The Toyota Venza is tailored for older drivers and parents who want to minimize fuss, and its easy entry and exit, low liftover heights, and simple controls keep with that focus.
The Nissan Murano and Mazda CX-9 are quite the opposite; they're both racier and have sportier tuning, but the Murano has less space, while the CX-9 still manages a very roomy interior.
The Ford Edge has recently been redesigned, with a fresher look inside and out, as well as a more powerful V-6, and its interior tech is now more advanced with the available MyFord Touch system.
The Subaru Tribeca comes with standard all-wheel drive, but it's a little dated, especially inside.
Another model worth considering is the Honda Accord Crosstour; its roofline and seating arrangement don't afford quite as much versatility as the Venza, though.
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 2012 Toyota VenzaBrowse Used Listings |  2012 Ford EdgeBrowse Used Listings |  2012 Mazda CX-9Browse Used Listings |  2012 Nissan MuranoBrowse Used Listings |  2012 Subaru TribecaBrowse Used Listings |
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| Quick Specs | ||||
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The 2012 Toyota Venza isn't pulse-raising, but its smooth styling and calming, practical, comfortable interior provide just what some families or empty-nesters want. |
The 2012 Ford Edge rises to the top of the five-seat crossover niche with forward-thinking technology and a gas-saving EcoBoost option. |
The 2012 Mazda CX-9 is a little more enjoyable to drive than most crossovers its size, while it manages three rows of seating, a plush cabin, and decent comfort. |
It's stylish and refined, but the 2012 Nissan Murano isn't the most space-efficient crossover. |
The 2012 Subaru Tribeca has excellent all-weather handling and top-notch safety, though it's fallen behind the curve in features and interior appointments. |
| MSRP From | ||||
| $27,425 | $27,770 | $29,725 | $29,960 | $30,595 |
| Gas Mileage | ||||
| 18 MPG City / 27 MPG Hwy | 17 MPG City / 27 MPG Hwy | 16 MPG City / 24 MPG Hwy | 17 MPG City / 24 MPG Hwy | 16 MPG City / 21 MPG Hwy |
| Engine | ||||
| Gas I4 | Gas V6 | Gas V6 | Gas V6 | Gas Flat 6 |
| EPA Class | ||||
| Sport Utility | FWD Sport Utility Vehicle | 2WD Sport Utility Vehicle | 2WD Sport Utility | Sport Utility Vehicle |
| Style Name | ||||
| 4-Door Wagon I4 FWD LE (GS) | 4-Door SE FWD | FWD 4-Door Sport | 2WD 4-Door S | 4-Door 3.6R Premium |
| Drivetrain | ||||
| Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Passenger Capacity | ||||
| 5 | 5 | 7 | 5 | 7 |
| Passenger Doors | ||||
| N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Body Style | ||||
| 4 Door Wagon | Sport Utility | 4 Door Sport Utility Vehicle | Sport Utility | 4 Door Sport Utility |
| Transmission | ||||
| Automatic | Automatic | Automatic | Continuously Variable Ratio | Automatic |
| Detailed Spec Comparison | ||||
| 2012 Toyota Venza vs. 2012 Ford Edge | 2012 Toyota Venza vs. 2012 Mazda CX-9 | 2012 Toyota Venza vs. 2012 Nissan Murano | 2012 Toyota Venza vs. 2012 Subaru Tribeca | |
