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 They've long since been replaced by minivans, SUVs and crossovers.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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  For the young too... =) - 2011 Toyota Venza
  By aughasangel - April 8 - 4:06 am

  I am a mother, of two very active children. So i have a sporting good store in the back of my car most of the time. I was a previous owner of a durango and was looking for a car with the room of an Suv and gad mileage and feel of a car.I must say this is everything i could as for and MORE. The back seat is so big it will grow with my children into and well beyond their teen years. The seats are comfortable, the ride is smooth and the panoramic roof has been a big hit with my family. I get the drive and "zippiness" of a car (just like i wanted) and the room of a full size suv .I dont know why all the commercial are geared to the older crowed.I LOVE THIS CAR very sleek

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  Just what I wanted and needed - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By Joel - March 9 - 10:00 am

  This car is perfect for what I was looking for – got rid of my two door sports car and getting ready to start a family. The room of an SUV with the driving characteristics of a sedan. One thing that was important for me was that my wife would be as comfortable driving the vehicle as I was. And she loves driving the Venza, when she’s able to wrestle the keys away from me. We were sold on the V6 with AWD, and we got all the options that the Venza came with and wonder how we ever got along without them. I like that this car drinks regular fuel and I get around 26mpg on the highway and 21mpg around town. Owned the car for over 3 months and still look for excuses to drive it. No regrets.

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  Breathtaking Design - 2010 Toyota Venza
  By luvchrysler - February 20 - 11:50 am

  I have to say we were intending to purchase a Prius after driving one on vacation. The trade in was our Cadillac CTS that was stylish and fun to drive but uncomfortable on trips. Needless to say, the Venza blew us away after a test drive. The passenger comfort front AND rear (rear seats recline) is just amazing. It is so roomy and offers plenty of luggage space for 4 passengers. The controls are easy to use, doors open wide and there are many cubbyholes and storage pockets. The ride and acceleration are excellent, the AWD operates smoothly and unobtrusively. We enjoy the styling and get many compliments as well, we are very happy with our decision a year later!

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  Great value for a great crossover! - 2015 Toyota Venza
  By Randall Hedrick - February 6 - 8:44 am

  We wanted the versatility that an SUV offers, good fuel economy, comfort and reliability; the Venza does all of that and more. Shortly after we purchased this vehicle, we had to drive over the Sierra Nevada mountains through snowy conditions, it performed flawlessly. I would not hesitate recommending the Toyota Venza. After six months of driving, no regrets about purchase. Weve taken two road trips and were pleased with comfort and fuel economy. After 18 months, we have been pleased.

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  3 Month Update - 2013 Toyota Venza
  By tduke - January 18 - 4:57 pm

  A quick update on my 2013 Limited FWD. Am averaging 25 mpg (actual, not computer). Overall a nice vehicle. However, if you live in a rural location beware, rodents LOVE the wires & hoses in this car. Ive spent $350 replacing various under hood bits after a large rat took up residence (later dying in the cabin AC filter box). The dealer acknowledges this is a problem due to eco friendly material being used that attract rodents. They suggest taking countermeasures like mothballs, hot pepper spray on wires/hoses and fox urine spray in wheel wells. My Buick was never touched for 2.5 years but within 6 weeks the Venza was a buffet. My cat stays busy but cant kill them all.

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  Toyota once again comes through - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By austin35 - January 10 - 12:30 am

  My wife and I recently bought a Certified used Toyota Venza 2009 with the 20" tires and rims, privacy glass, roof rack, and special bumper. So far this is a fantastic vehicle and fun to drive also gets great gas mileage. We can easily put our 3 month old in the spacious back seat! Furthermore Im 6 foot 2 inches tall and have plenty of room. The ride is sound. The stability control and all wheel drive feels secure on the road. The 4 cylinder is just a bit loud when you step on the gas, however with the six disc CD player, SAT radio, and MP3 player who cares! Overall I think this is great vehicle for a family that dose not want to buy a dreaded Mini Van.

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  My grown up Toyota - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By doodude - November 12 - 11:48 am

  Ive owned nothing but Toyotas- a celica, 3 supras, a Tacoma and all have treated me well. I finally decided that I wanted something that was good for longer road trips, could get me to and from ski resorts, haul bikes and sports equipment, and do it reliably. With much consideration of other vehicles, I settled on the Venza and am pleased with the decision after a year and a half of driving it. Comfortable in front or back, easy to load, fantastic in snow, and looks nice. No trips back to the dealer as of yet but I have to say that Im not pleased with the roughness of the engine. I have the V6 which is not a new design (has been used in the Highlander for years).

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  Ive tried them all - 2010 Toyota Venza
  By Brian - October 20 - 4:23 am

  I have test driven them all myself. From GM to Ford to Honda to Toyota. I tested many different makes and models. The Venza wins hands down. Just to give an example today it got windy while I was driving. I asked myself why the car seem hard to hold on the road. I couldnt hear the wind noise. It was that quiet. Got out of the car and it was really windy. This was while driving at 60 mph. Very roomy interior. A wide vehicle, but plenty of arm room with passenger. 3 children fit in back seat with room in between ages 8-10. 8 year old twins.

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  My Personal "HOT WHEELS CAR" - 2010 Toyota Venza
  By Kelly - October 11 - 6:03 pm

  Have had this car now for 2 weeks and love it. We just had a road trip to Disney World and it was very comfortable. Im glad I chose this loved the style and looks of it the first time I saw it. My husband said it looks like a hot wheels car.

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  Luv It - 2010 Toyota Venza
  By Randy - October 6 - 6:46 am

  This is really my wifes car but she lets me drive now and again. Think it is great looking,options are great, performance is all we had hoped for. Ride is quiet and comfortable. I have seen some reviews that dont like the fact that there is no 3rd row seats, that is a big plus for us we have no need for these and in vehicles this size a 3rd row seat just squishes everything together. The Venza has more rear seat leg room than my Tahoe and is much more comfortable than the Tahoes rear seat. We had narrowed our choice to either an RX350 or the Venza and I am more than happy with our choice and saving about 7k didnt hurt.