All-New Toyota Venza Crossover Sedan To Make World Debut At 2008 North American International Auto Show


December 19, 2007 – Torrance, CA - Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., will stage the world premiere of the all-new 2009 Toyota Venza crossover sedan at a press conference at the 2008 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

Venza will be a unique blend of sedan and sport utility vehicle, offering seating for five, easy ingress and egress, a car-like ride and functional utility. Venza was designed and engineered in the United States and will be assembled at Toyota's manufacturing plant in Georgetown, Kentucky.

The press conference will be held on Monday, January 14 at 10:50 AM Eastern Time in the Riverview Ballroom at COBO Center and simulcast live to the Toyota display area at the show. A video clip of the press conference will be available for viewing following the event on the Toyota.com website.


http://pressroom.toyota.com/Releases/View?id=TYT2007121934414

uh oh indication of the Lexus version as well, JX?

Sounds like the rumored replacement for the Solara. Its going to be built in the same plant as well.

I just hope it doesnt look anything like that BMW X6. :egads:

uh oh indication of the Lexus version as well, JX?
Interesting. Perhaps it is a preview of the smaller-than-RX Lexus SUV that has been in the rumor-mill.

Is it RWD? AWD? Is it bigger or smaller than the Rav4? Or will it be a sport cross? Is it similar to the Nissan Rogue? VW Tiguan? Will it go against the BMW X3?

evidence of toyota's share hold in subaru.....

Yay, another people mover from Toyota!

it will probably be a lot like that Mark X Zio, if not the same.

http://www.autocult.com.au/img/gallery/full/4KZQJRWE.jpg

http://images.google.com/url?q=http://www.nihoncar.com/en/news_pics/599/news.jpg&usg=AFQjCNGERJ0mfBmHqGQo78-W1K1C9w75gw

I'm betting mark X zio too.

Also, where does this slate in with the Matrix, Rav4, and Highlander? Basically a Camry wagon, I'm guessing?

ANOTHER SUV type vehicle????

I'm betting mark X zio too.

Thats what im guesssing dont knbow where everyone is getting a Lexus version or a SUV vehicle from.

Well it says Crossover sedan. That Mark X is more like a wagon IMO (MB R-class, Pacifica etc). I'm actually thinking along the lines of the X6.

This isn't going to be a Lexus. JX/unibody crossover will be a 7 seater, not a 5 seater.

Also the article says it was designed in America and will be build here too, so maybe it wont be the Mark x Zio.

This isn't going to be a Lexus. JX/unibody crossover will be a 7 seater, not a 5 seater.

Also the article says it was designed in America and will be build here too, so maybe it wont be the Mark x Zio.
Mark X Zio is Camry based crossover... whatever it is, it will be using same mechanicals.

WTH is a crossover seden

WTH is a crossover seden

I'm thinking Forester proportions.

Basically a Camry wagon but it won't be a Camry wagon (does that make sense?).

So it'll slot in as a Camry wagon (bigger than Matrix.. dunno how it compares to the RAV4) but it won't be an SUV like the RAV4/Highlander but it's not gonna be a hatchback like the Matrix/Prius.

The insiders are obviously not saying anything cause they can't so this is all we have to base on until NAIAS.

I doubt there will be too much product overlap and will be distinctive enough to attract its own set of buyers.

WTH is a crossover seden

Its carmakers version of RuPaul:D

Supposed to be based on the FT-SX concept shown a couple of years back:

Some concepts look ready to roll and others are nothing more than a big pipe dream. The Toyota FT-SX concept seems like both, but then again it seems like neither. According to Toyota, this concept is intended as a way to "explore a totally new genre." Part sedan, part wagon and part SUV, the FT-SX is a crossover in the truest sense of the word.

Developed entirely at Toyota's North American research and design center in Newport Beach, Calif., the FT-SX is an attempt to combine the best aspects of Toyota sedans and SUVs. Aimed at young families who just don't want a sedan, wagon or minivan, the FT-SX offers practical features with sporty handling and great fuel economy.

