.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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  Great wagon from Toyota. Sad to see it discontinue - 2015 Toyota Venza
  By Shawndh - February 26 - 4:38 am

  This is really nicely executed higher riding wagon. Its almost the same length as the Highlander, but priority is given to passenger room and comfort, which I love. Im 62" and I hate having to push my seat up for rear passengers and being cramped with no room in the back when traveling with things in the 2nd row. Its just very roomy and comfortable for long trips. The 20" wheels look great on the car and they keep it well planted and flat in turns, but the ride is a little rough on bumpy stuff. The voice navigation is a nice feature but its extremely slow and rarely accurate. I just use my phone. They bluetooth is nice but a little slow to switching on and off when getting in and out of the car. I did not get JBL audio on mine so the sound system is adequate, but Id love to update the amp and speakers at some point. Its anemic sounding. I really love the overall mix of luxury and simplicity. Women drive in this car a lot and I appreciate the layout of the car but I also appreciate the plastic on the doors. Its just easy to keep clean. Also, doing basic maintenance is really easy. The oil dipstic, transmission dipstick, location of O2 sensors, oil filter and drain plug, ect is all readily accessible if you if youre a DIY person like me. Getting to the rear row of spark plugs on the transverse V6 is another story though. This is all very important to me because I tend to keep cars a long time and newer cars are getting less and less servicable. This is a very nice and practical car that uses regular gas and has good torque in the V6. Its a great deal used but it was a little too pricey new. I like this car so much I want to purchase a 2nd one for work.

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  Love my Venza!! - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By lal_clt - February 12 - 9:30 pm

  I 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 am

  We 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.

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  Bad to Buy on Impulse - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By R.Carr - January 27 - 6:26 pm

  I fell in love with the Venza while test-driving a few Camrys. I drove it for a few hours and was thoroughly impressed. But after three months and 17,000 miles, I have come to regret the purchase. 95% of my driving is highway, and I drive very conservatively. I am lucky to average 26 mpg...really expected better from the 4-cyl. Drivers comfort for extended driving is terrible for a 6 guy! The seat is inadequate and there is no room to move in the "Cockpit" style, very restrictive, front. Wind Noise and Road Noise is has become very noticeable. For around town and the short commute, the Venza would be great (except for the noise levels). But for the "on-the-road" crowd...no way!

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  A wonderful step-down from mini-vans - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By retired teacher - December 30 - 1:46 am

  I drove my new Toyota off the dealership in mid-January and have been loving my choice! Great acceleration-smooth driving on interstate-comfort all the way! I personally love the fact that there is no 3rd seat- after 4 mini-vans, I now feel like Im driving a Lexus-for a lot less! It even looks similar to the Lexus-I love the low to the ground entry-exit-my Venza is fully loaded- the only negative is the fuel efficiency-but I love the fact that I have more room than the more fuel efficient Prius. It was worth the wait! I test drove Honda CR_V, Subaru Tribeca and the Nissan Murano.

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  LOVE IT! - 2010 Toyota Venza
  By gotmyvenz - December 24 - 8:16 pm

  I wanted this car the day it came out. Cant understand why I waited so long. It is awesome! I got the base model with cloth seats. Even the base model is better than most cars with options. Went from a Sequoia to the venza and to me it handles like a race car. Stylish exterior. Convenient, comfortable interior. I think Im gonna go for a drive right now! A little disappointed I didnt realize mine only had a single CD player. (Why even make single cd players?)

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  Lexus-light... - 2010 Toyota Venza
  By nek_md - November 27 - 3:27 am

  Resembles a 2008 Lexus RX with fewer features and a reasonable price tag. Traded an 08 Outback for the Venza because of the need for more rear-seat room. The Venzas 4-cylinder engine is adequate but works hard on steep grades. The 6-AT is buttery smooth, which makes the engine tolerable. Quiet ride. Strong brakes. Solid feel. Build quality is above par, although the molding of a few dash panes could be better. Also, odd metallic sound from under the car is heard when the rear doors are closed. Comfortable, supportive seats. LOTS of passenger space. Clear gauges and instrumentation. Poor snow traction with OEM tires. Overall well-appointed base model. few interior dash panels

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  6 weeks and 1000 miles - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By spencer327 - November 22 - 9:43 am

  Just turned 1000 miles. 29 mpg on the hwy, 19 around town, lots of room, comfortable seats. Ride was hard with the 20 inchers until I checked the tires(42lbs) Bled to 34lbs. Ride much improved. Great road car, cant wait to take extended trip. The almost perfect car/suv? for me!

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  knock knock - 2011 Toyota Venza
  By detta - October 27 - 2:01 am

  Bought 2011 Venza w/49 miles on it new. From the start complained of knocking noise from suspension when 1st starting out after car sits for awhile. Toyota says its common in all Venzas. Also slow shifting in am when car cold. Takes three blocks to shift to 3rd gear. Toyota also said is common. Cannot see myself driving this car long. Must trade soon. Toyota dealership Royal Palm Toyota in Royal Palm Beach Fl. gave me my worst experience buying a new car. Very disappointed in vehicle.

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  Love the look and the ride feels secure - 2015 Toyota Venza
  By J. Stockman - October 26 - 5:23 pm

  Very happy with my new Venza. I dont get why discontinued in US. I highly recommend and think it beats the competition in both looks and performance. I test drove lots of other crossovers and SUVs and this was by far the nicest one. Firm steering and good acceleration.