Toyota has officially unveiled their new "crossover sedan" dubbed the 2009 Venza.
The 5-seater Venza fills yet another spot in the Toyota crossover/ SUV lineup. Think of the Venza as a new last generation Highlander, since the new Highlander has moved upmarket. It's available with either the 3.5L 268 horsepower V6 or a 2.7L 4-cylinder.
According to Toyota the Venza combines the refinement of a sedan with the functionality of an SUV.
"The all-new Venza was developed as a vehicle that combines the styling, comfort and fun-to-drive performance elements of a five-passenger sedan with the surprising utility of an SUV," said Bob Carter, Toyota Division group vice president and general manager.
The Venza is going to be sold exclusively in the US where it will go head to head with the Ford Edge and Nissan Murano.
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PRESS RELEASE:
Toyota Stages World Debut Of All-New Venza At 2008 North American International Auto Show
January 14, 2008 – Detroit, MI - Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., unveiled the all-new 2009 Venza crossover sedan at a press conference here today at the 2008 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). Venza will raise the crossover vehicle to new levels by combining a unique blend of sedan refinement and sport utility vehicle (SUV) functionality.
"The all-new Venza was developed as a vehicle that combines the styling, comfort and fun-to-drive performance elements of a five-passenger sedan with the surprising utility of an SUV," said Bob Carter, Toyota Division group vice president and general manager. "This winning combination will be ideal for active 'boomers' and young couples with small families."
All aspects of Venza's engineering and design were targeted specifically for the North American market where it will be sold exclusively. Venza was primarily engineered at Toyota Technical Center in Ann Arbor, Mich., and designed at Toyota's Calty design studios in Newport Beach, Calif. and Ann Arbor, Mich. Venza will be assembled at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky (TMMK), in Georgetown, Ky.
The development focus of the Venza design team was to create a new crossover vehicle that shifted away from the more traditional SUV styling themes that tend to dominate the segment. Calty designers leaned more heavily on a sleek sedan concept with a wide stance that featured a sporty exterior and premium comfort interior but would also be equipped with important SUV attributes such as cargo space, towing capability and all-wheel-drive performance.
The exterior design of the four-door Venza begins with an imposing front end featuring a distinctive grille, headlights and fog lamps for an aggressive, yet classy appearance. The front conforms to a sleek and aerodynamic shape with short overhangs, crisp character lines and a roofline and ground clearance that are lower than a typical crossover. From behind, Venza's refined appearance is complete with an angled rear hatch, rear spoiler and wide wraparound tail lights that interconnect with the hatch door.
On the inside, Calty designers and TTC engineers made comfort, refinement and utility a priority for the five-passenger Venza. A lower rocker design will allow occupants to more easily step in and out of the vehicle than a typical sedan. Venza 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.
Venza will feature a spacious interior providing ample room for all five passengers and abundant SUV-like cargo space behind the second row of seats. The rear hatch provides a low cargo height that allows for easy loading and unloading of luggage and outdoor gear. Easy-to-use levers, one on each side of the rear cargo area, allow the 60/40 split rear seats to fold flat, providing additional storage space for extra long items such as surf boards, skis, camping gear and gardening equipment. For added passenger comfort, the rear seats recline up to 14 degrees.
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 flow of the instrumentation panel (IP) creates a unique 60/60 design that gives both driver and front passenger the look and feeling that 60 percent of the IP is accessible from their seating position.
An extra long center console extends from the IP and slopes down to a center compartment with a unique sliding console cover. Sliding open the compartment lid reveals a large storage well deep enough to hold a large purse. The compartment is also illuminated and equipped with an auxiliary audio jack and 12-volt power point. The upper portion of the center console houses the gear-shift lever for easy and comfortable driver access. Climate control functions are centrally located on the upper center console, providing easy accessibility for both driver and passenger. The center console also contains an iPod/MP3 storage compartment with wire management and illuminated dual cupholders.
All Venza models will be 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.
Chrome accents throughout give Venza a refined look and feel. Models equipped with an optional leather-trimmed interior will feature wood-grain-type trim and seats stitched with dark piping that is tastefully coordinated with Venza's standard linear grain dashboard and steering wheel. An array of storage space will be available throughout the vehicle to accommodate passenger belongings. A large storage compartment with an additional 12-volt power point located on the passenger side of the front center console will be sizeable enough to contain maps and magazines.
