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 They've long since been replaced by minivans, SUVs and crossovers.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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  As good as a Lexus - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By lakeside - October 2 - 5:13 am

  Have found the VENZA to be an excellent all around car. The looks are youthful and classy together. The inside (w/leather pkg, incl woodlike trim) is actually beautiful. Agonized over 4 vs 6 and am so glad I got the 4. While not a screamer, this 4 jumps like a rabbit from standstill, 40-60 and even passing at 60-70. Performance with the 4-cyl was a pleasant surprise, and hwy mileage of 29 (!) is fabulous for a car this big. Ride is quiet and smooth and handling is also very good, esp for a big wagon. Overall its got looks, quality and performance. The car reeks of quality. Put a big "L" on it and it could be a Lexus.

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  Toyota Venva Rollover - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By bluejaybird - September 22 - 8:05 pm

  My wife and I were involved in a 65MPH rollover in our 2009 Venza rolled over 3 time per wittnesses i walk way with only a scratch on my elbow my wife came out only 3 stitches on her hand and bruises from the overhead airbags just wanted to say the Venza is a very safe car we ordered a new one

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  Best New Wheels - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By Walt Bardua - August 27 - 5:53 am

  This is a vehicle whose time has come. It is exactly what I was looking for in 01 when I bought my Highlander. It is loaded with all the latest Toyota features and has all the utility of an SUV without the SUV downsides. If my test drive was any indication, Im going to really enjoy this vehicle. The fit and finish are superior (what we used to expect from Toyota). And it comes without the hefty price tag of the new SUVs.

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  Great Vehicle - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By Car Lover - August 19 - 10:23 am

  I currently have about 2,000 miles on my Venza and I love it. The interior is very comfortable and the leather is top notch. The Synthesis sound system is one of the best in a car under 50K. The car is very quick particularly on the highway, even when towing my 3,000 lb. boat. The 4WD is a great plus at the boat launch ramp and in the winter. So far I have averaged about 21 MPG. If you are easy on the gas you can do slightly better and highway fuel economy is great.

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  So far so good - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By Bonzoboy - August 2 - 5:00 pm

  Got the Venza on Black Friday ($26 K). Not all the bells/whistles, but many more than my 2002 Passat. I had back surgery in May, and needed a better ride. Even without the leather, the car is a dream to ride (we are 1/2 way through a cross-country tour). Didnt have a NAV, but for $100, I use a wonderful Garmin. For everyone complaining about the steering...it feels that way because its electric steering. Its not a German car, so theres little or no "road feel". But thats okay.

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  comfort and style - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By paul - July 26 - 6:16 am

  This car does a lot of things well. Its 4 cylinder engine with AWD is more than adequate. Passing on the highway is a breeze. Cruising at 60 mph (100k) at only 2000 rpms... the trans and engine are well-matched. You get a lot for the price.

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  Reliable, safe AWD Vehicle - 2012 Toyota Venza
  By value4money - June 27 - 8:28 pm

  This is an extremely comfortable, reliable, safe AWD SUV that handles well in snow and on the highway. Shopped against two upscale models (Lexus RX350 and Audi Q7) but I didnt feel that the price differential ($10,000 to $15,000 or more) justified the "prestige" of these brands. Closest competitor in price is the Ford Edge, but fit and finish of the Venza seemed better as did the handling and acceleration based upon test drives (admittedly not a full test of driving dynamics).

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  Love My Venza - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By pland - June 24 - 11:40 am

  Went to the dealership looking for a Highlander (same size as a Highlander). When we drove the Venza fell in love with it! We were impressed by the smooth drive of the car and the pick up on acceleration. My husband loved it at first sight. Love the comfort and room.

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  2009 Aqua Metallic Venza - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By freedie - June 14 - 12:26 pm

  I purchased my 2009 Aqua Metallic Venza on 12-05-09 after researching this vehicle for several months on the internet. I bought the 6 cyl. This vehicle is definitely a head turner. People stare at it and ask what it is. I get a lot of good comments about it. As far as the ride, it is a little rough on bumps, but I think this is due to the 20 inch wheels. The interior is very roomy. Even with my grandsons car seat in the rear seat, we have plenty of room. I just love the heated seats, bluetooth, satellite radio, and all the extras I got with this vehicle. It handles beautifully, sort of sportslike, which I also love.

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  Time To Downsize - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By SuperMom - June 3 - 7:10 pm

  After driving large SUVs and minivans for the past 15 years, it was time to downsize. I still need a vehicle with plenty of cargo room because I do the purchasing for my husbands business, but was ready for something smaller, sportier (without compromising on luxury features), and big enough to comfortably seat our entire family of 5 when the 3 kids are home from college. The Venza has met all of my needs and has been a great car! I also considered Lexus and Acura crossovers (both were much more expensive, and the Venza had more features that I actually wanted) as well as the Highlander, but the superior second row seating and gas mileage of the Venza made it the clear choice for me.