2011 Toyota Venza news, pictures, and information

Toyota Venza Uniquely Melds SUV With Sport Sedan

Venza was designed wîth a lower center of gravity than typical SÚVs to help provide dynamic handling, which is further enhanced by the large wheels and tires. The four-cylinder models ride on 10-spoke, 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels. Distinctive 20-inch five-spoke aluminum alloy wheels are standard for the V6 model and were a first for a Toyota passenger car. Power-assisted ventilated front/solid rear disc brakes are standard on all models.

Venza's body structure relies on high tensile-strength steel, gussets and crossmembers for its strength, rigidity and optimized weight. Front suspension is by rigid L-arm-type MacPherson strut wîth a stabilizer bar, and rear suspension is a dual-link MacPherson strut setup wîth stabilizer bar.

Electric power §teering (EPS), wîth its ideally weighted §teering effort, contributes to the Venza's spirited driving dynamics. EPS helps provide a more direct §teering feel at both high and low speeds and provides just-right assist when maneuvering the vehicle into tight parking spaces.

Safety

Toyota's STAR Safety System is standard on all Venza models and features ABS wîth Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), enhanced Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Traction Control (TRAC) systems wîth a cutoff switch, and Brake Assist.

VSC automatically adjusts engine output and the vehicle's braking force at each wheel to help control loss of traction during cornering. TRAC helps maintain traction during challenging driving conditions. Brake Assist is designed to determine if the driver is attempting emergency braking. If the driver has not stepped firmly enough on the brake pedal to engage ABS, Brake Assist supplements the applied braking power until the driver releases the pedal. Hill-start Assist Control (HAC), also standard on all Venza models, temporarily provides pressure to the brakes while the vehicle is stopped on an incline to help ensure easy starting wîth no rollback.

Venza's comprehensive array of standard safety features provides seven airbags, including a driver's knee airbag, driver and front passenger front seat-mounted side airbags, and front and rear side curtain airbags. Front seat belt pretensioners retract the seat belt in a severe frontal collision, while the dual-stage force limiters help limit the seat belt force applied to the driver and passenger's chests. Driver and front passenger seats employ active headrests. If the vehicle is struck from the rear, a cable-actuated mechanism will move the headrest upward and forward to help limit movement of the occupant's head.

Comfort and Convenience

Venza features a single model grade strategy wîth an extensive roster of standard equipment. Standard interior features include dual-zone automatic climate control wîth air filter and second row seat vents; a tilt/telescopic adjustable §teering wheel wîth integrated audio controls; an overhead console wîth map lights; rear seat adjustable personal reading lamps and three 12-volt power outlets.

Venza's generous utility includes several clever storage locations and lighting. The adjustable center console features a sliding cover and armrest, three MP3 player holders wîth wire concealment features, and a large storage compartment.

The compartment is also equipped wîth an auxiliary audio jack and 12-volt power outlet. The upper portion of the center console houses the gearshift lever for easy and comfortable driver access. An on/off switch on the overhead console enables front seat occupants to operate all four personal overhead interior lights.

Interior storage is further complemented by a total of 10 front and rear beverage holders (six bottle holders and four cup holders). These include dual-illuminated sliding front cup holders in the center console, two in the rear seat armrest, and front and back door bottle holders.

Three different audio systems are available for the 2011 Venza. The standard system includes an AM/FM six-disc, in-dash CD changer wîth integrated satellite radio, Bluetooth® hands-free phone capability, MP3/WMA playback capability and six speakers. The optional JBL Synthesis® surround sound audio system includes an AM/FM six-disc in-dash CD changer wîth integrated satellite radio, MP3/WMA playback capability, Bluetooth™ hands-free phone capability and 13 speakers. The third system includes a touch-screen DVD Navigation System wîth 4-disc in-dash CD changer wîth integrated XM satellite radio, MP3/WMA playback capability, Bluetooth™ hands-free phone capability and 13 speakers.

Options

	Vital Stats
Engine : 2.7 L., 4-cylinder Power: 182 hp Torque: 182 ft-lbs Engine : 3.5 L., 6-cylinder Power: 268 hp Torque: 246 ft-lbs
6-speed Automatic

Simplified option packages and stand-alone options for the 2011 Venza include numerous comfort and utility features. Some include: high intensity discharge headlamps wîth an automatic high beam feature that detects oncoming vehicles and automatically switches the headlamps from high- to low-beam; chrome-accented front door handles that lock and unlock all four doors and the liftgate; panoramic roof wîth power tilt/slide function and a separate fixed glass panel over the rear seats, and power windows wîth auto up/down function and jam protection on all four doors.

An available rear seat DVD entertainment system features JBL Synthesis surround sound, nine-inch display, two sets of wireless headphones, a remote control unit, auxiliary mini-jack, a 120-volt outlet and RCA mini-jacks.

Additional options for Venza include power liftgate wîth jam protection; Smart Key System wîth push button start; leather-trimmed seats; tow hitch; roof rack; carpeted floor mats, and a cargo mat. A wide range of pet utility accessories, including a rear liftgate pet ramp, booster seat wîth harness, pet buckles and rear seat zipline-style harnesses are available at Toyota dealerships. Other items include pet carriers and bucket seat, bench seat and hammock-style waterproof seat covers.

Exterior Design