The Toyota Venza is a medium sized crossover wagon developed and traded by Japanese carmaker Toyota; it was launched during the year 2008 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. It was based on the concept of Toyota FT-SX and the Toyota Venza was basically designed at Toyota Technical Center, Michigan.

First Generation Toyota Venza (GGV10/15, 2008-Present)

Toyota Venza

The Venza shares the chassis of Camry and is motorized by all-new 2.7-litre 1AR-FE I4 engine. The 3.5-litre 2GR-FE V6 engine of Toyota was also available optionally for the power-hungry sport enthusiasts; both engines were coupled to a six-speed automatic transmission.

It was available with optional all wheel drive or front wheel drive. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, it could provide a fuel economy of 29 mpg on highways, and 21 mpg in city streets. The first generation Venza used an electric power steering system. Its basic price was $25,975 for a front-wheel-drive (FWD) 4-cylinder model and $29,250 for the all-wheel-drive (AWD) V6 version without any additional goodies

Standard Offerings

The traditional features in Toyota Venza include:

• 19″ alloy wheels,
• fog lamps,
• 34 pound 20″ alloy wheels,
• XM satellite radio,
• HomeLink,
• dual-zone climate control,
• six-disc CD changer,
• eight-way power driver’s seat,
• electro-chromic auto-dimming back-view mirror,
• Hill-Start assist control,
• the Toyota Star Safety System, and
• steering-wheel installed audio controls.

The other noteworthy choices included heated side view mirrors, automatic high beams along with HID lighting, 4-way power passenger seat, leather seating, Smart Key System, panoramic glass moonroof, voice-activated touch-screen DVD navigation system, 13-speaker JBL sound system with Bluetooth, a rear DVD entertainment system along with a nine-inch display along with 2 wireless headphones, and a backup camera.

2010 Toyota Venza

2010Toyota Venza

For 2010, the Venza gets a traditional USB input, Bluetooth, and hands-free phone capability. Because of this inclusion, the in-dash six-disc CD changer does not come as a part of standard package anymore. As far as the pricing goes, there’s some difference in European and US model. In comparison to other global markets, all Venza models sold in US are priced about $300 higher.

Transmission

The latest Venza models incorporate Super Electronically Controlled Transmission (Super ECT) six-speed automatic transmission, Lock Up Torque Converter, Gate Type Shifter, and a Transmission Cooler.

Safety Amenities

Toyota Venza Interior

The traditional safety features seen on the 2010 Toyota Venza are

• Traction control
• Vehicle Stability Control
• Electronic brakeforce distribution
• Anti-lock braking, and
• Brake Assist

Along with the above some other standard safety features are

• Tire pressure monitoring system
• Hill-start Assist Control
• headrests for all seats and 3-point seatbelts
• Emergency locking retractors (ELR) for each and every seat
• Front seatbelt pretensioners along with force limiters
• Automatic locking retractors (ATR) for each and every seat
• LATCH for rear outboard seats.