Toyota Venza

Toyota Venza
Overview
Manufacturer	Toyota
Production	November 2008–present [1][2]
Model years	US: 2009-2015 Non US: 2009–2017[2]
Assembly	Georgetown, Kentucky, United States (TMMK)
Designer	Chung Lee[3]
Body and chassis
Class	Mid-size crossover SUV
Body style	5-door SUV
Layout	Front-engine, front-wheel-drive Front-engine, four-wheel-drive
Platform	Toyota K platform
Powertrain
Engine	2.7 L 1AR-FE I4 3.5 L 2GR-FE V6
Transmission	6-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	109.3 in (2,775 mm)
Length	189.0 in (4,801 mm)
Width	75.0 in (1,905 mm)
Height	63.4 in (1,610 mm)
Curb weight	4,045 lb (1,835 kg)

The Toyota Venza is a front-engine, front- or all wheel-drive mid-size five-passenger crossover SUV manufactured and marketed by Toyota in North America and unveiled at the 2008 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

The Venza was designed at the Calty Design studios in Newport Beach, California, based on the Toyota-FT-SX concept car and primarily engineered at Toyota Technical Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Venza production began at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky (TMMK) in Georgetown, Kentucky,^[4] in November, 2008.^[5] Production of US models ended in June 2015, and export models are scheduled to end in 2017.^[2]

The name 'Venza' is a portmanteau of Venture and Monza.^[6]

The Venza is based on the Camry chassis^[7] (Toyota K platform) and is similar to Mark X Zio in concept. Venza is powered by either Toyota's 3.5-liter 2GR-FE V6 or all-new 2.7-liter 1AR-FE I4 engine, both employing a 6-speed automatic transmission.^[8] Front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive are available as options. The US Environmental Protection Agency estimates fuel economy of city: 21 mpg_-US (11 L/100 km; 25 mpg_-imp) and highway: 29 mpg_-US (8.1 L/100 km; 35 mpg_-imp) with the four-cylinder engine.^[9] The Venza uses an electric power steering system.

Pricing and features

US models had starting price of $25,975 for a front-wheel-drive (FWD) 4-cylinder model, ranging to $29,250 for the all-wheel-drive (AWD) V6 edition without options.

Toyota Venza (Vietnam; pre-facelift)

Interior

The Venza features a single trim level, with numerous packages and options. Standard features include fog lamps, 19" alloy wheels (I4), 34 pound^[10] 20" alloy wheels (V6), HomeLink, XM satellite radio, 6-disc CD changer, dual-zone climate control, electrochromic auto-dimming rear-view mirror, 8-way power drivers seat, steering-wheel mounted audio controls, Hill-Start assist control and the Toyota Star Safety System.^[11]

Options include automatic high beams with HID lighting, heated side view mirrors, power liftgate, leather seat surfaces, 4-way power passenger seat, panoramic glass moonroof, smart key system, 13-speaker JBL sound system with Bluetooth, voice-activated touch-screen DVD navigation system, backup camera, and a rear DVD entertainment system with a 9-inch display and two wireless headphones. The Touring Package, which includes HID headlights, push button start, Navigation & JBL Package are only available on the V6 AWD. The Premium Package containing the moonroof and backup camera is available on all but the Venza (I4 FWD), while the leather package is available on all Venzas.

For 2010, the Venza received a standard USB audio input and Bluetooth hands-free phone capability. Due to this addition, a single-CD player unit replaced the previously standard in-dash 6-disc CD changer. All US models were raised $300 in MSRP.

For 2011, the base price of US models increased by $200.^[12]

For 2012, the Venza featured LE, XLE, and Limited trim levels for the US market, replacing the single-grade line with various option packages. The LE and XLE models were available with all powertrain combinations: four-cylinder, V6, front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD); the Venza Limited comes with the V6 engine only, in front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive configurations.^[13] Canadian models retained the single trim level, adding only a Convenience Package for the four-cylinder FWD trim. All US models get a $240 raise in MSRP.

2013 Facelift

Toyota Venza (The Netherlands; facelift)

The new 2013 Toyota Venza was revealed at the 2012 New York International Auto Show and went on sale during May 2012.

For 2013, the Venza received a mid-model cycle facelift. Four cylinder models receive restyled nineteen-inch alloy wheels. The 2013 Venza also adds Toyota's new Entune System, which enables connection to Apple iPod, Apple iPhone, BlackBerry, Android, or other similar USB devices via a mobile application. This allows wireless control of the device from the vehicle's steering wheel controls, as well as Bluetooth hands-free telephone calls and text messages without physically using a handheld device. The Bluetooth profile also allows users to pair their Bluetooth Audio-enabled devices to wireless play MP3 files through the vehicle's audio system. Also offered through the system is the use of Pandora Radio to wirelessly stream internet radio stations using a data connection courtesy of their device. Traffic and weather forecasts are also available through this system.