On the practical side is a three-way rear hatch that has flip-up glass, a full flip-up hatch or a hatch and tailgate that folds down and reveals an extending loading tray. The sliding tray helps with loading heavy objects while the flexibility of just a flip-up rear window could be useful for quick shopping trips.

Toyota made little mention of engine choices or horsepower saying only that the concept included a "powerful 3.5-liter V6, all-wheel drive and 21-inch wheels."


http://www.d.lycos.de/startseite/auto/autogalerie/images/normal/13906_1105623650806.jpg

http://images.motortrend.com/auto_shows/coverage/112_05_detas_toyotaftsx02_z.jpg

http://www.3dnews.ru/_imgdata/img/2006/01/19/12781.jpg

Supposed to be based on the FT-SX concept shown a couple of years back:


http://www.d.lycos.de/startseite/auto/autogalerie/images/normal/13906_1105623650806.jpg
Really?

I've seen that car up close and I like the size and function. Not a big SUV or minivan, but more spacious than a stationwagon.

So, like a Forester?

part sedan, part wagon, part SUV... wow that's so similar to "part sedan, part sports car, part SUV" used to describe the all-new 2003 Matrix.


Isn't the Mark X Zio sorta like that concept?

So im guessing camry matrix and not corolla matrix is the best way to describe it unless its a vehicle like the suzuki sx4 sedan.

So im guessing camry matrix and not corolla matrix is the best way to describe it unless its a vehicle like the suzuki sx4 sedan.
Sort of.

Perhaps it's an Avalon Matrix... :rolleyes:

The size of the FT-SX is about the size of an Avalon wagon.

Sort of.

Perhaps it's an Avalon Matrix... :rolleyes:

The size of the FT-SX is about the size of an Avalon wagon.
concept pretty much looks like Mark X Zio, which is what this will be :-)

Supposed to be based on the FT-SX concept shown a couple of years back:

http://www.d.lycos.de/startseite/auto/autogalerie/images/normal/13906_1105623650806.jpg



Looks like the ford edge beat toyota with the front grill?:p

What was the other one that was japan only with 3 row seating:uh:
I wouldn't mind that one.

Well it says Crossover sedan. That Mark X is more like a wagon IMO (MB R-class, Pacifica etc). I'm actually thinking along the lines of the X6.

Agreed. A Pacifica/R-Class competitior was the first thing I thought too, when I saw it, but my guess is it will undercut the Pacifica's price and WAY undercut the R-Class price. The Pacifica is on the way out, anyway.

So, like a Forester?


Looks too low to be a Forester competitor. Maybe the Outback, though.......if it DOES end up as a Toyota Outback (Toyota engine mated to a Subaru AWD system) this is going to be VERY interesting. It will be the best of both worlds.........and I may be looking at my own next car.;)

DEFINITELY I will at least review it.

The thing is, it's a 5 seater so it can't be a Pacifica/R-Class type vehicle.

I'm thinking Outback Sedan now... at least in theory, not design.

what do you guys think?

http://images.google.com/url?q=http://www.nihoncar.com/en/news_pics/599/news.jpg&usg=AFQjCNGERJ0mfBmHqGQo78-W1K1C9w75gw

The inspiration :D

http://www.funnyanimalz.com/freefunnypixs2/images/media/1/baby_blowfish.jpg

um heres the crossover sedan.....

lol. Isn't that the FINE N.


Word has it that it'll look similar to the Camry and it'll be a bit sportier. (Like the SE model).

Question is. Since it's a crossover, wouldn't that mean there'll be AWD? (Like the Matrix)

Oddly enough, I extremely curious to see this new product...

Youre not the only one i guess partly cause its a new Toyota and partly because its a new type of car never heard of before.

I'm telling ya, it will be like the X6. I've been thinking about the X6 - basically a 5-series sedan with AWD where you sit higher. Sounds pretty cool to me. So I'm betting that people would not mind being higher up off the ground - as long as they can still retain car like handling.

