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 They've long since been replaced by minivans, SUVs and crossovers.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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  Glad Im leasing this, Ill be giving it back! - 2011 Toyota Venza
  By susancab - November 18 - 10:50 am

  Maybe I shouldve got the 6 cyl but there is a lot not to like about the 4 cyl. Ive had mine for 10K mi and the handling is very poor, the car drifts and seems like its constantly out of alignment, even right after they align and balance it. I took it in twice so far and it seems fine for maybe 2 weeks then it starts drifting again. Hate it. The power is too weak and the engine sounds like a cheap engine with a course sound. Very loud compared to my Odyssey. Gas mileage is poor, even on the 4 cyl. There is a lot of room for improvement on this car. Meanwhile, Ill be renting other cars for lengthy test drives before buying my next car. :(

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  Love my Venza! - 2011 Toyota Venza
  By kfifield24 - November 17 - 1:35 am

  I originally wanted a Chrysler Pacifica and was very disappointed that they stopped producing this car. I drove a Subaru Outback for 11 years and I loved this car dearly. I was planning on buying another or Venza, or a Pacifica. I loved the LOOK of the Venza, however the 2009s were pathetic inside. I waited and kept hoping it would improve. I read alot of reviews and the number one complaint was the rough ride. It definitely has a stiff ride but that to me makes it fun to drive. I loved my AWD, but the FWD is working quite nice as well. It is also does not have excellent fuel economy, but is comparable to my Subarus mileage. Everyday I tell someone, I LOVE MY VENZA!

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  2009 TOYOTA VENZA BLIZZARD WHITE - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By VERONICA SACRAMENTO - November 6 - 5:03 pm

  Purchased the new Venza August 2009 after months of research. Previously had a Nissan Van and was looking for a vehicle that would sit up as high but not have the van look. I compared several crossover vehicles and found the new Venza to be the best value. This is a great car inside and out. I compared this to the Acura MDX and Lexus and found I get the same luxury items and reliability for a lot less. During the first month I was surprised how many people commented on how nice my car was and wanted to know what it was, not something I was use to driving a van for over 15 years. I am spoiled with this car it is the perfect size and has great leg room in the back and lots of trunk space.

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  2010 Venza 4cyl. - 2010 Toyota Venza
  By john carey - October 11 - 10:00 am

  The four cylinder drives nice in the city, excellent front road view , very good gas mileage, they need to do a better job attenuating road noise. The back seat are very comfortable for a family with three teenagers. Vehicle feels compose and predictable when driving.

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  Problems, problems, problems - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By Harold - September 22 - 2:00 am

  Had the car just 4 months. Been back to the dealer 4 times to get the alarm to stop going off! Dealer at first, didnt believe me. Said I was pushing buttons on the fob. Then it happened to them. Cant drive and leave the car anywhere. Horn goes off all on its own. Driving neighbors crazy. Dealer does not know what to do

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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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  Extremely unsafe! - 2012 Toyota Venza
  By tessann19 - July 13 - 7:58 am

  I purchased the 2012 Venza in June of 2012 with high hopes. The options and look were phenomenal. However, there is definitely a safety issue with this vehicle. In Oct. of 2012 the rear passenger window burst while driving down a highway. Today, 05/13/13, I started the car and put it in reverse and the rear window shattered. My concern now - I have a sunroof and panoramic window which I am concerned will have the same issues. Toyota needs to up their expectations - just because they purchased GM doesnt mean they can lower the standards.