MSRP: $25,975 - $29,250
Invoice: $23,506 - $26,325
MPG: 19 City / 26 Hwy
Get local dealer price quotes:

U.S.News Scores

Overall:8.4
Performance:7.7
Exterior:7.8
Interior:9.1
Safety:9.9
Reliability:8.0
Research we analyzed for this review
Pros and Cons
  • Spacious cabin and cargo areas
  • Car-like handling for an SUV
  • Sleek, non-SUV-like exterior styling
  • Well-equipped in one universal trim
  • Expensive base price
  • Maneuvering can be ponderous
  • No third-row seating option

Prices

See what others recently paid in your area for the Venza.

Shop around for the best deal by getting price quotes from local dealers.

Toyota Venza - What the Auto Press Says

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.

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. For better maneuverability, consider the Chevrolet Traverse and Mazda CX-7.

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.

Be sure to check for current Toyota deals that may be available on a new Venza.

  • "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
  • "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 - 7.7 (Good)

The 2009 Toyota Venza's performance lives up to its car-like underpinnings, offering a smooth ride and decent handing for a SUV. "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." Still, a few test drivers say the Venza's driving experience is rather uninspiring. Read More

Venza Exterior - 7.8 (Good)

The all-new Venza's 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)

The Venza's spacious, functional interior is by far its standout attribute. Not only is the five-seat cabin well-equipped, but it boasts a number of innovative cargo and storage features. "The Venza's interior is cleverly designed and crafted from materials that would be at home in a car that's one price class up," says Popular Mechanics. Read More

Venza Safety - 9.9 (Excellent)

The 2009 Venza has not yet been crash tested by the insurance industry, but the government gives it excellent scores in crash tests. It also comes in one well-equipped trim with plenty of standard safety equipment. Safety equipment includes an available Automatic High Beam system. Read More

Venza Reliability - 8.0 (Very Good)

The 2009 Toyota Venza reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). Toyota offers a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty. Read More

Review Last Updated: 8/7/09