I'm telling ya, it will be like the X6. I've been thinking about the X6 - basically a 5-series sedan with AWD where you sit higher. Sounds pretty cool to me. So I'm betting that people would not mind being higher up off the ground - as long as they can still retain car like handling.
Except that he X6 is strictly a 4 seater

That will look nice for a wagon. I'm just glad it doesn't look like a Buick Enclave...those look like roaches driving down the down

Except that he X6 is strictly a 4 seater

Really? I didn't see that - is it because of the roof line?

I'm telling ya, it will be like the X6. I've been thinking about the X6 - basically a 5-series sedan with AWD where you sit higher. Sounds pretty cool to me. So I'm betting that people would not mind being higher up off the ground - as long as they can still retain car like handling.
it wont be anything like X6... More like R Class, or Mark X Zio...

Really? I didn't see that - is it because of the roof line?

Who's knows what it's because of. Because they want a more sport image in a 2+2 arrangement, because they want lower sales?

As big as Toyota currently is, they do not have one true sports car in any price range so far. Besides these weird crossover stuff, bring us some pure sports cars, at least three in my opinion. One at $20k, one at $45k, and one at $120k.

Really? I didn't see that - is it because of the roof line?

Nope. The roof line just chops the already small cargo area by a third lol.

No idea why it's a 4 seater. Maybe they want it to be some sort of luxury 4 passenger SUV (you know, with a full rear centre console like the LS460 L Exec. Package).

Nope. The roof line just chops the already small cargo area by a third lol.


The spy photos show cup holders there. Interesting to see if they make it to production.

The cargo capacity is 25.6 cubic feet with the seats up and 59.7 with them down. Not too shabby if you ask me.

The spy photos show cup holders there. Interesting to see if they make it to production.

The cargo capacity is 25.6 cubic feet with the seats up and 59.7 with them down. Not too shabby if you ask me.

ooh thanks for that shot. Haven't seen that angle before.

Ok.. so there's a rear centre armrest... How is it different from say.. the C30? It also has foldable rear centre armrests.

That is unless I got the wrong information about it being a 4 seater?

Nope, I think you got it right - here is the pic. On my car, I have something slightly similar but it folds out of the rear center arm rest. This looks permanent. AND I only see two seatbelts....

Any info yet? :confused:

does anyone know when does the press conference start?

does anyone know when does the press conference start?
It started 10:45AM Eastern Standard Time today, which was 15 minutes ago...

Toyota Stages World Debut Of All-New Venza At 2008 North American International Auto Show
01/14/2008
January 14, 2008 – Detroit, MI - Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., unveiled the all-new 2009 Venza crossover sedan at a press conference here today at the 2008 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). Venza will raise the crossover vehicle to new levels by combining a unique blend of sedan refinement and sport utility vehicle (SUV) functionality.

"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. "This winning combination will be ideal for active ‘boomers' and young couples with small families."

All aspects of Venza's engineering and design were targeted specifically for the North American market where it will be sold exclusively. Venza was primarily engineered at Toyota Technical Center in Ann Arbor, Mich., and designed at Toyota's Calty design studios in Newport Beach, Calif. and Ann Arbor, Mich. Venza will be assembled at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky (TMMK), in Georgetown, Ky.

The development focus of the Venza design team was to create a new crossover vehicle that shifted away from the more traditional SUV styling themes that tend to dominate the segment. Calty designers leaned more heavily on a sleek sedan concept with a wide stance that featured a sporty exterior and premium comfort interior but would also be equipped with important SUV attributes such as cargo space, towing capability and all-wheel-drive performance.

The exterior design of the four-door Venza begins with an imposing front end featuring a distinctive grille, headlights and fog lamps for an aggressive, yet classy appearance. The front conforms to a sleek and aerodynamic shape with short overhangs, crisp character lines and a roofline and ground clearance that are lower than a typical crossover. From behind, Venza's refined appearance is complete with an angled rear hatch, rear spoiler and wide wraparound tail lights that interconnect with the hatch door.

On the inside, Calty designers and TTC engineers made comfort, refinement and utility a priority for the five-passenger Venza. A lower rocker design will allow occupants to more easily step in and out of the vehicle than a typical sedan. Venza will also feature a higher ride height and hip points that will help provide significantly better driver visibility than most sedans and easier ingress and egress than most SUVs.

