2009 Toyota Venza

Nearly everyone knows by now that a “crossover” vehicle is a cross between an SUV and a car. Let’s say a tall, three-row (Camry based) Toyota Highlander, for example, were to mate with a Camry sedan—which is perfectly okay because it’s within the same species—then this all-new five-passenger Venza might be their legitimate offspring. In fact, it is.

Design and Development

Toyota contends that the typical crossover is some 70 percent SUV and 30 percent car, and its goal with this one was to reverse those percentages. Thus it marries the higher sight lines, flexibility, cargo capacity and available all-wheel drive (AWD) buyers expect from an SUV to more car-like driving dynamics and fuel economy. And it has the lower doorsills of a car for easier in and out, though not the higher ground clearance of an off-road-capable crossover.


“The Venza is targeted at an emerging section of the market that prioritizes sleek styling, excellent handling and road manners, combined with a surprising amount of utility,” Toyota says. A creation of Toyota’s California Calty Design studios, Venza began as a concept show car at the 2005 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, returned more “productionized” for the 2008 NAIAS, and reached dealer showrooms in late 2008. More aggressively styled than your average Toyota, it is aimed at North America and will be sold here exclusively. Some might see it as a Camry wagon. Not Toyota.


Sitting on the Camry’s 109.3-in.-wheelbase platform, it is slightly shorter but 3.3 in. wider and 5.5 in. taller. Its 70.1 cu. ft. of EPA-spec cargo volume and 108 cu. ft. of total passenger volume are far greater than the Camry’s yet far short of the more utilitarian Highlander’s 95.4 and 145.7 cu. ft. Its closest competitor is probably Nissan’s stylish Murano.


The exterior begins with a bold face led by a distinctive grille (maybe a bit too bold and distinctive), headlamps and standard fog lamps. The body shape is aerodynamic, with short overhangs, forward-sweeping A-pillars, crisp character lines and a low roofline. The rear is dominated by an angled rear hatch and capped by a functional spoiler and wide wraparound taillamps that connect with the hatch door. Flared fenders, large wheel openings and standard 19-in. wheels and tires (20-in. on V-6 models) provide an aggressive, sure-footed look.