2009 Toyota Venza. A very stylish crossover from Toyota.
The new hip term in the automotive industry is Crossover or CUV (Cross-over Utility Vehicle). The company that started this whole trend is Toyota with the Lexus RX300 and its sibling Highlander. The first generation RX300 was ground breaking. It had the utility of a SUV, but rode and handled like a car. It was not a station wagon, however the RX/Highlander was built on a modified Toyota Sienna platform – which in turn was a Camry chassis. It was another way for Toyota to use its ultra-flexible (engineering-wise, not structural rigidity) Camry chassis to fill a void in luxury utility vehicle segment.
So more than 10 years later, with Toyota’s models moving on to different parts of strategic market slots, they were left with a void in its own line up. A 5-passenger utility vehicle between the Rav4 and the Highlander – enter Venza. A competitor to the Nissan Murano and Ford Edge, it is essentially a Lexus RX350 with a lower ride height, big wheels, and sculpted body panels. Overall execution is spot on!
Toyota makes its living on selling bore-inducing machines that are ultra reliable and comfortable. However, Venza is pleasing to look at. The styled fenders and muscular stance are a welcomed departure from the corporate fleet look of other Toyotas, with the exception of the Yaris. The 20″ wheels are also something that Toyota stays away from, because of replacement cost on tires, but the Venza is not made to be a high volume seller.
Toyota’s target demographic for the Venza are as follows: those in their late 20′s to mid 40′s, city dwellers, are college educated and have household income of more than $100k. As a part of that demographic, we think Toyota hit the nail on the proverbial head. From the size, style, utility space, and comfort level it is a home run.
The model that we got to preview was a Blizzard Pearl White V6 AWD model with Panoramic Sunroof Pkg, Convenience Pkg, Premium Pkg #2, Navigation Pkg, Preferred Accessory Pkg, and a set of Wheel Locks. The MSRP came out to $38,688, since the Blizzard Pearl White is an extra charge of $220.
The first thing that we’ve noticed with the Venza is the roominess. Because of the lack of the third row seating, the product designers were able to push back the rear seat to its proper position. Even passengers that are well over 6 feet tall will have no complaints at all in this car. The front seats are some of the best in the market, and have multiple adjustments make it easy for driver to find the sweetspot.
The interior fit and finish is a typical Toyota/Lexus affair. Fine materials are delightful to touch and lay your eyes on. The center console is a little busy, but still classy. Our only complaint is the use of ‘Mahogany-style-wood inlay’ in the interior, it looks fake. When spending close to $40k on a car, we expect better material than that.
Driving the Venza is a treat as well. The Toyota’s corporate 3.5 liter V6 is smooth and powerful, and the delivery of power is progressive and predictable. Handling is surprisingly good, and the on-road manner is generally comfortable and calm. Minor gripe would be that when you’re in low speed situations, such as parking, the steering is a little numb in the center – a common problem of electric power steering of the Toyota/Lexus brands.
Overall, the Venza is a compentent performer with a ton of style. If you are looking for a good performing, stylish 5-passenger vehicle with room to spare, you would have to put the Venza at near the top of your shopping list. Please look out for a full test later on.
-KF