A panoramic roof will be offered as an option and will be a first for the Toyota vehicle lineup. The roof will feature separate glass panels over the front and rear seats. The front glass panel will have a power tilt/slide function.
Venza will also offer an Automatic High Beam headlight system, another Toyota first. When high beam headlights are in use sensors in the Automatic High Beam system will detect oncoming traffic and automatically switch the headlights to low-beam. When the Automatic High Beam sensors no longer detect oncoming traffic the system will switch the headlights back to high-beam mode.
Additional optional equipment will include a navigation system equipped with a JBL audio system, integrated satellite radio capability and Bluetooth® technology; a premium JBL audio system with AM/FM six-disc CD changer, satellite radio capability and Bluetooth®, rear seat entertainment system, a Smart Key System, back-up camera and a power rear door.
The sleek and sporty styling, refined interior and outstanding utility features are complemented with fun-to-drive performance attributes expected by owners with active lifestyles. Aggressive handling typically found in a performance coupe is well-balanced by the on-road comfort of an upscale sedan.
Venza will be available in front- and all-wheel-drive configurations. It will provide drivers and passengers the best of both worlds by delivering the quiet comfortable ride expected from a full-size sedan along with the peace-of-mind that comes with all-wheel-drive.
Power will be generated by an available 3.5-liter V6 that will produce 268 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 246 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,700 rpm with a towing capability of 3,500 pounds. Standard power will come from an all-new 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine that will deliver capable performance and provide excellent fuel efficiency and low emissions. Both engines will be mated with a six-speed sequential-shift electronically-controlled automatic transmission.
Venza will be equipped with a comprehensive list of standard safety features. It will provide 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. Venza will also be 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. Venza will also feature active head rests as standard equipment.
"Venza will establish an exciting new crossover niche that will combine the finest attributes of Toyota's diverse vehicle lineup," said Carter. "It will cater to buyers who are looking for the value and reliability of a Camry, the comfort and upscale refinement of an Avalon, and the utility and functionality of a Highlander SUV in one very stylish and sporty package."
"When it goes on sale in late 2008, the Venza crossover sedan will represent Toyota's latest commitment to driving change in the marketplace."
2009 VENZA PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS
POWERTRAIN
2.7-liter four-cylinder engine
Horsepower: TBD
Torque: TBD
Six-speed sequential shift automatic transmission
3.5-liter V6
Horsepower: 268 @ 6,200
Torque: 246 lb.-ft. @ 4,700 rpm
Six-speed sequential shift automatic transmission
Drive System: Front- and All-Wheel-Drive
DIMENSIONS (inches)
Overall Length: 189.0
Overall Width: 75.0
Overall Height: 63.4
Wheelbase: 109.3
Ground clearance: 8.1
Wheels: 19-inch alloy wheels (four-cylinder only)
20-inch alloy wheels (standard on V6 and available on four-cylinder)
Tire Size: 20-inch: 245/50R20
19-inch: 245/55R19
Towing Capacity: 3,500 lbs. (V6 model)
Seating Capacity: 5
Comments (42)
Wow, I usually don't bash cars on here, but this thing is hideous. Everything from the awkward tiny windows in front of the mirrors to the awkward gear shift position scream "trying to get a crossover on the market ASAP". The Edge (I'm not even a Ford fan) is a much much more attractive vehicle, and considering the accolades it's received, most likely just as well built a car.
Am I alone here?
Many will still buy it cause it's a yoda.
Posted by Carter | January 15, 2008 7:46 AM
Posted on January 15, 2008 07:46
Lol.
Looks is very debatable.
You think Edge is "much more attractive"... well thats your opinion, and your entitled to it.
I'm in design and I think this car looks stylish, the flowing lines and curves towards the rear are attractive. Lexus-like.
The Edge is out-dated in styling and the massive shiny grill... well... if you think it looks good.. then thats all that matters for you then.
Posted by jamison | January 15, 2008 8:56 AM
Posted on January 15, 2008 08:56
front can use some toning down but for the most part I think it looks good
Sorry this car might have some questionable traits but a ford edge isnt any more attractive
Posted by zzz | January 15, 2008 9:04 AM
Posted on January 15, 2008 09:04
Seriously, this is the ugliest car to come out recently. If an American car company had made this there would be no end to the negative comments here.
