The 2009 Toyota Venza: Bold new model offers Canadians value through efficient engine performance, innovation and versatility


(MONTREAL) - The new 2009 Toyota Venza was officially unveiled in Canada at the 2009 Montreal International Auto Show. The all-new Toyota Venza couples the styling and comfort of a passenger car with the flexibility of a sport utility vehicle (SUV). With its excellent engine performance and efficiency, fresh-thinking innovation and design, and no-compromise versatility, Venza raises the bar for ride comfort and performance.

“Venza establishes an exciting new direction in vehicle design that combines the finest attributes of Toyota’s diverse model lineup,” said Warren Orton, Director of Toyota Canada Inc. “The Venza offers bold and expressive styling, excellent engine performance and efficiency, and a refined and comfortable interior.”

Ease of entry and exit is achieved by lowering the rocker panels and narrowing the doorsills. As a result, the sweeping integrated rocker panels give unparalleled ingress/egress.

Venza combines these attributes with amazing versatility through features like all-wheel drive (AWD), foldable rear seats, a large cargo area, a higher driver sightline, and a towing capacity of up to 3,500 lbs.

Venza’s power is generated by one of two available engines:
  • An all-new 2.7-litre four-cylinder engine that delivers 182 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 182 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,200 rpm, providing capable performance and excellent fuel efficiency;
  • A 3.5-litre V6 engine that produce 268 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 246 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,700 rpm.
Both engines are available in front- and all-wheel-drive configurations, and are mated to a six-speed sequential-shift electronically-controlled automatic transmission.

The new Venza is extremely well-equipped with an assortment of standard features on all models. Among the many features are:
  • Power adjustable heated exterior mirrors;
  • Windshield wiper de-icer and electric rear window defroster with timer;
  • Integrated fog lamps;
  • Front and rear splash guards and rear bumper protector; 
  • Chrome exhaust tip (dual chrome exhaust tips on V6 models);
  • 3.5” LCD Multi-Information Display (MID);
  • Optitron instrumentation featuring tachometer, water temperature and outside temperature gauges;
  • 12-volt auxiliary power outlets (2 front, 1 rear);
  • Rear privacy glass;
  • Rear door with easy-close power function; 
  • 8-way power adjustable drivers seat;
  • Tilt and telescopic steering wheel;
  • 60/40 split rear fold down seat with recline; 
  • Power windows with auto up/down function and jam protection on all four doors; 
  • Auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass;
  • Dual zone automatic climate control with air filter and rear seat heater ducts;
  • Interior chrome accents and door handles;
  • Cruise control;
  • Vehicle Stability Control; 
  • Traction Control;
  • Hill-start assist control;
  • Antilock braking system with electronic brake force distribution and brake assist
  • Audio system featuring AM/FM/CD/MP3/WMA capability, steering wheel audio controls, 6 speakers, in-dash 6 CD changer with integrated XM satellite radio capability and auxiliary input jack;
  • Tonneau cover;
  • Cargo area tie-down rings;
  • All-position vertically-adjustable headrests;
  • Active front seat head rests; 
  • 7 airbags including driver knee airbag;
Venza 4-cylinder models come standard-equipped with 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels, while Venza V6 models come standard-equipped with 20-inch aluminum alloy wheels and dual exhaust. All Venza models offer an available Leather Package, featuring leather seat surfaces with heated front seats.

