2009 Toyota Venza Review

Marty Padgett
Executive EditorMarty Padgett

STYLING | 7 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

Think of it as a shorter, sleeker Highlander
Automobile Magazine

Simple, handy, and logical control system for audio and climate
Consumer Guide

Crossover? Wagon? Whatever it is, it looks good in the metal
Car and Driver

To hear Toyota tell it, the 2009 Toyota Venza is the most revolutionary thing to happen to the auto industry since the assembly line. The reality, however, is that the new Venza Toyota is just another in the long list of crossover vehicles to hit the market lately.

Reviews read by TheCarConnection.com show that Toyota has gone to great lengths to create a new vehicle class with the 2009 Toyota Venza. Cars.com reports that "the Toyota folks aren't calling the Venza a crossover, but they aren't sure it's a car, either," and "they're not even dubbing it a wagon or a hatchback—all they want to make clear is that the Venza is not an SUV." For those looking for a traditional title for the 2009 Toyota Venza, it is essentially Toyota's latest crossover. There's not much variety in the model lineup either, according to Cars.com, where reviewers explain, "Toyota went simple with the Venza in terms of trim levels. There are only four," which consist simply of the various combinations of the two available engines and two- or four-wheel-drive options. Most reviewers appreciate the new exterior styling of the Venza Toyota, and Car and Driver decides that "whatever it is, it looks good in the metal." The Detroit News loves the "clean and unassuming looks," while MyRide.com praises the "attractive styling."

The interior of the Venza Toyota also wins praise from many reviewers. ConsumerGuide points out the "large gauges are easy to read," and "with or without navigation, Venza has a simple, handy, and logical control system." Car and Driver also notes that "aesthetically, the Venza interior features many nice touches," but at the same time they find that "the dual-zone HVAC controls seem as if they were crammed into the design at the last minute." Back on the positive side of things, Cars.com reports that the trip computer, which contains a variety of data and controls, "sits squarely atop the dash," which is "the perfect place for such a screen in terms of keeping the driver's eyes trained on the road, and it's unbelievably crisp and clear."

Conclusion

Don't let Toyota fool you—the 2009 Toyota Venza is, in fact, a crossover, and not a bad-looking one at that.

STYLING | 7 out of 10Expert Quotes:Think of it as a shorter, sleeker HighlanderAutomobile MagazineSimple, handy, and logical control system for audio and climateConsumer GuideCrossover? Wagon? Whatever it is, it looks good in the metalCar and Driver To hear Toyota tell it, the 2009 Toyota Venza is the most revolutionary thing to happen to the auto industry since the assembly line. The reality, however, is that the new Venza Toyota is just another in the long list of crossover vehicles to hit the market lately. Reviews read by TheCarConnection.com show that Toyota has gone to great lengths to create a new vehicle class with the 2009 Toyota Venza. Cars.com reports that "the Toyota folks aren't calling the Venza a crossover, but they aren't sure it's a car, either," and "they're not even dubbing it a wagon or a hatchback—all they want to make clear is that the Venza is not an SUV." For those looking for a traditional title for the 2009 Toyota Venza, it is essentially Toyota's latest crossover. There's not much variety in the model lineup either, according to Cars.com, where reviewers explain, "Toyota went simple with the Venza in terms of trim levels. There are only four," which consist simply of the various combinations of the two available engines and two- or four-wheel-drive options. Most reviewers appreciate the new exterior styling of the Venza Toyota, and Car and Driver decides that "whatever it is, it looks good in the metal." The Detroit News loves the "clean and unassuming looks," while MyRide.com praises the "attractive styling." The interior of the Venza Toyota also wins praise from many reviewers. ConsumerGuide points out the "large gauges are easy to read," and "with or without navigation, Venza has a simple, handy, and logical control system." Car and Driver also notes that "aesthetically, the Venza interior features many nice touches," but at the same time they find that "the dual-zone HVAC controls seem as if they were crammed into the design at the last minute." Back on the positive side of things, Cars.com reports that the trip computer, which contains a variety of data and controls, "sits squarely atop the dash," which is "the perfect place for such a screen in terms of keeping the driver's eyes trained on the road, and it's unbelievably crisp and clear." ConclusionDon't let Toyota fool you—the 2009 Toyota Venza is, in fact, a crossover, and not a bad-looking one at that.

Other Choices:

The 2009 Toyota Venza seems to be tailor-made for older drivers looking at crossovers and needing easy entry and exit and big gauges. The Nissan Murano is the opposite; it's racy, with less interior room and an emphasis on sporty handling. The Ford Edge is the oldest of this trio, and feels a little ponderous when driving—it's quite heavy—but has a smart, upright package that's also nicely conservative in appearance. Somewhere in the middle in terms of function—but off in left field in terms of design—is the Subaru Tribeca, which despite a smoothing-over for '08 is still quite polarizing. The Venza does offer one important feature that's not available on any of these competitors: a fuel-efficient four-cylinder engine.

See the Toyota Venza in Other Years:

2009

Comments (15 total)

Baby Lexus?

By Tim | Posted: Dec 12th 2008, 12:41:27 PM

I like it. I love the Infinity FX35, but can't afford it. The Nissan Murano is plain ugly in my opinion. (How can two versions of the same vehicle be so different.) The Venza is perfect for me. Looks great, has good power even in the four cylinder, and I can afford it. The more I look at it, the more the Venza reminds me of a lowered Lexus RX350.
7?

