2009 Toyota Venza: Road Test
2009 Toyota Venza ▼
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- MSRP: $25,020 - $29,250
- Invoice: $23,506 - $26,325
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Our road test for the 2009 Toyota Venza includes a full evaluation of the 2009 Toyota Venza from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2009 Toyota Venza, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2009 Toyota Venza help you decide if a 2009 Toyota Venza is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| 2WD 4-cylinder | 2WD V6 w/navigation | AWD V6 w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 6 | 6 | 5.4 |
With front-wheel drive, the 4-cylinder has just adequate power for around-town driving. It strains going up hills, and highway passing and merging require lots of room. The V6 is the better choice here, as it provides sufficient power for most any need. Though smooth with both engines, the transmission is far busier with the 4-cylinder than the V6.
FUEL ECONOMY
| 2WD 4-cylinder | 2WD V6 w/navigation | AWD V6 w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 4 |
In Consumer Guide testing, V6 Venzas averaged 22.0-26.4 mpg with more highway driving than city use. Both engines use regular-grade gas.
RIDE QUALITY
| 2WD 4-cylinder | 2WD V6 w/navigation | AWD V6 w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5.4 |
Suspension tuning can't compensate for tires that are too large for a vehicle of this type. Four-cylinder Venzas have 19-inch tires, and V6 versions have 20s. Occupants feel most road imperfections, and sharp bumps register with undue harshness.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| 2WD 4-cylinder | 2WD V6 w/navigation | AWD V6 w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 6 | 6 | 4.5 |
Venza is not quite as car-like as a Kia Rondo or Subaru Outback, but Venza never feels ponderous. It's competent and controlled in most every situation, but tight, fast turns make for pronounced body lean. Steering feel is good, though testers are divided on brake feel. Some say it's fine, others cite mushy response. All-wheel drive is a plus for slick roads.
QUIETNESS
| 2WD 4-cylinder | 2WD V6 w/navigation | AWD V6 w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 5 | 5 | 5.6 |
Disappointing overall. Both the 4-cylinder and V6 engines are loud during acceleration, and both models suffer excess wind noise from around the windshield and exterior mirrors. The 4-cylinder is particularly fussy when pushed. The V6 is a bit less refined than we've come to expect from Toyota. It's much quieter at cruise than the 4-cylinder, however.
CONTROLS
| 2WD 4-cylinder | 2WD V6 w/navigation | AWD V6 w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.3 |
Large gauges are easy to read. With or without navigation, Venza has a simple, handy, and logical control system for audio and climate. The climate controls are grouped together on a small pod in the center dashboard stack, but everything is clearly marked and easy for driver and passenger to use. The navigation system seems daunting at first but is quite simple to program. It absorbs, but doesn't complicate, audio functions. The audio system supports wireless streaming from compatible digital music players, but no USB port is available.
DETAILS
| 2WD 4-cylinder | 2WD V6 w/navigation | AWD V6 w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 6 | 6 | 5.5 |
Cabin materials on models equipped with the standard cloth seats are pleasant, though nothing special. Versions with the available leather upholstery have contrasting piping on the seats, adding a more upscale feel. Models tested with cloth seats have faux carbon fiber trim, which had a tacky brown hue. Versions with the optional leather upholstery included woodgrain trim that looked nicer. While the cabin generally looks good, some test models disappointed with sloppy assembly quality, including uneven gaps and misaligned dashboard panels.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| 2WD 4-cylinder | 2WD V6 w/navigation | AWD V6 w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7.2 |
Venza has ample headroom and legroom. Slightly longer seat bottoms would improve long-distance comfort, but the seats are supportive overall. A standard manual tilt and telescopic steering wheel and power driver seat make it easy to find a good driving position. Fore and aft visibility are good, though the view to the rear corners is tricky because of very thick roof pillars. A low step-in eases entry and exit.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| 2WD 4-cylinder | 2WD V6 w/navigation | AWD V6 w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.3 |
A highlight. Venza's rear bench seat is long-haul supportive. Headroom, legroom, and under-seat foot space are generous. A reclining seatback is standard, further enhancing comfort. As in front, step-in is low, making for easy entry and exit.
CARGO ROOM
| 2WD 4-cylinder | 2WD V6 w/navigation | AWD V6 w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 9 | 9 | 8.6 |
On paper, Venza has slightly less total cargo volume than many wagons and SUVs. In practice, however, it holds a good amount of gear. A low deck and wide floor are helpful. The rear seatbacks don't fold completely flat but go down far enough to where they shouldn't hurt the loading of large items. A steeply slanted tailgate means taller items will only fit in the forward section of the cargo bay. Interior storage includes a deep, divided center console, bins for holding cell phones and MP3 players, and bottle holders in all four doors. The front door pockets can accommodate maps and two bottles each.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| 2WD 4-cylinder | 2WD V6 w/navigation | AWD V6 w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 5 | 5 | 5.8 |
Like the Camry and Highlander upon which it is based, Venza isn't an excitement machine. It is, however, quite versatile and surprisingly roomy. Avoid the underpowered 4-cylinder in favor of the smoother V6. Pricing is on the steep side, but that should be at least partially offset by Toyota's reputation for reliability and strong resale values. In the end, Venza is more like a traditional station wagon. As such, it seems compromised by American-market realities that prefer SUV-flavored crossovers.
Total Score
| 2WD 4-cylinder | 2WD V6 w/navigation | AWD V6 w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63 | 69 | 69 | 64.6 |
Total Score: 67
Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles
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