Venza also offers innovative features sure to please Canadian drivers looking for the ultimate in driving refinement. Many are new to the Toyota line up and add new levels of fresh-thinking innovation to the vehicle. Available features include:
  • High intensity discharge headlamps with an Automatic High Beam feature: detects oncoming vehicles and automatically switches the headlamps from high- to low-beam; 
  • JBL Synthesis audio system with DVD-based navigation: system now supports voice commands in English, French or Spanish, and offers XM NavTraffic capability (XM NavTraffic services are geographically restricted and subscription is required at additional cost. See dealer for details);
  • Panoramic roof with power tilt/slide function: includes a separate fixed glass panel over the rear seats.
Available on the Venza 4-cylinder AWD model is the Premium Package, featuring:
  • Leather seats and simulated interior door trim, featuring leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob;
  • Heated front seats;
  • 4-way power adjustable front passenger seat;
  • Satin mahogany woodgrain-style interior trim;
  • Power rear door with jam protection;
  • Backup camera with 3.5” Thin-Film Transistor (TFT) multi-information display with customizable font size and language (English, French and Spanish);
  • Panoramic roof with power tilt/slide function and a separate fixed glass panel over the rear seats.
Venza V6 FWD and AWD models offer Canadians an available Premium Package, featuring:
  • Power rear door with jam protection;
  • Backup camera with 3.5” Thin-Film Transistor (TFT) multi-information display with customizable font size and language (English, French and Spanish);
  • Panoramic roof with power tilt/slide function and a separate fixed glass panel over the rear seats;
  • Anti-theft system.
Finally, the Venza V6 AWD adds an available Touring Package, offering the Premium Package features, plus:
  • Leather seats and simulated interior door trim, featuring leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob;
  • Heated front seats;
  • 4-way power adjustable front passenger seat;
  • Satin mahogany woodgrain-style interior trim;
  • Smart Key system and push button start;
  • Auto-levelling High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps with the Automatic High Beam system;
  • Chrome-accented exterior door handles.
An available Navigation and JBL Package adds to the Touring Package with:
  • JBL Synthesis audio system with 13-speakers; 
  • DVD-based Navigation system featuring XM NavTraffic capability (XM NavTraffic services are geographically restricted and subscription is required at additional cost. See dealer for details) and multiple language voice command option (English, French and Spanish);
  • Bluetooth capability with wireless MP3 connection.
The 2009 Toyota Venza is available in dealerships now (V6 models only). With the choice of a 4-cylinder or V6 engine, both with starting prices below $30,000, Toyota adds value as a key chapter of the Venza story.The Venza carries an attractive starting Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of just $28,900, while the Venza AWD model starts at $30,350. The Venza V6 starts at $32,620 and the Venza V6 AWD starts at $32,050.
 
2009 TOYOTA VENZA – PRODUCT DETAIL

Design and Innovation

Venza’s blending of car-like handling and SUV capability demonstrates not only the current state of Toyota’s product development process, but also the future of Toyota’s design philosophy. Designers and engineers sought to create a new car which provides enhanced interior versatility and improved dynamic performance when compared to sedans or midsize SUVs. The result is a package with an aggressive stance and a more engaging driving experience.

All aspects of Venza’s engineering and design were targeted specifically for the North American market, where it is sold exclusively. Venza was primarily engineered at Toyota Technical Center in Ann Arbor, Mich. The design was the creation of Toyota’s Calty Design studios in Newport Beach, Calif. and Ann Arbor, Mich. Venza is assembled at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky (TMMK), in Georgetown, Ky.

Distinct Exterior Design 

The development focus of the Venza design team was to create a new vehicle that shifted away from the more traditional SUV styling themes prevalent in today’s market. Calty designers leaned more heavily on a sleek sedan concept with a wide stance that featured a sporty exterior, but also included important SUV attributes such as cargo space, towing capability and all-wheel drive performance.

The exterior design begins with an imposing front end featuring a distinctive grille, headlights and fog lamps for an aggressive, yet refined appearance. Overall, the vehicle has an aerodynamic shape with short overhangs, forward A-pillar, crisp character lines, and a low roofline and ground clearance. Continuous brushstroke lines run from the front grille to the D-pillar.

From behind, Venza’s sophisticated and confident appearance is completed with an angled rear hatch, rear bumper protector, spoiler and wide wraparound tail lights that interconnect with the hatch door.

Venza’s sweeping rocker panels achieve a lower step-over height for improved ergonomics. Moreover, Canadian drivers will appreciate the cleverly designed rocker panels which are enclosed behind the doors. On snowy, slushy days, this feature helps keep clothes clean and dry when entering and exiting the vehicle.

The Venza’s sizeable rear hatch opening enhances the vehicle’s versatility. The Venza rides on large wheels, providing an aggressive and sure-footed look.

The 2009 Venza has an overall height of 1,610mm (63.4 inches), overall length of 4,800mm (189 inches), and a wheel base of 2,775mm (109.3 inches). Toyota engineers minimized vehicle height while maximizing head clearance and decreasing tire-to-body gaps to improve overall styling and appearance.

Interior Refinement  

The refined Venza interior enhances driving enjoyment and offers premium comfort. The flow of the centre console creates a unique 60/60 design that gives both driver and front passenger the look and feeling that 60 per cent of the space is accessible from their seating position.

An available panoramic glass roof with power tilt/slide function adds to the refined interior.

Dual-zone automatic climate system controls are centrally located on the upper console, providing easy access for both driver and passenger.

Personal space lends overall comfort to the vehicle’s interior. Measurements for head clearance, shoulder room, hip room and couple distance surpass cross-shopped vehicles. The ingenious interior design allows for some of the most generous rear passenger leg space available, with the distance between front and rear passengers maximized.

