DETROIT — If you're wondering just who the audience is for the new 2009 Venza, Toyota spells it out. The new crossover vehicle, patterned after the company's 2005 FT-SX concept and built on the Avalon chassis, is "ideal for active boomers and young couples with small families."
Designed and built in the U.S. and slated to hit dealers in late 2008, the five-passenger Venza will slot below the Highlander and above the RAV4 in Toyota's growing portfolio of car-based crossovers. Toyota hasn't announced prices, but it likely will be aimed at such mid-priced domestic models as the Ford Edge and the Chevrolet Equinox.
The '09 Venza will be offered in front- and all-wheel drive. Powertrain choices include a 268-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 and a new 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine, both mated to a six-speed sequential-shift automatic transmission.
Features include a center console with sliding cover that's large enough to hold a purse, an auxiliary audio jack as well as a storage compartment for an iPod, dual-zone climate controls and a six-disc CD changer.
Four-cylinder models get 19-inch wheels and tires, while V6 versions move up to 20-inch rims and rubber.
A navigation system, JBL premium audio system, rear-sear entertainment, smart key, backup camera, power tailgate and a panoramic roof are among the options.
Standard safety equipment includes antilock brakes, traction and stability control and seven airbags.
What this means to you: It's a crossover world, as consumers accelerate their exodus from thirsty truck-based SUVs. — Paul Lienert, Correspondent
Designed and built in the U.S. and slated to hit dealers in late 2008, the five-passenger Venza will slot below the Highlander and above the RAV4 in Toyota's growing portfolio of car-based crossovers. Toyota hasn't announced prices, but it likely will be aimed at such mid-priced domestic models as the Ford Edge and the Chevrolet Equinox.
The '09 Venza will be offered in front- and all-wheel drive. Powertrain choices include a 268-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 and a new 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine, both mated to a six-speed sequential-shift automatic transmission.
Features include a center console with sliding cover that's large enough to hold a purse, an auxiliary audio jack as well as a storage compartment for an iPod, dual-zone climate controls and a six-disc CD changer.
Four-cylinder models get 19-inch wheels and tires, while V6 versions move up to 20-inch rims and rubber.
A navigation system, JBL premium audio system, rear-sear entertainment, smart key, backup camera, power tailgate and a panoramic roof are among the options.
Standard safety equipment includes antilock brakes, traction and stability control and seven airbags.
What this means to you: It's a crossover world, as consumers accelerate their exodus from thirsty truck-based SUVs. — Paul Lienert, Correspondent
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