New 2009 Toyota Venza

2009 Toyota Venza

The Venza is Toyota's new entry into the growing car-based SUV segment. Unlike Toyota's other crossover SUVs, it does not feature three-row seating - giving it an advantage over competitors in cargo space and family-friendly utility.


  • Preview

Reviewers praise the 2009 Toyota Venza, which is based on the Camry platform, for providing all the comforts of a sedan with the functionality of an SUV. "So the Venza has to cut through an awful lot of crossover clutter to get noticed," says Popular Mechanics. "But this Toyota's frisky moves, smart interior and solid fuel economy should please anyone looking for a wagon that's more car than crossover." On the outside, the Venza stands out from the competition with a sleek profile that's similar to the Ford Edge or Buick Enclave.

Still, the Venza isn't perfect. It may be car-based, but some test drivers say it maneuvers more like a bulky SUV. And it doesn't provide a very exciting driving experience when compared to its sportier crossover competitors.

The Venza comes in one trim offered with eight option packages and four stand-alone options. It's available in either front- or all-wheel drive.

  • "Truth be told, the Venza makes the average SUV look like yesterday's news. It won't tow like an SUV or go off-road like a Jeep. But for everything else, it's a breath of fresh air." -- Automobile Magazine
  • "In many ways, the Venza is indeed "the car, optimized," but buyers will have to decide whether all that "optimization" is worth the extra coin. Although the Venza is great-looking and relatively pleasing to drive -- and a more appealing package than either the Camry or Highlander -- we're not entirely convinced that it is." -- Car and Driver
  • "Like the Camry and Highlander upon which it is based, Venza isn't an excitement machine. It is, however, quite versatile and surprisingly roomy." -- Consumer Guide
  • "This crossover isn't just an SUV alternative. It's a Camry done better." -- Edmunds
  • "Stew it all up, and Venza's an impressive piece of work that might, as Toyota says, appeal to both sedan and crossover shoppers." -- USA Today
  • "Toyota wants buyers to think of Venza as a car. Bad news, guys: The Venza is not a car. It's a crossover. But there's good news, too: It's a very, very good crossover." -- About.com