Toyota brings appealing flair to 2009 Venza

ByABC News
November 6, 2008, 10:01 PM

FARMINGTON, Pa. -- Toyota either has developed its own version of the Ford Edge crossover SUV, or it has revived the Camry station wagon.

Not that there's a lot wrong with the 2009 Toyota Venza there's a lot right but it has a been-here, done-this fragrance.

If it sells, who cares? And it likely will, once the economic malaise evaporates. It's a Toyota with a hint of flair, a wagon or crossover that's as trim, agile and easy to use as the Camry sedan on which it's partly based.

The name is a blend of "venture" and "Monza," an Italian racetrack. Toyota insists it's neither SUV nor crossover, but a "car optimized." In what should be the final word, though, the U.S. government calls it an SUV.

Based on a day driving all versions front- and all-wheel drive, four- and six-cylinder around this hilly, scenic area, gripes about Venza are:

Steering. Felt inconsistent among different preproduction models and lacked precision and accuracy in front-wheel-drive (FWD) versions. Steering on all-wheel-drive (AWD) models felt better tuned but couldn't be called sporty or responsive.

None of that is a surprise in a Toyota, though it must not bother most people, because the automaker sells a lot of cars and trucks, few of which steer especially well. Toyota says steering is deliberately tuned differently among versions, but the goal is for all to feel alike.

Venza has an electric power-steering system, which reduces engine drag and thus saves fuel. As we have learned the hard way, tuning an electric system so it feels natural and responsive is a black art. Toyota does it laudably on its Scion xB, not so much otherwise.

Console. Too clever for its own good. It won't be long before you slide the movable cup holders back or the console lid forward and guillotine a beverage.

The hidden-cord pass-through was a nightmare. If you leave the phone charger or other cord in the Venza, fine. If you have to move it to another vehicle, lots of hassle. Is a cord that unsightly?