Venza will feature a spacious interior providing ample room for all five passengers and abundant SUV-like cargo space behind the second row of seats. The rear hatch provides a low cargo height that allows for easy loading and unloading of luggage and outdoor gear. Easy-to-use levers, one on each side of the rear cargo area, allow the 60/40 split rear seats to fold flat, providing additional storage space for extra long items such as surf boards, skis, camping gear and gardening equipment. For added passenger comfort, the rear seats recline up to 14 degrees.

A creative interior design complemented with an array of comfort and convenience features provides Venza with a refined look and feel that is commonly reserved for a luxury sedan. The flow of the instrumentation panel (IP) creates a unique 60/60 design that gives both driver and front passenger the look and feeling that 60 percent of the IP is accessible from their seating position.

An extra long center console extends from the IP and slopes down to a center compartment with a unique sliding console cover. Sliding open the compartment lid reveals a large storage well deep enough to hold a large purse. The compartment is also illuminated and equipped with an auxiliary audio jack and 12-volt power point. The upper portion of the center console houses the gear-shift lever for easy and comfortable driver access. Climate control functions are centrally located on the upper center console, providing easy accessibility for both driver and passenger. The center console also contains an iPod/MP3 storage compartment with wire management and illuminated dual cupholders.

All Venza models will be 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 will come standard with dual exhaust tips and will be the first Toyota model to ride on standard 20-inch alloy wheels. Four-cylinder models will come standard with 19-inch alloy wheels.

Chrome accents throughout give Venza a refined look and feel. Models equipped with an optional leather-trimmed interior will feature wood-grain-type trim and seats stitched with dark piping that is tastefully coordinated with Venza's standard linear grain dashboard and steering wheel. An array of storage space will be available throughout the vehicle to accommodate passenger belongings. A large storage compartment with an additional 12-volt power point located on the passenger side of the front center console will be sizeable enough to contain maps and magazines.

A panoramic roof will be offered as an option and will be a first for the Toyota vehicle lineup. The roof will feature separate glass panels over the front and rear seats. The front glass panel will have a power tilt/slide function.

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

Additional optional equipment will include 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 sleek and sporty styling, refined interior and outstanding utility features are complemented with fun-to-drive performance attributes expected by owners with active lifestyles. Aggressive handling typically found in a performance coupe is well-balanced by the on-road comfort of an upscale sedan.

Venza will be available in front- and all-wheel-drive configurations. It will provide drivers and passengers the best of both worlds by delivering the quiet comfortable ride expected from a full-size sedan along with the peace-of-mind that comes with all-wheel-drive.

Power will be generated by an available 3.5-liter V6 that will produce 268 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 246 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,700 rpm with a towing capability of 3,500 pounds. Standard power will come from an all-new 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine that will deliver capable performance and provide excellent fuel efficiency and low emissions. Both engines will be mated with a six-speed sequential-shift electronically-controlled automatic transmission.

Venza will be equipped with a comprehensive list of standard safety features. It will provide a total of seven airbags, including a driver’s knee airbag, front seat-mounted side airbags, and side curtain airbags for both rows of seats. Venza will also be the first sedan with Toyota's STAR safety system, featuring anti-lock brakes, traction control, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, and vehicle stability control. Venza will also feature active head rests as standard equipment.

"Venza will establish an exciting new crossover niche that will combine the finest attributes of Toyota's diverse vehicle lineup," said Carter. "It will cater to buyers who are looking for the value and reliability of a Camry, the comfort and upscale refinement of an Avalon, and the utility and functionality of a Highlander SUV in one very stylish and sporty package."

"When it goes on sale in late 2008, the Venza crossover sedan will represent Toyota's latest commitment to driving change in the marketplace."


