How to Evaluate the Toyota Venza

A 2011 Toyota Venza can deliver up to 27 miles per gallon on the highway.

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Sleek and aggressive styling, streamlined aerodynamics and an available panoramic roof are among the features touted by Toyota in its 2011 Venza, which the automaker classifies as a car. Car and Driver magazine describes the Venza as a cross between a Camry wagon and a minivan, and the Environmental Protection Agency classifies it as a sport-utility vehicle. U.S. News and World Report calls it a "true crossover." No matter how you describe the Venza, you can take several steps to evaluate whether it's the right vehicle for you.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

1. • 1

     Check its ratings. The nonprofit Insurance Insititute for Highway Safety named the 2010 Venza as one of its top safety picks. To receive this honor, vehicles must earn the highest rating available in all of the institute's safety tests, and they must have electronic stability control.

     Another rating to consider is where experts place the Venza among its competitors. U.S. News and World Report examines reviews by automotive critics and ratings data from independent sources to rank vehicles. It ranked the Venza 11th in its affordable midsize SUV category. The publication says the Venza is a comfortable, upscale and spacious ride, but ranks it behind category leaders that include the 2011 Buick Enclave, Mazda CX-9 and Chevrolet Traverse.

   • 2

     Find its fuel efficiency. Government estimates show that the 2011 Toyota Venza offering the best fuel mileage is the version with a 2.7 liter, four-cylinder engine and front-wheel drive. It delivers 21 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city and 27 on the highway. Other Venzas get similar mileage, with the least-efficient being an all-wheel drive version that has six cylinders and a 3.5 liter engine. It offers 18 mpg in the city and 25 on the interstate. Compare this fuel mileage to similar vehicles when evaluating the Venza.

   • 3

     Take a test drive. Turn off the radio so you can analyze the amount of road noise coming from the vehicle. Note the quality of the Venza's finishes, how comfortable the seat is and how easy it is to reach the controls. Drive down a road with curves so you can test how well the Venza handles. Evaluate the responsiveness of the brakes and steering wheel. Take the vehicle on the interstate to see how well it accelerates. When changing lanes and backing the vehicle up, evaluate the visibility it offers. At the end of the test drive, turn on the radio to see how well you like the sound system.

   • 4

     Examine measurements. The Venza offers seating for five passengers and 30.7 inches of cargo volume behind the rear seats in models that don't have a panoramic roof. You can find its head, hip, leg and shoulder room measurements under the "specs" tab on the vehicle's website. Use these measurements to evaluate how the Venza stacks up against competitors.

   • 5

     Calculate costs. The manufacturer's suggested retail price for a new 2011 Venza started at $27,235 for a base model in December 2010, with a six-cylinder, all-wheel drive Venza starting at $31,370. A new Toyota purchase includes two years or 25,000 miles of routine maintenance and roadside assistance at no extra cost. You also get a 36,000-mile or three-year basic warranty. Evaluate how these offerings measure up to similar vehicles and their prices to determine which vehicle gives you the best return on your investment.