2008 Detroit Auto Show: Toyota Venza

• Competes with: Ford Edge, Hyundai Santa Fe, Subaru Outback
• Looks like: A Lexus RX SUV
• Drivetrain: 2.7-liter four-cylinder or 268-hp, 3.5-liter V-6 with six-speed automatic; front- or all-wheel drive
• Hits dealerships: Late 2008

When we first heard about the Toyota Venza, we weren’t sure why Toyota needed a five-seat crossover based on the Toyota Camry. The popular Highlander was recently redesigned, it seats seven and it’s also based on the Camry. Now that the Venza is here and we have real specs on it, we’re even more unsure of its place in the market.

The Venza is almost exactly the same length as the Highlander, at 189 inches, and almost the exact same width. The Venza does come with an all-new four-cylinder engine in the base model, which the Highlander doesn’t, but we don’t have power numbers on it yet. The available V-6 is the same one that’s in the Highlander. The Venza will also come in both front- and all-wheel-drive models. The wheels you see pictured are the standard 20-inch variety for the V-6 model. Four-cylinder buyers won’t get shortchanged, though, as 19-inch wheels are standard on it.

Driving dynamics should be different from the Highlander, of course, as the Venza has a different suspension setup, a lowered height and those big wheels. The interior, too, is radically different — almost at a Lexus level when it comes to looks. That makes us wonder how much this will cost, and if that will bring in buyers. Take a look at the photos below and let us know what you think of this all-new Toyota.

Comments

It looks like an Edge and a Camry had a baby- and the baby took more after the edge on the out side and rich grandma Lexus on the inside. I like it- and I don't like many toyotas (based on style). Hopefully it wont be too big, soft, or expensive.

Broq

Best looking Toyota in ages. Unless you need 7 seats you'd be mad to buy a Highlander over this...

I hope it will retain more of Toyota's original qualities like reliability, unlike the latest batch of problematic Toyotas. I'm glad that my '06 RAV4 seemed to have none of the problems that V6 Camry, Avalon and Tundra owners are having.

it really looks like a Camry wagon to me.

BTW, my mom's '06 Rav4 has had nothing but electrical problems since she got it. once the VW Tiguan is coming out, she's ditching the Toyota. She had a '90 Jetta with 300K miles on it before the Rav4.

F-IN AWESOME way to go TOYOTA

The problem for Toyota is that they are doing too many options for the same kind of car, Highlander, 4runner and this one will compete between each other, like GM cars used to do.

Once again Toyota's product planners hit every niche. After the last generation Highlander decimated the Explorer (sales down 26% in 07)and provided the styling platform for the Mercedes GL, Toyota is now coming for the Edge, Veracruz, CX9 and similar vehicles with a Lexus lookalike charmer that will undoubtedly get outstanding MPG. The Venza looks like another winner for the big dog.

Per Olaf, clearly there is no problem with TOYOTA

Per Olaf, clearly there is no problem with TOYOTA

Per Olaf, clearly there is no problem with TOYOTA

One of my neighbors used to have a Camry Wagon. They just quietly disappeared 12 years ago (the wagons, not the neighbors)

No reason why a company as big and succesfull can't ALSO make a wagon based on their mainstream sedan. (Now if only they could make a better looking Solara)

So, is there a problem with TOYOTA?

The company I work for (Trim Masters, Inc) is going to be making the doors for this vehicle. Code-named the 'Ace' the original concept had Lamborghini/Vertical Door Conversion (VDC) doors. The prototype doors we have recieved have the JBL badge on them with JBL speakers located behind the badge. New for Toyota (to my knwoledge) is implementing these speakers directly into the door panel (rather than the door frame), which should help to eliminiate whistling and vibration, giving a cleaner, crisper sound. Small things like this differentiate it from the Camry. Production on this vehicle will begin in November of this year.

By the way, this vehicle REPLACES the Solara. So if you're wanting a new one, get it now, because when this vehicle hits the lots, the Solara won't be finding it's way there too.

Cool car, Toyota can offer more products to their baby boomer market.

i like everything but the grill. awesome interior!

