2011 TOYOTA VENZA
The Toyota Venza debuted for 2009 as a large hatchback that's based on the Camry with room for up to five people. It's available with four-cylinder or V-6 power and can have either front- or all-wheel drive. It also has a large helping of standard safety and comfort features.

Exterior
Despite its practical hatchback body style, the Venza manages to look rather stylish in person. Credit the car's proportions and interesting rear styling, which features swoopy taillights. The front of the Venza is defined by a large grille that could easily be at home on an SUV. Exterior features include:

• 19-inch wheels standard
• 20-inch wheels optional
• Optional two-piece glass roof
• Optional power liftgate

Interior
The Venza's two rows of seats can be finished in cloth or leather. The 60/40-split rear bench seat features reclining backrests, and the sections can be folded using levers in the cargo area. Interior features include:

• Standard dual-zone automatic air conditioning
• Standard six-CD changer
• Standard cruise control
• Standard tilt/telescoping multifunction steering wheel
• Optional navigation system
• Optional backseat entertainment system

Under the Hood
The base engine in the Venza is a 2.7-liter four-cylinder that makes 182 horsepower and 182 pounds-feet of torque. Optional 3.5-liter V-6 makes 268 hp and 246 pounds-feet of torque. Mechanical features include:

• Both engines run on regular gas
• Sole transmission is a six-speed automatic

Safety
Safety features include:

• Antilock brakes that incorporate electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist
• Electronic stability system
• Active front head restraints
• Side-impact airbags for the front seats
• Side curtain airbags and a knee airbag for the driver
• Optional Automatic High Beam system can determine if there is an oncoming car and switch from high- to low-beam headlights, then back again
• Optional backup camera

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