Back in the good old days when gasoline was cheap—oh, about four years ago—and credit came easy, bigger was better. We bought the car or truck we wanted, not necessarily the one we needed. Today, in a time of economic hell approaching Dantesque proportions, we buy what we need, assuming we can afford anything at all. With the Venza, Toyota is hoping to take the sting out of this painful dilemma by giving us some of the things we want in a car, SUV, and minivan and blending them into one seemingly practical package we might actually want.
The source of this all-for-one vehicle is Toyota’s versatile Camry architecture, fortified with some Highlander hardware and spiced up with fresh sheetmetal. In broad terms, the Venza falls into the ill-defined crossover category, but it leans more toward being like a car than an SUV. Compared with the six-inch-taller Highlander, its ride and handling are more compliant, its style is swoopier, and it’s less utilitarian in that there’s no third row of seats. Compared with a Camry, its rear seat is equally roomy, it’s easier to get into and out of, and its sightlines are higher, but its tall stance and elevated center of gravity make it somewhat less agile.
Think of it as a station wagon but without the Brady Bunch stigma. That’s dispelled by a stylish look with an aggressive snout, big-shouldered front wheel arches, and heavy-hipped rear quarters. The arched roofline compromises rear cargo space to a degree but gives the Venza a curvy fastback look. In silhouette, the Venza is not unlike the Nissan Murano, Ford Edge, and Mazda CX-7, although its chin-out front valance, leering chrome grille, squinty lights, and subtle rocker-panel modeling impart a distinct identity. Big wheels (20-inchers on V-6 models and 19s on four-bangers) and a slight rake should give it some street cred.
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