Overview
The Toyota Venza, introduced for the 2009 model year, occupied a unique position in the North American market as a crossover utility vehicle designed to bridge the gap between the Camry sedan and the Highlander SUV. Built on the Toyota K platform, which it shared with the Camry and Avalon, the Venza was engineered specifically for the United States market. Development took place at Toyota’s Calty Design Research centers in California and Michigan, with the final product assembled at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky in Georgetown.
Marketed as a “sedan-alternative,” the Venza prioritized passenger comfort and car-like handling over traditional off-road capability. Its design featured a lower roofline and a wider stance compared to the Highlander, aiming to appeal to buyers who desired the utility of a hatchback or wagon without the bulk of a full-size SUV. The 3.5-liter V6 engine option provided robust performance, making it a popular choice for those seeking a balance of power and highway cruising refinement. While the model was discontinued in the US after 2015, it remains recognized for its build quality and interior space.
| Vehicle Overview | |
|---|---|
| Brand | Toyota |
| Model | Venza AWD |
| Model Year | 2010-2012 |
| Generation | 1st Generation |
| Trim | LE, XLE, Limited |
| Body Style | 5-door Crossover |
| Vehicle Segment | Mid-size Crossover |
| Vehicle Class | Sport Utility Vehicle – 4WD |
| Market | USA |
| Platform | Toyota K Platform |
| Assembly Plant | Georgetown, Kentucky, USA |
| Country of Origin | USA |
| Production Start | 2008 |
| Production End | 2015 |
| VIN Identifier | 4T1 |
| Base MSRP | $29,000 – $37,000 |
| Destination Charge | $810 |
| Total MSRP | – |
| Powertrain | |
| Powertrain Type | Internal Combustion Engine |
| Engine Family | Toyota GR Engine |
| Engine Name | 2GR-FE |
| Engine Code | 2GR-FE |
| Engine Configuration | V6 |
| Displacement | 3.5 Liters |
| Bore x Stroke | 94.0 mm x 83.0 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 |
| Aspiration | Naturally Aspirated |
| Fuel Delivery | Electronic Fuel Injection |
| Valve Train | DOHC 24-Valve VVT-i |
| Engine Block Material | Aluminum Alloy |
| Cylinder Head Material | Aluminum Alloy |
| Oil Capacity | 6.4 Quarts |
| Oil Specification / Viscosity | 0W-20 |
| Horsepower | 268 hp @ 6,200 rpm |
| Torque | 246 lb-ft @ 4,700 rpm |
| Redline | 6,500 rpm |
| Drivetrain | All-Wheel Drive |
| Transmission | Automatic (S6) |
| Final Drive Ratio | 3.685:1 |
| Axle Ratio | – |
| Fuel Economy | |
| Fuel Type | Regular Gasoline |
| Recommended Octane | 87 |
| EPA City MPG | 18 |
| EPA Highway MPG | 25 |
| EPA Combined MPG | 21 |
| Fuel Economy (L/100 km) | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity (gal) | 17.7 |
| Estimated Driving Range | 370 miles |
| Annual Fuel Cost | $2,400 |
| CO₂ Emissions | 420 g/mile |
| Greenhouse Gas Score | 4 |
| Smog Rating | 5 |
| Performance | |
| 0-30 mph | 2.8 seconds |
| 0-60 mph | 6.7 seconds |
| 0-100 mph | 17.5 seconds |
| Quarter Mile | 15.2 seconds |
| Top Speed | 115 mph (governed) |
| Braking Distance (60-0 mph) | 128 ft |
| Lateral Acceleration | 0.78g |
| Power-to-Weight Ratio | 15.1 lb/hp |
| Dimensions & Capacities | |
| Length (in) | 189.0 |
| Width (Without Mirrors) (in) | 75.0 |
| Width (With Mirrors) (in) | 82.0 |
| Height (in) | 63.4 |
| Wheelbase (in) | 109.3 |
| Front Track (in) | 64.0 |
| Rear Track (in) | 64.0 |
| Ground Clearance (in) | 8.1 |
| Curb Weight (lbs) | 4,045 |
| GVWR (lbs) | 5,290 |
| Towing Capacity (lbs) | 3,500 |
| Payload Capacity (lbs) | 1,245 |
| Passenger Volume (cu ft) | 108.0 |
| Cargo Volume (Behind Rear Seats) (cu ft) | 36.2 |
| Cargo Volume (Max) (cu ft) | 70.2 |
| Turning Circle | 39.4 ft |
| Approach Angle | 17.5 degrees |
| Departure Angle | 21.0 degrees |
| Breakover Angle | 16.0 degrees |
| Safety Ratings | |
| NHTSA Overall Rating | 4 Stars |
| NHTSA Frontal Crash | 4 Stars |
| NHTSA Side Crash | 5 Stars |
| NHTSA Rollover | 4 Stars |
| IIHS Award | Top Safety Pick |
| Small Overlap Front | – |
| Moderate Overlap Front | Good |
| Side Impact | Good |
| Headlights Rating | – |
| Front Crash Prevention | – |
| Technology & Connectivity | |
| Infotainment Display | 6.1-inch Touchscreen |
| Instrument Cluster | Analog with Multi-Info Display |
| Apple CarPlay | No |
| Android Auto | No |
| Navigation System | Optional |
| Audio System | JBL Synthesis |
| Speaker Count | 13 |
| Wireless Charging | No |
| Wi-Fi Hotspot | No |
| OTA Updates | No |
| Digital Key | No |
| Warranty & Ownership | |
| Basic Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5 years / 60,000 miles |
| Corrosion Warranty | 5 years / unlimited miles |
| Roadside Assistance | 2 years / 25,000 miles |
| Complimentary Maintenance | 2 years / 25,000 miles |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | – |
| EV Battery Warranty | – |
| Specs.Autos Exclusive Data | |
| Engine Assembly Plant | Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky |
| Transmission Supplier | Aisin |
| Gear Ratios | 1st: 3.30, 2nd: 1.90, 3rd: 1.42, 4th: 1.00, 5th: 0.71, 6th: 0.60 |
| Differential Type | Open with Electronic Traction Control |
| Cooling System Capacity | 9.5 Quarts |
| Roof Load Capacity (lbs) | 150 |
| Safety Recall Count | – |
| Production Volume | – |
| Units Sold in USA | – |
## Consumer Insights & Market Appeal
The 2010-2012 Toyota Venza AWD is widely regarded for its exceptional reliability, largely due to the proven 2GR-FE V6 engine and the robust Aisin 6-speed automatic transmission. Owners frequently report high mileage longevity, provided that standard maintenance intervals are observed. Prospective buyers should be aware of common issues, such as potential oil leaks from the timing cover and occasional reports of premature wear on the front suspension components. Additionally, the interior materials, while durable, are prone to rattles as the vehicle ages. In the used market, the Venza remains a strong value proposition for families seeking a comfortable, all-weather vehicle that avoids the boxy aesthetic of traditional SUVs, though fuel economy remains a notable drawback compared to modern four-cylinder crossovers.
