2012 Toyota Venza Reviews, Pricing & Specs

The Venza is the perfect choice for buyers who want the dependability of a Camry with the utility of a crossover, and for 2012, Toyota is...

The Venza is the perfect choice for buyers who want the dependability of a Camry with the utility of a crossover, and for 2012, Toyota is expanding its lineup to include two additional trims. Previously the Venza was available in a single trim, much like the Scion brand Toyota aims at younger consumers. Obviously the Venza isn’t targeting the young, so XLE and Limited trims now join the base LE.

With standard features like a multifunction tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, three 12-volt power outlets, a one-touch split-folding rear seat and a cargo cover, the LE has a lot to offer the blossoming family. The fact that it also comes with dual-zone automatic climate controls, an 8-way power driver’s seat, satellite radio, USB, Bluetooth, a digital media connection and 19-inch alloy wheels means that family isn’t everything.

For those who really want to ease the burden of owning the 21st-century version of the station wagon/minivan, the XLE trim adds leather-trimmed seats, push-button start and wood trim, while the exceptionally opulent will dig on the touch-screen navigation and leather steering wheel of the Limited trim. Toyota even offers a line of dealer accessories for the family pet, including full backseat waterproof pet liners and jumper seats, so Rex won’t wreck your upholstery.

With FWD and AWD configurations, the Venza should do just fine when the weather turns, too. LE and XLE trims offer the choice of two engines – the standard 182-hp, 2.7-liter inline 4-cylinder or the 268-hp, 3.5-liter V6 that is the sole option for the Limited trim. While the 2.7 has a dismal tow rating of just 1,000 pounds, adding the Tow Prep package to the 3.5 means a full 3,500 pounds can be hauled behind, thanks to the heavy-duty alternator, radiator fan and engine oil cooler. Best to grab the optional rear-view camera as well, though, as the obscenely thick C-pillars severely hamper visibility to the rear even without a boat or camper slung behind.

A nearly $4,000 Premium Package can be added to 4-cylinder trims, which will get you leather upholstery and woodgrain trim, keyless access and start, the rear-view camera, a power liftgate, self-dimming xenon headlights, an alarm and a 4-way power passenger seat. For a V6, that same package will cost an extra $500 and additionally include heated front seats, heated power color-keyed mirrors and a wiper deicer.

Unfortunately, some of these nods to style and luxury have a negative impact on the Venza's overall experience. The 19-inch alloys with the 4-cylinder trims and especially the 20-inch units that come with the V6 are just comically large and ruin the ride for this crossover. Every road imperfection reverberates through the steering wheel, and large bumps initiate annoying and sometimes dangerous wheel hop that will do little to keep sleeping babes quiet. Steering is light and adequately responsive, though aggressive turning will introduce pronounced lean, and brakes have been criticized for a mushy pedal feel. The Venza is also quite loud, with noise intruding from the engine, wheels and even wind. The 4-cylinder is much worse than the V6, but even that is surprisingly less refined than we’ve come to expect from Toyota. The same can be said for the interior, which testers and owners have complained suffers from poor assembly and build quality. The fake carbon fiber is especially tacky and exhibits an unpleasant brown color in most light.

In the end, the Venza’s shortcomings seem to outweigh its utility. Poor visibility, unrefined engines, cheap interior materials and shoddy assembly far overshadow its cavernous interior space and some nice standard features. For the price, the Venza simply doesn’t deliver, especially when the V6 is almost necessary unless you can stomach constant groaning and straining and shaking. There are simply better options out there for a crossover.