2009 Toyota Venza Review: A Very Good Compact SUV, Marginally Outclassed by the CR-V

The 2009 Toyota Venza’s only real shortcoming is that the sticker price, typically listing at around $9,000,may be about a thousand bucks more than you want to spend on a 15+ year old crossover. Other than that, the SUV is almost as good as a Honda CR-V in nearly every way.

Is the 2009 Toyota Venza a Good Used Car?

• Overall Rating 8/10 – The Venza is almost as good as the Honda CR-V, and the CR-V is the best compact SUV released in 2009, so it’s in good company.
• Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – Some drivers might not appreciate the lack of a third row, but the second row passengers will be happy they don’t have to compromise their leg room for three extra passengers.
• Reliability 8/10 – The average life expectancy for a Venza lower than usual for a Toyota, but that’s only because so many people junk their hybrid models the minute the traction battery dies.
• Safety 8/10 – Good crash test scores and generous standard equipment make the Venza one of the safer compact SUVs on the road.
• Gas Mileage 8/10 – The front wheel V6 model gets around 19/26 miles to the gallon, which is pretty good for 2009.
• Value 7/10 – Typical listing prices are a bit high, but ownership cost is very low, so it evens out.

What Do Critics Say About the 2009 Toyota Venza?

Consumer Reports found the Venza to be essentially a downgraded version of the Highlander. While praising Toyota’s efforts at delivering a more manageable, practical alternative to larger SUVs, they felt that the Venza missed the mark.

Kelley Blue Book found the Camry to be less a downgraded Highlander, and more an upgraded Camry, with better visibility and easier cabin access. They note the lack of a third row as a potential turnoff for someone who’s looking for more of a small SUV than a large hatchback.

Edmunds found the interior impressive, they liked the engine lineup, and they found the car to handle pleasantly. The lack of a third row earned a red mark, as did the crossover’s low towing capacity.

What Common Problems Does the 2009 Toyota Venza Have?

The 2009 Toyota Venza has generated 163 complaints with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. A few dozen vehicle speed control reports point to issues with speed sensors and acceleration. Drivers have reported the car seeming to jump into the acceleration, making fine control difficult.

A handful of complaints point to issues with the seat heaters. Some drivers report a burning, plastic smell coming from the seats. One driver reports the odor being bad enough that it made them cough, despite the lack of visible smoke.

There are a few reports of service brake failure. Rate of incidence is very low, but the issue is potentially quite severe, with one driver reporting that their car was totaled after an accident resulting from the service brakes failing to engage.

The 2009 Toyota Venza has been recalled 8 times in total, which is a bit high for a 2008 SUV, and much higher than usual for a Toyota.

How Long Will the 2009 Toyota Venza Last?

The Toyota Venza should last around 200,000 to 250,000 miles before it gives up the ghost. That’s kind of low for a Toyota, but the average is brought down a bit by the hybrid models, which may wind up being scrapped once the original hybrid battery burns out after the first eight years.

Repairpal estimate an annual maintenance cost of around $413, with engine front cover gaskets and exhaust pipes being the most expensive common repairs, starting at $1,591 and $2,191 respectively.

How Is the Technology?

Entertainment technology in the 2009 Venza is good. It’s about what you expect of a mid-range wagon from this model year, packing a CD/MP3 player with 6 speakers as a standard feature.

Safety features are solid for the model year, as well. Stability and traction control are standard, and the same goes for anti-lock brakes.

Is the 2009 Toyota Venza a Good Value?

The 2009 Toyota Venza is a bit overpriced. The fair market range goes from around $8,142 to $10,151, so even at the low end you’re spending nearly ten thousand bucks on a vehicle that’s almost old enough to vote.

On the upside, Toyotas are built to last, and you might eventually see 300,000 miles or more on the odometer. But for around the same price you could get a Toyota Highlander, or put a big down payment on a brand new Toyota and get all 300,000 of those miles to yourself.

What are the Different Models of the 2009 Toyota Venza?

The 2009 Venza is offered in just one trim level, with standard features including:

• 8-way power driver seat
• 3.5″ LCD display
• Dual zone air conditioning
• Remote keyless entry
• Cloth seating
• CD/MP3 player
• Anti-lock brakes, traction control, and stability control

What Engines Come In the 2009 Toyota Venza?

• The base engine in the 2009 Venza is a 2.7L inline-four delivering 182 horsepower and 182 lb.-ft. of torque. This is paired to a 6-speed automatic in front or all wheel drive, and it averages 19/26 miles to the gallon, city/highway.
• V6 models pack a 3.5L six-cylinder engine delivering 268 horsepower and 246 lb.-ft. of torque. This is paired to a 6-speed automatic in front or all wheel drive, and it averages 19/26 miles to the gallon. Note that the Venza isn’t really meant for towing, with the capacity maxing out at just 1,000 pounds no matter your engine choice.

What Colors Does the 2009 Toyota Venza Come In?

How Comfortable Is the 2009 Toyota Venza?

The 2009 Toyota Venza is moderately comfortable. The seats stretch a decent 56 inches across at the hip and you have adequate shoulder, head, and leg room. The lack of a third row may be a turnoff, but that allows for a more spacious front and second row. Suspension rides well and interior trim quality is adequate.

How Much Storage Space Does the 2009 Toyota Venza Have?

The 2009 Venza packs 30 cubic feet of cargo with the seats down, or 70 with the seats up. This puts the SUV in league with some of the wagon-style compacts that were so popular in the late 00’s. The 2009 CR-V is marginally bigger, but you won’t notice the difference in practice.

What Are the Differences Between Years?

2009 was the first model year for the Toyota Venza, launching a 1st Generation that ran until 2015.

2009: The 2009 Venza debuted in a wagon-inspired body style with a single trim level, two engines, and optional all wheel drive.

2010: No major changes for 2010.

2011: There were no major chnages for 2011.

2012: 2012 saw Toyota expanding the trim list to include the base LE, mid-range XLE, and high-end Limited trims.

2013: The Toyota Venza received a subtle restyling for 2013 with new wheels, sleeker grilles, and modernized tail lights.

How Does the 2009 Toyota Venza Compare to the Competition?

The 2009 Honda CR-V costs about the same as a Venza, it ranks 6th for most fuel-efficient compact SUV released in 2009, and it’s slightly more spacious. Either SUV is a solid choice, but the CR-V delivers marginally better performance for the price in more areas than not.

A 2009 Saturn Vue probably won’t last as long as a Venza, but it’s comparably fuel efficient with generous standard features, and it sells for a few thousand dollars less, on average. If you just want something cheap to get you around town while you save up for a better vehicle, the Vue’s not a bad choice.

The 2009 Venza’s only major shortcoming is that it’s slightly overpriced, and the Honda CR-V is a marginally better car in many ways. You won’t regret buying a Venza, but you’ll be happier with the purchase if you shop around for a fair price on one.

Do Owners Recommend the 2009 Toyota Venza?