2010 Toyota Venza Review and Prices

From behind the wheel: Toyota projects an eventual 50-50 split in demand between four- and six-cylinder Venzas, and – surprise, surprise -- you’re quite likely to be satisfied with the four. Even in a vehicle that weighs 500 pounds more than a Camry (almost 700 pounds more with AWD), the four-cylinder seldom feels strained if you’re mindful of its limitations. Credit sufficient torque – 182 pound-feet – but also the fine six-speed automatic transmission’s quick, smooth gear changes. Four-cylinder Venza drivers will benefit from taking advantage of the transmission’s manual-type shift feature to summon the right ratio for a given challenge.

Strong and smooth, the V-6 moves the Venza with less effort. Armed with this engine’s 246 pound-feet of torque, the transmission almost always delivers just the right amount of power whether you’re toeing the accelerator to edge ahead or flooring it to pass or merge.

Unfortunately, heavy throttle off the line and from low speeds with the V-6 can trigger some torque steer – unwanted tugging at the steering wheel. AWD is the remedy, and also the prescription for all-season peace of mind.

A nod to Venza’s brakes, which can be modulated with immensely satisfying pedal feel. A shake of the head to the steering: it’s firm enough when you’re cruising in a straight line, but can be rubbery and inconsistent as you turn. It somehow seems less annoying with the four-cylinder engine; with the V-6, the steering is never really natural or connected-feeling. That’s a shame, because Venza willingly goes where you point it, thanks in part to those generously sized tires. It resists nose plow in aggressive cornering, and while it isn’t exactly nimble, it never feels top-heavy in quick changes of direction. A relatively high seating position helps you see ahead, but beware of changing lanes without studying the side mirrors because chubby rear roof pillars impede your over-the-shoulder view.

Dashboard and controls: Sporty and sophisticated, Venza’s dashboard is shaped with graceful dove’s-wing arches. Along the “spine” is a grouping of controls that flows handsomely into a wide console. The transmission lever is high-set on the left of the console where it falls naturally to hand and invites the driver to slip it into its manual-shift gate and toggle fore and aft to control gear ratios.

Ordering the navigation system rearranges some audio and climate controls, but they generally share the upper section of the console with the gear shift. It’s a contemporary, asymmetrical effect and a similar sense of refreshing design is evident in the main gauges. Toyota illuminates the instruments in shades of cool blue and white, employing what it calls an Optitron multi-color display. Space-ranger names aside, it enhances legibility without looking gimmicky.

Controls are logically identified, easy to reach, and move smoothly. Touch the navigation screen or simply intone a wide variety of voice commands and it responds quickly and honestly, conjuring up directions, altering audio settings, dialing a phone number.

Room, comfort, and utility: SUV-worthy ground clearance doesn’t mean a high step into Venza’s cabin because Toyota cleverly keeps the body’s perimeter edging low and the doorsills narrow. That also pays off in a cargo-bay lip that’s lower than that of the Camry’s trunk.

Venza treats its occupants royally, with wide, cushiony seats that stay supportive hours into a journey. Rear passengers are served by expansive leg and head room and backrests that easily recline at the behest of large levers. The rear outboard positions are contoured to suggest individual seating. That leaves the center position slightly less accommodating but still no penalty perch thanks in large measure to extra foot room afforded by the nearly flat floor.

Wind noise is well managed and the engines are unobtrusive unless you’re near full throttle. Road noise will intrude, however, and on coarse surfaces it’s a prominent factor for rear-seat passengers. Blame those big tires, which don’t contribute much to ride quality, either. Small road imperfections don’t get through, and Venza’s suspension resists float and wallow over high-speed dips and swells. But sharp bumps, potholes, and tar strips cause some juddering and thumping that almost surely would be better absorbed with more modestly sized tires.

Venza’s 70.1 cubic feet of cargo room with the rear seats folded is about mid-pack among crossovers of similar exterior dimensions, but there’s an impressive 34.4 cubic feet available even with the rear seatbacks upright. A roll-type cargo cover is standard. Utility is enhanced by a grand total of 10 beverage holders. Those in the front console are illuminated. The door map pockets are dominated by bottle holders, leaving little room for actual maps. Toyota pays lots of attention to MP3 fans, furnishing three dedicated holders, including a clever one in the center console that secures your iPod in a gentle spring-loaded grip.