Used 2010 Toyota Venza for Sale near Iowa

The debate has not subsided much. Is it an SUV, a crossover, or a flashback to the days of the family wagon? Is it a bird, a plane? No, it’s a Toyota Venza, back for its second model year in 2010.

Toyota, for the record, lists the Venza as a car, while most reviewers see it bridging the gap between that and an SUV and call it a crossover. It does seem to appeal to various segments of the population, in part for its stylish good looks as well as performance.

The Venza, based on the Camry chassis, hasn’t changed much from last year, under the hood included. It comes with one of two engine choices: a four-cylinder 2.7-liter with 182 horsepower, or a 3.5-liter V6 at 268 hp. Front-wheel or all-wheel drive is available with either engine. Gas mileage estimates range from 21 city/29 highway mpg for the four-cylinder with front-wheel drive to 18/25 for the all-wheel-drive V6.

The Venza has ground clearance of 8.1 inches and is not built for off-roading, but with a tow package the V6 is rated to pull 3,500 pounds and the four-cylinder, 2,500. Toyota designed the Venza with large tires – 19-inchers for the four-cylinder and 20-inchers for the V6 - and while most reviewers like the ride, some note that the big rubber doesn’t help with comfort in some conditions and can make things a bit noisy, especially in the rear seats.

Some drivers have found the Venza’s steering less responsive than they would like.

Positives include styling and design on the inside as well as out. The layout and efficiency of the dashboard, including placement of the optional trip computer, easy-to-read gauges, and even an abundance of cup holders, get a thumbs-up. So, too, do its comfortable seats.

It is strictly a five-seater, and there is no option for a third-row seat, which helps to give the Venza not only more than the average cargo space, but an open feel.

A security setup with a backup camera and anti-theft system and a comfort group that includes leather seats are among the option packages.

So what to call the Venza? In the end, perhaps it doesn’t matter how it’s classified. Maybe Toyota, with a simple slogan, has it right: “You’re more than one thing. So is Venza.”