2009 Toyota Venza

Toyota launched an all-new utility vehicle for the 2009 model year called the Toyota Venza.

Toyota only has one all-new '09 model in North America, the five-passenger Venza crossover vehicle. Designed in California, engineered in Michigan, and manufactured in Kentucky, the Venza is derived from the same platform as the Camry sedan and very much designed to appeal to American tastes.

Toyota bills the new model as "more useful than a sedan, but more car-like than an SUV," and sees it as filling a gap between the Camry sedan and the Toyota Highlander SUV.

All Venza models are equipped with an array of standard features including auto dual zone air conditioning, AM/FM six-disc CD, tilt/telescopic steering wheel with audio controls, remote keyless entry, electrochromic rearview mirror with compass, a multi-information display, cruise control, optitron gauges, rear wiper, privacy glass, and much more. On V6 models Venza come standard with dual exhaust tips and is the first Toyota model to ride on standard 20-inch alloy wheels. Four-cylinder models come standard with 19-inch alloy wheels.

Venza also offer an Automatic High Beam headlight system. When high beam headlights are in use sensors in the Automatic High Beam system detects oncoming traffic and automatically switch the headlights to low-beam. When the Automatic High Beam sensors no longer detect oncoming traffic the system switches the headlights back to high-beam mode.

Additional optional equipment includes a navigation system equipped with a JBL audio system, integrated satellite radio capability and Bluetooth technology; a premium JBL audio system with AM/FM six-disc CD changer, satellite radio capability and Bluetooth, rear seat entertainment system, a Smart Key System, back-up camera and a power rear door.

The Venza's main competition is the Highlander, as well as competing crossover SUVs such as the Nissan Murano, Ford's Edge, and the new Chevrolet Traverse. The Venza is nearly identical to the Highlander in length (189 inches), width (75 in.), and ground clearance (8.1 in.).

2009 Toyota Venza