Efficient Performance: Engines and Drivetrain

Venza offers two engines to give customers more flexibility. In both engines, advancements in fuel economy are achieved by utilization of lighter weight materials for the cylinder block and components.

New to the Toyota line-up and standard on Venza is the fuel-efficient 2.7-litre four-cylinder engine which delivers 182 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 182 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,200 rpm. This engine delivers exceptional performance and fuel consumption. Fuel consumption is rated at:
  • 4-cylinder FWD (in L/100km, city/highway/combined): 10.0 / 6.8 / 8.5
  • 4-cylinder AWD (in L/100km, city/highway/combined): 10.2 / 7.1 / 8.8
For those who need more power, Venza also offers a 3.5-litre V6 that produces 268 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 246 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,700 rpm. This model is capable of towing up to 3,500 pounds. Fuel consumption is rated at:
  • V6 FWD (in L/100km, city/highway/combined): 11.0 / 7.6 / 9.5
  • V6 AWD (in L/100km, city/highway/combined): 11.5 / 7.9 / 9.9
Both engines are mated to a six-speed sequential-shift electronically-controlled automatic transmission with intelligence (ECT-i). The six-speed ECT-i provides a fun driving experience and helps improve fuel economy.

Handling and Ride  

Venza was designed with a lower centre of gravity to help provide dynamic handling. Performance is further enhanced with large wheels and tires. The four-cylinder models ride on 10-spoke, 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels with P245/55R19 tires. Distinctive 20-inch five-spoke aluminum alloy wheels and P245/50R20 tires are standard for the V6 model and a first for a Toyota passenger car. Power-assisted ventilated front/solid rear disc brakes are standard on all models.

Venza features a body structure that relies on high tensile-strength steel, gussets and cross members for its strength, rigidity and lighter weight. Front suspension is a rigid L-arm-type MacPherson strut with a stabilizer bar, and rear suspension is a dual-link MacPherson strut with stabilizer bar. The wheelbase-to-overall length ratio lends itself to improved stability.

Standard on Venza is a Rack and Pinion Electric Power Steering (EPS) system that minimizes steering effort and provides a ride experience more like that of a sedan. With an assist motor mounted on the steering column, it delivers steering assist only as needed for optimum efficiency.

On all models, Venza also employs uphill/downhill shift logic control that selects the proper gear for driving conditions and helps provide moderate engine braking during downhill driving. Hill-Start Assist Control (HAC), also standard on all models, temporarily provides pressure to the brakes while the vehicle is stopped on an incline to help ensure easy starting with no rollback.

Innovative Features

Venza’s technological refinements allow occupants to enjoy the pleasures of personal road travel.

Backup camera with TFT Multi-Information Display

Sure to impress Venza drivers is the Thin-Film Transistor (TFT) MID that comes standard with the backup camera feature. This 3.5-inch TFT multi-information display allows for new levels of personalization. The customizable MID lets users customize font size, content and even language. Canadians will appreciate the option to choose English, French or Spanish language content.

JBL Synthesis Audio System with DVD-based Navigation System

For the ultimate experience, also available is a voice-activated, touch-screen, sixth-generation DVD navigation system with a JBL Synthesis surround sound AM/FM four-disc, in-dash CD changer with integrated satellite radio and MP3/WMA playback capability, hands-free phone capability and music streaming via Bluetooth wireless technology and 13 speakers. The Venza Navigation system supports voice commands in English, French and Spanish, and comes XM NavTraffic-ready (XM NavTraffic services are geographically restricted and subscription is required at additional cost. See dealer for details).

Automatic High Beam feature

An innovative first for Toyota is the newly developed, available auto-levelling HID headlamps with the Automatic High Beam feature.

When the automatic high beam feature is activated, a sensor mounted in front of the inside rear-view mirror alerts the system when traffic is ahead, and automatically switches the headlamps to low beam. Once traffic is clear, the system will automatically revert back to the high beam position. The sensor can detect oncoming traffic and vehicles travelling in the same direction.

Innovative Storage

Inside, Venza occupants will discover several clever storage locations. Standard storage features such as an adjustable centre console with sliding cupholder and armrest, MP3 player holder with wire concealment features and large storage compartment remove clutter. Venza passengers are treated to an innovative design feature that cleverly runs electronic cords to power and auxiliary input jacks while concealing all clutter. The cell phone and MP3 player holder with integrated wire management keeps accessory cables hidden.

The compartment is also equipped with an auxiliary audio jack and 12-volt power outlet. The upper portion of the front centre console houses the gear-shift lever for easy and comfortable driver access.