Powertrain

Model	Years	Type/code	Power, torque@rpm
Venza, Venza AWD	2009-	2,672 cc (2.672 L; 163.1 cu in) I4 (1AR)	185 PS (136 kW; 182 hp)@5800, 247 N·m (182 lb·ft)@4200
Venza V6, Venza V6 AWD	2008-	3,456 cc (3.456 L; 210.9 cu in) V6 (2GR-FE)	272 PS (200 kW; 268 hp)@6200, 334 N·m (246 lb·ft)@4700

All models include Super Electronically Controlled Transmission (Super ECT) 6-speed automatic transmission with Overdrive, Gate Type Shifter, Lock Up Torque Converter, Transmission Cooler.

Safety

Venzas feature vehicle stability control, traction control, electronic brakeforce distribution, brake assist, anti-lock braking, smart stop technology as well as hill-start Control, Tire pressure monitoring system, active head restraints for front-seat occupants, 3-point seatbelts and headrests for all seats, emergency locking retractors (ELR) for all seats, automatic locking retractors (ATR) for all seats (except driver's), front seatbelt pretensioners with force limiters, and LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) for rear outboard seats.

Seven standard airbags ^[14] include dual-stage front airbags, driver's knee airbag, front seat-mounted side airbags, 2-row side curtain airbags and fuel pump cut-off switch with airbag deployment.

Crash testing

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration crash test ratings (2009):^[15]

Frontal Driver:
Frontal Passenger:
Side Driver:
Side Rear Passenger:
Rollover:

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the Venza its Top Safety Pick rating in 2009.^[16][17] The Venza is also rated "Good" in the roof strength test, as a result the Venza also received the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Top Safety Pick in 2010 and 2011 when roof strength became a criterion for receiving the award.^[18][19]

Production

The Venza began production at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky (TMMK) on November 11, 2008, with over 70% of the Venza's components coming from US suppliers.^[20] Toyota projects sales of between 75,000-100,000 Venzas per year.^[21] The Venza is one of the North American built Toyotas (alongside the Avalon) not to be sold in Mexico.

In addition to the Venza,^[22] TMMK produces the Camry, Camry Hybrid, and Avalon, and previously produced the Solara. Toyota launched the four-cylinder Venza in February, 2009.

Production at TMMK of the Venza for domestic consumption ended in 2014. Production of the vehicle will remain there (for export) until 2017.^[2]

Marketing

During the 2008 vehicle launch, Toyota marketed Venza under the campaign 'You're More than One Thing. So is Venza.'

In Canada, the Venza was featured as a prize in the 2009 Tim Hortons "Rrroll up the rim to win" promotion.

In 2013 Venza debuted in Russian and Chinese markets.^[23]

Toyota stopped production of the Venza in the American market in June 2015.^[24]

Classification

Determining whether the Venza is a crossover SUV or wagon isn't clear; some journalists regard it as the "Camry station wagon"^[25] (the successor to the 1991-96 wagon which was the last iteration to offer this style in Canada and the United States) while other sources often describe it simply as new type of "crossover".^[26] Toyota states the Venza blends the "styling and comfort of a passenger car with the flexibility of a sport utility vehicle."^[27] According to Toyota, Venza is neither a station wagon nor SUV, rather it is targeted at customers who want more room and flexibility than the Camry sedan but desire a smaller size than the Highlander, a mid-size crossover SUV. Toyota lists the Venza's competitors as the Honda Accord and Nissan Altima on their website's comparison page, both being popular mid-size sedans.^[28]

Toyota told automotive magazine Motor Trend that it forgo entering the Venza in the publication's SUV of the Year competition.^[29] Toyota requested that the Venza compete in the Car of the Year competition. Motor Trend decided that the Venza should not compete in any competition at all since its ride height is too high to be qualified as a car.

Discontinuation

In 2015, Toyota announced that the Venza would be discontinued after the 2015 model year. There are three factors that contributed to this decision: customer preference, competitiveness within the segment, and deteriorating sales, according to Toyota. Production of US models ended in June 2015, and export models are scheduled to end in 2017.^[2]

Sales

Calendar year	US	Canada
2008	1,474[30]
2009	54,410[31]	12,375[32]
2010	47,321	12,468[33]
2011	38,904	13,159[34]
2012	43,095[35]	11,294[34]
2013	35,846[36]	9,167[37]
2014	29,991[38]
2015	21,351[39]

Toyota FT-SX concept

Toyota FT-SX
Overview
Manufacturer	Toyota
Production	2005 (Concept car)
Body and chassis
Class	Mid-size crossover SUV
Body style	5-door SUV
Layout	Front-engine, all-wheel-drive
Powertrain
Engine	2.7 L "1AR-FE" I4
Transmission	6-speed automatic

The Venza was based on the Toyota FT-SX concept car. The FT-SX was unveiled at the 2005 North American International Auto Show.

