| Toyota Venza | |
|---|---|
2021 Toyota Venza LE (Canada) | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Toyota |
| Production |
|
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Mid-size crossover SUV |
| Body style | 5-doorSUV |
| Layout | |
| Chronology | |
| Successor | Toyota Crown Signia (North America) |
TheToyota Venza is a five-passengermid-size crossover SUV manufactured and marketed byToyota primarily for the North American market, beginning with its introduction in 2008 and now in its second generation — with a hiatus for model years 2018–2020.
The first-generation Venza was based on theXV40 series Camry platform and marketed between 2008 and 2017 — and shared the platform with theAL10 series Lexus RX. The second-generation model is arebadged Japanese-marketXU80 series Harrier and has been sold since September 2020.
The name "Venza" is a mix of "Venture" and "Monza."[1]
| First generation | |
|---|---|
| Overview | |
| Model code | AV10 |
| Production | November 2008 – 2017[2][3] |
| Model years | 2009–2015 |
| Assembly | United States:Georgetown, Kentucky (TMMK) |
| Designer | Tatsuya Sonoda, Chung Lee, Scott Roller and Ian Cartabiano[4] |
| Body and chassis | |
| Platform | Toyota K platform |
| Related | |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | |
| Power output |
|
| Transmission | 6-speedautomatic |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 109.3 in (2,775 mm) |
| Length | 189.0 in (4,800 mm) |
| Width | 75.0 in (1,905 mm) |
| Height | 63.4 in (1,610 mm) |
| Curb weight | 4,045 lb (1,835 kg) |
The first-generation Venza was unveiled at the2008 North American International Auto Show inDetroit.[1] It was designed at theCalty Design studios inNewport Beach, California, based on the FT-SX concept car and primarily engineered[citation needed] atToyota Technical Center inAnn Arbor, Michigan. Venza's production began atToyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky (TMMK) inGeorgetown, Kentucky[5] in November 2008.[6] The 2.7 L model was launched in February 2009.
The first-generation Venza is based on the XV40 series Camry chassis[7] (K platform) and is similar to theMark X ZiO in concept. It was powered by either a 2.7 L1AR-FEfour-cylinder engine or a 3.5 L2GR-FEV6 engine, both mated to a 6-speedautomatic transmission.[8] The Venza was available infront-wheel drive orall-wheel drive. TheUS Environmental Protection Agency estimated fuel economy of 21 mpg‑US (8.9 km/L; 25 mpg‑imp) in the city and 29 mpg‑US (12 km/L; 35 mpg‑imp) in the highway with the 2.7 L engine.[9]
The Venza had a single trim level, with numerous packages and options. Standard features include fog lamps, 19-inch alloy wheels (2.7 L), 20-inch alloy wheels (3.5 L),HomeLink, XM satellite radio, 6-disc CD changer, dual-zone climate control,electrochromicauto-dimming rear-view mirror, 8-way power drivers seat, steering-wheel mounted audio controls, Hill-Start assist control and the Toyota Star Safety System.[10][11]
Options includeautomatic high beams withHID lighting, heated side view mirrors, power liftgate, leather seat surfaces, 4-way power passenger seat, panoramic glass moonroof,smart key system, 13-speakerJBL sound system withBluetooth, voice-activated touch-screen DVD navigation system,backup camera and a rear DVD entertainment system with a 9-inch display and two wireless headphones. The Touring Package, which included HID headlights, push button start, Navigation, and the JBL Sound Package, was only available for the 3.5-liter all-wheel drive configuration. The Premium Package, which contained the moonroof and backup camera, was available for all but the 2.7-liter front-wheel drive configuration. The leather package was available for all models.
For 2010, the Venza received a standard USB audio input and Bluetooth hands-free phone capability. Due to this addition, a single-CD player unit replaced the previously standard in-dash 6-disc CD changer.
