That said, people who live to categorize things might find the 2009 Venza something of a challenge. While its five-door body and slightly elevated seating position qualifies it as a crossover, the overall look of the vehicle would lead some to consider it a compact SUV. Meanwhile, those of a certain age would call it a station wagon.
Toyota says Venza is 70 percent car, 30 percent SUV, which technically qualifies the vehicle as a crossover SUV. For marketing purposes, Venza slots into Toyota’s lineup between Camry and Highlander.
Based on the FT-SX concept that Toyota showed at the Detroit auto show in 2005, Venza delivers sleek styling, adequate performance with lots of room for performance upgrades, and considerable utility. Venza is a car that both family-oriented shoppers and driving enthusiasts will find intriguing.
Two engines are available at launch; an all-new 182 horsepower,
2.7-liter inline four-cylinder is the standard offering, with a
268-horsepower, 3.5-liter V6 available as an option. Both are mated to
a six-speed sequential shift automatic transmission, as well as a choice
of either front- or all-wheel drive. The four delivers 28 mpg on the
highway with all-wheel drive while the V6 returns 25. Both engines run
on regular fuel.
Venza’s handsomely contemporary interior can be equipped to be as
luxurious or as utilitarian as you desire. All of the typical options
for a car of this nature are offered including split folding rear seats,
Bluetooth for both telephone and audio equipment, a backup camera,
DVD-based navigation, smart key with push-button start, leather trimmed
seats, and a power rear hatch. Perhaps not so typical is a full line of
pet-related options, including a ramp to make it easier for Fido to
amble up into the cargo area, pet carriers and hammock-style waterproof
seat covers.
Over the road, regardless of the engine choice, Venza acquits itself
admirably over a variety of roads and surfaces. Handling is accurate,
if not exactly crisp. Venza can be hustled along nicely in serpentine
situations, which should bode well for its ability to avoid accidents
and the like. The Toyota’s ride is comfortable and smooth, but the
chassis is still firm enough to provide an entertaining experience,
without feeling like you’re forcing Venza to do something against its
nature.
Venza is the first Toyota passenger car to offer the Star Safety
System. This includes Vehicle Stability Control and Traction Control;
both of which can be switched off by the driver. Anti-lock brakes with
Electronic Brake Force Distribution and Brake Assist round out the
system.
Pricing starts at $25,975 for the four-cylinder with front-wheel drive
and $29,250 for the V6 with all-wheel drive. V6 models will be
available in early December, with full production and sales of both
engines beginning in January.
2009 Toyota Venza
Base Price: $25,975
Engine(s): 2.7-liter four cylinder / 3.5-liter V6
Horsepower: 182 @ 5800 rpm / 268 @ 6200 rpm
Torque: 182 foot-pounds @ 4200 rpm / 246 @ 4700
Transmission: Six-speed sequential shift automatic
Drivetrain(s): Front engine/front- or all-wheel drive
Fuel economy (mpg): 21-city / 29-hwy front-drive four cylinder
20-city / 28-hwy all-wheel drive four cylinder
19-city / 26-hwy front-drive V6
18-city / 25 hwy awd V6
Street Image mods include custom paint, interior, supercharger, lowered suspension & 22-inch wheels.
