2009 Toyota Venza

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Toyota’s goal was to create a car that would blend the sleek, low profile styling, interior refinements and driver-oriented performance of a car with the spaciousness and flexibility of an SUV. After driving the new Venza, I can testify that Toyota has accomplished its goals.

Mechanical and Performance
•    3.5L V-6 DOHC 24 V with/ dualVVT-1
•    6-speed Auto ECT-1 w/ sequential shift
•    20-inch alloy wheels w/ P245/50R20 tires
•    Electronic power steering
•    4-wheel disc brakes w/ individual suspension

Safety
•    Star Safety System Includes:
•    Vehicle stability control with TRAC
•    Anti-lock brakes w/ EBD and brake assists
•    Driver and front passenger advanced front airbags
•    Driver and front passenger seat-mounted side airbags
•    Side curtain airbags and driver knee airbags
•    3-point seatbelts with waist belts
•    Direct tire pressure system

Exterior
•    Rear spoiler w/ integrated LED stop lamps
•    Projector lens halogen headlamps
•    Daylight running lights with Off switch
•    Integrated fog lamps w/ dual exhaust
•    Roof antenna w/ integrated SAT antenna

The weather was cold and icy in Texas this past week, like much of the nation, but the Venza was surprisingly rugged. It looked nice and slick, but how would it hold up to frozen bridges and snow-filled bar ditches? Visibility was superb behind the wheel of the Venza. The driver sits at a height that gives a commanding view, surrounded by easily read instruments. This combination allows things outside the vehicle to be viewed and searching for hard-to-find instrument gauges and monitors doesn’t distract you.

Even though roads were physically challenging because of winter conditions, with traffic often moving at a snail’s pace, I still managed to get the manufacture’s fuel EPA estimates of 19 city mpg and 26 mpg on the highway.

The 268-hp V-6 engine gave the power for quickness, and helped relieve a sense of urgency I sometimes develop on visits to the city. I also discovered that Toyota engineers made the Venza engine Ultra Low Emission Vehicle II compliant, thanks to a 3-way thin-wall catalytic converter that warms up quickly to cut emissions.

I drove the Barcelona red metallic V-6 with the optional package included. With the best Navigation System I have ever seen and power ‘everything,’ the recommended price was $36,774. The manufacturer’s recommended price for the standard package was $27,800.

The interesting thing about the Venza was that nowhere on the vehicle was the name Toyota found. The vehicle will be sold at Toyota Dealerships, but Venza will be the name.

Durhl Caussey writes a car column that is read around the world. He may be reached at this newspaper or at dcaussey@sbcglobal.net