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Image credits: © Toyota.
MSRP: $27,425-37,915
Invoice: $25,095-34,502
2012 Toyota Venza news, pictures, and information | ||
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2012 Toyota Venza Debuts New Three-Grade Model Line
• New LE, XLE and Limited Grades Replace Single-Grade Strategy• Combines Sport Sedan Styling wîth Crossover SÚV Versatility
• Úp to 27 MPG EPA Rating
The Toyota Venza, which melds sport-sedan design wîth crossover versatility, debuts a new three-model grade strategy for 2012. Previously, the Venza had been available as a mono-spec model wîth several option packages.
The 2012 Venza is available in LE, XLE and Limited grades, a model line change that aligns the Venza wîth other Toyota passenger vehicles, making it more convenient for customers. The LE and XLE models are available wîth all powertrain combinations: four-cylinder, V6, front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD); the Venza Limited comes wîth the V6 engine only, in front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive configurations.
Developed specifically for the North American market, the Venza appeals to customers who prioritize bold, innovative design, a luxurious and refined interior, and excellent handling but still requires roominess and versatility. Venza provides SÚV flexibility, specifically wîth its fold-flat rear seats, spacious cargo area, elevated driver sightline, available AWD and up to 3,500-lbs. towing capacity.The Venza design was the creation of Toyota's Calty Design studios in Newport Beach, Calif., and Ann Arbor, Mich. A 109.3-in. wheelbase, overall length of 189 inches and height of 63.4 inches give Venza about the same footprint as a midsize sedan. (concept carz) Calty designers leaned toward a sleek sedan-like concept wîth a wide stance that featured a sporty exterior, but also included important SÚV attributes, such as cargo space, towing capability and available all-wheel drive performance.
 | 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: 248 ft-lbs | |
6-speed Electronically Controlled Continuously Variable | |
Performance and Efficiency
The 2012 Venza offers both the four-cylinder and V6 models in FWD and AWD versions. Venza's standard 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine delivers 182 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 182 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,200 rpm. The four-cylinder Venza is EPA-rated at 21 MPG city/-27 MPG highway for the FWD model.
The 3.5-liter V6 produces 268 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 246 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,700 rpm. The V6 FWD model has EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings of 19 MPG city/26 MPG highway. Both engines are teamed wîth a six-speed sequential-shift electronically controlled automatic transmission wîth intelligence (ECT-i). The six-speed ECT-i provides an engaging driving experience and helps optimize fuel economy. Úphill/downhill shift logic selects the proper gear for driving conditions and helps provide moderate engine braking during downhill driving.Venza's Active Torque Control AWD System optimizes torque distribution between the front and rear wheels to help ensure stable acceleration and smooth cornering on all road surfaces. AWD offers enhanced traction and helps provide excellent overall handling in inclement weather.
An available Towing Prep Package (V6 only) equips the Venza wîth an engine oil cooler, larger radiator fan and heavy-duty alternator.
Handling and Ride
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 standard 19-inch, 10-spoke aluminum alloy wheels. Distinctive 20-inch five-spoke aluminum alloy wheels are standard for the V6 model. Power-assisted, ventilated front and 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 consists of a rigid L-arm-type MacPherson strut wîth a stabilizer bar, and the 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 Toyota models and features enhanced Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC) Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist and the Smart Stop brake-override Technology (SST).
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. Smart Stop offers an additional level of safety by automatically reducing engine power when a vehicle's brake and accelerator pedals are applied simultaneously under certain driving conditions, helping to bring the vehicle to a controlled stop.
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 easier 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's and front 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's generous utility includes several clever storage locations and lighting. The adjustable center console features a sliding cover and armrest, three iPod/MP3 player holders wîth wire concealment features, and a large storage compartment.
The center-console compartment is also equipped wîth a ÚSB port, auxiliary audio jack and 12-volt power outlet. The upper portion of the center console houses the gearshift lever for easy and comfortable driver reach. 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-Grade Model Line
The 2012 Venza comes in LE, XLE and Limited model grades. The LE comes well equipped wîth standard dual-zone automatic climate control wîth air filter and second row seat vents; eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat; 3.5-inch multi-information display; 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.