Comfort and convenience

Interior storage is further complemented by a total of 10 front and rear beverage holders (six bottle holders and four cup holders) that include dual-illuminated sliding front cup holders in the centre console, two in the rear seat armrest, and front and back door bottle holders.

An on/off switch on the overhead console enables front seat occupants to turn on or off all four personal overhead interior lights. An overhead console with map lights and rear seat adjustable personal reading lamps add to the array of standard features.

No-compromise versatility

All-Wheel-Drive Option

Both the 2.7-litre four cylinder and 3.5-litre V6 models are available in all-wheel-drive configurations. Perfectly adaptable to changing Canadian road conditions, an electronically controlled Active Torque Control All-Wheel-Drive system is available to distribute torque to the front and rear wheels where necessary.

Venza’s Active Torque Control AWD System optimizes torque distribution between the front and rear wheels to help ensure stable acceleration and smooth cornering. AWD offers enhanced traction and helps provide excellent overall handling in inclement weather.

Cargo Space

Venza’s additional versatility, located in the rear cargo area, is realized with fold-down 60/40 rear seats; one-touch fold-down seat levers; and a tonneau cover. When folded down, the rear seat has a 4.5 degree incline, creating a nearly flat floor for cargo. With rear seats folded down, cargo capacity is 1.99m3 (70.1 cu. ft.). Easy-to-use remote release levers on either side of the cargo area allow the rear seat to be conveniently folded down from the back.

The low rear load-in height height of 710mm (27.9 inches) is lower than most sedans and allows for easier loading and unloading of items from the cargo area.

Venza also possesses a towing capability of up to 3,500 pounds in V6 models and 2,500 pounds in 4-cylinder models.

Safety

All Venza models are designed to keep occupants safe through a combination of active and passive safety technologies. All Venza’s are well-equipped with standard safety features include an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), enhanced Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Traction Control (TRAC) systems with a cutoff switch, and Brake Assist. VSC automatically adjusts engine output and the vehicle’s braking force at each wheel to help control loss of traction during cornering, while TRAC helps maintain traction during challenging driving conditions. Brake Assist is designed to determine if the driver is attempting emergency braking. When the driver depresses the brake pedal rapidly, the Brake Assist system judges it as an emergency stop and helps provide more powerful braking for the driver. The Brake Assist system helps increase brake force by supplementing the applied braking power until the driver releases the pedal.

Venza is equipped with a comprehensive list of other standard safety features. It provides a total of seven airbags, and includes:
  • Driver’s knee airbag, driver and front passenger front seat-mounted side airbags and front / rear roll-sensing side curtain airbags; 
  • Front seat belt pre-tensioners with force limiters cinch the seat belt at the time of a frontal collision, while the dual-stage force limiter helps limit the seat belt force applied to the driver and passenger’s chest;
  • Active front seat headrests that utilize cable-actuated mechanism, which moves the headrest upward and forward to help limit the movement of the occupant’s head if the vehicle is struck from the rear.
Personalization

All Venza models are very well equipped, but Canadians may choose from several option packages that allow buyers to tailor their 2009 Venza to suit their lifestyle. Buyers may customize their Venza online at www.toyota.ca or in any Toyota Dealership across Canada.

Colour and Trim

Venza is available in a wide selection of exterior colours, complemented by fabric or leather interiors in either ivory or light grey. Available exterior colors include:
  • Aloe Green Metallic; 
  • Tropical Sea Metallic; 
  • Barcelona Red Metallic;
  • Sunset Bronze Mica;
  • Golden Umber Mica; 
  • Magnetic Grey Metallic; 
  • Classic Silver Metallic;
  • Black;
  • Blizzard Pearl (premium paint colour).
Peace of Mind

The 2009 Toyota Venza is provided with Toyota's no deductible, no transfer fee, comprehensive warranty that covers the entire vehicle for three years/60,000 kilometres. Power train components are covered for five years/100,000 kilometres, major emission control components for eight years/130,000 kilometres and corrosion perforation for five years with unlimited distance.
 
Toyota also provides 24-hour Roadside Assistance for all models. Help is just a phone call away at 1-888-TOYOTA-8. Roadside emergency services include battery boost, lockout service, fuel delivery, tire change, winching, and even towing. Optional Extended Care Protection (ECP) is also available, which includes travel planning and trip interruption assistance, vehicle rental help, lubrication maintenance, and mechanical protection of 17 major mechanical component groups for up to six years/200,000 km.

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Every effort has been made to ensure the product specifications, equipment, and content on this site are accurate based on information available at time of publishing. In some cases, certain changes in standard equipment or options may occur, which may not be reflected online. Toyota Canada reserves the rights to make these changes without notice or obligation.