Toyota is hoping the 2009 Venza, is “the right vehicle at the right time.” That’s the message from the manufacturer as it unveils its new offering positioned between two of its long-time mainstays, Highlander and Camry.

The Venza, named via the combination of the words Monza (the famous raceway in Italy) and Adventure, is also being promoted as “70 percent car and 30 percent” sport utility vehicle.

By other manufactures’ and industry definitions, that would classify the Venza as a crossover. But the automotive buzzword was never used during a recent media presentation.

“We’re pushing the carlike features, but not giving up SUV versatility,” 15 car reviews were told. “The Highlander has 100 cubic feet of cargo space (actually 95.4 cubic feet) and the Venza has 70 cubic feet.”

The Venza, soon available in all of its four trims (4 and 6 cylinders, front and all-wheel-drive) was conceived in 2002.

“It won’t be for the masses,” a Toyota presenter offered. “But it’s for ‘boomers with an active lifestyle who want something more than a car and something less than an SUV.”

Innovation and sleek design succinctly describe the Venza.

Innovation begins with an automatic high beam headlight system. When high beam headlights are engaged, sensors detect oncoming traffic and automatically switch the headlights to low beam. When the sensors no longer detect oncoming traffic, the system switches headlights back to high-beam mode.

Another cool feature: Levers, one on each side of the rear cargo area, allow the
60/40 split rear seats to near flat (four degrees). Rear seats recline up to 14 degrees.

And then there’s the multi-information display, a small area on the top of the dash with interchangeable readouts and font-size options.

Power is generated by an available 3.5-liter V6 that produces 268 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 246 pound-feet of torque at 4,700 rpm. Towing capability of 3,500 pounds. Standard power comes from a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine.

All Venza models are equipped with vast standard features: auto dual zone air conditioning, AM/FM six-disc CD, tilt/telescopic steering wheel with audio controls, remote keyless entry, electrochromic rearview mirror with compass, a multi-information display, cruise control, positron gauges, rear wiper, privacy glass.

The upgraded V6 model Venza feature dual exhaust tips and is the first Toyota model to ride on standard 20-inch alloy wheels. Four-cylinder models come standard with 19-inch alloy wheels.

There’s a good array of optional equipment: Navigation system equipped with a JBL audio system, integrated satellite radio capability and Bluetooth technology; a premium JBL audio system with AM/FM six-disc CD changer, satellite radio capability and Bluetooth, rear seat entertainment system, a Smart Key System, back-up camera and a power rear door.

The Venza has a proud presence on the road. It’s modern looking, almost like it’s in a constant headwind. It performs nearly as sleek. During a 30-mile test drive that included freeway scenarios and winding suburban roads, the Venda progressed with authority and maneuvered through cornering like it was a road veteran, not a newbie.

Facts & Figures: Toyota Venza, 2009

Base Price, $25,975; Curb Weight, 3,760 pounds; MPG (V4), 19 (city), 29 (mpg); Horsepower, 182; Wheelbase, 109.3 inches; Length, 189.0 inches, Width, 75.0 inches; Height, 63.4 inches; Warranty, bumper-to-bumper, 3 years/36,000 miles; Powertrain, 5 years/60,000 miles; Corrosion, 5 years/unlimited miles; Roadside assistance, 4 years/unlimited miles; Safety features, seven airbags.