If this thing sells it will just show what a good job Toyota has done with a corporate brand.
Posted by Dave | January 15, 2008 9:11 AM
Posted on January 15, 2008 09:11
Seriously, this is the ugliest car to come out recently. If an American car company had made this there would be no end to the negative comments here.
If this thing sells it will just show what a good job Toyota has done with a corporate brand.
Posted by Dave | January 15, 2008 9:11 AM
Posted on January 15, 2008 09:11
Damn that's ugly. Argh.
Posted by Alysandra | January 15, 2008 9:26 AM
Posted on January 15, 2008 09:26
Can you say Toyota Malibu MAXX ???
I bet it sells better too, just because it's a toyota.
Don't get me wrong, I like toyota's, especially the FJ, but this is not a good looking car.
Posted by ... | January 15, 2008 9:36 AM
Posted on January 15, 2008 09:36
I'm not wild about the looks. It looks like a Camry mated with a Sienna. Here's the big question: Wouldn't it be much easier and cheaper to make a Camry station wagon? Why create a whole new line? Is it so that they can call it a crossover instead of a station wagon, even though everyone knows they are the same thing?
Posted by N | January 15, 2008 9:37 AM
Posted on January 15, 2008 09:37
The front/grill is overworked. The interior is bland. It's yet another vehicle struggling to avoid the label of 'station wagon' despite the fact that that's what it's demographic really needs.
With all that out of the way, (ignoring the grill) I like the exterior lines, for this type of vehicle. It's a hard vehicle type to make beautiful.
Posted by kw | January 15, 2008 9:40 AM
Posted on January 15, 2008 09:40
a DAMN MESS!!!!!
Posted by gilly | January 15, 2008 10:12 AM
Posted on January 15, 2008 10:12
A Camry wagon that looks like an elongated Edge? Pass. Toyota has been lacking in the styling department. All of their cars, while reliable, are boring. And when they try to be more daring (think next-gen Matrix), they produce ugly ducklings.
Posted by Jim | January 15, 2008 10:27 AM
Posted on January 15, 2008 10:27
How are you supposed to conveniently reach the nav system etc when the shifter is in the way?
On a different note, this has mini van written all over it.
Posted by JD | January 15, 2008 10:46 AM
Posted on January 15, 2008 10:46
I don't really mind the profile or the back, it's the front that I think needs to be redone. Besides the front the exterior seems similar to the Lexus RX330. The interior while decent is straight out of a minivan. It will sell, not only because it's a Toyota but because there's also a market for it, I certainly wouldn't buy it but i'm sure plenty of other people will.
Posted by D! | January 15, 2008 10:54 AM
Posted on January 15, 2008 10:54
this thing looks horrible... i hate toyotas they are for fat old people. with a few exceptions im sure.
Posted by dennisil | January 15, 2008 11:13 AM
Posted on January 15, 2008 11:13
Ugly. It looks like what Chrysler would do, if it were redoing the Pacifica.
It probably weights as much as the Pacifica also (although I hope not as much as the Acadia).
What is the point?
Posted by Sphere | January 15, 2008 11:15 AM
Posted on January 15, 2008 11:15
I think it looks very good, maybe the front grille needs a bit of work but i love the rear.. I dont understand why everyone hates it. Doesnt anyone here hate how lexus suvs look? I do. And the FJ? Ugliest car i've ever seen. This is kinda like the mazda cx-9 except much better looking.
Posted by Andri | January 15, 2008 11:46 AM
Posted on January 15, 2008 11:46
Wow I guess we can't call them Station Wagons any more.................................................
Posted by Rey | January 15, 2008 12:14 PM
Posted on January 15, 2008 12:14
i think the interior of this Crossover looks nice and luxurious. but the exterior, i wouldn't call it ugly but just weird looking
Posted by commando | January 15, 2008 12:14 PM
Posted on January 15, 2008 12:14
A car which doesn't know what it is for people who don't know what they want.
Posted by Schillacci | January 15, 2008 12:39 PM
Posted on January 15, 2008 12:39
its a bold statement, if it drives well & efficient, it be a good suv, i'd say currently its fight with nissan murrano, benz GL & X5
Posted by abdul azis arjoso | January 15, 2008 12:56 PM
Posted on January 15, 2008 12:56
What no Diesel option?