For 2012, the Venza featured LE, XLE and Limited trim levels for the US market, replacing the single-grade line with various option packages. The LE and XLE trims were available with all powertrain combinations: 2.7-liter, 3.5-liter, front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive; the Venza Limited comes with the 3.5-liter engine only, in front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive configurations.[12] Canadian models retained the single trim level, adding only a Convenience Package for the 2.7-liter all-wheel drive trim.
In 2012, for the 2013 model year, the Venza received a mid-cycle facelift. It was presented at theNew York International Auto Show in April 2012 and went on sale during May 2012. 2.7 L models receive restyled 19-inch alloy wheels. The 2013 model also added an integrated multimedia navigation and telematics system, marketed asToyota Entune.
| Gasoline | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chassis code | Model | Engine | Transmission | Power | Torque |
| AGV10 (FWD) AGV15 (4WD) | 2.7 L I4 | 2,672 cc1AR-FEDOHC16-valveEFIstraight-four withDual VVT-i | 6-speedautomatic | 181–182 hp (135–136 kW; 184–185 PS) at 5,800 rpm | 182 lb⋅ft (247 N⋅m) at 4,200 rpm |
| GGV10 (FWD) GGV15 (4WD) | 3.5 L V6 | 3,456 cc2GR-FE DOHC 24-valve EFIV6 with Dual VVT-i | 268 hp (200 kW; 272 PS) at 6,200 rpm | 246–248 lb⋅ft (334–336 N⋅m) at 4,700 rpm | |
The Venza was equipped withvehicle stability control,traction control system,electronic brakeforce distribution,emergency brake assist,anti-lock braking system, smart stop technology as well ashill-start assist control,tire-pressure monitoring system, active head restraints for front-seat occupants, 3-pointseat belts and headrests for all seats, emergency locking retractors (ELR) for all seats, automatic locking retractors (ATR) for all seats (except driver's), front seatbelt pretensioners with force limiters.LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) for rear outboard seats and seven standardairbags, including dual-stage front airbags, driver'sknee airbag, front seat-mountedside airbags, 2-rowside curtain airbags and fuel pump cut-off switch with airbag deployment. The rear bumper system was awarded Toyota's top honor for innovation, and safety.[13]
Some Venza owners have reported a safety concern because the sun visor can suddenly sag and obscure the driver's vision while driving.[14][15] The visor must be replaced once this occurs. Anonline petition was created to encourage Toyota to issue a safety recall due to the failing sun visors.[citation needed]
| Frontal Driver: | |
| Frontal Passenger: | |
| Side Driver: | |
| Side Rear Passenger: | |
| Rollover: |
TheInsurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the Venza itsTop Safety Pick rating in 2009.[17][18] The Venza is also rated "Good" in the roof strength test, as a result the Venza also received theInsurance Institute for Highway SafetyTop Safety Pick in 2010 and 2011 when roof strength became a criterion for receiving the award.[19][20]
The first-generation Venza began production atToyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky (TMMK) on November 11, 2008, with over 70 percent of the Venza's components coming from US suppliers.[21] Toyota projected sales of between 75,000 and 100,000 units of Venza per year.[22] The first-generation Venza was one of the two North American built Toyota automobiles (alongside theAvalon) not to be sold in Mexico.
TMMK stopped production of the Venza in the American market in June 2015.[23] Production of the vehicle remained there for export until 2017.[3]
During the 2008 vehicle launch, Toyota marketed Venza under the campaign "You're More than One Thing. So is Venza".
In Canada, the Venza was featured as a prize in the 2009Tim Hortons "Rrroll up the rim to win" promotion.
