Drive Your Dream Blog

Unveiled at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January, the Toyota Venza seems to be the new “crossover sedan” to beat. The new Toyota Venza combines the usefulness and cargo room of a sport utility vehicle with the low profile and fuel economy of a sedan.

“So far, the buzz on the new Venza has been all positive,” said Ron Sturgeon, owner of a Dallas luxury car rental company. “Toyota has been making excellent quality cars for many years, so it will be interesting to see how the Venza does against the competition,” continued Mr. Sturgeon.

Thus far, the Venza is getting some good reviews. For example, gearheads at AOL’s Autoblog gave the new Toyota thumbs up. Autoblog had this to say about the new car: “With the Nissan Murano and Ford Edge obviously in its sights, the 5-passenger Venza neatly and stylishly fills the void left when the Highlander grew a third row and got bigger. Powered by either a 268-horsepower V6 or a 2.7L four-banger, the North America-designed and built Venza will be sold as a single trim level vehicle.”

In explaining the differences between configurations of the Venza, the writer at Autoblog has this to say, “The primary differences are that the six gets dual exhausts and 20-inch wheels, while the 2.7L has a single outlet and 19-inchers. Both engines are connected to a six-speed automatic with sequential shift, and the V6 has a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds, which exactly matches that of the Ford Edge and the current Nissan Murano.”

Stylistically, I have to agree with the Autoblog writers that the Venza looks a bit like a Ford Edge in its grille and headlights that arc out toward the fenders. Naturally, inside the car is everything you would expect from a quality automaker. As the review notes, “Inside, the Venza has an upscale, airy cockpit with niceties like contrast-piped leather seats. Storage is typical for vehicles in this class, and like its main competitors, it offers a panoramic glass roof.”

Although I doubt any of Toyota’s competitors are excited about their entry into the crossover market, I like it. With gas prices climbing, I am not shopping for a full-size SUV, but I would certainly look at the Toyota when the time comes to buy. Unless of course, I happen to match all seven numbers in this weeks drawing…then I’ll be driving the new Lamborghini Gallardo….

Although, its not anywhere near as exciting as driving a Lambo, I’ll be the Venza will turn out to be a nice car. The new vehicle will be hitting the road with the 2009 model year, and it will go on sale toward the end of this year. It might even show up as a premium rental in the fleets of some national luxury car rental companies.

Toyota expects the new Venza to appeal to consumers with an active lifestyle. Here’s what they had to say about where the car fits into the current U.S. market, “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.”

Kate Miller-Wilson is a freelance writer in the Twin Cities. Visit her website or email her for information about her freelance writing services.