2011 Toyota Venza Review
SEE ALSO: Toyota Buyers Guide
2011 Toyota Venza
A Toyota Just for North America
By Larry
Nutson, Senior Editor
Chicago Bureau
The Auto Channel
The Toyota Venza was first introduced as a 2009 model. Now for 2011, the only noteworthy change is a $200 base-price bump. According to Toyota, all aspects of Venza's engineering and design were targeted specifically for the North American market, where it is sold exclusively. Venza was primarily engineered at the Toyota Technical Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The design was the creation of Toyota's Calty Design studios in Newport Beach, California, and Ann Arbor, Michigan. Venza is assembled at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky (TMMK), in Georgetown, Kentucky, also home of the Camry and Avalon. More than 70 percent of Venza’s components come from North American suppliers.
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The 2011 Venza offers a choice between four-cylinder and V6 engines and both are available in front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive (AWD) versions. Venza’s standard 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine delivers 182 horsepower and 182 lb.-ft. of torque. The four-cylinder Venza is EPA-rated at 21 MPG city/27 MPG highway for the FWD model. The Venza’s available 3.5-liter V6 produces 268 horsepower and 246 lb.-ft of torque. The V6 FWD model has EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings of 19 MPG city/26 MPG highway.
Both engines are mated to a six-speed sequential-shift electronically controlled automatic transmission with intelligence (ECT-i). Venza's available Active Torque Control AWD System optimizes torque distribution between the front and rear wheels to help ensure stable acceleration and smooth cornering on all road surfaces. AWD offers enhanced traction and helps provide excellent overall handling in inclement weather. With AWD, EPA-estimated fuel economy for the 2.7-liter four-cylinder is 20 MPG city/25 MPG highway and for the 3.5liter V6 is 18 MPG city/25 MPG highway.
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All Venza models come standard with Toyota’s Star Safety System™ which includes Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Traction Control (TRAC). Earlier this year, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) had announced that the 2010 Venza has earned “Top Safety Pick” status, the highest safety designation awarded by the IIHS.
The Venza mid-size crossover is also equipped with Smart Stop Technology throttle over-ride.
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Venza only comes in one trim level or model with an extensive roster of standard equipment including dual-zone automatic climate control with air filter and second row seat vents; a tilt/telescopic adjustable steering wheel with integrated audio controls; an overhead console with map lights; rear seat adjustable personal reading lamps and three 12-volt power outlets. Three different audio systems are available. Option packages and stand-alone options include high intensity discharge headlamps with an automatic high beam feature that detects oncoming vehicles and automatically switches the headlamps from high- to low-beam; chrome-accented front door handles that lock and unlock all four doors and the liftgate; panoramic roof with power tilt/slide function and a separate fixed glass panel over the rear seats, and power windows with auto up/down function and jam protection on all four doors.
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Options for Venza include power liftgate; Smart Key System with push button start; leather-trimmed seats; tow hitch; roof rack; carpeted floor mats, and a cargo mat. And since many folks need a “wagon-type” vehicle because they have a pet, a wide range of pet utility accessories, including a rear liftgate pet ramp, booster seat with harness, pet buckles and rear seat zipline-style harnesses are available at Toyota dealerships. Other items include pet carriers and bucket seat, bench seat and hammock-style waterproof seat covers.
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The MSRP ranges from $26,475 for the four-cylinder FWD model, to $29,750 for the V6 AWD.
© Larry Nutson