Posted by Christian | January 15, 2008 1:35 PM
Posted on January 15, 2008 13:35
Yay, another minivan / station wagon..... I really do think that this segment has potential, but so far I haven't seen one that looks good.
Posted by gm0n3y | January 15, 2008 1:38 PM
Posted on January 15, 2008 13:38
@ dennisil ~~
I'm guessing you're the product of a third grade education, a broken marriage, and habitual drug use. Your aversion and pessimism for all things automotive begs the question of why you're even on this site.
@ abdul azis arjoso ~~
This is not competition for a full-size body-on-frame SUV like the Mercedes GL. You've got to be kidding...
Moving on...
I think the profile and the rear of this new station wagon look pretty good. The front looks pretty odd. The whole design is merely a Camry with a hatch and body lift anyways.
Crossovers are pretty ridiculous and I hope this fad doesn't last too long. It's the weight and gas-mileage of a large station wagon with some of the utility sacrificed in a sloping rear end.
Posted by Cheap Car Lover | January 15, 2008 1:59 PM
Posted on January 15, 2008 13:59
N:
I'm not wild about the looks. It looks like a Camry mated with a Sienna. Here's the big question: Wouldn't it be much easier and cheaper to make a Camry station wagon? Why create a whole new line? Is it so that they can call it a crossover instead of a station wagon, even though everyone knows they are the same thing?
---------------------------------------------------------------
I agree exactly. It seems that car companies are coming full circle on the dreaded"station wagon". I have a family and a station wagon perfectly suits my needs. Are they macho? No. Are they more practical than an SUV? Yes, for most people an SUV is entirely unnecessary. But, for my needs, I will take a station wagon and enjoy better handling, efficiency and utility than a SUV.
Posted by longdxcommuter | January 15, 2008 3:26 PM
Posted on January 15, 2008 15:26
"Built in Tuscaloosa, Alabama employing steel unibody construction with front and rear crumple zones, the 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class ...." Straight from autoweb
Uh, the GL class is unibody, cheap car lover.
Posted by J.D. | January 15, 2008 3:50 PM
Posted on January 15, 2008 15:50
It reminds me of the Tribeca which seems logical since Subaru is owned by Toyota. I'd still take the Subaru over the Toyota though.
Posted by CS | January 15, 2008 4:35 PM
Posted on January 15, 2008 16:35
I can't believe that they are not announcing a hybrid model - in fact the V6 should only be sold as a hybrid vehicle.
Posted by SH | January 15, 2008 5:30 PM
Posted on January 15, 2008 17:30
I haven't seen small windows in the front since the Ford Aerostar. Toyota's Pontiac Aztek
Posted by goose | January 15, 2008 6:15 PM
Posted on January 15, 2008 18:15
What exactly is up with that gear shift lever? Who's brain-dead idea was that?
Posted by 0r0d | January 15, 2008 6:49 PM
Posted on January 15, 2008 18:49
This thing is ugly as hell in the front.
Posted by SteelCity1981 | January 15, 2008 7:01 PM
Posted on January 15, 2008 19:01
0r0d:
What exactly is up with that gear shift lever? Who's brain-dead idea was that?
-------------------------------------------------
It is actually positioned in an ergonomic fashion. It looks odd but makes perfect sense behind the wheel. It keeps the whole assembly away from the cupholders and storage bins in the center console.
Posted by longdxcommuter | January 15, 2008 7:40 PM
Posted on January 15, 2008 19:40
Notice the dual glass roof rip off of the ford. I don't really like the styling of this vehicle at all. It looks ugly, it is like a camry brought up and thrown into the CUV category. Compared to other CUV's I don't like the styling. The mazda cx-7, cx-9, the volvo xc-90, the edge, all have their own sporty or unusually nice styling features: but this, not so much.
Posted by Al | January 16, 2008 12:34 AM
Posted on January 16, 2008 00:34
And no, the shift lever makes absolutely no sense.
Posted by Al | January 16, 2008 12:37 AM
Posted on January 16, 2008 00:37
I like it.
I don't need a minivan with a big honkin, gas guzzilin V6 in it, much less a pickup truck. Problem with this thing, is it still has the gas guzzilin V6.
I wish they would start offering some oil burners so these vehicles will have decent towing numbers, but still get respectable mileage when your not towing.
