Overview & Reviews

The 2012 Venza now assumes traditional Toyota hierarchy with LE, XLE and Limited trim levels. Visually and mechanically, however, it is a carryover from last year.

• Well equipped.
• Powerful and efficient V6
• Pleasant ride
• Innovative interior storage
• Spacious interior

• Not particularly involving to drive.
• A few disappointing interior bits

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 8 of 8.00

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  Comfort, speed, sound! - 2012 Toyota Venza
  By dbbksl - October 30 - 7:31 pm

  Drove a Camry XLE V6. Adored that car, never had a problem, averaged 15K yearly, got better than EPA fuel economy. Considered new Camry when I bought car in March 12, but test drive of Venza XLE V6 changed my mind. Incredible seat comfort, versatile storage, stylish interior, and magnificent stereo. Also exceeds EPA rating for fuel economy, just like my reliable Camry did. Not a jiggle or squeak in the body. Traction and stability control make this car perform faultlessly in pouring rain and on slick streets. Braking also excellent.

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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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  Extremely unsafe! - 2012 Toyota Venza
  By tessann19 - July 13 - 7:58 am

  I purchased the 2012 Venza in June of 2012 with high hopes. The options and look were phenomenal. However, there is definitely a safety issue with this vehicle. In Oct. of 2012 the rear passenger window burst while driving down a highway. Today, 05/13/13, I started the car and put it in reverse and the rear window shattered. My concern now - I have a sunroof and panoramic window which I am concerned will have the same issues. Toyota needs to up their expectations - just because they purchased GM doesnt mean they can lower the standards.

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  New to me, happy so far - 2012 Toyota Venza
  By aguy8910 - December 24 - 5:53 pm

  I recently purchased a used 2012 Venza (3.5l, AWD) and am very happy with it so far. I am wagon fan and had a hard time finding a suitable replacement for you 2005 Subaru Legacy GT. Ive had many Subarus, but really did not feel like going down that road again and was very happy with what the Venza had to offer. The car is very solid, powerful and comfortable. The only issue I have so far is that my favorite coffee cup doesnt sit well in the oddly shaped cup holders... Also, the MPG isnt great, but I knew that when opting for the more powerful V6 version.

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  Big letdown - 2012 Toyota Venza
  By alexsdad2 - September 7 - 3:49 pm

  I had this vehicle for less than a year because of 3 things: 1) The mpg was poor! I do a combination of city and driving. I could only get 20 mpg out of it. 2) The brakes in hard braking situations required me to press the brake all the way to the floor. The reaction of the car was not one of confidence. 3) It was brought to my attention that the safety rating needed to be looked at further. There was something the passengers safety being rated 2 out of 5 (safest) in an accident. I do not remember if there were qualifications on the angles of the crash or speed, etc. All of the above led me to bail on the vehicle. The vehicle was spacious and was attractive.

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  2012 Venza Limited - 2012 Toyota Venza
  By roadrunner70 - January 8 - 7:49 pm

  Had 2012 Venza limited since 3/24. Like others, copared to Ford Edge, GM crossovers, Kia Sorrento. Came down to sorrento vs. venza. Preferred the sorrento for price and features but didnt care for seat comfort. Overall happy with purchase. Too soon to rate most catagories, but have to agree that the shifter is poorly designed. It is too long and should be 2 or 3 inches shorter. Not happy that CD player requries opening nav unit. Presume that 2013 venza has corrected these design issues. However, if it gives the same level of reliability that my 2002 highlander has given (two minor repairs in 125,000 miles), I will be very happy. Oveall, a good vehicle.

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  4 month Owner - 2012 Toyota Venza
  By army4 - July 29 - 3:23 pm

  I have owned my Venza now for about four months and really enjoy the vehicle. The only thing I made a constructive critique about is the shifter is in the way of the seat heater, getting to the cups in the cup holder, adjusting the temperature. It just feels like I always have to reach around the sifter all the time.

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  What were they thinking??? - 2012 Toyota Venza
  By jpf22467 - March 19 - 6:52 pm

  First off, I do like the car. It does what it is supposed to do. It drives nice, has good pickup, gets good MPG for a crossover (mostly highway driving and averaging 26). A few things that drive me crazy. The Navigation system is a mess. Too many things are cut off while the car is moving. Can no add a phone, can not modify contacts just off the top of my head. The screen will not stay on the audio screen. When I listen to music, I want to see the audio screen, but it only stays up for about 10 seconds, then defaults back to the map. The screen is positioned in a horrible angle. It catches the sun and makes it very difficult to read the screen