The LE grade's standard audio system includes an AM/FM six-disc, in-dash CD changer wîth integrated satellite radio, Bluetooth® hands-free phone capability wîth wireless music streaming via Bluetooth® , MP3/WMA playback capability, ÚSB port wîth iPod connectivity, auxiliary audio jack, auto sound leveling, and six speakers. The available Convenience Package for the Venza LE adds a power liftgate and a rear back-up camera. The Preferred Package adds a panoramic glass roof wîth front power moonroof.The Venza XLE provides a major luxury and convenience upgrade to the vehicle and includes such features as leather seating surfaces, §teering wheel and shift knob; four-way power passenger seat; multi-stage heated front seats; satin mahogany wood-grain-style interior trim; anti-theft system wîth alarm and engine immobilizer; Smart Key System wîth pushbutton start and illuminated entry; power rear liftgate and a back-up camera. Also standard on the XLE is a multi-information display that can be customized to adjust the font size and content, and navigation voice instructions available in Spanish, French or English (XM Traffic is only available in English).
Aside from powertrain choices, the XLE offers two major options. The Premium Package that includes a panoramic glass roof wîth front power moonroof, a JBL® Synthesis surround-sound system featuring an AM/FM six-disc in-dash CD changer wîth integrated satellite radio, MP3/WMA playback capability, Bluetooth hands-free phone capability and audio streaming and 13 speakers. The Navigation Package includes a voice-activated touch screen DVD navigation system wîth integrated back-up camera, JBL® Synthesis surround-sound system featuring an AM/FM four-disc in-dash CD changer wîth integrated satellite radio, MP3/WMA playback capability, Bluetooth hands-free phone capability and audio streaming and 13 speakers .
The new V6-only, top-of-line Venza Limited combines the XLE Navigation Package and the panoramic glass roof wîth front power moonroof, and adds high-intensity discharge (HID) headlights wîth automatic high beams. The high beam feature detects oncoming vehicles and automatically switches the headlamps from high- to low-beam.
Customers lòòking for a pet-friendly vehicle will find a wide range of pet utility accessories available at Toyota dealerships. Among the available choices are a rear liftgate pet ramp, booster seat wîth harness, pet buckles and rear seat zipline-style harnesses, pet carriers and bucket seat, bench seat and hammock style waterproof seat covers.
Exterior Design
The Venza sports an aerodynamic shape wîth short overhangs, forward A-pillar, crisp character lines, and a low roofline. Continuous brushstroke lines run from the front grille to the D-pillar. A bold front end features a distinctive grille, headlights and fog lamps for a sporty yet refined appearance. From behind, Venza's sophisticated and confident appearance is completed wîth an angled rear hatch, spoiler and wide wraparound taillights that interconnect wîth the hatch door. Tight tire-to-body gaps contribute to the sophisticated, refined appearance.
The Venza design is highly practical, wîth a rear load-in height that is almost as low as that of the Sienna minivan. The generously sized liftgate opening enhances the vehicle's utility. An available power liftgate integrates jam protection that detects obstruction in the door's path and reverses the motor. Venza provides a low step-over height for improved ergonomics and because the closed doors cover the rocker panels, the driver and passengers are protected from accumulated road-dust while getting into and out of the vehicle.
Interior Design
The Venza interior is designed to enhance driving enjoyment and offer premium comfort. The available interior colors, ivory and light gray, are offered in fabric on LE and leather on XLE and Limited. The flow of the center console creates a unique '60/60' design that gives both the driver and front passenger the feeling that 60 percent of the space is accessible from their seating position. On XLE and Limited grades, the standard Optitron® speedometer and tachometer and multi-color center instrument panel display are paired wîth optional satin mahogany wood-grain style trim. Dual-zone automatic climate system controls are centrally located on the upper console, providing easy access for both the driver and front passenger.
Personal space lends overall comfort to the vehicle's interior. Measurements for head room, shoulder room, hip room and couple distance surpass competitive vehicles. Cargo-area utility is enhanced wîth fold-down 60/40 rear seats, one-touch fold-down seat levers and a tonneau cover.
Limited Warranty
Toyota's 36-month/36,000 mile basic new-vehicle warranty applies to all components other than normal wear and maintenance items. Additional 60-month warranties cover powertrain for 60,000 miles and corrosion wîth no mileage limitation. Toyota dealers have complete details on the limited warranty.Source - Toyota
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2012| Comparable Vehicles | |
| Acura TSX | ($29,815-38,450) |
| Audi A3 | ($27,275-30,850) |
| Audi A4 | ($27,270-30,850) |
| Chevrolet Traverse | ($29,435-40,805) |
| Ford Edge | ($27,645-38,825) |
| Ford Flex | ($29,220-45,205) |
| Honda Crosstour | ($27,655-36,545) |
| Hyundai Veracruz | ($28,345-36,195) |
| Lexus CT 200h | ($29,120-31,750) |
| Volvo C30 | ($24,700-27,100) |
| Volvo V50 | ($29,000-32,850) |
| Similar Automakers | |
| Honda | Jaguar |
| Nissan | Saab |
| Subaru | Volkswagen |
| Volvo | |
| Toyota: 2011-2020 |
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