Toyota Venza

Toyota Venza at a glance

The Venza sits on the K platform used by the Camry XV40 and shares its chassis with the AL10 Lexus RX. It was aimed at families who wanted more space and a higher seating position than a saloon but did not need a traditional SUV. Toyota's broader story is told in the history of Toyota, and its models, from the RAV4 to the Land Cruiser, are in the Toyota catalogue.

History and development

According to the old 1cars text, the FT-SX concept that previewed the Venza was shown at the Detroit show in 2005. Its exterior was developed by Calty Design, Toyota's design studio in California, and the engineering by the Toyota Technical Center in Michigan, with around three years of development and testing. The production Venza was unveiled in Detroit in 2008, production began on 11 November 2008, and the 2.7-litre model followed in February 2009.

Engines and transmission

Both engines are paired with a six-speed automatic gearbox. The all-wheel-drive system, according to the old 1cars text, uses a multi-plate clutch to send power to the rear axle when needed. The 3.5-litre V6 is the same 2GR-FE engine used in the Toyota Camry of the period.

Chassis and dimensions

The old 1cars text describes MacPherson strut suspension at the front and rear, ventilated front disc brakes, rack-and-pinion steering with electric assistance, and ABS with brake-force distribution. It quotes the following dimensions for the first version.

Interior and luggage space

According to the old 1cars text, the cabin has a three-spoke multifunction steering wheel adjustable for height and reach, a central speedometer flanked by the rev counter and fuel and temperature gauges, and a trip display at the top of the centre console. A sliding armrest and a movable cup-holder unit create several storage areas between the front seats. Three adults fit in the rear, and the boot has a wide opening, a flat floor and handles for folding the rear seats from the luggage area, which creates an almost flat load space.

The 2013 facelift

The mid-cycle facelift for the 2013 model year was shown at the New York auto show in April 2012 and went on sale in May 2012. It brought new 19-inch wheel designs on the 2.7-litre model and the Toyota Entune multimedia system. For 2012 the US range was reorganised into LE, XLE and Limited trims. The old 1cars text mentions new headlights with LED daytime running lights, xenon lamps with automatic levelling and washers, a larger air intake and chrome trim on the facelifted car.

Venza sales in North America

After US production ended in June 2015, the Venza was still sold in Canada until 2017. The best year was 2009, the first full year of production, when US buyers took 54,410 cars. Canadian sales were steadier, staying above 11,000 a year until 2012, and the model remained in the Canadian range for two years after the US market had dropped it.

Safety ratings

The Venza was named an IIHS Top Safety Pick in 2009 and again in 2010 and 2011, when roof strength became part of the criteria; its roof strength was rated "Good". NHTSA tested it in 2009 for frontal, side and rollover protection. More than 20 complaints about sagging sun visors were filed with NHTSA for the 2009 model.

Second generation (2020–2024)

The Venza name returned in September 2020 for the 2021 model year on a rebadged version of the Harrier (XU80) sold in Japan, built at Toyota's Takaoka plant in Japan. In North America it was sold only as an all-wheel-drive hybrid. The petrol engine produces 131 kW, and the combined system output is 160–163 kW, with a combined rating of 40 US mpg. It was discontinued in North America after the 2024 model year and replaced by the Crown Signia.

Rivals: how the Venza compares

The Venza competed with mid-size crossovers such as the Ford Edge, the Nissan Murano and the Honda Crosstour. Its strengths are a spacious, car-like cabin, a strong V6 option and good IIHS results. Its weaknesses are sales that fell steadily after 2009, as the US figures show, and limited off-road ability for a car of its size.