Toyota brought reporters to Southwestern, Pennsylvania, to test drive its all new Venza; a slick, sleek five passenger crossover that goes on sale toward the end of the year. It will be a challenge; not because of the vehicle but because of the times.
There are certain expectations of Toyotas and the 2009 Venza meets and exceeds some of them. The vehicle’s styling, rarely a Toyota strong suit, is impressive. It is long, angular and has cat-like headlights.
The Venza sits higher than a Camry but lower than a Highlander. In effect, it is right in between the two and Toyota will try to market it as a car with versatility not a sport-utility vehicle. It won’t work but the Venza is a Toyota and that almost guarantees its success in the market, if not for the economic times.
The Venza has one trim level but eight equipment packages and four factory options. The goodies include a touch screen navigation system, rear seat entertainment system, Bluetooth wireless technology, smart key, a leather package, surround sound, satellite radio, MP3/WMA playback capability and there’s more stuff.
Four and six cylinder engines are available along with all-wheel or front wheel drive. And the Venza looks doggone good.
Toyota should sell the Venza based on those attributes, not the brand name. The bottom line for consumers will be, Toyota or not, “what am I getting for my money?”
Get more from http://www.toyota.com/
Frank S. Washington
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