This is quite an attractive car...but it seems to compete with both the Highlander and RAV4 (4-cyl), just a bit more upmarket. It's most bizarre that Toyota bloated and exploded the RAV4 just when small cars were getting popular. Yes, I know sales just about doubled, but this car will certainly eat at RAV4 sales (on the upper end) and Highlander sales. If you really don't need so much space why would someone buy the bland Highlander over this beauty?

In my opinion, Toytota appears to have hit a bull's-eye with the Venza (although what's with the name?) Since most manufacturers have all but given up on the wagon market and the only choices for those of us who are fans of the genre (car-like handling and styling with added flexibility) are the few relatively expensive and overly-complex offerings from Mercedes, BMW, Volvo and Volkswagen, this seems like something I would seriously look at when trading in my trusty but box-like Honda Pilot. I believe there is a market here that the manufacturers (especially the U.S. big three) have long neglected. Bring them back. And while you're at it, give us the better engines and handling in the wagons. Just because we like the versatility, it doesn't have to be anemic and handle like an old Buick. We actually do like to drive!

My last name is VENZA -- I have been trying to find a link to TOYOTA to ask how they came up with the name. I read in a book (pre-computer days) that VENZA is derived from the verb "to conquer." I am curious. M.

Looks awesome as I really prefer the wagon style over an SUV. But I'm not at all impressed with the sunroof. That's a really wierd configuration.

It may look like a wagon, but it's really nothing more than a hatchback. Being a longtime owner or Camry wagons(87,92,95 - still running), I have been relunctant to go the Highlander route (my 95 wagon has more room behind the 2nd row). When I first saw this I was excited, a new wagon!!! WAHOO...not, the floor space behind the 2nd row is small and the hatch cuts into the stuff space a wagon is suppose to be all about... instead of the Edge, they should have looked at the TaurusX(FreeStyle) - these are wagons but having only owned Toyotas, I am left looking for a used 96 Camry wagon!!! AGAIN!

Looking at the rear of this car again....it only has 2 rows of seats and the back seats don't even look like the fold flat. How long have we been doing folding seats? And Toyota can't even get them to lay flat. Come on....look at the lost storage room with the seats and that ridiculous hatch area.

I'm looking to replace what has been a flawless '98 Sable wagon which, by the way, to my eye still looks good. Why Ford failed to take the Taurus/Sable wagon to AWD crossover territory is one of the missed opportunities which will be examined when Ford goes under. Now Toyota has decided that there is an audience out there for a contemporary, old fashioned wagon with all the features we now expect from current technology. Bullseye. Just watch.

I am a Ford Taurus wagon owner. I was justlooking at the volvo v70 and v50 50 is to small the 70 seems on target, but I will delay my purchase until the Venza comes out.

I am a Ford Taurus wagon owner. I was justlooking at the volvo v70 and v50 50 is to small the 70 seems on target, but I will delay my purchase until the Venza comes out.

I am a Ford Taurus wagon owner. I was justlooking at the volvo v70 and v50 50 is to small the 70 seems on target, but I will delay my purchase until the Venza comes out.

Any word on a hybrid option?

Aeb,
Clearly you haven't done much or any research.

"Why Ford failed to take the Taurus/Sable wagon to AWD crossover territory is one of the missed opportunities "

Freestyle/Taurus X- been around since '05.

"Now Toyota has decided that there is an audience out there for a contemporary, old fashioned wagon with all the features we now expect from current technology."

You make it sound like Toyota is the only company that thought about making wagons. Did you forget about these: Legacy Wagon and Outback, Passat wagon, Audi Avant cars, All the Volvo, M-B, and Bmw wagons.

I think the Venza looks good to- but don't make it sound all revolutionary, lol.

Broq

Love it and already alerted my dealer that I will buy a 4cyl version when it comes out next spring. Squarely hits my demographic - early boomer to retire mid next year. Will trade in my Caddy SRX to get far better gas mileage. The Venza appears to have the cargo space needed for my hobbies of flying model airplanes, telescope, and golf clubs!

I am about to give up on my Volvo 70 which has given me nothing but troubles since I bought it in '99. Problem is, I want to find another WAGON that can seat 6 comfortably, like my Volvo if one of the people is a kid so I can put him into the 3rd back seat. AND I want AWD or 4WD option for hitting the snow. Not any options out there for this. AND ok mileage, great reliability, and decent looks.

Lookin' like this Venza may be the next one I get, but I sure wish that they would have an option for a bank seat in the front to squeeze in a 6th person when needed.

