The New Toyota Venza

Toyota has unveiled a new crossover sedan aimed exclusively at the North American market.

"The all-new Venza was developed as a vehicle that combines the styling, comfort and fun-to-drive performance elements of a five-passenger sedan with the surprising utility of an SUV," said Bob Carter, Toyota Division group vice president and general manager, in a press release issued on the company's website.

Designers sought to differentiate the Venza from other crossover vehicles by emphasizing the features that attract drivers to sports sedans. Toyota's design team sought to integrate the external sleekness and internal comforts of the sports sedan into the Venza. But they also sought to preserve a number of most desirable aspects found in SUV's, including "cargo space, towing capability, and all-wheel-performance. The V6 version of the Venza will be capable of towing up to 3,500 lbs.

A number of practical innovations differentiate the Venza's design from that of more traditional crossover models. Drivers will find the vehicle provides for increased visibility when compare to most SUV's and sedans. But the Venza's design also integrates some of the design features that have made the crossover popular, such as fold down rear seating and easy access, low to ground loading. Plus it has a minimum ground clearance of 8.l inches.

Creatures of comfort will find the Venza's reclining rear seats appealing. Both driver and passenger can easily reach the vehicles climate controls, which are located on the center console. The center console also features an iPod/MP3 player storage compartment.

Another cool feature is the Venza's Automatic High Beam headlight system. The system can detect oncoming vehicles and disengage vehicle's high beams. Once the traffic is gone the high beams pop back on automatically.

The vehicles option package contains some appealing features as well. For example, you can equip your Venza with a back-up camera, a rear seat entertainment system, or satellite radio capability.

In terms of safety, the Venza is tough to beat. It comes equipped with a total of 7 airbags, including one for the driver's knees. It will be the first sedan to feature Toyota's Star Safety system. Safety features include vehicle stability control, traction control, electronic brake-force distribution, brake Assist, and an anti-lock brake system.

One look at the Venza shows that it is not just an imitation of Subaru's popular Outback or Legacy lines. This vehicles curvy, sleek exterior sets it apart from other the industry's other crossover models. As for the interior, only one word can be used to describe it: luxury.