References

1. "A look at Toyota's 25 years in Kentucky". KyForward. Lexington, Kentucky. Archived from the original on 2014-11-12.
2. Wood, Colum (2015-03-03). "Toyota Venza Axed". AutoGuide.com. Retrieved 2016-10-10. Assembly of the Venza at Toyota's Georgetown, KY plan will cease in June, or at least assembly of models for the US market will, with export models being built until 2017.
3. "Korean Designer Behind Stylish New Look of Toyota Venza". The ChosunIlbo. 2012-11-02. Retrieved 2016-09-18.
4. "Venza Crossover Sedan to Make World Debut at 2008 NAIAS" (Press release). US: Toyota. 2007-12-19. Retrieved 2015-11-09.
5. "Toyota Begins Venza Production in Kentucky" (Press release). US: Toyota. 2008-11-10. Retrieved 2015-11-09.
6. Jonathon Ramsey RSS feed. "First Drive: 2009 Toyota Venza". Autoblog.com. Retrieved 2012-01-17.
7. Robinson, Aaron (June 2009). "2009 Toyota Venza - Road Test". Car and Driver. Retrieved 2014-08-07.
8. 2008 Detroit Auto Show: 2009 Toyota Venza - Edmunds
9. "Retrieved 4-Jan-09". Fueleconomy.gov. Retrieved 2012-01-17.
10. "Comparison: 2009 Ford Edge vs. 2009 Nissan Murano vs. 2009 Toyota Venza". Motortrend.com. Retrieved 2012-01-17.
11. "Toyota Venza Begins Production". Automoblog.net. Retrieved 2009-01-05.
12. "2011 Toyota Venza Review". The Auto Channel. Retrieved 2012-01-23.
13. "Toyota expands Venza model line to three trims for 2012". Autoblog.com. Retrieved 2012-01-23.
14. "The 2009 Toyota VENZA". Toyota.com. Retrieved 2009-10-17.
15. "Safercar.gov". Safercar.gov. Retrieved 2009-10-17.
16. "IIHS-HLDI: Toyota Venza". Iihs.org. 2009-06-15. Retrieved 2009-10-17.
17. "IIHS-HLDI: Toyota Venza". Iihs.org. 2009-06-15. Retrieved 2009-10-17.
18. "Roof strength evaluations: Midsize SUVs". Iihs.org. Retrieved 2012-01-17.
19. "TOP SAFETY PICK 2011 winners". Iihs.org. Retrieved 2012-01-17.
20. Toyota launches production of Venza - Business First of Louisville
21. Toyota shows new Venza crossover sedan to undergo production this November in Georgetown - Louisville Courier-Journal.
22. "TMMK". Toyotageorgetown.com. 2011-11-18. Retrieved 2012-01-17.
23. "Toyota Venza Crossover Hits Russia". Wroom.ru. 2013-04-02. Retrieved 2013-04-18.
24. "Toyota announces plans to end the production of Venza crossover". CarTrade. 2015-03-04. Retrieved 2015-03-04.
25. http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/review.aspx?year=2012&make=Toyota&model=Venza&cp-documentid=1059425
26. "2009 Toyota Venza Review and Specs". Edmunds.com. Retrieved 2009-11-26.
27. "New 2009 Venza Optimizes Traditional Passenger Car" (Press release). US: Toyota. 2008-11-03. Retrieved 2016-01-24.
28. "2009 Toyota Venza Review". Automoblog.net.
29. Where's the Venza? - Motor Trend
30. "Toyota Reports 2008 and December Sales" (Press release). US: Toyota. 2009-01-05. Archived from the original on 2009-08-13.
31. "Toyota Reports December And 2009 Sales" (Press release). US: Toyota. 2010-01-05. Retrieved 2012-01-17.
32. "TCI Month End Sales Results for December 2010" (PDF) (Press release). Canada: Toyota. January 2011. Retrieved 2011-01-04.
33. "TCI Month End Sales for December 2011" (PDF) (Press release). Canada: Toyota. January 2011. Retrieved 2011-01-11.
34. "TCI Month End Sales Results for December 2012" (PDF) (Press release). Canada: Toyota. 2013-01-03. Retrieved 2013-01-04.
35. "December 2012 and Year-End Sales Chart" (Press release). US: Toyota. 2013-01-03. Retrieved 2013-01-04.
36. "December 2013 and Year-End Sales Chart" (Press release). US: Toyota. 2014-01-03. Retrieved 2014-01-09.
37. "TCI Month End Sales Results for December 2013" (PDF) (Press release). Canada: Toyota. January 2014. Retrieved 2014-01-11.
38. "December 2014 and Year-End Sales Chart" (Press release). US: Toyota. 2015-01-05. Retrieved 2015-01-06.
39. "December 2015 and Year-End Sales Chart" (Press release). US: Toyota. 2016-01-05. Retrieved 2016-01-18.

External links

• Official website