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Bengt Halvorson
Earlier this week, executive editor Marty Padgett posted TheCarConnection.com’s Bottom Line for the 2009 Toyota Venza, a vehicle that more or less takes the place of the long-absent Camry Wagon and triangulates somewhere between the Camry, RAV4, and Highlander. Though it shares some common pieces with the Highlander SUV, the Venza also shares some pieces with the Camry and is clearly a passenger vehicle rather than a hauler or off-roader. And it’s called a light truck by the EPA, but we won’t get into that...
As shoppers, what you need to know is that, as we venture to say in the Bottom Line, “The Venza’s reason for being is interior room.” Like the Ford Edge and Nissan Murano that it takes on, the Venza has a very roomy, passenger-focused interior and is a good choice for families and empty-nesters alike—provided you don’t require much driving excitement.
Since the interior really is the centerpiece, I made it the focus of my second look at the Venza, and here I bring an up-close view of what works and what doesn’t inside:
Doorsills are virtually flush with the floor, and the seats are positioned at about the same height as an ordinary chair, making it ideal for arthritic retirees and those with mobility problems.
What looks like it’s going to be the fuse panel is actually a bin for change, odds, and ends. The latch and plastics here are of the hard and flimsy variety.
More in the driver’s normal field of vision are these ill-fitting plastic blanks. We’re used to them in world cars that have different equipment requirements depending on the market (such as dipped headlights), but it’s a mystery why there are so many on a vehicle that’s designed and intended mainly for the U.S.
A source of irritation for me (admittedly six-foot-six): the sharp, hard-plastic edge that my knee was left against. Potentially bruising and bothersome for long trips. I haven’t seen a hard edge for the knees like this since the previous-generation Nissan Quest.
With showy contouring, an unusual textured surface, and black piping, these leather seats look better than they feel—though no significant complaints.
Unique corduroy-like upholstery used on the based seats was cozy and comfortable on a rainy day, breathable and grippy. VW once used a material like this, and the wear pattern was unfortunate; we’ll trust this does better.
The Venza comes with a small, fixed triangular window at the front of each front window. To those of average height and taller, it serves absolutely no role in outward visibility, though it might be helpful for shorter drivers.
Bright but diffused, aircraft-style aimable LED ceiling lamps for the backseats is a nice touch.
Rear cup holders built into the center armrest (at the end of a lever and on top of a bouncy seat cushion) are, from our experience, not a great idea for anything but capped bottled water.
Textured plastic surface here on the dash surface is polarizing; I liked it, though the grain didn’t match in some spots, like the vent inserts. We’ll see if actual production cars are better.
The backseats release (and spring forward slightly) with easy-to-reach levers in the hatch area.
“Hidden” compartments left and right. Retractable privacy cover. Check.
Seats almost fold flat, though the cargo floor is nice and low.
---
Make sure you check out our partner sites dedicated to focused news, reviews and more for Ford, Chevrolet, Toyota, Honda, and the Toyota Prius.
2009 Toyota VenzaEnlarge Photo Earlier this week, executive editor Marty Padgett posted TheCarConnection.com’s Bottom Line for the 2009 Toyota Venza, a vehicle that more or less takes the place of the long-absent Camry Wagon and triangulates somewhere between the Camry, RAV4, and Highlander. Though it shares some common pieces with the Highlander SUV, the Venza also shares some pieces with the Camry and is clearly a passenger vehicle rather than a hauler or off-roader. And it’s called a light truck by the EPA, but we won’t get into that... As shoppers, what you need to know is that, as we venture to say in the Bottom Line, “The Venza’s reason for being is interior room.” Like the Ford Edge and Nissan Murano that it takes on, the Venza has a very roomy, passenger-focused interior and is a good choice for families and empty-nesters alike—provided you don’t require much driving excitement. Since the interior really is the centerpiece, I made it the focus of my second look at the Venza, and here I bring an up-close view of what works and what doesn’t inside: 2009 Toyota VenzaEnlarge Photo Doorsills are virtually flush with the floor, and the seats are positioned at about the same height as an ordinary chair, making it ideal for arthritic retirees and those with mobility problems. 2009 Toyota VenzaEnlarge Photo 2009 Toyota VenzaEnlarge Photo What looks like it’s going to be the fuse panel is actually a bin for change, odds, and ends. The latch and plastics here are of the hard and flimsy variety. 2009 Toyota VenzaEnlarge Photo More in the driver’s normal field of vision are these ill-fitting plastic blanks. We’re used to them in world cars that have different equipment requirements depending on the market (such as dipped headlights), but it’s a mystery why there are so many on a vehicle that’s designed and intended mainly for the U.S. 2009 Toyota VenzaEnlarge Photo 2009 Toyota VenzaEnlarge Photo A source of irritation for me (admittedly six-foot-six): the sharp, hard-plastic edge that my knee was left against. Potentially bruising and bothersome for long trips. I haven’t seen a hard edge for the knees like this since the previous-generation Nissan Quest. 2009 Toyota VenzaEnlarge Photo With showy contouring, an unusual textured surface, and black piping, these leather seats look better than they feel—though no significant complaints. 2009 Toyota VenzaEnlarge Photo Unique corduroy-like upholstery used on the based seats was cozy and comfortable on a rainy day, breathable and grippy. VW once used a material like this, and the wear pattern was unfortunate; we’ll trust this does better. 2009 Toyota VenzaEnlarge Photo The Venza comes with a small, fixed triangular window at the front of each front window. To those of average height and taller, it serves absolutely no role in outward visibility, though it might be helpful for shorter drivers. 2009 Toyota VenzaEnlarge Photo Bright but diffused, aircraft-style aimable LED ceiling lamps for the backseats is a nice touch. 2009 Toyota VenzaEnlarge Photo Rear cup holders built into the center armrest (at the end of a lever and on top of a bouncy seat cushion) are, from our experience, not a great idea for anything but capped bottled water. 2009 Toyota VenzaEnlarge Photo Textured plastic surface here on the dash surface is polarizing; I liked it, though the grain didn’t match in some spots, like the vent inserts. We’ll see if actual production cars are better. 2009 Toyota VenzaEnlarge Photo The backseats release (and spring forward slightly) with easy-to-reach levers in the hatch area. 2009 Toyota VenzaEnlarge Photo “Hidden” compartments left and right. Retractable privacy cover. Check. 2009 Toyota VenzaEnlarge Photo Seats almost fold flat, though the cargo floor is nice and low. --- Make sure you check out our partner sites dedicated to focused news, reviews and more for Ford, Chevrolet, Toyota, Honda, and the Toyota Prius.
