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In the weeks leading up to the North American International Auto Show, Toyota did the best job of keeping things secret. Sure, we had a pretty good idea of the new models to be introduced, but this next-generation crossover really took everyone by surprise.
It's called the Venza, and it arguably pioneers a new market segment -- targeting consumers who need decent space but categorically refuse to buy a big SUV. More upscale and more refined than the Highlander, the new model is based on the same platform as the Camry, which it also borrows design cues from. However, the Venza offers a roomier interior that proves versatile and easy to configure.
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Under the hood is Toyota's familiar 3.5L V6 engine. A 6-speed automatic will be the lone transmission choice. A few months after the Venza's market launch, a 2.7L, 4-cylinder model will also be available, again mated to the 6-speed.
Inspired from the FT-SX Concept shown at the 2005 NAIAS, the Venza will be built at the Georgetown assembly plant, in Kentucky. If all goes as planned, this crossover will arrive in showrooms next November as a 2009 model. Pricing will be announced only a few weeks earlier.
photo:Alexandre Beaulne
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