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 They've long since been replaced by minivans, SUVs and crossovers.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:

• 

  Best people hauler - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By Robert - May 25 - 5:56 pm

  This car cannot be beat for comfort. It is a big improvement over the Camry. Great highway ride and economical, too. We looked at many brands but could find no equal anywhere near the price. It qualifies for the biggest clunker rebate making it a steal.

• 

  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.

• 

  versatile, good looking, good value - 2013 Toyota Venza
  By donpnelson - May 2 - 7:12 pm

  Ive only had my gray XLE AWD for a few days but so far Im pleased. I was looking for a reliable, good looking ride with decent mpg and utility thats reasonably fun to drive. The Venza is great looking. The sheet metal which hasnt changed since the model was introduced in 2009 looks great from all angles and is enhanced with the bold 20" alloy wheels and the dual chrome tipped exhaust. Most notable change is the grill which looks good Its nicely equipped including the entune audio/nav system with backup camera, power tailgate, smart key, homelink Solid feel, reasonably fun to drive, quick and nimble. Good headroom (no sunroof) was essential as Im 6-6. Seats are comfortable.

• 

  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.

• 

  Throttle Suddenly Maximizes at Times - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By dlb - April 28 - 11:10 pm

  We love everything about our Venza except for one MAJOR problem. Twice now the engine has suddenly surged very SEVERELY and LOUD for about 10 seconds or so. It sounds like it goes from a normal idle to a sudden maxed out, floor-boarded throttle! We had around 3000 mi on it the first time this happened, and then this last time 9200 miles. Its been in park both times its happened, but were afraid its gonna happen while driving. Toyota checked it over thouroughly and couldnt find anything wrong. The car is perfect outside of this problem. Like I said, we love it, but we sure do regret buying it.

• 

  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.

• 

  Great alternative to SUV - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By jschaefer - April 5 - 8:43 am

  I bought my V6 AWD Venza mainly for the interior room and advertised fuel economy. Theres plenty of room in the back seat for adults or a child seat. Plus the trunk area has tons of room for bulky items or a large dog. The downside for all this room are lots of blind spots. The quality of material throughout the Venza is excellent but build quality seems a little below par. My passenger seat rattles when nobody is sitting in it, lots of wind noise from the driver door and excessive road noise on highway. I was disappointed with the AWD during the snow this winter and actually parked my Venza and drove my wifes Subaru. Combined fuel economy for V6 about 18 mpg but still better then many SUVs

• 

  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!

• 

  Lexus touches at a Toyota price - 2015 Toyota Venza
  By Ed the Venza Owner - March 28 - 12:33 pm

  While Ive admired friends Lexus RX and NX crossovers, I couldnt justify the price. For less than the cost of a used front-drive Lexus, I purchased a Venza Limited with AWD, a dual-pane sunroof and easier-to-use power hatchback. The powertrain is smooth and the ride is quiet and composed. I love the bright and airy interior. Setting favorite stations across AM, FM, HD Radio and Sirius XM is a breeze. What havent I liked? The quality of the dash plastic is the worst of any new car Ive bought; the passenger airbag cover has an ugly gap and the glovebox door needed repairs within the first 18 months. The infotainment and navigation is average overall, and has already required one dealership visit. Gas mileage isnt great

• 

  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.