Unless anyone else has some ideas?

Pauline, if you're looking for a pure wagon, the Mercedes E-Class is a great vehicle that offers optional all wheel drive. If you're open to crossover/SUV type vehicles you might want to check out the Honda CRV, the Highlander Hybrid, or the favorite of several of my friends who did the auto show circuit, the 2009 Nissan Murano. I'm sure others on this site will have alternative suggestions.

I work at the Toyota plant in Georgetown Kentucky where the Venza will be made. I've got to say for seeing it first hand it is the best looking probably classiest vehicle I've ever seen Toyota produce outside of it's Lexus branch. I Love it and plan on buying one down the road.

I suppose it would be too much to hope that Toyota would design this car with decent handling. I'd happily buy this 4-door Camry hatchback if it drove well. But I'll probably end up with a 4-cylinder Accord.

Re. wagons: I used to own station wagons; then I bought a Sienna minivan. The minivan is SO MUCH more versatile than a wagon.

I currently own a Dodge Magnum. I would never have bought a Highlander or a RAV4 but I am now considering trading in for a Venza. I would need to see the Venza in person first-- it's 9 inches shorter, but with 11" less wheelbase, and 5" taller, so it sounds like the driving characteristics won't be as good-- but kudos to Toyota for making such an intriguing vehicle. (And I'm a big wagon fan.)

The question I ask myself is why the crossover! Being an owner of the Volvo XC I can't wait for the day it is replaced. Not only because it is nothing but problems but also because it is far short of practical. The third row of seats facing backwards doesn't cut it in today's world of forward facing third row seats. With the many choices like the MDX (with 300 hsp) and the like why even consider the V despite its good looks?

I think it looks pretty good in the pictures but i certainly hope the new 2.7 engine and transmission is alot better than the current camry.That new camry has alot of problems i know i owned one for 4400 mi.I was never so happy to get rid of it.Traded it for a tacoma double cab.I think if the quality is good and priced decent it will sell well!

It will hit RAV4. Many people complain back door of RAV4 because the extra tire attached on it. Toyota should stop produce RAV4s.Also CR-Vs may be victimized by Venza.

does anyone know the mpg???

The car of my dreams - looking for wagons which disappeared these past many years. But this crossover is a step towards the low profiles again. If it has the same interior capacity as the Rav 4, it should be able fit up to a 10' longboard with ease (which is a feat). I like the wide second row passenger side fold down seats! improvment over the recent wide driver's side second row. Never could figure out why it was wide behind the Driver's side? Hope the mileage will be decent, with the 6 and the improved 4 cylinder, in comparison to the high top, gas gussling, Bulky SUVs of today. Toyota finally got some designers and engineers who got style and common sense ! Hats Off can't wait for the release!

David Thomas - you may not know, but there are many indiviuduals who fall into a niche for the Venza! You have to live the life style to know what works!

I'm worried that Toyota may have missed the mark here, both in terms of the Venza's body design and its fuel efficiency. The rear deck seems to have been cut at such a sharp angle that the car will be neither as spacious nor as practical as the older Camry wagons. Amazingly, the published mileage isn't any better than a Dodge minivan, and this at a time when fuel use and pollution need to be cut severely! Will write again after a test drive...

For the last 13 years, our trusty 1994 Camry wagon has been our family's "practical" car. It's been solid and reliable year after year and is now somewhere north of 200,000 miles with still not a spec of rust anywhere. We love that car. But nothing lasts forever and we have waited for years for Toyota to reintroduce the Camry Station Wagon so we can buy a new one (No SUV's for us!). The new Venza comes close but please, Toyota, we buy station wagons to CARRY things and that dipping roofline in the back may look cool but it sacrifices interior space. Still, it may be the closest we'll ever get to a reissue of the classic Camry wagon so I guess I'll give it a test drive.

A beast that is beautiful that is how i sum the Venza. But major let down is no foldable 3rd row seats. I'd get one but can't cause my family is sedan 5. Hope Toyota will come with a 7-seater variant.

A beast that is beautiful that is how i sum the Venza. But major let down is no foldable 3rd row seats. I'd get one but can't because my family is bigger then the usual sedan 5. Hope Toyota will come with a 7-seater variant.