2009 Toyota Venza Car Review

Steve Hammes: The Venza is an odd-looking vehicle. My first thought is a Camry on steroids but then from another angle, I see an Infinity EX. The grill is chrome plated and busy. But I find myself attracted to the over all design. Riding on 20’s, the Venza kind to has an urban attitude that made me think this would be a fun car to see at the SEMA show. And then with a little research, I found it all already was there -- looks cool, right?

Anyhow, if you’ve ever wish for an all-wheel drive Camry Wagon, this is it. Four and six cylinder models are offered in either front or all-wheel drive. I’ve got a top trim V6 4x4 with a fully optioned as tested price of $38,493. Will this new choice confuse Toyota shoppers? Might they ask, how do I choose between a Venza, a Highlander, or a RAV4?

Well, the Venza is price the couple of grand above the RAV4 and significantly less than a Highlander. It has the same passenger volume as the RAV4 and a little less cargo room and all three vehicle share the same 3.5 liter V6, making about 270 horsepower. Where the Venza stands apart, is in its stylish car cross over design. It’s merely about logical matters when it comes to buying a new car, and a Venza will appeal to the visceral where the RAV4 will not.

Well, the Venza looks like it might be a sporty drive, it truly is not. Motions and vehicle controls are “soccer mom locks(ph)”, and the break pedal is pure mush(ph). The engine pulls pretty strong and the stirring is true but quick-change maneuvers are not at all appreciated. If firmer sport suspension would be a helpful option, as what improving the life was brake feel. It’ll tow 3500 pounds and that’s guess mileage of 21 miles per gallon and makes driving, both impressive for these genre. Interior layout is clean and comfortable with advance technologies to aide inconvenience like the navi, backup camera, keyless operation, heated seats, and a multi-tiered center console.

The high mounted shifter is ergonomically placed and the secondary controls are all designed with Toyota’s typical ease of use. Equipped with a premium package number two, navi, panoramic sun roof and towing prep, this is a top-end example. A rear DVD is also offered. Base Venza start at around $27,000.

If you want to take your Camry experience up a notch, both in appearance and capability, the Venza actually carves out another niche in the Toyota Crossover line-up.

For Drive Time on Yahoo! Autos, I’m Steve Hammes.