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Review of the 2009 Toyota Venza

2009 Toyota Venza

Price Range $25,975 to $29,250

suitable for: Diapers
School
Teens

18 to 21
City MPG

25 to 29
Hwy MPG

5 Seats
2 Rows
2 Latch Connectors
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Exterior

One of the fabulous things about the Venza was it didn’t scream “Mommy” from the outside, either. In fact, it looked really elegant. In some ways, the Venza looks like a longer Lexus RX 350, and it has the same upscale feel as the RX. In the front, the headlights and grille swoop together to give the Venza a smooth, modern look. A set of fog lights and an air scoop bring some sportiness to its face.

It was from the side that the Venza really dazzled me. A slim strip of chrome lines the windows, outlining the passenger cabin. Chrome door handles bring some sparkle to the body, and a small, integrated spoiler adds a touch of attitude. The whole package is elegant and in no way gives away the number of crayons rolling around on the inside. The Venza’s rear looked like a small SUV, and it seemed to sit higher and wider than the front. A wide rear window gave the Venza great visibility, and the hatch opened at the touch of the key fob’s button.

The large windows let in plenty of light, especially with the panoramic glass roof over both rows. Only the glass roof over the front seats opens, but it provided a great view for both the first and second rows. Both sections of the glass roof have sliding sunshades to keep out the sun. My only complaint about the Venza’s exterior was its color choices. There wasn’t one that made me go, “Oooh, pretty,” and the Aloe Green Metallic kind of made me nauseous.

SENSE AND STYLE

Family Friendly (Not Really, Fair, Great, Excellent): Excellent
Fun-Factor (None, Some, Good Times, Groove On): Groove On

shopping around: At cars.com

key exterior: Features

    ● Panoramic glass roof
    ● High-intensity-discharge headlamps with automatic high beams
    ● Power liftgate
    ● 268-hp, 3.5-liter V-6 engine
    ● Remote keyless entry

available exterior: Colors

  • Aloe Green Metallic
  • Barcelona Red Metallic
  • Black
  • Blizzard Pearl
  • Classic Silver Metallic
  • Golden Umber Mica
  • Magnetic Gray Metallic
  • Sunset Bronze Mica
  • Tropical Sea Metallic

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