Is it an SUV or a wagon?  Yes… sort of.  The new Toyota Venza is a new breed of vehicle - a true crossover between an SUV and a wagon.  (On Toyota’s website, it is classified as a car.)  The brand new, five passenger Venza falls somewhere between the Camry and the Highlander in size and shares mechanical components from both.  The Venza is based on the Camry platform, but it is nearly 6 inches taller than the sedan and boasts slightly more interior room.   The Venza shares the width and ride height of the Highlander, but lacks the third row seating and extensive cargo capacity of the SUV.  

The Venza also shares the Highlander’s 2.7 liter 4 cylinder and 3.5 liter V6 engines, although with slightly less horsepower (182 hp for the 4 cylinder and 268 hp for the V6.)  Both engines are married to a six-speed automatic transmission, and front- and all-wheel drive models are available.  Fuel economy falls nicely between the Camry and the Highlander at 21/29 mpg for the smaller engine and 19/26 mpg for the V6.  (All-wheel drive yields 1 mpg less on both.)

The 2009 Venza is available in just two trim levels, which correspond to the two engine sizes.  The four cylinder Venza starts at $26,695 and features standard 19 inch alloy wheels, auto on/off headlights, dual-zone climate control, rear privacy glass, a power driver seat, a 60/40 split rear seat (that reclines!), a universal garage door opener, cruise control with trip computer, and a six-speaker stereo system with six CD changer and auxiliary audio jack.  The V6 Venza starts at $28,520 and adds 20 inch alloy wheels.  A fully loaded, all-wheel drive model will set you back about 40 grand.

Most options on the Venza are grouped into packages and vary slightly by region.  Premium Package 1 includes the “Smart Key” system with push button start, a power closing rear door, chrome-accented door handles, HID headlights with automatic high beam, leather trimmed seats, shift knob and steering wheel, mahogany wood grain-style interior trim, 4-way power front passenger seat with lumbar support, anti-theft alarm, engine immobilizer and a rear backup camera.  Premium Package 2 adds multi-level heated front seats, heated power exterior mirrors and a windshield de-icer.  Other options include a panoramic sunroof, JBL premium stereo system, satellite radio, Bluetooth, DVD-based navigation and a rear entertainment system.

The best thing about the new Venza is its interior design and upgraded materials.  The ergonomic center console features a high-mounted shifter, which frees up space for a series of nifty storage bins designed to hold everything from Big Gulps to Blackberries.  The rear cargo space can hold up to 70 cubic feet of stuff with the rear seats folded down (nearly 35 with them up).   The Venza’s driving experience is far from sporty, but it is quite comfortable and responsive.  And, for a vehicle its size, the Venza is relatively easy to maneuver through a grocery store parking lot.  Families looking for a stylish, versatile alternative to the tired old SUV, Minivan or wagon may find a perfect fit with the new Venza.