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Dec. 29, 2009 - PRLog -- 2010 Toyota Venza Review
The 2010 Toyota Venza ranks 4 out of 28 Affordable Midsize SUVs. This ranking is based on our analysis of 29 published reviews and test drives of the Toyota Venza, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

Reviewers praise the Venza, Toyota's Camry-based crossover for providing all the comforts of a sedan with the functionality of an SUV. Unlike Toyota's other crossover SUVs, the Venza does not feature three-row seating -- giving it an advantage over competitors in cargo space.

On the outside, the Venza stands out from the competition with a sleek profile that's similar to the Ford Edge or Buick Enclave. In fact, its styling makes it look like a modern station wagon. Its spacious interior is a strength, though its performance is less than inspiring. Still, its driving experience is more than solid enough to make it a good daily driver and value. In fact, the Venza is our 2010 Best Midsize Crossover for the Money. "Truth be told, the Venza makes the average SUV look like yesterday's news," says Automobile Magazine. "It won't tow like an SUV or go off-road like a Jeep. But for everything else, it's a breath of fresh air."

The Venza is one of the less expensive SUVs in its class. Still, the Dodge Journey costs several thousand dollars less and offers comfortable seating for seven. But it can't beat the Venza's excellent fuel economy. At 19/26 mpg city/highway, it nearly bests every SUV in its class. In fact, it's second only to the Toyota Highlander Hybrid and refreshed Mazda CX-7. With a relatively low base price, high fuel economy and excellent safety equipment, the Venza is a great family vehicle.

The Venza sees no changes for 2010, which means buyers might do better to buy a 2009 model. Dealers may be offering discounts on 2009s to make way for the new 2010s on their lots. Be sure to check for current Toyota deals that may be available on a new Venza.

The Venza comes in one trim offered with eight option packages and four stand-alone options. It's available in either front- or all-wheel drive.

With even base four-cylinder models getting large 19-inch wheels, there's not a lot of variance in appearance through the lineup and just a couple of models. Cars.com explains, "Toyota went simple with the Venza in terms of trim levels. There are only four," which consist of the various combinations of the two available engines and two- or four-wheel-drive options.

The interior design of the 2010 Toyota Venza isn't daring, but with its swoopy center stack, it's certainly not boring. Most reviewers stick to practical observations here. ConsumerGuide points out that the "large gauges are easy to read," and "with or without navigation, Venza has a simple, handy, and logical control system." Car and Driver also notes that "aesthetically, the Venza interior features many nice touches," but at the same time they find that "the dual-zone HVAC controls seem as if they were crammed into the design at the last minute." Back on the positive side, Cars.com observes that the trip computer, which contains a variety of data and controls, "sits squarely atop the dash," which is "the perfect place for such a screen in terms of keeping the driver's eyes trained on the road, and it's unbelievably crisp and clear."