The crossover vehicle category continues to grow in number and expand in definition. While the 2009 Toyota Venza may look like a Camry pickup at first glance, Toyota claims it’s not. We at autoMedia took the new Venza for a full test drive and came to some conclusions of our own. So what is the new Venza?
Sitting on the Camry’s 109.3-inch-wheelbase platform, it’s a bit shorter but measures 3.3 inches. wider and 5.5 in. tallest Its 70.1 cubic feet. ft. of EPA-spec cargo volume and 108 cubic feet. ft of total passenger volume is much higher than the Camry but well below the more utilitarian Highlander’s 95.4 and 145.7 cubic feet. ft. Its closest competitor is probably Nissan’s sleek Murano.
The exterior begins with a bold face fronted by a distinctive grille, headlights and standard fog lights. The body shape is streamlined, with short overhangs, forward-sloping A-pillars, sharp character lines and a low roofline. The rear is dominated by an angled rear hatch and topped by a functional spoiler and wide wraparound taillamps that connect to the hatch door. Flared fenders, large wheel openings and standard 19-in. The wheels and tires (20-inch on V-6 models) provide an aggressive and assertive appearance.
Inside, Venza’s standard “Optitron” speedometer and tachometer and multi-color instrument panel can be decorated with available satin mahogany woodgrain trim. Standard controls for the dual-zone automatic climate system are located in the center of the overhead console for easy access. Cargo utility is enhanced by standard 60/40 split-folding rear seats, with one-touch levers and a tonneau cover.
The Venza is offered in a single grade with the option of front and four-wheel drive and eight option packages (Tow Prep, Security, Convenience, Lighting, Leather, Comfort and two Premium packages) and only four stand-alone options. Those are JBL premium audio, navigation, a power tilt/slide panoramic glass roof with a separate fixed glass panel over the rear seats and rear-seat DVD entertainment with a nine-inch screen, JBL Synthesis surround sound, two wireless headphones , a remote control, an auxiliary mini-jack, a 120-volt outlet, and RCA mini-jacks. An industry first is a multi-information display with adjustable font size and content, and the navigation system is fluent in English, Spanish and French.
The standard six-speaker audio system includes a six-disc in-dash CD changer, satellite radio and MP3/WMA playback capability. The optional JBL Synthesis 13-speaker surround sound system adds hands-free Bluetooth cordless phone capability with or without voice-activated touchscreen DVD navigation, which adds streaming music and XM NavTraffic.
Key standard features on the Venza include privacy glass, roof-mounted XM satellite radio antenna, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel with integrated audio controls, and Hill Start Assist Control (HAC), which applies temporarily the brakes on uphill slopes to ensure easy starting without kickback. The adjustable center console has a sliding cover and armrest, three MP3 player holders with concealment cord features and a large storage compartment, and the tailgate has an easy-close feature (or available power cinch).
The Venza is Toyota’s first “car” with the standard Star Safety System, which includes ABS with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), enhanced Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC) with a switch cutting and Brake Assist, which complements braking. power in emergencies. Also included are seven airbags (front, front seat side, side curtains with rollover sensor and a driver’s knee bag) and active front head restraints.
The standard engine, a new 182-hp DOHC 16-valve 2.7-liter four-cylinder with dual VVT-i (Intelligent Variable Valve Timing), offers more than acceptable performance under light loads and an estimated 21 mpg in the city and 29 on the highway with front wheel drive. (FWD), one mpg less with AWD. For towing (up to 3,500 lbs.), heavier cargo, and/or satisfying climbing performance, you may want to go with the much stronger 3.5-liter 24-valve DOHC 268-hp V6, which is good for 19 mpg on average. EPA city and 26 highway with FWD, or one mpg less with AWD. Both drive through an electronically controlled sequential-shift six-speed automatic transmission that tailors gear selection to conditions and provides moderate engine braking on downhill grades. Available Active Torque Control AWD optimizes the distribution of torque between the front and rear wheels.
The Venza’s suspension – MacPherson struts with front and rear stabilizer bars – provides relatively nimble handling with a surprisingly comfortable ride. Electronic Power Steering (EPS) minimizes effort and provides a reasonably good feel. In short, it drives like a taller, roomier Camry. And much better, we think, than Toyota’s bigger, heavier, more truck-like Highlander.
