Overview

What's New for 2012:
- Three trim levels replace single-trim strategy

Exterior Features
The Toyota Venza, which might be classified as a "sport wagon," seats 5 passengers. According to Toyota, the Venza rides a little higher and provides a little more roominess than its competitors provide. The 2012 Venza is available in LE, XLE and Limited trims, instead of the one-trim, 2-engine offering of previous years. The LE and XLE trims are available with 4- or 6-cylinder engines and with front-wheel or all-wheel drive (FWD or AWD). The Venza Limited comes with the V-6 engine only, and with FWD or AWD.

Interior Features
The Toyota Venza LE features dual-zone automatic climate control, power accessories that include a power-adjustable driver's seat, rear-seat adjustable personal reading lamps, and 6-speaker sound system with integrated Bluetooth connectivity. The XLE adds leather seating surfaces, heated front seats, satin mahogany woodgrain interior trim, push-button start, power liftgate, upgraded information displays, and a rearview camera. The Venza Limited adds a panoramic glass roof with a power-operated sunroof and Navigation package as standard, plus high-intensity discharge headlights.

Optional Features
Numerous option packages are available at each trim level. Many of the XLE's features are available on the base LE trim, and the XLE offers many of the Limited's premium features as options. The Venza also offers many dealer-available enhancements for transporting pets.

Under the Hood
The entry-level power plant for the 2012 Toyota Venza is a 2.7-liter 4-cylinder engine rated at 182 horsepower and mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission that features sequential shift control. This engine is available with FWD or AWD. Optional is a 3.5-liter V-6 engine rated at 268 horsepower.

Fuel Economy
EPA fuel-economy figures for the 2012 Toyota Venza are:
- Venza with 4-cylinder engine and FWD: 21/27/23 mpg (city/highway/combined)
- Venza with 4-cylinder engine and AWD: 20/25/22 mpg
- Venza with V-6 engine and FWD: 19/26/22 mpg
- Venza with V-6 engine and AWD: 18/25/21 mpg

Safety
Standard safety features on the Toyota Venza include anti-lock disc brakes, traction control, front-seat side air bags, driver knee air bag, and side curtain air bags.

In government tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the Venza received 3 (out of 5) stars for frontal-offset crash protection; 5 stars for side-impact protection; 4 stars for rollover protection; and 4 stars overall. To date, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has not conducted tests on the 2012 Toyota Venza.