New 2009 Toyota Venza

Toyota has always been at the forefront of ingenuity and has been very good at having the pulse of the consumer. That is evident in the brand-new 2009 Toyota Venza, which combines the sleek refinements of a car with the spaciousness and flexibility of an SUV.

The Venza has two engine choices and comes in both FWD and AWD. A 2.7-liter, 182-horsepower inline-four cylinder or a 3.5-liter, 268-horsepower V-6 is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The V-6 offers the power SUV drivers need with the comfort and appointments of a sedan. Fuel economy is typical for the notoriously efficient Toyota line with 18-21 MPG in the city and 25-29 MPG on the highway. The Venza offers more power and better fuel economy that its competitors, the Ford Edge, Mazda CX-7 and Subaru Tribeca.

On the outside, the Venza sports a wide stance, large grille, twin tailpipes (V-6 model) and standard 19-inch alloy wheels. The interior has two rows of seats with a 60/40-split rear bench that when folded, unveils 70.1 cubic feet of cargo space. An AM/FM 6-disc in-dash CD changer with integrated satellite radio capability and six speakers comes standard, while a JBL Synthesis surround sound system with Bluetooth connectivity and 13 speakers is optional.

A voice-activated touch-screen DVD navigation system, rear-seat DVD entertainment system, backup camera, leather-trimmed 8-way power driver’s seat, 4-way power front passenger seat, satin mahogany wood-grain-style interior trim and panoramic glass roof with front power tilt/slide moonroof are all optional. One feature that immediately sets the Venza apart from most other crossovers is the center console configuration. The gear shifter is placed between the cup holders and the navigation screen. A MP3 player holder is placed in the center console next to the shifter giving drivers a perfect spot for their iPod®.

When it comes to safety, the Venza is well-equipped. Antilock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability system and active head restraints are standard. The Venza features seven airbags: side-impact, side curtain, front driver and passenger and a knee airbag for the driver. The Automatic High Beam system can determine if there is an oncoming car and switch from high- to low-beam headlights, and then back again without the driver doing a thing.

The 2009 Toyota Venza combines the best of both the sedan and SUV worlds with top-notch fuel economy and power—all under the umbrella of Toyota’s reputation of reliability.