Finally, somebody creates a crossover for the American market.  Monotony aside, the 2013 Toyota Venza is actually a pretty great car with lots to offer.  And whether you label it a crossover or wagon, the Venza doesn’t care; it just wants to be part of the family.  Check it out.

Toyota Venza Trims and Feature Highlights

The Venza is a midsize crossover available in base LE, XLE, and Limited trims.  Starting at just under $28,000, Toyota gives shoppers plenty of options to pick and choose from, including all-wheel drive, a potent V6 engine, plenty of upscale features inside, and the space in which to enjoy them.  Toyota offers many of its options on all three trim levels, including the aforementioned powertrain upgrades, along with navigation & backup camera, power liftgate, panoramic moonroof, rear entertainment package, and Entune connectivity.  Heated leather seats and audio/infotainment upgrades are also available for XLE and Limited Venza trims.

Standard on every Venza are alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, Bluetooth, touchscreen audio/voice command controls, room for five, and 70 cubic feet of cargo space.

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Toyota Venza Performance

Venza’s base engine is a 2.7 liter 4-cylinder that produces 181 horsepower and 182 lb.-ft. of torque.  The 4-cylinder is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive, though all-wheel drive (AWD) is available.

Those interested in furthering their AWD capability or simply wanting more power can opt for the 3.5 liter V6; it carries 268 horses and 246 lb.-ft. and also comes with a 6-speed automatic & AWD capability.  The V6 offers improvements in both acceleration and brawn- paired with the Tow Prep Package drivers can haul up to 3,500 pounds.

The nice thing is that all three Venza trims can be had with AWD and the V6, and Limited trims make the choice a little easier by dropping the 4-cylinder option.

Toyota Venza Fuel Economy

EPA estimates are in and they’re right here.  Starting with front-wheel drive models, 4-cylinder Venza sees 20/26/23 (city/highway/combined) MPG; V6 engines drop just slightly for 19/26/22.  AWD Venza gets either 20/26/22 (4-cylinder) or 18/25/21 (V6).

Toyota Venza Interior Highlights

Space and comfort dominate Venza’s well-equipped interior.  Most of the materials fall short of luxury, but with an overall emphasis on practicality one can forgive such sacrifices.  A few examples of that practicality include a driver-friendly dash with convenient voice controls and steering wheel mounted buttons, along with an easy to access/understand touchscreen display.  Maintaining the easy theme, Venza’s one touch fold-flat rear seats make for seamless transitions whether you’re hauling things or people.

The rear seats are quite spacious, offering 39 inches of legroom and boasting reclining backs.  Cargo space is another plus, at 70.2 cubic feet with the seats down or 36.2 cubes with people in back.  Plenty of other small storage areas make hiding everything from sunglasses to drinks an easy to do process.

Toyota Venza Safety

All 2013 Venza trims are equipped with Toyota’s Star Safety System, which includes 4-wheel antilock disc brakes, stability/traction control, brake assist, and Smart Stop Technology.  Also standard are seven airbags- including a driver’s knee and full length side curtain bags.  Shoppers can also add a rearview camera.

In crash testing, the 2012 Venza received 4/5 stars overall from the NHTSA; don’t expect any changes for 2013.  Add an IIHS Top Safety Pick and all things Venza stay safe and sound.

Toyota Venza Summary

It looks like a wagon, drives like a car, and hauls like a crossover.  The Venza features enough versatility to fit a growing family’s (or anyone’s) needs, which also makes it practical- not a term all crossovers can use so liberally.  Ultimately, Venza simplifies- so let’s take a cue and just call it a good buy.

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