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 They've long since been replaced by minivans, SUVs and crossovers.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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  Love my new VENZA!!! - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By Dorie - December 19 - 1:53 pm

  We had to replace my 2006 Toyota Sienna that was totaled in a car accident. I didnt really need another van as my children are grown up, but enjoyed the feel of being higher up that a van provided. The Venza was a great compromise between a low car and another van. I love the way it drives and the interior is so roomy!! While gas mileage will not be as good as a 4-cylinder, it is actually a little bit better than my 3.3L V-6 Sienna. I absolutely love the center console and all the room it provides. I really miss having memory seats, turn signal indicators on the side mirrors, and auto-dimming side mirrors as well. Overall, I am very pleased with my new purchase!!

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  Venza not a bad deal! - 2010 Toyota Venza
  By Publixman - December 8 - 10:20 am

  Purchased Venza few days ago, and still too early to tell. Dont care too much for the transmission or steering wheel play. Couldnt pass up the car though. Very nice exterior and interior alike. MSRP with options (V6, Convenience package,panoramic sunroof, JBL system, premium color (Blizzard pearl)Tow prep, floor mats and trunk mats, and little few extras topped out at $33,300!! Went in and offered $27,500 and they never blinked an eye! looking at invoice the sold car for $2600 under invoice. Im sure they make it up in dealer holdbacks, but I couldnt be more pleased with the car, and the AWESOME no haggle process I went through at Central Florida Toyota! Ill be back!

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  Unexciting Niche Vehicle That Works - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By MarkM. - December 5 - 9:23 am

  Traded in an 06 Subaru Outback that was a fine car, that had uncomfortable front seats for aging baby boomer backs. Researched crossovers for 4 months (Q5, CX9, Equinox, 2010 Outback, RX350, Santa Fe, Acadia, Highlander). Found the Venza to be the best overall choice for seat comfort, V6 response/MPG, cargo space, value, and Toyota reliability. Have driven about 700 mi. So far-have gotten what I thought-[A Crossover Compromise] of Comfy seats, vague "Bouncy" steering feel, rough ride over bumps thanks to the (no choice) 20" wheels, 24.6 average combined MPG, smooth V6 powertrain, useless small display backup camera with no NAV, and average interior material quality with inferior dash construction.

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  2011 Venza- not what I expected! - 2011 Toyota Venza
  By mnharris - November 16 - 5:41 pm

  Its been a rather dissapointing 24 months with my Venza AWD. Its been in no less than 11 times for repairs, rattles in the dash/console, interior lights have quit working twice now along with all the dash backlighting, the automatic transmission sometimes has a very long delay before upshifting, Toyota has reflashed twice now and it works great for a few months then the problem returns....they now blame it on my driving style!?!? Im also very unhappy with the fuel economy, its downright V8 like at 15mpg average with a 50/50 mix of in town and interstate driving. Not sure Ill be keeping this one much longer.

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  Should Have Never Signed The Contract - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By Stat - November 9 - 12:26 am

  Theres something I didnt like about it and figured it out 2 days after I bought it. Oh well, now I am stuck with it. It has tight seating in the front row-more generous in the back. The seats give a pushed forward feeling no matter how you adjust them creating tension on your back. No long trips in this! Headrest makes you feel like someone is behind you pushing your head down. Blind spots everywhere. You cannot safely back this car up. When you look out window to talk to a gas station or drivethru person window is not big enough. No headroom. Drivers side door controls do not light up at night cant find them. Dont be deceived. It looks roomy but it isnt. Not a car for kids & stuff

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  Do not buy one!! - 2011 Toyota Venza
  By alititude2087 - November 6 - 12:26 pm

  Seems to be quite a few unhappy Venza owners writing reviews here, here is mine. Our car has 26,000 miles and also has the "common" transmission issues such as slow shifting, and a vibration while changing gears. Toyota calls all this behaviour normal. Ours has several rattles coming from the seats and dashboard, toyota has made two attempts to fix these only to have them return a shot time later. Our battery has gone dead for no reason THREE times. Just recently the A/C quit, and the ride feels much more bouncy than normal. Top this all off with a poor average of 17mpg mostly highway fuel economy- Terrible!!I hope I can get a good trade in value for this lemon!

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  I love the new Improved Venza! - 2013 Toyota Venza
  By smrt50 - November 5 - 1:29 am

  I owned a 2011 Venza, 4 cycl., and purchased the new 2013 Venza, XLE, 6 cycl.,Nav. Leather,power rear door lift, rear camera, 20 inch wheels. I love this vehicle, the ride has improved... My commute to work is 35 miles one-way, this vehicle is a joy yo drive. The Nav., Bluetooth, HD radio, Satellite Radio, make my commute easy to handle. The quality and interior workmanship has improved!!!!

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  After You Buy - 2010 Toyota Venza
  By Ski Majeski - October 22 - 10:00 am

  I am enjoying immensely getting used to the venza that we recently purchased, from heartland Toyota in bremerton, wa. It was actually a fun experience to shop for and buy at heartland, no pressure to buy, and more concern that we were going to be happy with what we were test driving. We of course have not used the service dept. Yet but expect to the same attitude when we do. Try a venza, I think they are fun to drive.

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  Life with a Venza - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By bigeandkenna - October 15 - 7:43 pm

  After just turning 29000 miles, i felt it is time to reflect. The Venza has proved to be a capable and reliable car over the last 2 1/2 years in our family. We average 20 mpg in mixed use and 26 on the highway. We have taken several trips from NJ to Fla and it is a great road trip car. It has never been back to the dealer with any problems, although there is an open recall on the "stuck fuel pedal" issue. It is easy to get in and out of and the back seat is roomy. The interior is visually appealing but a closer look reviles mismatched seams. The XM radio has poor reception and is difficult to locate stations on the run. All in all this is a typical Toyota- a point A to B appliance.

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  Transmission problems - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By Allisonian - October 8 - 6:56 am

  My Venza was silky smooth the first week. Loved it! Then the annoying grinding noise from the transmission occurred when starting in the morning with every shift. The technician said that it was normal in a morning cold/cool start. The grinding sound became worse and worse. Now the venza wont move when start in the morning, on reverse, or drive for up to a minute, while the VDC light up on the dashboard. Have to turn it off and restart. Very disappointed. Other owners reported similar problems. Will take the car to dealer to have it checked out.