Toyota Venza

Not to be confused with Toyota Avanza.
Toyota Venza
Overview
Manufacturer Toyota
Production November 2008–2017[1][2]
Model years 2009–2017[2]
Assembly Georgetown, Kentucky, United States (TMMK)
Body and chassis
Class Mid-size crossover SUV, Mid-size station wagon
Body style 5-door SUV, wagon
Layout Front-engine, front-wheel-drive
Front-engine, four-wheel-drive
Platform Toyota K platform
Powertrain
Engine 2.7 L 1AR-FE I4
3.5 L 2GR-FE V6
Transmission 6-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase 109.3 in (2,775 mm)
Length 189.0 in (4,801 mm)
Width 75.0 in (1,905 mm)
Height 63.4 in (1,610 mm)
Curb weight 4,045 lb (1,835 kg)

The Toyota Venza is a mid-size crossover SUV (CUV) produced by Japanese automaker Toyota and unveiled at the 2008 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Based on the Toyota FT-SX concept car unveiled at the 2005 North American International Auto Show, the Venza was primarily engineered at Toyota Technical Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and designed at the Calty Design studios in Newport Beach, California. It is currently slotted in size and price between the RAV4 compact crossover SUV, and the Highlander mid-size crossover SUV that has third-row seating. However, the Venza is an inch longer than the Highlander and for the 2009-2010 model years, the base Venza's MSRP was US$1,000 higher than the base Highlander.

The Venza is built at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky (TMMK) in Georgetown, Kentucky,[3] production having commenced on November 10, 2008.[4]

In March 2015, Toyota announced it will cease production of the U.S. models in June 2015, with export models being built until 2017.[2]

(GGV10/15, 2008–2017)

The Venza is based on the Camry chassis[5] (Toyota K platform) and is similar to Mark X Zio in concept. Venza is powered by either Toyota's 3.5-liter 2GR-FE V6 or all-new 2.7-liter 1AR-FE I4 engine, both mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission.[6] Front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive is available as an option. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates fuel economy of city: 21 mpg-US (11 L/100 km; 25 mpg-imp) and highway: 29 mpg-US (8.1 L/100 km; 35 mpg-imp) with the four-cylinder engine.[7] The Venza uses an electric power steering system.

Pricing and features

US models had starting price of $25,975 for a front-wheel-drive (FWD) 4-cylinder model, and ranged up to $29,250 for the all-wheel-drive (AWD) V6 edition without options.

Toyota Venza, Vietnam

According to Edmunds.com, the Venza's interior design and quality is superior to other contemporary Toyota vehicles.[8]

Unlike other Toyota offerings that have different levels of equipment (such as LE and XLE for the Camry, and Sport and Limited for the RAV4/Highlander), the Venza has only one model trim but with a choice of packages and options. Compared to other Toyota vehicles in a similar price range (such as the RAV4, Camry, and Highlander), whose base models have few amenities outside of air conditioning and power accessories, the entry-level Venza has a long list of standard features.[9] These include fog lamps, 19" alloy wheels (I4), 34 pound[10] 20" alloy wheels (V6), HomeLink, XM satellite radio, 6-disc CD changer, dual-zone climate control, electrochromic auto-dimming rear-view mirror, 8-way power drivers seat, steering-wheel mounted audio controls, Hill-Start assist control and the Toyota Star Safety System.[11]

Luxury options include automatic high beams with HID lighting, heated side view mirrors, power liftgate, leather seat surfaces, 4-way power passenger seat, panoramic glass moonroof, smart key system, 13-speaker JBL sound system with Bluetooth, voice-activated touch-screen DVD navigation system, backup camera, and a rear DVD entertainment system with a 9-inch display and two wireless headphones. The Touring Package (containing HID headlights and push button start) and Navigation & JBL Package are only available on the V6 AWD. The Premium Package containing the moonroof and backup camera is available on all but the Venza (I4 FWD), while the leather package is available on all Venzas.

For 2010, the Venza received a standard USB audio input and Bluetooth hands-free phone capability. Due to this addition, a single-CD player unit replaced the previously standard in-dash 6-disc CD changer. All U.S. models were raised $300 in MSRP.

For 2011, the only noteworthy change for U.S. models was a $200 base-price bump.[12]

For 2012, the Venza debuts a three-grade model line (LE, XLE, and Limited) for the U.S. market that replaces the single-grade line with various option packages. The LE and XLE models are available with all powertrain combinations: four-cylinder, V6, front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD); the Venza Limited comes with the V6 engine only, in front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive configurations.[13] Canadian models still retain the single-grade line, adding only a Convenience Package for the four-cylinder FWD trim. All U.S. models get a $240 raise in MSRP.

2013 Facelift

A 2013 Toyota Venza in the Netherlands

The new 2013 Toyota Venza was revealed at the 2012 New York International Auto Show. It went on sale during May 2012.

