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Toyota Venza - What the Auto Press Says

The 2010 Toyota Venza ranks 3 out of 27 Affordable Midsize SUVs. This ranking is based on our analysis of 29 published reviews and test drives of the Toyota Venza, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

Reviewers praise the Venza, Toyota's Camry-based crossover for providing all the comforts of a sedan with the functionality of an SUV. Unlike Toyota's other crossover SUVs, the Venza does not feature three-row seating -- giving it an advantage over competitors in cargo space.

On the outside, the Venza stands out from the competition with a sleek profile that's similar to the Ford Edge or Buick Enclave. In fact, its styling makes it look like a modern station wagon. Its spacious interior is a strength, though its performance is less than inspiring. Still, its driving experience is more than solid enough to make it a good daily driver and value. In fact, the Venza is our 2010 Best Midsize Crossover for the Money. "Truth be told, the Venza makes the average SUV look like yesterday's news," says Automobile Magazine. "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."

The Venza is one of the less expensive SUVs in its class. Still, the Dodge Journey costs several thousand dollars less and offers comfortable seating for seven. But it can't beat the Venza's excellent fuel economy. At 19/26 mpg city/highway, it nearly bests every SUV in its class. In fact, it's second only to the Toyota Highlander Hybrid and refreshed Mazda CX-7. With a relatively low base price, high fuel economy and excellent safety equipment, the Venza is a great family vehicle.

The Venza sees no changes for 2010, which means buyers might do better to buy a 2009 model. Dealers may be offering discounts on 2009s to make way for the new 2010s on their lots. Be sure to check for current Toyota deals that may be available on a new Venza.

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.

• "Like the Camry and Highlander upon which it is based, Venza isn't an excitement machine. It is, however, quite versatile and surprisingly roomy. ... Pricing is on the steep side, but that should be at least partially offset by Toyota's reputation for reliability and strong resale values." -- Consumer Guide
• "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
• "So the Venza has to cut through an awful lot of crossover clutter to get noticed. 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." -- Popular Mechanics
• "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
• "The utility of the Highlander, the luxury of the Avalon; if this is what you're seeking, then you'll find it in the Venza." -- Washington Times

 

Venza Performance - 7.6 (Good)

The 2010 Toyota Venza's performance lives up to its car-like underpinnings, offering a smooth ride and decent handing for a SUV. While a few test drivers say the Venza's driving experience should offer more excitement, few SUVs in this class can live up to that expectation. "It's not as precise as a sports car, but the Venza responds more crisply than most vehicles its size," says About.com. "The ride is excellent -- taut but not overly firm and very quiet." Read More

Venza Exterior - 7.8 (Good)

The Venza's station-wagon-like exterior receives praise for its sleek, non-SUV-like look. In fact, several reviewers have difficulty even classifying it. "Crossover? Wagon? Whatever it is, it looks good in the metal," concludes Car and Driver. However, a select few reviewers think the Venza borrows too many elements from vehicles like the Nissan Murano and Lexus RX 350. Read More

Venza Interior - 9.1 (Excellent)

Not only is the 2010 Venza's cabin well-equipped, but it boasts a number of innovative storage features. The Venza's spacious, functional interior is by far its standout attribute -- though it doesn't offer three-row seating. "To the interior: the Venza is something like the iPhone and AppStore of [Crossover Utility Vehicles]; whatever you want to do, short of stow a side of beef in a walk-in fridge, it's probably in there," says Autoblog. Read More

Venza Safety - 9.9 (Excellent)

The 2010 Toyota Venza receives excellent scores in crash tests conducted by the federal government. It also comes in one well-equipped trim with plenty of standard safety equipment, including an available Automatic High Beam system to improve vision at night. Read More

Venza Reliability - NA

Toyota offers a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty. Read More