If you were to guess how car manufacturers name their models, you might imagine a sophisticated process. Perhaps algorithms are used to identify catchy phrases, but sometimes it feels like they aim for names destined to be buried in search engine results. Take “Venza,” for example. It’s a name that might quickly fade into online obscurity, overshadowed by unrelated search terms. Yet, Toyota chose “Venza,” possibly for its vaguely Italian sound, for a vehicle built in Kentucky on a Camry platform. Regardless of the name’s origin or meaning, after spending time with the new Toyota Venza, a sense of cautious admiration develops.
The Toyota Venza occupies an interesting space – is it a high-riding touring car or a scaled-down SUV? It depends on your perspective. Constructed on the reliable Camry platform, the Venza sits noticeably higher than a typical sedan. It enters a market crowded with crossovers, yet Toyota categorizes it as a ‘car’ on their website. This ambiguity is part of the Venza’s unique character, a blend of familiar elements in a slightly different form.
Your perception of the Venza shifts depending on the angle. From the front, it bears a resemblance to a Camry, albeit with a bulkier appearance. In fact, one might easily walk past it, mistaking it for another Toyota in a lineup. From the side profile, it evokes the Highlander, but with a shortened cargo area. The rear design is distinct, featuring a swooping yet robust style. Despite these unique elements, the overall design manages to feel surprisingly understated.
Stepping inside, the interior design fares considerably better. The cabin envelops the driver and front passenger, presenting a modern aesthetic that avoids being overly futuristic. It’s a dramatic space without resorting to cheap gimmicks. The gauges are centrally located, large, and utilize multiple colors for clear readability. The gear selector emerges from a sharply angled dashboard, positioning it conveniently close to the steering wheel, reminiscent of a sportier driving setup.
Even without prior experience in the Venza, the controls and functionalities are immediately intuitive. Everything is logically placed and easy to operate. As for personal items like an iPod or sunglasses, finding a spot for them might become an adventure. The Venza is replete with hidden compartments and storage areas, almost guaranteeing that second-hand owners will discover forgotten treasures like flashlights or breath mints.
Notably absent is a cramped third-row seat, a feature that earns the Venza immediate points for passenger comfort. However, the sloping rear roofline, while stylish, does compromise cargo space, reducing it by approximately 12 cubic feet. Despite this, the rear seats are surprisingly spacious and comfortable, suitable even for adult passengers on longer journeys without feeling cramped or uncomfortable.
The test Venza was a well-equipped model, featuring a V6 engine and all-wheel drive. Refreshingly, Toyota simplifies the trim level selection, unlike some of their more convoluted offerings. Customers choose between front or all-wheel drive and either a four-cylinder or six-cylinder engine. Option packages follow a familiar structure, offering bundled features that, while convenient, might leave some feeling they could have customized their choices more effectively. Overall, Toyota has streamlined the buying process for the Venza, making it less complicated than some of their other models and competitor offerings.
Under the hood, Toyota’s 3.5-liter double overhead cam 24-valve dual VVT-i V6 engine is reported to produce 268 horsepower and 246 lb.-ft. of torque. The engine responds quickly and smoothly. However, the Venza, in this configuration, carries approximately 600 extra pounds compared to a Camry. This added weight becomes noticeable in terms of fuel efficiency. A 2.7-liter four-cylinder option was slated to arrive later. While offering less horsepower, it promised a significant improvement in fuel economy, estimated at around 20 percent.
The six-speed electronically controlled automatic overdrive transmission, equipped with intelligence and sequential shift mode, performs seamlessly. It’s a competent and unobtrusive component of the driving experience. The powertrain’s eagerness might initially suggest the Venza could be driven aggressively, but that impression is quickly dispelled.
In typical driving conditions, the handling reveals the Venza as a substantial vehicle on 20-inch wheels. It does ride lower than traditional SUVs and many crossovers, and its center of gravity is lower than a minivan. In emergency maneuvers or sudden swerves, the Venza maintains composure. However, as the vehicle’s weight shifts, it becomes apparent that a lower ride height would enhance handling dynamics.
By not creating a more conventional Camry wagon, Toyota seemingly bowed to the common misconception that higher vehicles are inherently safer. This isn’t necessarily true. The Camry generally handles with greater agility, and the Venza’s increased height doesn’t provide a significant advantage in visibility, especially when navigating around larger vehicles. Toyota attempts to compensate with electronic aids, but they are not a complete substitute for fundamental physics.
The electronic safety systems were tested under challenging conditions during a freezing rainstorm. The brakes, equipped with Anti-lock Brake System, Electronic Brake-force Distribution, and Brake Assist, performed exceptionally well. The all-wheel drive, traction control, and stability control systems also functioned admirably. In essence, the comprehensive safety suite effectively prevented risky driving in adverse conditions, lending the car a protective, almost maternal quality.
This realization reframed the overall impression of the Venza. It’s not without its compromises, much like trying to balance multiple priorities. It’s a vehicle built on compromises, but it offers more cargo capacity than a Camry, is easier to park than a Highlander, feels more refined than a RAV4, and is sleeker than a Sienna. While it might not conquer rugged off-road trails, that’s not its intended purpose. The essence of the Venza isn’t defined by what category it neatly fits into, but by what it accomplishes. It offers a versatile package that caters to a wide range of needs. For many drivers, that versatility is precisely what they are looking for.