2009 VENZA PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS

POWERTRAIN
2.7-liter four-cylinder engine
Horsepower: TBD
Torque: TBD
Six-speed sequential shift automatic transmission

3.5-liter V6
Horsepower: 268 @ 6,200
Torque: 246 lb.-ft. @ 4,700 rpm
Six-speed sequential shift automatic transmission
Drive System: Front- and All-Wheel-Drive

DIMENSIONS (inches)
Overall Length: 189.0
Overall Width: 75.0
Overall Height: 63.4
Wheelbase: 109.3
Ground clearance: 8.1
Wheels: 19-inch alloy wheels (four-cylinder only)
20-inch alloy wheels (standard on V6 and available on four-cylinder)

Tire Size: 20-inch: 245/50R20
19-inch: 245/55R19

Towing Capacity: 3,500 lbs. (V6 model)

Seating Capacity: 5



new 2.7 4cly engine....

Looks nice actually:

http://tyt.tnpv.net/Image/2008/01/TYT2008010760408_PV.jpg

http://tyt.tnpv.net/Image/2008/01/TYT2008010752468_PV.jpg

http://tyt.tnpv.net/Image/2008/01/TYT2008010731977_PV.jpg

http://tyt.tnpv.net/Image/2008/01/TYT2008010746062_PV.jpg

http://tyt.tnpv.net/Image/2008/01/TYT2008010723133_PV.jpg

More...

http://tyt.tnpv.net/Image/2008/01/TYT2008010724544_PV.jpg

http://tyt.tnpv.net/Image/2008/01/TYT2008010756777_PV.jpg

http://tyt.tnpv.net/Image/2008/01/TYT2008010709482_PV.jpg

http://tyt.tnpv.net/Image/2008/01/TYT2008010782208_PV.jpg

Anyone wanna bet that this shares similar platform with future RX? Everything screams luxury.

Almost exact same length, width and wheelbase as the Highlander. Just lower by about 5 inches. The ultimate Camry wagon.

Side and rear look good. Front is ugly.

Don't like the placement of the shifter. Looks like something took a bite out of the center stack. Otherwise, nice interior.

Almost exact same length, width and wheelbase as the Highlander. Just lower by about 5 inches. The ultimate Camry wagon.

Side and rear look good. Front is ugly.

Don't like the placement of the shifter. Looks like something took a bite out of the center stack. Otherwise, nice interior.
shifter looks similar to what new Euro Auris has, and customers are loving it, so expect it to become standard on many toyota's....

It's a lower RX with a Camry Style front and rear.
The interior layout is virtually the same as the RX.

Profile looks kick azz:
http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/01/venza---10.jpg

Check more real pics:
http://www.autoblog.com/photos/toyota-venza-live/582930/full/

If you want a lowered Highlander and don't need AWD here it is. I like it I think it will sell in huge numbers compared with the the Ford Taurus X. :D

Holy cow!!! What a home run from Toyota! Nice job!:thumbup:

Also, I'm betting this 2.7L I4 is their updated ~190hp valvematic engine and 6AT that will be standard across the range soon.

Ah.. I see what you did there Toyota.
This is basically a replacement for the Highlander 4 cylinder model but for those who prefer the styling of this over the Highlander and like the power they can get the 3.5 V6 as well.

If you want a lowered Highlander and don't need AWD here it is. I like it I think it will sell in huge numbers compared with the the Ford Taurus X. :D

The Highlander has FWD as well.

I like how that looks. I wonder if Lexus will get a version.

I like how that looks. I wonder if Lexus will get a version.

They already do, it's called the RX.
It doesn't strike anyone else as a carbon copy RX with different options and lowered?

Ah.. I see what you did there Toyota.
This is basically a replacement for the Highlander 4 cylinder model but for those who prefer the styling of this over the Highlander and like the power they can get the 3.5 V6 as well.



The Highlander has FWD as well.

I forgot it does. :egads:So used to seeing Highlanders in NYC with 4WD.

Interior dash is different, I like (though the long shift knob is out of place). INterior seems of higher quality than recent models.

Overall, another SUV thing that will sell in droves.

They already do, it's called the RX.
It doesn't strike anyone else as a carbon copy RX with different options and lowered?
of course it is similar...

http://www.lexus.com/lexus-share/images/gallery/models/RX/photos/exterior/g_ext11.jpg

http://tyt.tnpv.net/Image/2008/01/TYT2008010760408_PV.jpg

Its basically more carlike than RX... and with euro-minivan utility inside

So.. all those so called RX spyshots were actually spyshots of Venza? 19' or 20' wheels on Toyota? Wow!

