2009 Toyota Venza Overview

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Our Full Review

By Marty Padgett, Executive Editor

Toyota’s surprise unveiling at the 2008 Detroit auto show is the Venza, an unusual crossover vehicle that blends five-door fastback style with crossover functionality. The 2009 model has been engineered in the U.S., at Toyota’s facilities in Michigan and California, and will be built alongside the Camry and Avalon sedans at Toyota’s sprawling complex in Georgetown, Ky. Both four-cylinder and V-6 versions will be offered, and front-drive and all-wheel-drive models are planned. The engine offerings include a 268-hp, 3.5-liter V-6 and a 2.7-liter four-cylinder with an undisclosed amount of horsepower. Both will be teamed to a six-speed automatic transmission. The Venza takes a basic sedan stance and applies some sport-ute and crossover cues, Toyota explains in trying to quantify what the Venza is. From some angles, it seems similar to Mazda’s former 6 fastback; from others it bears a passing resemblance to Toyota’s own Lexus RX crossover. The big grille ... Read full review