Toyota Venza

Pricing and features

US models had starting price of $25,975 for a front-wheel-drive (FWD) 4-cylinder model, ranging to $29,250 for the all-wheel-drive (AWD) V6 edition without options.

The Venza features a single trim level, with numerous packages and options. Standard features include fog lamps, 19" alloy wheels (I4), 34 pound 20" alloy wheels (V6), HomeLink, XM satellite radio, 6-disc CD changer, dual-zone climate control, electrochromic auto-dimming rear-view mirror, 8-way power drivers seat, steering-wheel mounted audio controls, Hill-Start assist control and the Toyota Star Safety System.

Options include automatic high beams with HID lighting, heated side view mirrors, power liftgate, leather seat surfaces, 4-way power passenger seat, panoramic glass moonroof, smart key system, 13-speaker JBL sound system with Bluetooth, voice-activated touch-screen DVD navigation system, backup camera, and a rear DVD entertainment system with a 9-inch display and two wireless headphones. The Touring Package, which includes HID headlights, push button start, Navigation & JBL Package are only available on the V6 AWD. The Premium Package containing the moonroof and backup camera is available on all but the Venza (I4 FWD), while the leather package is available on all Venzas.

For 2010, the Venza received a standard USB audio input and Bluetooth hands-free phone capability. Due to this addition, a single-CD player unit replaced the previously standard in-dash 6-disc CD changer. All US models were raised $300 in MSRP.

For 2011, the base price of US models increased by $200.

For 2012, the Venza featured LE, XLE, and Limited trim levels for the US market, replacing the single-grade line with various option packages. The LE and XLE models were available with all powertrain combinations: four-cylinder, V6, front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD); the Venza Limited comes with the V6 engine only, in front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive configurations. Canadian models retained the single trim level, adding only a Convenience Package for the four-cylinder FWD trim. All US models get a $240 raise in MSRP.

2013 Facelift

The new 2013 Toyota Venza was revealed at the 2012 New York International Auto Show and went on sale during May 2012.

For 2013, the Venza received a mid-model cycle facelift. Four cylinder models receive restyled nineteen-inch alloy wheels. The 2013 Venza also adds Toyota's new Entune System, which enables connection to Apple iPod, Apple iPhone, BlackBerry, Android, or other similar USB devices via a mobile application. This allows wireless control of the device from the vehicle's steering wheel controls, as well as Bluetooth hands-free telephone calls and text messages without physically using a handheld device. The Bluetooth profile also allows users to pair their Bluetooth Audio-enabled devices to wireless play MP3 files through the vehicle's audio system. Also offered through the system is the use of Pandora Radio to wirelessly stream internet radio stations using a data connection courtesy of their device. Traffic and weather forecasts are also available through this system.

Powertrain

All models include Super Electronically Controlled Transmission (Super ECT) 6-speed automatic transmission with Overdrive, Gate Type Shifter, Lock Up Torque Converter, Transmission Cooler.

Safety

Venzas feature vehicle stability control, traction control, electronic brakeforce distribution, brake assist, anti-lock braking, smart stop technology as well as hill-start Control, Tire pressure monitoring system, active head restraints for front-seat occupants, 3-point seatbelts and headrests for all seats, emergency locking retractors (ELR) for all seats, automatic locking retractors (ATR) for all seats (except driver's), front seatbelt pretensioners with force limiters, and LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) for rear outboard seats.

Seven standard airbags include dual-stage front airbags, driver's knee airbag, front seat-mounted side airbags, 2-row side curtain airbags and fuel pump cut-off switch with airbag deployment.

Crash testing

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the Venza its Top Safety Pick rating in 2009. The Venza is also rated "Good" in the roof strength test, as a result the Venza also received the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Top Safety Pick in 2010 and 2011 when roof strength became a criterion for receiving the award.

Production

The Venza began production at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky (TMMK) on November 11, 2008, with over 70% of the Venza's components coming from US suppliers. Toyota projects sales of between 75,000-100,000 Venzas per year. The Venza is one of the 2 North American built Toyotas (alongside the Avalon) not to be sold in Mexico.

In addition to the Venza, TMMK produces the Camry, Camry Hybrid, and Avalon, and previously produced the Solara. Toyota launched the four-cylinder Venza in February, 2009.

Production at TMMK of the Venza for domestic consumption ended in 2015. Production of the vehicle will remain there (for export) until 2017.

Marketing

During the 2008 vehicle launch, Toyota marketed Venza under the campaign 'You're More than One Thing. So is Venza.'

In Canada, the Venza was featured as a prize in the 2009 Tim Hortons "Rrroll up the rim to win" promotion.

In 2013 Venza debuted in Russian and Chinese markets.

Toyota stopped production of the Venza in the American market in June 2015.

Classification

Determining whether the Venza is a crossover SUV or wagon isn't clear; some journalists regard it as the "Camry station wagon" (the successor to the 1991-96 wagon which was the last iteration to offer this style in Canada and the United States) while other sources often describe it simply as new type of "crossover". Toyota states the Venza blends the "styling and comfort of a passenger car with the flexibility of a sport utility vehicle." According to Toyota, Venza is neither a station wagon nor SUV, rather it is targeted at customers who want more room and flexibility than the Camry sedan but desire a smaller size than the Highlander, a mid-size crossover SUV. Toyota lists the Venza's competitors as the Honda Accord and Nissan Altima on their website's comparison page, both being popular mid-size sedans.

Toyota told automotive magazine Motor Trend that it forgo entering the Venza in the publication's SUV of the Year competition. Toyota requested that the Venza compete in the Car of the Year competition. Motor Trend decided that the Venza should not compete in any competition at all since its ride height is too high to be qualified as a car.

Discontinuation

In 2015, Toyota announced that the Venza would be discontinued after the 2015 model year. There are three factors that contributed to this decision: customer preference, competitiveness within the segment, and deteriorating sales, according to Toyota. Production of US models ended in June 2015, and export models ended production in 2017.

Toyota FT-SX concept

The Venza was based on the Toyota FT-SX concept car. The FT-SX was unveiled at the 2005 North American International Auto Show.