Responses (9 total)
By Ed #1, Posted: 11/12/2008
The Camry Wagon replacement was long overdue, the Venza is a tall wagon with a conveniently high seating position (hopefully comfortable on long trips?) which is far more attractive (and looks the part) than either the RAV4 or the Highlander, between which it sits, and even than the CR-V.
It is priced competitively, too, and I expect it to be a home run.
By Martok #2, Posted: 11/12/2008
Geez Ed, did you even read the article? No coment on the craptastic interior? What about the god awful front end?
If this crapmobile is a home run we need to start thinning the herd when it comes to stupid consumers.
There are other options.
By Dave #3, Posted: 11/13/2008
The front end looks like a Camry hit a brick wall. And I agree Toyotas interiors have been falling short lately, but it will more that likely sell well
By Ed #4, Posted: 11/13/2008
Yeah, I read it.
So TOyota has become as bad as the domestics?
Martok seems exstatic at the revelation.
I am a Honda-BMW person. If I need a large family hauler, I'll get a 5 year old Odyssey with 60-80 k miles, with all options, at half the cost of the much smaller Venza.
But I recommend the Toyotas to my friends that want a reliable appliance that makes financial sense.
If sales suffer due to the interior, Toyota can fix it easily for the next model year.
By Allen #5, Posted: 11/14/2008
The Venza may have quality problems, but the new Malibu is not better...
Rick Wagoner has helped dig a big grave for GM. He bet the bank literally on BIG suv’s and forgot about the future of the company. I recently rented one of the best selling GM products, the Chevorlet Malibu. It was a very nice car with good power and ok fuel economy. But, it have poor visibility, an air leak in the driver side window, and dash was put on crooked. Yes, the dash was almost touching the passenger side door and there was a 1/2 in gap on the driver side. If this is the best GM can build they need to start over from the beginning. The euro division of GM has great looking and economical cars. Why don’t they just give up on Buick and Pontiac and start building people cars like they produce in Europe? If they don’t do this they will never keep their heads above water and Japanese and Korean auto makers will take over forever.
By Brad #6, Posted: 2/25/2009
Owner
Love this vehicle. We are thinking about getting a Venza for our business. We manufacture and distribute hair products, and need a versatile vehicle for deliveries or short trips with a few employees piled in the car.
Brad
Mixed Chicks Haircare
By paul #7, Posted: 3/31/2009
drove a 4 cyl today
This car was quite an adjustment from my 07 Accord. There was lots to like and a few not sure yets. Smooth, quiet and a nicely mated engine/transmission. Inside.... it seemed kind of "Flat"... the door trim tops are almost perfectly horizontal and high. I found the 4 cyl AWD to be adequate with good acceleration and low rpms at higher speeds. The heater fan is kind of loud, the radio pretty good. At low speeds the steering feels light but stiffens up nicely at normal driving speeds. No squeeks or rattles. Brakes adequate but on the soft side.
This car is different but likable. In some ways it had a bit of a mini-van feel, mostly due the expansive dashboard (deck) up front. the only drawback i could see is that with the seat in a forward position, It would be easy to knock your coffee on the shifter knob while moving it from the forward holder toward your mouth. With that, you could spill it all over your leg and lap.
The speedometer is almost identical to the matrix. I rented a Matrix for a week and a Calibre for a week and preferred the Calibre in almost all regards... especially on the highway
By Jack #8, Posted: 7/11/2009
We have a new Venza 4 cyl 2WD. We are very dissapointed. Poor quality of workmanship, particularly interior gaps, squeeks and rattles. Dealer says windshield has to be removed and reset to eliminate one of the squeeks. The entire console has to be removed to correct a large gap. Car is noisy and poor stearing and handling. Brakes are spongy but dealer said it is normal. Front doors rattle when closing and dealer again said it was normal? Too bad because we traded-in a Nissan Murano which was much better quality.
By Vera #9, Posted: 8/21/2009
We've had our Venza for about two months. Initially we were happy with it but now it has a distinct "dirt" smell. Dusty smelling, especially in the back seat. We've had it back to the dealer twice. They've changed out the filter in the air conditioner and checked door seals. Said it was fixed. Not. Still smells dirty, especially when the air is on recirc. Does anyone have an idea of what's wrong? I love the car but can't stand it smelling like I'm driving through a dust storm all the time.
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