This seems very similar to LF-Xh concept from Tokyo

So.. all those so called RX spyshots were actually spyshots of Venza?

Not necessarily.

The 2009 RX is already priced (which means it has absolutely no difference to the 2008).

The 2010 RX will be redesigned, and will most likely debut at the end of 2008, for sale in mid 2009.

http://jalopnik.com/assets/images/gallery/12/2008/01/thumb1280x1280_2193020808_856882e89e_o.jpg
http://jalopnik.com/assets/images/gallery/12/2008/01/thumb1280x1280_2192233037_2259dfb5c0_o.jpg

well since the outside looks so much like the current RX, then i guess they are really overhauling the RX next year. i mean it has to be completely different in order to stand a chance from the ridicule that the car community will throw at them.

as for the interior, the shifter needs a lot of work. lol. the RX also better get 300+ horses. hint hint 306

I think it's great for what it is. I'll probably steer my parents towards one since they don't really need their 2000 Sienna much longer, but still want something with a fairly similar seating height, enough space in the back seat, etc. Perfect for their needs from what I can see.

well since the outside looks so much like the current RX, then i guess they are really overhauling the RX next year. i mean it has to be completely different in order to stand a chance from the ridicule that the car community will throw at them.

as for the interior, the shifter needs a lot of work. lol. the RX also better get 300+ horses. hint hint 306
maybe next RX will have 5 wheels in order to stand out?

Ah.. I see what you did there Toyota.
This is basically a replacement for the Highlander 4 cylinder model but for those who prefer the styling of this over the Highlander and like the power they can get the 3.5 V6 as well.

I think you nailed it....this is basically a pseudo-Highlander, but since it is not a SUV and calling it a crossover SEDAN, it doesn't have to have any offroad prowness saving weight and complexity so can be used with the 4 banger.

why can't they put that interior in the Camry

I wonder if the Venza will have all the features and options available on an Avalon Limited, several of which are not available on the current RX. If it does, I may be trading my RX350 for one.

Look at Toyota trying to finally improve on their interiors. :thumbup: Outside of that gear selector I like the design a lot. And the quality looks really good.

I think its a nice concept and I'm glad they decided to build a vehicle off of the FT-SX concept which looked very nice at the Auto Show a few years back. :thumbup:

Okay, so now Toyota has another car that will sell about 100K a year. Are they done with all the crossovers??

CAN I GET A DAMN COUPE NOW!!!!??

Besides the front it looks good

Looks good but it worries me to see design cues transplanted directly from Lexus into Toyota models. I think there should be more difference between Lexus and Toyota other than just badge and material richness which is, as far as I can tell, the only things differentiating them right now.

Check out the boomerang upsweep in the D pillar, directly from an IS. And the interior door panels' "S" shape... from pretty much every new-age Lexus door panel.

Comments from Autoweek's editors:

A station wagon by any other name...is a still a station wagon. The Toyota Venza actually looks great...a little shorter than an SUV, but with all the utility. Fold-flat rear seats, power liftgate. Just don't call it a station wagon. Toyota said this was a segment buster...just not sure yet what segment. No matter, it looks good and looks to offer a ton of a utility.

I don't really like crossovers that much (see the BMW X6) but the Toyota Venza did something for me. Sleek, smooth, not too big, just right. Front clip reminds me of the Ford Edge but more classy. Wondering about a Lexus version?

Toyota has taken the practice of avoiding the word "station wagon" to new level with its Venza "sedan crossover" vehicle. We suppose with Sport Activity Vehicle (SAV), Sport Activity Crossover (SAC) and others already taken, Toyota probably felt it needed an all-new descriptor for what is essentially a station wagon. Wonder if they gave any thought to Sport Utility Crossover?

Looks great in my opinion. So when is Toyota going to start making something else that's aimed more for the youth..... I mean this is a nice car.... but let's get real, how many more sedans/wagons/suv's does Toyota need? how about a coupe?

