2009 Toyota Venza

Overview

The all-new 2009 Toyota Venza combines the styling, comfort and fun-to-drive performance elements of a five-passenger sedan with the surprising utility of an SUV. It has been conceived and developed by Toyota as a new crossover that shifts away from the more traditional SUV styling themes that tend to dominate the segment.

Power and performance

The Venza comes with a 3.5-liter V6 268 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 246 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,700 rpm with a towing capability of 3,500 pounds. The standard power will come from an all-new 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers capable performance and provides excellent fuel efficiency and low emissions. Both engines will be mated with a six-speed sequential-shift electronically-controlled automatic transmission. The Venza comes with front- and all-wheel-drive configurations. It will provide drivers and passengers the quiet comfortable ride expected from a full-size sedan along with the peace-of-mind that comes with all-wheel-drive.

Body and styling

The exterior design of the four-door Venza is imposing featuring a distinctive grille, headlights and fog lamps for an aggressive, yet classy appearance. From behind, its refined appearance is complete with an angled rear hatch, rear spoiler and wide wraparound tail lights that interconnect with the hatch door.

Inside, comfort, refinement and utility have been given a priority in the interior. A lower rocker design allows occupants to more easily step in and out of the vehicle than a typical sedan. It will also feature a higher ride height and hip points that will help provide significantly better driver visibility than most sedans and easier ingress and egress than most SUVs.

It features a spacious interior providing ample room for all five passengers and abundant SUV-like cargo space behind the second row of seats. A creative interior design complemented with an array of comfort and convenience features provides Venza with a refined look and feel that is commonly reserved for a luxury sedan. The center console also contains an iPod/MP3 storage compartment with wire management and illuminated dual cupholders.

All Venza models are equipped with an array of standard features including auto dual zone air conditioning, AM/FM six-disc CD, tilt/telescopic steering wheel with audio controls, remote keyless entry, electrochromic rearview mirror with compass, a multi-information display, cruise control, optitron gauges, rear wiper, privacy glass, and much more. On V6 models Venza will come standard with dual exhaust tips and will be the first Toyota model to ride on standard 20-inch alloy wheels. Four-cylinder models will come standard with 19-inch alloy wheels.

Additional optional equipment will include a navigation system equipped with a JBL audio system, integrated satellite radio capability and Bluetooth(R) technology; a premium JBL audio system with AM/FM six-disc CD changer, satellite radio capability and Bluetooth(R), rear seat entertainment system, a Smart Key System, back-up camera and a power rear door.

Safety features

The Venza is equipped with a comprehensive list of standard safety features like a total of seven airbags, including a driver's knee airbag, front seat-mounted side airbags, and side curtain airbags for both rows of seats. It is the first sedan with Toyota's STAR safety system, featuring anti-lock brakes, traction control, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, and vehicle stability control. The Venza will also feature active head rests as standard equipment.