As far as the looks, well, they can ditch the giant rapper emblem off the hood, otherwise I like it.
Posted by Zippy | January 16, 2008 7:34 AM
Posted on January 16, 2008 07:34
@JD
I stand corrected. They're still a different class of vehicle though.
-The gearshift does look pretty odd, even if it does work well. People like consoles to be symmetrical.
Posted by Cheap Car Lover | January 16, 2008 9:35 AM
Posted on January 16, 2008 09:35
If you havent seen one of these in person, don't make a comparison of it as a Camryienna. It's actually quite larger than a Camry and seems to have more interior room than the sienna. The picture doesn't do it justice. It does have a lower profile, and the wheels resemble that on the Infiniti FX. As for hybrid, they want to see if the non hybrid takes off first. Probably in the price range of 23K - 33K depending on options. On a great note, since it is being produced at the Georgetown plant, reliability is pretty much a guarentee as the vehicles from that plant tend to be the best made in the world (reliability). They are giving you 3 powertrain options though. L4, V6 and V6+AWD. Probably the same engines in the Camry and Avalons.
If they do a hybrid, it will most likely be on the L4 (due to additional size of hybrid synergy) the V6 is a much larger engine and won't fit with the hybrid comps. This is why you don't see a Camry V6 hybrid and only see it on the L4.
Posted by Anon | January 16, 2008 1:41 PM
Posted on January 16, 2008 13:41
@Cheap Car Lover:
your right i have been too critical lately but this car looks like a Camry estate wagon that went to a 4wd chop shop and is now going to cost as much as some premium branded suvs. this car may serve a utilitarian purpose, but it lacks soul and enthusiastic passion i see in the design and engeneering of other crosover suvs like the Lincon MKX and Infinity QX45. As for my education i have a degree in business from a well known univirsity in the Chicago area and i havent yet had the pleasure of finding the right person to start a family with, someday soon i suppose but untill then im going to continue having fun and adventures as i am only 27 years old and have plenty of time to settle down.
Posted by dennisil | January 16, 2008 2:00 PM
Posted on January 16, 2008 14:00
Can you say ugly? Look at that grille. And the shifter? Put it on the column, old-school style, cuz that one sucks. It's a sports wagon! Yay! I'm happy for that. Only it needs to be lowered. And it's ugly.
Posted by Kell | January 16, 2008 4:51 PM
Posted on January 16, 2008 16:51
@ longdxcommuter
"It is actually positioned in an ergonomic fashion. It looks odd but makes perfect sense behind the wheel. It keeps the whole assembly away from the cupholders and storage bins in the center console."
Humm, if they want the shift gear to stay away from the cupholders, they could have use the steering column ,right? (Or on the headliner. lol).
To me it looks more like a design choice. And a poor one at that, like the whole car.
Posted by Sphere | January 17, 2008 10:28 AM
Posted on January 17, 2008 10:28
Will be the first Toyota to receive the New 2.4L with approx. 190HP, Destined for the Camry by 2009.
Hoping for 23/32 EPA, with more power
DrFill
Posted by DrFill | January 18, 2008 1:06 PM
Posted on January 18, 2008 13:06
I bet if it got 70 MPG it would become instantly better looking.
Posted by Rocky | July 14, 2008 9:51 PM
Posted on July 14, 2008 21:51
I believe this car is very interesting. I was hoping Honda or Toyota would make something like this. If it's not 45 grand, I might buy one. I like that it's only a 5 passenger. Winters here are very cold so AWD is a big plus.
I'm not getting any younger so not having to step out and climb up out of the car is a nice feature. The big wheels are kinda kewl. I like the utility of the trunk/storage area.The shifter is kind of goofy like what Hondas have. ( i like Honda..the shifter looks goofy) I'm still undecided about a liftgate at the back. It's kinda mini-vanish? I believe 268 HP is excessive. I'll wait for the 4cylinder. Whoever says this car is ugly may be stuck in some kind of time warp in my opinion. You don't have to look too far to see butt-ugly new cars.. IE.. Chev Trail Blazer... Ford Flex..Scion... Honda Accord 4 door... I was going to buy one until I saw it...it's just big and ugly... and reliable
Posted by shadow | October 28, 2008 11:30 PM
Posted on October 28, 2008 23:30