For 2013, the Venza receives a mid-model cycle facelift. Four cylinder models receive restyled nineteen-inch alloy wheels. The Venza will also feature three new exterior colors, and different interior colors. The 2013 Venza also adds Toyota's new Entune System, which allows owners to connect their Apple iPod, Apple iPhone, BlackBerry, Android, or other similar USB devices to their car via a mobile application on their device. This will allow them to wirelessly control their device from the vehicle's steering wheel controls, as well as make Bluetooth hands-free telephone calls and send and receive text messages without having to physically use their device. The Bluetooth profile also allows users to pair their Bluetooth Audio-enabled devices to wireless play MP3 files through the vehicle's audio system. Also offered through the system is the use of Pandora Radio to wirelessly stream internet radio stations using a data connection courtesy of their device. Traffic and weather forecasts are also available through this system.

Powertrain

ModelYearsType/codePower, torque@rpm
Venza, Venza AWD2009-2,672 cc (2.672 L; 163.1 cu in) I4 (1AR)185 PS (136 kW; 182 hp)@5800, 247 N·m (182 lb·ft)@4200
Venza V6, Venza V6 AWD2008-3,456 cc (3.456 L; 210.9 cu in) V6 (2GR-FE)272 PS (200 kW; 268 hp)@6200, 334 N·m (246 lb·ft)@4700

All models include Super Electronically Controlled Transmission (Super ECT) 6-speed automatic transmission with Overdrive, Gate Type Shifter, Lock Up Torque Converter, Transmission Cooler.

Safety

Toyota's standard Star Safety System includes:

Other standard safety features:

Seven standard airbags:[14]

Crash testing

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration crash test ratings (2009):[15]
Frontal Driver:
Frontal Passenger:
Side Driver:
Side Rear Passenger:
Rollover:

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded the Venza its Top Safety Pick accolade in 2009.[16][17] The Venza is also rated "Good" in the roof strength test, as a result the Venza also received the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Top Safety Pick in 2010 and 2011 when roof strength became a criterion for receiving the award.[18][19]

Production

The Venza began production at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky (TMMK) on November 11, 2008, with over 70% of the Venza's components coming from U.S. suppliers.[20] Toyota projects sales of between 75,000-100,000 Venzas per year.[21] Even though most Toyota vehicles built in the United States and Canada are sold in Mexico, it is one of the North American built Toyotas (alongside the Avalon) not to be sold in Mexico.

In addition to Venza,[22] TMMK produces the Camry, Camry Hybrid, and Avalon, and previously produced the Solara. Toyota launched the four-cylinder Venza in February, 2009.

Marketing

During the 2008 vehicle launch, Toyota marketed Venza under the campaign 'You're More than One Thing. So is Venza.' According to Autoblog, the name 'Venza' was derived from the words Venture and Monza (racing circuit).[23]

In Canada, the Venza was featured as a prize in the 2009 Tim Hortons "Rrroll up the rim to win" promotion.

In 2013 Venza debuted in Russian and Chinese markets.[24]

Toyota will stop production of the Venza in the American market in June 2015 due to declining sales.[25]

Classification

Determining whether the Venza is a crossover SUV or wagon isn't clear; some journalists regard it as the "Camry station wagon" (the successor to the 1991-96 wagon which was the last iteration to offer this style in Canada and the United States) while other sources often describe it simply as new type of "crossover".[8] Toyota states the Venza blends the "styling and comfort of a passenger car with the flexibility of a sport utility vehicle."[26] According to Toyota, Venza is neither a station wagon nor SUV, rather it is targeted at customers who want more room and flexibility than the Camry sedan but desire a smaller size than the Highlander, a mid-size crossover SUV. Toyota lists the Venza's competitors as the Honda Accord and Nissan Altima on their website's comparison page, both being popular mid-size sedans.[27]

Venza contains 34.4 cu ft (0.97 m3). of interior volume, more than its two main competitors – Nissan Murano, Ford Edge.[8]

The Venza is one of Toyota's crossovers without a third-row seat, in contrast to the Highlander. The RAV4 is largely sold as a two-row five passenger vehicle (similar to the BMW X5), as the third-row seat has been discontinued for 2013 , while the five-passenger Highlander was discontinued with the release of the Venza. Unlike the RAV4 and Highlander, which are sold in Japan, the Venza is currently only sold in North America. The Venza's counterpart that is sold in Japan, the Toyota Mark X ZiO, is slightly shorter and narrower than the Venza but also has an available third row seat.

Toyota informed automotive magazine Motor Trend that it would pass on entering the Venza in the publication's SUV of the Year competition.[28] Instead, Toyota requested that the Venza compete in the Car of the Year competition. Motor Trend decided that the Venza should not compete in any competition at all since its ride height is too high to be qualified as a car.

The Honda Crosstour and the Subaru Outback (Limited and Premier trims), are the Venza's main competitors in the loosely-defined crossover wagon (non-SUV) category. The Accord Crosstour (which is also being discontinued after the 2015 model year) is derived from the Accord Sedan, while the Outback comes from the Legacy sedan, both analogous to how the Venza shares its roots in the Camry.

