2009 Toyota Venza Review

Toyota says its new car-based Venza is a stylish alternative to a traditional sedan, having an auto's comfort and a sport-utility vehicle's flexibility. One almost expects it to add, "Who could ask for anything more?"

Toyota hopes the Venza will be a trendsetter. In fact, it could qualify as a station wagon or as an SUV crossover vehicle. Designed mainly in America, where it's exclusively sold, the Venza is partially based on Toyota's successful Camry mid-size sedan and is the automaker's first entry in a growing market that includes such vehicles as the Ford Edge, Nissan Murano and Mazda CX-7.

The Venza is no head-turner like the rakish Infiniti FX. But it's stylish and rather sporty-looking with its aerodynamic shape, short body overhangs, wide stance and chromed dual exhaust outlets (if equipped with the available V-6). But carlike refinement, comfort and utility are its strong points -- and you can throw in strong acceleration if it has the V-6.

Standard is a new 2.7-liter four-cylinder that provides 182 horsepower, while the 3.5-liter V-6 generates 268 horsepower and considerably more torque. Towing capacity is 3,500 pounds with the V-6 and 2,500 pounds with the four-cylinder.

Both engines work with a performance-enhancing, fuel-saving and responsive six-speed automatic transmission.

The Venza comes with front- or all-wheel drive. The four-cylinder model lists at $25,975 with front-drive and $27,425 with AWD. The front-drive V-6 is $27,800, while the V-6 AWD model is priced at $29,250.

Even the entry Venza is fairly well-equipped, with items including dual-zone automatic climate control, tilt/telescopic wheel with audio and climate controls, cruise control and AM/FM 6-disc in-dash CD changer with integrated satellite radio and power windows and locks with remote keyless entry.

Want more? How thick is your wallet? Options include leather-trimmed and heated front seats, power front-passenger seat, push-button start and color-keyed foldable power heated outside mirrors. Even satin mahogany wood-grain-style interior trim that looks pretty good is available, along with a feature that automatically switches headlights from high to low beam. A "first" is a multi-information display that can be customized to adjust the font (type) size and content to allow more readable numbers and letters.

Handy in tight spots is a security option that includes a backup camera. And you can get a panoramic glass roof with a front power moonroof, DVD navigation system and rear-seat entertainment system, not to mention more elaborate sound systems.

Millions of Americans travel with pets, so a full line of pet products includes a rear hatch pet ramp, pet buckles and rear seat harnesses.

Highlighting safety features for humans is Toyota's standard "Star" safety system, which features anti-lock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist, besides vehicle stability and traction control systems. Seven air bags include a driver's knee air bag and roll-sensing side curtain air bags. A hill-start assist control helps ensure easy starting with no rollback on an incline, a feature that should be especially appreciated by motorists in especially hilly San Francisco.

Many are apprehensive about another big fuel price jump somewhere along the line after being burned by $4-plus-a-gallon gasoline last summer, so it's figured that half of Venza buyers will opt for the four-cylinder -- although that engine isn't as smooth or potent as the V-6 and is best suited for lighter loads in urban driving.

Still, the "four" delivers an estimated 21 mpg in the city and 29 on highways with front-drive and 20 and 28 with AWD. The V-6 is naturally thirstier. Its figures are 19 city and 26 highway with front-drive and 18 and 25 with AWD.

Those figures aren't bad for a vehicle that weighs 3,760 pounds with the four-cylinder and 3,870 with the V-6. A 17.7-gallon fuel tank assures a decent highway range, even with the V-6 and AWD. Expect a gasoline/electric hybrid version in a year or so.

There's no third-row seat, but plenty of room is available for four big, tall adults. Five such people fit, but the center of the rear seat is too high and stiff for comfort.

Cargo capacity is good, even without the 60/40 split rear seatbacks flipped forward, although the cargo floor is rather high.

The refined Venza feels carlike from the get-go because it's almost as easy to slide in and out of it as it would be with a sedan. Once inside, though, occupants sit high, as in a mid-size SUV.

The fuel-saving electric power steering in the front-drive Venza V-6 I drove was quick and pleasantly firm. Handling was good, helped by a low center of gravity and standard extra-large 20-inch wheels and fairly low-profile 50-series tires that come with the V-6. Four-cylinder versions have 19-inch wheels. The ride was smooth, with the suspension easily absorbing bumps. The brake pedal was a bit soft, but it had a progressive action and routine stopping distances were comfortable.

The quiet interior's large front seats provide good support and interior materials are high-grade. Backlit gauges make them easy to read under various exterior lighting conditions, while controls are large and easily used. The transmission lever is out of the way, jutting from the upper portion of the center console.

No matter what model, the pleasant Venza is relaxing to live with on trips of any length.

2009 TOYOTA VENZA
Price: $25,975-$29,250

Likes: Carlike. Roomy. Refined. Good roadability. Fast with V-6. Available all-wheel drive. Acceptable fuel economy.

Dislikes: No third seat. Hard rear-center seat. Just a prop rod for heavy hood.