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 They've long since been replaced by minivans, SUVs and crossovers.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 satisfied Venza owner - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By Jose A. Cabiya - May 25 - 9:03 am

  I was looking for a smaller SUV (owned a Ford Explorer), and was also concerned about rising gas prices. The Venza has met all my expectations. I feel that this vehicle is at the forefront of car technology. Superb acceleration and brakes. Drive feels very good, despite what reviews say. Own a copper-colored version: Ive had people stop me at gas stations to ask me about the car, and to congratulate me, specially about the color. I feel proud driving this car. Love my 20-inch tires, even though they say they affect the ride and are costly, but they do make the car look good! Passengers express how comfortable this car is. Not a single technical problem so far. Got 30 mpg in highway.

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  KITTY - 2010 Toyota Venza
  By luvtoyota10 - April 29 - 5:52 am

  I love my new 2010 toyota venza i got it at the end of sept. I does fantastically good in the snow without AWD. The ride is like an suv (bumpy). Its wider than the 2000 toyota 4runner (and alot more room). I love the interior quality. Everyone thinks that this car was like very expensive. mine was 30k. My cousin confused it with an infiniti. toyota did a great job on this car. the gas mileage is great about 320 miles per tank. I have the panoramic roof and its wonderful. The engine has alot of power i go too fast too easily in this car.

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  Green Beauty - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By patrick - April 16 - 8:56 pm

  My wife would not give up her matrix XRS without a nose bashing bleeding fight. Guile and love on my part got her to try out the Venza and it was love on first sight. If you travel two or three long trips a year yet need conveyance that wont tire both your wallet and patience and combine camping with urban driving, while keeping the kids happy, then this is the car for you. My wife was never one to enjoy attention but even she likes the looks she is getting. and the kids look up through the roof in the rear and all you hear is silence. Need I say more. All you parents out there at least give it a look over, this car (suv?) does not need a salesman.

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  Outstanding Crossover - 2010 Toyota Venza
  By Beverly - April 3 - 10:00 am

  Have absolutely loved my new Venza. Drive is smooth and quiet; gas mileage good, and car feels sturdy and heavy. Would not trade for any other vehicle!

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  White Rider - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By TT - March 22 - 7:13 am

  I have had my car a little over a week and I couldnt be more pleased. Last year I bought a Honda Accord EX-L that I could not sell fast enough. Before the Honda I had a SAAB for 9 years that I loved. Since SAAB wagon was out of the question this time I looked for a wagon to replace it. The only thing available last year was too big for me. This crossover is perfect. The drive, the JBL, the Panoramic Roof, and over all comfort. The driver and passenger seating is roomy. I have all the features on the car except the NAV. and DVD. I have enjoyed all the features. The brakes are stiff but that is better than too sensitive. I am looking forward to low maintenance unlike the SAAB.

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  Venza Demographic - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By MichiganMike1 - March 22 - 4:16 am

  We are empty nester, baby boomers that wanted easier entry than our former Acura MDX but with creature comforts, decent performance, good reliability, upright seating, cargo capacity for our dogs and stuff and some style. The Venza suited us better than any of the alternatives we tested. We were seduced by a loaded Venza in Blizzard Pearl. The price was still less than our Acura MDX in 2001.

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  Very Satisfied - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By Bill S - March 21 - 5:00 am

  I bought the base 4 cylinder model and am delighted with it after almost 8000 miles. Unless you cant do without a V- 6, the 4 has more than adequate power, (climbs hills nicely), is very smooth and quiet, (right at 2000 rpm at 70 mph, 2500 at 80 mph), and gets 30 mpg on the highway. Very comfortable, quiet and nicely appointed interior. This vehicle ranked #3 in U.S. News & World Reports overall rankings of 26 affordable crossovers and its easy to see why.

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  Wish Toyota still made it - 2015 Toyota Venza
  By jims - February 13 - 3:48 pm

  The Highlander has probably replaced the Venza but if you want sportier handling, slightly less cargo space and car-like comfort and convenience seek out a Classic Venza. Quality, reliability and convenience couldnt be better. Fuel economy on FWD is about 25 mpg overall.

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  My First 1,000 Miles in Venza - 2013 Toyota Venza
  By freesmart1 - February 6 - 3:39 pm

  I just went over 1,000.00 miles on my 2014 Venza XLE FWD V6 after owning the car for 20 days. The most impressive thing about this vehicle is the 3.5 L V6. It is powerful, relatively quiet and works seamlessly with the 6 speed automatic transmission. I am averaging just over 20 mpg in mostly city driving thus far. I have observed up to 30 mpg on the computer in short highway trips traveling at 60 and 70 mph. (Hopefully these figures will improve even further as the engine gets fully broken in). The only negative that I need to write about is the jarring ride on rough pavement. Toyota must do a better job tuning the suspension to complement the 20 in. wheels. I like the roomy cabin.

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  Another great car - 2013 Toyota Venza
  By pontoon - February 5 - 8:37 pm

  Had 2010 Mercedes GLK350. Traded for Venza and so glad we did! This suv and I call suv as it is closer to suv than wagon by a big margin. Is a great automobile. Smooth ride, great construction and space that exceeded our expectations. The v-6 performs wonderfully, shifts smooth and ride meets all expectations. We had now for about 3 months with no problems, mileage on road about 26-29 mpg, not bad. (note at least this auto has a spare tire the Glk 350 had just a air pump-no spare tire. We got the LIMITED version of Venza and so glad we did, many many improvements with top notch equipment. We did not want to spend extra money on Limited, but after using features would not do with out.