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 They've long since been replaced by minivans, SUVs and crossovers.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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  Just what we wanted! - 2015 Toyota Venza
  By Janice Sweetin - April 27 - 4:49 pm

  This is a wonderful car! Easy to drive, comfortable, easy to get in and out of, and has all the goodies. The one thing that does not live up to manufacturer claims is the gas mileage.

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  Super loaded Venza 6cyl AWD is awesome, but the AC sucks - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By skyke101 - April 26 - 5:29 am

  I love the way it looks, inside and out. I love the functionality of it. I REALLY love the power of the V6 with AWD, lots of get up and go!! The JBL Synthesis Stereo System is awesome! Gas mileage is pretty good, I probably average about 22, mostly city driving. The one issue I have with the Venza is the AC. It is almost as if they forgot to include a "high" option for the speed of the AC fan. It gets cold, but does not blow very good at all. I checked 5 other Venzas at the dealership, all models are exactly the same, WEAK AC! Even the new 2012 models. The salesman said that it was geared to older consumers that do not like AC blowing in their face. WHAT? $38000 for a weak AC?

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  Luxury feel with great value - 2010 Toyota Venza
  By scenic26 - April 20 - 9:43 pm

  After purchasing my 10 Venza V-6 base, I read several comments and reviews trashing winter driving. I have since experienced one of the worst winters in the NY area, and had more than 35 inches of snow in three weeks. I have to say that my Venza handled it with ease. I mean NO PROBLEMS AT ALL. I felt confident, and the Venza went through it all with ease on local streets and highways back and forth to work. Great styling, comfy ride, although a bit hard and noisy when going over imperfections on the road because of the low profile tires. I feel good driving such a stylish car, at such a reasonable price. I enjoy driving it as much as my mercedes benz.

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  Best Value - 2010 Toyota Venza
  By Steve Walters - April 20 - 6:00 pm

  When my wifes car was totaled in an accident she decided to purchase an SUV/Crossover. We looked at the Venza, the Lexus, the Chevy and the Ford. It was not even close. We both agreed that the Toyota was the best car. Even though the Lexus was definitely a cut above, we could not justify the price differential. I am a Detroit patriot, I drive a Chevy van and a Z06, but there was no way I could convince my wife or myself that the Chevy or Ford product was even close. The Toyota is just a better product. We purchased the Toyota in March 2010 and have not been disappointed. I am surprised that Toyota does not highlight this car as a good value.

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  An Update - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By santa3 - April 15 - 5:00 pm

  Update at nearly 1 year and 15,000 miles: Still like the Venza but have noted that while not perfect this car still is unique and we like it. Positive comments & questions in parking lots. Had to have windshield replaced due to a stone - took the red truck guys 3 tries to get the right one. Apparently 2 different shapes, depending on options, plus heated/not heated. Hard to spot the wires under the wipers. 3 tries was a charm. Still prefer our 81 Subaru 5 speed manual for snow - seems to leap onto the snow rather than plow through it. Did get used to downshifting with an automatic. Still dislike rim design and how they accumulate snow and ice causing the vehicle to shake at higher speeds.

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  Better than expected - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By mjwilli1 - April 9 - 3:14 am

  Purchased new in 2009, I have a 4 cyl, with the towing package. That was the best investment I made. I have moved three times and can tow any trailer form Uhaul. No maintenance issue to date, but have replaced the tires once. They are expensive. The gas is not that great (Ave 25 MPG) especially when you tow (average MPG) but it runs great. 61,000 miles as of 12/2014. A/C is OK, not great. No complaints from passengers. Plenty of room in the back even for tall people. Back seats come down so I can haul almost anything a typical homeowner needs. Overall - Excellent!

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  fun ride - 2010 Toyota Venza
  By jade97 - March 27 - 3:36 am

  just bought my 2010 venza. Love the style outside. Im not to fond of the plastic on top of the dashboard. I went for the 4 cylinder because I dont need too much power. ITs really a fun ride. Love the bluetooth hands free. Sales people and delivery people wonderful! Great lease deal too

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  Love my venza - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By dmkent - March 18 - 10:56 am

  Our 15 year old Mercedes e class was totaled in an accident and we made safety a priority in buying a new car which led us to the venza... It had a phenomenal amount of safety features and was able to make it out of our steep driveway due to the 8 inch ground clearance... When we drove it we were impressed by the feel of the car and by the overall design... At this pricepoint other vehicles dont come close... It can never replace our Mercedes but it is giving us a great safe ride and a big bang for out buck!

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  First Toyota--Venza Rocks - 2010 Toyota Venza
  By David Smale - February 21 - 9:36 pm

  I went from a Murano to the Venza. I need room for big product. It has the feel of a lexus without the same "see me, I have a Lexus" statement which I did not want for a company car. One business associate said the wheels looked like they belong in the hood. I took it as a compliment. It has a great feel and ample power. Our other vehicle is a BMW 330xi. This vehicle does not have that "grin while you drive" sense but I enjoy getting in it every day and I love the cargo bay. We are cyclists and are gone a number of weekends. We could put a full hitch on it and can haul lots of gear. I have not raved about a vehicle other than the Beemer in a long time. I think Toyota hit a home run.

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  Venza 2009 - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By Dave - February 21 - 3:43 am

  I bought a fully loaded Venza 2009. I love this car. It is luxurious, well build, solid and safe feeling. I look forward to driving it. Do not get this car without the navigation system. It is so worth it