2012 Toyota Venza
Starting price: $27,425.
Fuel economy: 21 city and 27 highway mpg.
The five-passenger Toyota Venza is part wagon, part sedan. Riding low to the ground and with a low roof line, the Venza looks more like a chubby passenger car than an SUV, providing a very substantial 30.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and a whopping 70.2 cubic feet of cargo space with the split rear seat folded.
Designed for a full load of five, the Venza has a reclining rear seat as well as an array of cup holders and storage bins to accommodate the gear of all occupants. The Venza has a choice of two engines: a 182-horsepower, 2.7-liter, four-cylinder or a 268-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6.
All models of the 2012 Toyota Venza come standard with auto on/off headlights, heated power exterior mirrors that fold, tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel, cruise control, dual-zone automatic climate control, seven air bags, and stability-and-traction control. Optional features include a voice-activated navigation system with touch screen, backup camera, power rear lift-gate, leather seating and a panoramic glass roof.