Love the design of it. Don't like the steering wheel and you can see Camry bits in the rear maplights and the front overhead console (identical pieces of trim).

The rear looks fantastic and has a bit of XC90 in it.

Comments from Autoweek's editors:

A station wagon by any other name...is a still a station wagon. The Toyota Venza actually looks great...a little shorter than an SUV, but with all the utility. Fold-flat rear seats, power liftgate. Just don't call it a station wagon. Toyota said this was a segment buster...just not sure yet what segment. No matter, it looks good and looks to offer a ton of a utility.

I don't really like crossovers that much (see the BMW X6) but the Toyota Venza did something for me. Sleek, smooth, not too big, just right. Front clip reminds me of the Ford Edge but more classy. Wondering about a Lexus version?

Toyota has taken the practice of avoiding the word "station wagon" to new level with its Venza "sedan crossover" vehicle. We suppose with Sport Activity Vehicle (SAV), Sport Activity Crossover (SAC) and others already taken, Toyota probably felt it needed an all-new descriptor for what is essentially a station wagon. Wonder if they gave any thought to Sport Utility Crossover?

Hehe, totally agree. I mean, what's the difference between this and the station wagons of yore? Nothing. It's funny how automakers come up with all kinds of names to desist from calling their vehicles "wagons" these days.

Hehe, totally agree. I mean, what's the difference between this and the station wagons of yore? Nothing. It's funny how automakers come up with all kinds of names to desist from calling their vehicles "wagons" these days.
well, there is pretty big difference although at the end, purpose of the vehicle is the same.

Station wagos are based on sedans, so they are much lower cars. They also have shorter wheelbases so they end up having huge rear overhangs.

this was desiged from grounds up to be cross between an SUV and sedan. Thats why it looks so good. Here in europe we have many raised station wagons (like A6 All road, Skoda's, lots of VW's) and they look really funny with raised suspensions and long overnags, it looks like someone did job in garage....

I wonder if the Venza will have all the features and options available on an Avalon Limited, several of which are not available on the current RX. If it does, I may be trading my RX350 for one.
auto-high beams sound pretty awesome to european me... i hope they implement this in many new models from now on...

i saw more pics of it, fronts a bit strange, but the rest is good looking

Nice. So basically this is a Toyota Pacifica. It comes at a good time since the Pacifica will soon go the way of the Do-do. This, moreso than the Highlander, seems to be targeted at the Murano.

Nice. So basically this is a Toyota Pacifica. It comes at a good time since the Pacifica will soon go the way of the Do-do. This, moreso than the Highlander, seems to be targeted at the Murano.
this is crossover done right from the start. I bet this will sell 15k per month once production ramps up and if they add hybrid version...

You lose almost nothing compared to Highlander, and you gain better drive, better mpg...

I cant wait for Lexus to create something similar, definetly my next vehicle.

Nice. So basically this is a Toyota Pacifica. It comes at a good time since the Pacifica will soon go the way of the Do-do. This, moreso than the Highlander, seems to be targeted at the Murano.

And they managed to pull it right offering consumers the option of a 4 cylinder and 6. Unlike Chrysler thinking upmarket first. :thumbdn:

Very nice Toyota. Man they're all over the map. This interior looks better than the Highlander and Camry (esp. the latter by a mile). Exterior is way better than Highlander. Anyone else thinks this looks a bit like a tall Camry?

I think this could do well and I see 'future hybrid version' written all over it.

The thing is, how heavy is it? The Highlander was so heavy that Toyota didn't want to put a 4 cylinder engine in it (or so they claim but I don't see any reason to dispute it. The Highlander is quite heavy).

How will the 4 cylinder cope with the 19" alloys? Again, those are pretty large wheels for a 4 cylinder to move.

The thing is, how heavy is it? The Highlander was so heavy that Toyota didn't want to put a 4 cylinder engine in it (or so they claim but I don't see any reason to dispute it. The Highlander is quite heavy).

