With one very configurable trim level, the Venza offers a range of possibilities. The Venza successfully combines the comfort and refinement of the Camry with the cargo-carrying capacity of a wagon. The all-wheel drive option means the Venza is sure-footed in any situation. The base engine earns a 21 mpg city and 27 mpg highway rating from the EPA, while even the all-wheel drive with a V6 gets 18 mpg city/25 mpg highway.
There is only one Venza trim, which keeps things simple, but it does have quite a few options, starting with the engine. The 2.7L 4-cylinder makes 182 hp and 182 lb-ft of torque; the 3.5L makes 268 hp and 246 lb-ft of torque. Either engine can be had with front-wheel or all-wheel drive and a 6-speed automatic transmission is standard across the board.
The Venza has SUV touches like 4-wheel independent MacPherson strut suspension and a reasonable 3500 pound maximum towing capacity. It also has safety systems such as anti-lock brakes with brake assist, traction control and electronic brake force distribution. The Venza also includes Smart Stop Technology, which reduces engine power when the brake is firmly applied to bring the vehicle to a stop, even if the gas pedal is being pressed. Further safety systems include front airbags, front and side curtain airbags, driver's knee airbag, tire pressure monitoring and hill start assist.
Venza comes standard with creature comforts like dual-zone climate control, 6-speaker stereo with CD/MP3/iPod/Bluetooth capabilities, 8-way power driver's seat, cruise control, illuminated cup holders and rear-seat reading lamps. The cloth seats can be upgraded to leather with heat, and the carbon-fiber style standard interior trim can be swapped for the optional mahogany woodgrain-style trim. A backup camera, a voice-activated navigation system and a rear-seat DVD system are also available.
Very little has changed for the 2011 Venza, as it was a brand-new model in 2009 and hasn't needed even a refresh yet. Four-cylinder and 6-cylinder engines are available, as is all-wheel drive. The Venza holds the distinction of being the first Toyota passenger car with the STAR Safety System as standard equipment.
SUV styling with passenger-car comfort; choice of engines and available all-wheel drive; spacious interior
With one very configurable trim level, the Venza offers a range of possibilities. The Venza successfully combines the comfort and refinement of the Camry with the cargo-carrying capacity of a wagon. The all-wheel drive option means the Venza is sure-footed in any situation. The base engine earns a 21 mpg city and 27 mpg highway rating from the EPA, while even the all-wheel drive with a V6 gets 18 mpg city/25 mpg highway.