In 2013, the Venza debuted in Russian and Chinese markets.[24]
Determining whether the Venza is a crossover SUV or wagon isn't clear; some journalists regard it as the "Camry station wagon"[25] (the successor to the1991-1996 Camry wagon which was the last iteration to offer this style in Canada and the US) while other sources often describe it simply as new type of "crossover".[26] Toyota states the Venza blends the "styling and comfort of a passenger car with the flexibility of a sport utility vehicle".[27] According to Toyota, Venza is neither a station wagon nor SUV, rather it is targeted at customers who want more room and flexibility than the Camry sedan but desire a smaller size than theHighlander, a three-row mid-size crossover SUV. Toyota lists the Venza's competitors as theHonda Accord andNissan Altima on their website's comparison page, both being popular mid-size sedans.[28] Meanwhile, theUnited States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classified the Venza as a sport utility vehicle.[29]
Toyota told automotive magazineMotor Trend that it forwent entering the Venza in the publication'sSUV of the Year competition.[30] Toyota requested that the Venza compete in the Car of the Year competition. Motor Trend decided that the Venza should not compete in any competition at all since itsride height is too high to be qualified as a car.
In 2015, Toyota announced that the first-generation Venza would be discontinued after the 2015 model year, citing three factors contributing to the decision: customer preference, competitiveness within the segment and deteriorating sales. Production of US models ended in June 2015 and export models ended production in 2017.[3]
| Second generation | |
|---|---|
2021 Venza LE (Canada) | |
| Overview | |
| Model code | XU80 |
| Also called | Toyota Harrier |
| Production | 2020–2024 (Japan) 2021–present (China) |
| Model years | 2021–2024 (North America) |
| Assembly |
|
| Designer | Nobuhiko Honda, Pansoo Kwon, Hideo Koyama and Daisuke Iguchi[31] |
| Body and chassis | |
| Platform | TNGA:GA-K[32][33] |
| Related | |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | |
| Electric motor |
|
| Power output |
|
| Transmission | |
| Hybrid drivetrain | Power-split |
| Battery | 0.9 kWhLithium-ion (hybrid)[34] |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 105.9 in (2,690 mm) |
| Length | 186.6 in (4,740 mm) |
| Width | 73.0 in (1,855 mm) |
| Height | 65.9 in (1,675 mm) |
| Curb weight | 3,847 lb (1,745 kg) |
| Chronology | |
| Successor | Toyota Crown Signia (North America) |
The second-generation Venza is a rebadged Japanese-market XU80 series Harrier, released for the North American market for the 2021 model year. It was initially planned to be revealed at theApril 2020 New York International Auto Show but it was instead unveiled online in North America on May 18, 2020. Unlike the Harrier, the Venza for this market is only available with anall-wheel drivehybrid powertrain, bringing an improved 40 mpg‑US (6 L/100 km; 48 mpg‑imp) to try to bring it to the top tier of the SUV market regarding fuel efficiency.[35] While the first-generation model was produced in the US, the North American second-generation model is produced in Japan.[36][37][38][39]
The second-generation Venza is also sold in China byGAC Toyota and produced at theGuangzhou factory, with alterations on the front fascia.[40]
The Venza was discontinued in North America at the end of the 2024 model year, after which it was replaced by theCrown Signia.[43]
| Calendar year | US | Canada[44] |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 1,474[45] | |
| 2009 | 54,410[46] | 12,375[47] |
| 2010 | 47,321 | 12,468[48] |
| 2011 | 38,904 | 13,159[49] |
| 2012 | 43,095[50] | 11,294[49] |
| 2013 | 35,846[51] | 9,167[52] |
| 2014 | 29,991[53] | 7,630 |
| 2015 | 21,351[54] | 6,129 |
| 2016 | 589[55] | 5,971 |
| 2017 | 14[56] | 1,680 |
| 2018 | 9[56] | |
| 2019 | 9[57] | |
| 2020 | 13,073[57] | 1,403 |
| 2021 | 61,988[58] | 6,249 |
| 2022 | 33,683[59] | |
| 2023 | 29,907[60] | |
| 2024 | 32,086[61] |
Assembly of the Venza at Toyota's Georgetown, KY plan will cease in June, or at least assembly of models for the US market will, with export models being built until 2017.