2009 Toyota Venza
by Jim Prueter -02/2009

Toyota introduces the modern station wagon

Toyota refuses to call its all-new vehicle a crossover, nor will they utter the words “station wagon” or “hatchback.” To describe the Venza, a name developed by combining the words “venture” and “Monza” (an Italian racetrack), Toyota uses the term “car optimized.”

Call it what you want, but to me, it’s a station wagon — although, officially, the U.S. government classifies it as an SUV. In any case, we think the Venza is gorgeous both inside and out.

It fits squarely in the Toyota lineup between Camry and Highlander SUV. In fact, its chassis is derived from both the Camry and Highlander and it’s built at the same Georgetown, Kentucky, manufacturing plant as those vehicles.

Venza is available as front- or all-wheel-drive with a choice of a new 2.7-liter 182-horsepower four-cylinder or a 3.5-liter 268-horsepower V-6.

We drove the V-6 Venza with front-wheel-drive and standard electronic stability control, traction control and anti-lock brakes. Like the Highlander, Venza has 8.1 inches of ground clearance and shares much of the same suspension. However, Toyota goes out of its way to declare that it isn’t an off-road vehicle.

Outside, V-6 equipped versions get huge 20-inch wheels and dual tailpipes; four-cylinders come with 19-inch wheels. The prominent brushed aluminum-look grille is busy and bordered by super-slim headlamps. We loved the look. The side profile strongly resembles the Lexus RX and the rear liftgate incorporates half the taillamps.

Inside, there’s seating for five, but the middle passenger in the second row won’t have much room. There is excellent leg and headroom. Three-row seating isn’t offered. The second row splits 60/40 and seatbacks recline and fold forward, but not flat, for extra cargo area. Low doorsills help with ease of entry and exit and doors seem extra wide.

Front seats are roomy and comfortable. Our tester came with optional leather seating that is nicely grained to match the dash, instrument panel and door trim, finished in two-tone black and tan.

Mahogany wood-grain-style (plastic) inlay trim around the center console and door armrests isn’t very convincing. The console itself is rather unique, sliding back and forth rather than flipping open. The problem is, it slides over the cup holders, as long as there isn’t a beverage in them.

There’s a driver information center at the center top of dash, providing readouts for outside temperature, clock, instant mileage, average mileage and other information. We like that the font size is adjustable, making it easy to read. Even the digits on the speedometer, fuel and other gauges are extra large.

Other things we like are the dual beverage holders in the front doors (single for the rear), tilt and telescoping steering column, proximity lock and ignition key, push button starting, and one-touch up/down on all four windows.

Our tester included Premium Package #2 ($4345) with leather seating (heated), four-way power front passenger seat, color-matching folding sideview mirrors, back-up camera and windshield wiper de-icer; voice-activated touch-screen DVD navigation system with JBNL synthesis surround sound, AM/FM 4-disc in-dash CD changer, MP3 playback capability, Bluetooth compatibility and 13 speakers ($2590); rear seat DVD entertainment system ($1680) and tow-prep package ($220) with engine oil cooler, larger radiator fan and heavy duty alternator.

Toyota also offers a two-row, two-piece panorama sunroof, lots of glass, nice if you like lots of sun and air.

We thought the ride and handling was pleasant, and generally quiet in terms of road and engine noise. There was some wind noise at highway speeds, but not an excessive amount. We didn’t drive a four-cylinder model but thought the V-6 and the six-speed automatic performed exceptionally well. The digital trip-computer readout on the information center indicated we were getting 22 miles per gallon.

Other safety gear includes active head restraints; front, side and side curtain airbags for both rows of seats; and a driver’s knee airbag all standard. The Venza has not been crash tested as of this writing.

Like most Toyota products, Venza comes in just one model. Toyota won’t comment on the possibility of a hybrid version, but it seems likely since both Camry and Highlander offer a hybrid.

Overall we found the Venza to be an excellent easy-to-drive vehicle loaded with appealing features, and a compliant, comfortable ride. Materials look and feel rich. It’s yet another product offering from Toyota that’s well done.