Sales

Calendar year Total sales (U.S.) Total sales (Canada)
2008 1,474[29]
2009 54,410[30] 12,375[31]
2010 47,321 12,468[32]
2011 38,904 13,159[33]
2012 43,095[34] 11,294[33]
2013 35,846[35] 9,167[36]
2014 29,991[37]

References

  1. ↑ "A look at Toyota's 25 years in Kentucky". KyForward. Lexington, Kentucky. Retrieved 2014-06-28.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Wood, Colum (2015-03-03). "Toyota Venza Axed". AutoGuide.com. Retrieved 2015-03-04.
  3. ↑ All-New Toyota Venza Crossover Sedan To Make World Debut At 2008 North American International Auto Show - Toyota North American Pressroom
  4. ↑ http://pressroom.toyota.com/pr/tms/manufacturing/toyota-begins-venza-production-102020.aspx?ncid=12078
  5. ↑ Robinson, Aaron (June 2009). "2009 Toyota Venza - Road Test". Car and Driver. Retrieved 2014-08-07.
  6. ↑ 2008 Detroit Auto Show: 2009 Toyota Venza - Edmunds
  7. ↑ "Retrieved 4-Jan-09". Fueleconomy.gov. Retrieved 2012-01-17.
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 "2009 Toyota Venza Review and Specs". Edmunds.com. Retrieved 2009-11-26.
  9. ↑ Thomas, David (2008-11-03). "2009 Toyota Venza Review by David Thomas". Cars.com. Retrieved 2012-01-17.
  10. ↑ "Comparison: 2009 Ford Edge vs. 2009 Nissan Murano vs. 2009 Toyota Venza". Motortrend.com. Retrieved 2012-01-17.
  11. ↑ "Toyota Venza Begins Production". Automoblog.net. Retrieved 2009-01-05.
  12. ↑ "2011 Toyota Venza Review". The Auto Channel. Retrieved 2012-01-23.
  13. ↑ "Toyota expands Venza model line to three trims for 2012". Autoblog.com. Retrieved 2012-01-23.
  14. ↑ "The 2009 Toyota VENZA". Toyota.com. Retrieved 2009-10-17.
  15. ↑ "Safercar.gov". Safercar.gov. Retrieved 2009-10-17.
  16. ↑ "IIHS-HLDI: Toyota Venza". Iihs.org. 2009-06-15. Retrieved 2009-10-17.
  17. ↑ "IIHS-HLDI: Toyota Venza". Iihs.org. 2009-06-15. Retrieved 2009-10-17.
  18. ↑ "Roof strength evaluations: Midsize SUVs". Iihs.org. Retrieved 2012-01-17.
  19. ↑ "TOP SAFETY PICK 2011 winners". Iihs.org. Retrieved 2012-01-17.
  20. ↑ Toyota launches production of Venza - Business First of Louisville
  21. ↑ Toyota shows new Venza crossover sedan to undergo production this November in Georgetown - Louisville Courier-Journal.
  22. ↑ "TMMK". Toyotageorgetown.com. 2011-11-18. Retrieved 2012-01-17.
  23. ↑ Jonathon Ramsey RSS feed. "First Drive: 2009 Toyota Venza". Autoblog.com. Retrieved 2012-01-17.
  24. ↑ "Toyota Venza Crossover Hits Russia". Wroom.ru. 2013-04-02. Retrieved 2013-04-18.
  25. ↑ "Toyota announces plans to end the production of Venza crossover". CarTrade. 2015-03-04. Retrieved 2015-03-04.
  26. ↑ Toyota's New 2009 Venza Optimizes The Traditional Passenger Car - Toyota Pressroom
  27. ↑ "2009 Toyota Venza Review". Automoblog.net.
  28. ↑ Where's the Venza? - Motor Trend
  29. ↑ "Toyota Reports 2008 and December Sales" (Press release). USA: Toyota.
  30. ↑ "Toyota Reports December And 2009 Sales" (Press release). USA: Toyota. 2010-01-05. Retrieved 2012-01-17.
  31. ↑ "TCI Month End Sales Results for December 2010" (PDF) (Press release). Canada: Toyota. January 2011. Retrieved 2011-01-04.
  32. ↑ "TCI Month End Sales for December 2011" (PDF) (Press release). Canada: Toyota. January 2011. Retrieved 2011-01-11.
  33. ↑ 33.0 33.1 "TCI Month End Sales Results for December 2012" (PDF) (Press release). Canada: Toyota. 2013-01-03. Retrieved 2013-01-04.
  34. ↑ "December 2012 and Year-End Sales Chart" (Press release). USA: Toyota. 2013-01-03. Retrieved 2013-01-04.
  35. ↑ "December 2013 and Year-End Sales Chart" (Press release). USA: Toyota. 2014-01-03. Retrieved 2014-01-09.
  36. ↑ "TCI Month End Sales Results for December 2013" (PDF) (Press release). Canada: Toyota. January 2014. Retrieved 2014-01-11.
  37. ↑ "December 2014 and Year-End Sales Chart" (Press release). Toyota USA Newsroom. 2015-01-05. Retrieved 2015-01-06.

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Toyota Venza.
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