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 They've long since been replaced by minivans, SUVs and crossovers.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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  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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  2009 Toyota Venza Issues after 3 years - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By skyke101 - September 22 - 8:26 am

  I bought my Toyota Venza in 11 with 32K miles on it.... Its a fully loaded V6 AWD, everything except the DVD screen. I wrote a review a couple years ago, here is the updated version... The drive is great, power and get up-n-go are awesome. Gas mileage is not the greatest, about 20-21mpg mostly city driving, but its got almost as much room as a much larger SUV. Love the 20 inch wheels, hate buying tires for them. $1600 for 4 Michelins. Have replaced the sun visors twice now on the driver side and once on the passenger side. Ive read that Im not the only one that has problems with the sun visors. The road noise is terrible at speeds above 50m mph. It sounds as if Im driving with

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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!

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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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  Noisy and rough ride - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By susan wilson - September 4 - 10:06 am

  This is a great vehicle to look at but rides like a jeep! It has a lot of wind noise around the windows.Think before you buy this. And drive it more than 15 minutes when thinking of purchasing. We paid 32,000 which is pricey for a poor ride. Also, under drivers seat after you drive a while on a road trip I felt what seemed like a bar under the drivers seat. Had to get out and rest from the ride before I could continue home.

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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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  Nice, but irritating Nav system - 2010 Toyota Venza
  By joyful - August 29 - 12:26 am

  Gas mileage is averaging around 24. I am constantly irritated by the nav system deciding when I can access it. It seems like Toyota is going way overboard is trying to keep me "safe from myself." When *else* am I going to need the Nav functions except when I am driving? Very frustrating! Neither my old ipod classic nor my new mini will work with the system but it is quite fun to drive and very comfortable!

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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.