By Shane | Posted: Jan 3rd 2009, 12:40:52 PM

So the dash (according to one publication) looks cheap...so a 7? This is a Toyota not a domestic. Quality!
Malibu Maxx

By Nada | Posted: Jan 18th 2009, 09:25:42 PM

Looks like they did an almost exact copy of the Malibu Maxx.
I fail to see the big hype. Just another car company copying another car copies product.
Expensive

By Mike S. | Posted: Feb 5th 2009, 07:00:28 PM

I dunno guys/gals, $20,000+ in this economy??? Come on! How can people afford it? Let's get good new cars down to 12000-15000 instead.
Nothing like the Maxx!

By Bernie Mendoza | Posted: Feb 19th 2009, 03:20:43 PM

The Maxx does not compare. Its 3.5 liter engine (same as in the Malibu) only puts out 200 HP. The same displacement in the Venza gives you 268 HP! Alot more kick, it has more room and its easier on the eyes. Similar...yes, but a copy? No way!
2008/09 Toyota Venza -Paint

By Gail | Posted: Mar 17th 2009, 01:54:12 AM

Has anyone heard of problems or poor quality of paint on the Venza exterior?
Paint Issues

By Nathan | Posted: Mar 21st 2009, 01:01:42 PM

I have had a Venza for 2.5 months mostly love it -- BUT the exterior paint looks like I have had the car 10 years -- scratches everywhere... swirly
Great car

By Toyota Venza | Posted: Apr 4th 2009, 07:24:59 PM

I'm going down to test drive one tomorrow. Some of these comments worry me though.
Venza...new?

By PanhandleWilly | Posted: Apr 15th 2009, 10:18:17 PM

C'mon...Toyota "invented" the Chrysler Pacifica 10 years after the fact and has the gall to think they've presented us something new. A Pacifica looks better, runs better and has the get up and go of a muscle car. This has a Toyota sticker...and apparently really bad paint. If you buy one of these the message you send is clearly that you can't exist outside a herd mentality.
Venza...new?

By PanhandleWilly | Posted: Apr 15th 2009, 10:19:23 PM

C'mon...Toyota "invented" the Chrysler Pacifica 10 years after the fact and has the gall to think they've presented us something new. A Pacifica looks better, runs better and has the get up and go of a muscle car. This has a Toyota sticker...and apparently really bad paint. If you buy one of these the message you send is clearly that you can't exist outside a herd mentality.
Another Toyota Success!

By Mike | Posted: Apr 17th 2009, 12:33:57 PM

We love our new Venza, including the Pearl White color. The styling and interior room are outstanding. Very quite ride for a crossover. Much better than our Murano. The only quibble I have is that the audio system does not sync with iPods or iPhones. (This is a $300 add on.)
RE: Baby Lexus?

By Dan | Posted: Apr 20th 2009, 01:13:26 AM

The Infiniti FX and the Murano look different because they ARE different. The FX is rear-wheel drive (FM platform, shared with G35/37, M35/45, EX35, 350/370Z) and the Murano is front-wheel drive (D platform, same as Altima and Maxima). They aren't re-skinned versions of the same vehicle and aren't anywhere close to being related architecturally. I give Infiniti credit for not sharing any vehicles with Nissan (Aside from the QX56/Armada which is supposedly going away). Sorry about the non-Venza rant but these comments peeve me.
--------
I love the Infinity FX35, but can't afford it. The Nissan Murano is plain ugly in my opinion. (How can two versions of the same vehicle be so different.)
Mr

By Benjamin | Posted: May 25th 2009, 07:52:06 PM

I don't know what sort of dope the guys on that says the Pacifica is better than the Venza. I've driven them both and the Chrysler doesn't come close in performance, build quality or value. Sounds like sour grapes from some guy whose car company is going under because they can't keep up.
By EdK | Posted: Jun 22nd 2009, 12:59:13 AM

Bought the Venza and love it! It's an Avalon wagon/crossover. The Venza weighs 1,000 lbs LESS than a Pacifica, with more first and second row room. We don't need the third row/way-back room. High level of interior finish, gorgeous leather seats, 2.7 liter/6 speed performance and MPG. I've driven both the Venza and Pacifica, and the Venza won, hands down!
By Annie g | Posted: Jul 9th 2009, 06:40:00 AM

Just gone from Chrysler suv to Venza. Wow! I actually enjoy driving now. Quality ride and appearance. Blue tooth option definitely worth money. Inside is like the Lexus we used to have. Have V6 and getting 23 in city. So far everyone shown wants one. Don't understand low rating but it seems to me reading the "experts " opinions is not as useful as the "real" experts out there. That is the car owners. Will keep eye on paint. Wonder if it's under warranty? My rating is 9

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2009 Toyota Venza Review

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STYLING | 7 out of 10

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Comments (15 total)

Baby Lexus?

7?

Malibu Maxx

Expensive

Nothing like the Maxx!

2008/09 Toyota Venza -Paint

Paint Issues

Great car

Venza...new?

Venza...new?

Another Toyota Success!

RE: Baby Lexus?

Mr

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