Consumer Road Test: Top Five Reasons to Buy the 2011 Toyota Venza

The 2011 Toyota Venza is one of those vehicles that just can't quite seem to be categorized. It isn't an SUV, it's too tall for a wagon, it's not a minivan and it's definitely not just a car. It is one of those very rare times where the term "crossover" is truly appropriate as it straddles the lines between so many different automotive genres.

Not only that, but you can also specify a 2011 Toyota Venza most any way you want it all the way up to the top of the line V6 all-wheel drive variant that I road tested earlier this week. That model blew me away with its luxury amenities, effortless power, roominess and exemplary build quality. And even though it is based on Camry mechanicals, it is somehow much more fun to drive.

Part of that more free-wheeling spirit comes thanks to a more responsive steering calibration in the Venza as well as a more composed feeling chassis. But then that last part may also just be down to tire choice on the Venza. No matter what the reason, the Venza is enjoyable to drive whereas the Camry has been known to occasionally be dangerous for narcoleptics.

It is Available with either a 4-cylinder or 6-cylinder Engine

Depending on your need (or lack thereof) for speed, you can specify your 2011 Venza with either a 2.7 liter 182 horsepower/182 lb. feet of torque 4-cylinder engine or a rather snarlingly forceful 3.5 liter V6 with 268 horsepower/246 lb. feet of torque. While the 4-cylinder is no doubt adequate for around town duty, I highly recommend the V6 as it really suits the demeanor of the Venza and the fuel economy benefit from the 4-cylinder is only 2 miles per gallon city and 1 on the highway.

It is Available with All-Wheel Drive

Just because the 2011 Toyota Venza drives like a car doesn't mean it can't haul you and the family up to the ski slopes for some winter fun. And it also doesn't mean that your only all-wheel drive option in either a bulky SUV or a Subaru.

It Rides and Drives like a Car, Not an SUV

Much like the Subaru Outback, the 2011 Toyota Venza is more an elevated wagon than a true SUV and as such it handles with more precision and far less body roll than your average SUV. The Venza manages to maintain Camry-like ride softness without any of the untoward marshmallow sensations over surface irregularities.

It is Easy to Get In and Out

The ride height of the 2011 Toyota Venza is nice and low making it easy to get in and out most especially if you are getting older and your body isn't as nimble as it used to be. But once ensconced in the throne like chairs in the Venza you still get that elevated SUV driving position so many people love.

You Really Don't Need 7 Seats, Now Do You?

How often do you really carry seven people? Wouldn't you rather have a back seat that is roomy enough for adults over six feet tall? The back seat of the Venza is possibly the airiest and most spacious feeling I have ever experienced in any SUV at this price.

Engineering and installing a third row of seats necessitates sliding the second row forward and more often than not grown-ups have to ride there. So in the Venza there are no such compromises as it seats only five. A full five, mind you.

Source: Toyota Motor Corporation