The 2010 Toyota Venza V-6 all-wheel-drive offers straightforward controls with a comfortable cabin and many safety features.

Few changes offered on 2010 Toyota Venza
By Marv Berg
Insights
Published Nov. 4, 2009

When I first drove Toyota’s new five-door wagon at its introduction at Nemacolin resort in Pennsylvania last year, I was greatly impressed. Now, with this 2010 model, I remain a big fan of the vehicle that’s slotted between Toyota’s Camry sedan and the Highlander crossover.

With a choice of either a double overhead cam inline four-cylinder engine or a double overhead cam V-6, ours was the V-6 and hooked to a six-speed automatic with 268 horsepower that provides plenty of power. The four-banger gives you 182 horses and also has the six-speed automatic.

Scarcely changed from the 2009 model, the Venza is a car that’s just about perfect for me. With straightforward controls and gauges, a cabin that’s very comfortable, an excellent global positioning system and many important safety features, our silver metallic, all-wheel-drive wagon was just the ticket for versatile driving.

Handling and braking are very competent, and steering feel is just right. The suspension provides a fine ride, and the 20-inch tires on the V-6 add to the comfort level. The four cylinders have 19-inch tires.

Materials on the seats are standard cloth and leather and were available in a package we had that includes a power front passenger seat with lumbar support, multi-stage seat heaters, satin mahogany wood grain trim, leather-wrapped steering wheel and heated outside mirrors with windshield wiper de-icer. That package adds $2,100 to the base price of $29,250.

A second large group has a voice-activated touch screen DVD, navigation system, surround sound AM/FM four-disc in dash compact-disc changer with integrated Satellite Radio, hands-free phone capability and music streaming via Bluetooth wireless technology. All of that for $2,590.

The panoramic glass roof with front power tilt and slide moon roof goes for $1,050. So, the bottom line is a healthy $35,979, which is getting close to Lexus prices.

Mileage from the six cylinder is rated at 18 miles per gallon in the city and 25 mpg on the highway with the four cylinder getting 21 in the city and 29 on the highway.

With ample headroom and legroom both front and rear and a cargo area that holds a good amount of gear with a wide deck and low floor, the Venza also provides ample interior storage in a deep, divided console and bins for holding cellular telephones and MP3 players.

So, with a name like Toyota, it’s got to be good.