How will the 4 cylinder cope with the 19" alloys? Again, those are pretty large wheels for a 4 cylinder to move.
it is an big car... but then again it has less overhangs and it is lower than Highlander. thats why they are putting larger 4cly in it though...

I like it, this is between the Sienna and Highlander... looks really good, love the interior! :thumbup:

Is this 2.7L 4 cyl. going to be the new Toyota 4 cyl. (i.e., will the 2010 Camry get it as part of the MMC)?

Any guess on hp/torque?

Is this 2.7L 4 cyl. going to be the new Toyota 4 cyl. (i.e., will the 2010 Camry get it as part of the MMC)?

Any guess on hp/torque?
ppl are guessing it is new valvetronic engine with 190hp.

I doubt Camry will get 2.7l... why should it? It will probably get smaller version of same valvetronic engine.

With focus on mpg these days, I doubt they will up engines to 2.7 for their sedans.

it is an big car... but then again it has less overhangs and it is lower than Highlander. thats why they are putting larger 4cly in it though...

+1 that is a pretty beefy 4 cylinder engine. 2.7 is really pushing into the 6 cylinder range.

+1 that is a pretty beefy 4 cylinder engine. 2.7 is really pushing into the 6 cylinder range.

Yeah, considering there is the Lexus 2.5L V6.

So the current 2.7L puts out 160 hp, 180 tqs. while the 2.5L puts out 205 hp and 185 trqs. Hmmmmm......I'd take the 2.5L.

I thought that the 2.5L woulda been good for the Camry hybrid, at the very least an ES hybrid maybe. Please.

Yeah, considering there is the Lexus 2.5L V6.

So the current 2.7L puts out 160 hp, 180 tqs. while the 2.5L puts out 205 hp and 185 trqs. Hmmmmm......I'd take the 2.5L.

I thought that the 2.5L woulda been good for the Camry hybrid, at the very least an ES hybrid maybe. Please.
they should have 4cly for smaller hybrids - it is more efficient that way. Hopefully this car gets hybrid system similar to Camry and not to Highlander.

it is an big car... but then again it has less overhangs and it is lower than Highlander. thats why they are putting larger 4cly in it though...

But it has a full glass panoramic roof which adds weight. 19" wheels are standard (the Highlander has 17" standard)

they should have 4cly for smaller hybrids - it is more efficient that way. Hopefully this car gets hybrid system similar to Camry and not to Highlander.

Yes, Im not disgreeing with you about efficiency, but I don't see Lexus putting a 4 cylinder in the ES....ever. Hybrid or not.

Yes, Im not disgreeing with you about efficiency, but I don't see Lexus putting a 4 cylinder in the ES....ever. Hybrid or not.
Better hope for the 2.5L V6 from the IS250 lol. Where else in the lineup is the 2.5 litre used? Cause if it doesn't fit more than one car, I don't think Toyota's gonna invest money and make an HSD system with the 2.5 litre.

Price range? Any ideas (didnt see anything mentioned in this thread)

-J

Price range? Any ideas (didnt see anything mentioned in this thread)

-J

My guess will be 23K for a 4cyl 2WD -33K for an AWD Limited V6.

My guess will be 23K for a 4cyl 2WD -33K for an AWD Limited V6.
Could be a little bit more for the 4cyl, as it is close to the base of a Rav4, and this is suppose to be a step above that

Price range? Any ideas (didnt see anything mentioned in this thread)

-J

If anything i'm guessing it will start around $25 for the 4 cylinder and go upwards to around $35 for a fully loaded AWD.

A loaded Highlander AWD Limited with everything except rear seat entertainment system is $40,000 MSRP. So I'm thinking a similarly loaded Venza will be about $37,000 MSRP.

Gotta say I do like this thing. Might even buy one if I can get over the ugly headlights.

A loaded Highlander AWD Limited with everything except rear seat entertainment system is $40,000 MSRP. So I'm thinking a similarly loaded Venza will be about $37,000 MSRP.

Gotta say I do like this thing. Might even buy one if I can get over the ugly headlights.
Just imagine the interior :D. It's a lot more striking than any other Toyota/Lexus NA product (esp. the contrast piping)