2012 Toyota Venza Review

2012 Toyota Venza Review

Bruce Sheridan

Overview

The 2012 Toyota Venza is like the Frankenstein's monster version of a family vehicle. Mixing and matching elements from sedans, wagons, minivans and crossover SUVs together to create something new altogether. While it is completely unfair to call the Venza as ugly as the fabled monster since it is pretty stylish and attractive, they are similar in that once you get past their skin; you'll find a lot to like.

The Venza drives like it's a family car, and there's really no getting around that, even with the more powerful engines. It handles very well considering its size however. The Venza sits lower to the ground than SUVs, which gives it a smoother ride. It drives like a car, but manages to offer more interior space and comfort than many SUVs. Although there isn't a third row, every other seat is so comfortable and spacious that there really isn't a bad seat in the house.

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If you're thinking about getting a car deal on a Venza, than chances are your priorities are more aligned with practicality and comfort, rather than thrills and horsepower. That said, this is a unique vehicle that does what it was designed to do, and it does it very well.

2012 Toyota Venza

Starting MSRP	Max City / Hwy MPG
$27,425	21 / 27

Pros	Cons
Spacious interior	No third row
Efficient v6 engine	Average driving dynamics
Well equipped

Trims

There are only three trims for the 2012 Venza, but with the amount of available options and packages, you can easily customize one to fit your family's needs perfectly. The base LE and higher XLE trims can come with either the 2.7L 4-cyl engine or the more powerful, and almost as efficient, 3.5L v6 engine. The top of the line Limited trim can come only with a 3.5L v6 engine. Each Venza can come either as FWD or AWD, and they all come as 6 speed automatics.

Venza Trims
Name	MSRP	Engine	Best MPG City / Hwy
LE	$27,425	2.7L 4-cyl	21 / 27
XLE	$29,775	2.7L 4-cyl	21 / 27
Limited	$36,465	3.5L v6	19 / 26

Performance

This is a family vehicle, and with that said, most families' primary concern is not burning rubber and drifting around all over the place. This car is designed for comfort and practicality, and it does it very well. This larger half wagon half crossover SUV is responsive and easy to handle as well. Although the Venza won't knock your socks off, it certainly won't put you to sleep either.

The 2.7L 4-cyl engine turns over 182 horsepower and 182 lbs-ft of torque. This downsized engine offers the Venza the best gas mileage available, but the livelier v6 is not very far behind at all. The 3.5L v6 provides 268 horsepower and 246 lbs-ft of torque.

Interior / Exterior

The 2012 Toyota Venza and its unique design offers it a larger interior than most the competition, and although it is missing a third row seat, it takes advantage of the extra room very well. The styling and features in the interior is top notch for its class, and although there are some quirks to it, it still comes off very pristine. The Venza is certainly a unique looking car, but if you like the look then there is a lot more you will like when you get in.

Features

Family vehicles like the Venza are designed to be as enjoyable to drive as possible, and the Venza certainly comes with enough standard equipment, even on the lowest trim, to make that happen. Every Venza comes with things like dual climate control, a trip computer, CD player, satellite radio and USB/iPod, Bluetooth and auxiliary connectivity.

Moving up to the bigger v6 engine or the higher trims will add on features like voice activated touch screen navigation, keyless entry and ignition, anti theft systems, power lift gate, leather seats and a rear view camera, among other things.

Safety

The Toyota Venza was named an IIHS Top Safety Pick for 2012 in the midsize SUV class, scoring top marks in front and side impacts and rollover strength. It did not fare quite as well in its government testing, earning an overall score of four out of five stars. It got three stars in its front impact, but a perfect five in its side impact. Each Venza comes standard with an arsenal of airbags, anti lock disc brakes and electronic traction and stability control.