2009 Toyota Venza Review

2009 Toyota Venza Review
by Rob Rothwell / Auto123.com

Like a mixed breed mongrel that one might adopt from their local SPCA, the Venza isn’t a pure-bread of any particular breed yet it makes a terrific family automobile, much like the beloved mongrel makes an outstanding family pet thanks to its combination of pleasing mixed-breed traits.

The Venza isn’t a pure-bread of any particular breed yet it makes a terrific family automobile.

Dramatic styling with North America in mind
There’s definitely a hint of the Lexus RX in the sharply cut lines of Toyota’s US-built Venza. This is a fairly large vehicle that exhibits flair not usually associated with the company that brings such pulse-canceling style as that found in the Yaris, Corolla and Camry.

What really grabbed my attention though was the stunning cabin Toyota supplies with a modest MSRP of only $28,900. Upon first glance, one can be excused for mistaking the beautifully designed interior for that of a Lexus or similar premium product- it’s just that good.

A huge speedometer sits front and centre in the instrument panel, book ended by a tachometer on one side and a fuel gauge and engine temperature gauge on the other. The neighbouring centre stack layout is creative, appealing and logically arranged for both the driver and passenger.

Two power choices
The Venza is available with a 268 horsepower 3.5-litre DOHC V6 for those who demand a little more follow-through when they punch the throttle. My tester was equipped with the more fuel-efficient 182 horsepower 2.7-litre I-4. This is a new powerplant for Toyota, and it holds plenty of promise.

In addition to its 182 horsepower @ 5,800 rpm, the four-banger manages to expel 182 pound-feet of torque @ 4,200 rpm. These are decent figures for a naturally aspirated engine of this size.

Only one transmission is available to send power to the front wheels, or all four when equipped with all-wheel-drive (AWD). The autobox is a six-speed affair featuring an electronic manual-mode function controlled through the shift lever.

The Venza is available with a 268 horsepower 3.5-litre DOHC V6.

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