The new-for-2009 Toyota Venza is said to be 70 percent sedan and 30 percent SUV. So, if a Highlander married a Avalon, this would be their baby. (Well, you get the point.)

I drove a blizzard pearl Venza V-6 from Capital Toyota last week. Sales consultant Matt Cohen said the Venza is a good compromise between sedan comfort and SUV practicality. Venza’s customers cut across demographic segments, he said. “We’re seeing families with four people or less, empty-nesters with kids in college, or young families looking for something to grow into,” Mr. Cohen said.

While zipping down a Hamilton County back road in the shapely Venza, it occurred to me that for families with one or two children—like mine —this is very nearly a perfect car. Add a third child, though, and it gets iffy. Officially a crossover sedan, the Venza will evoke memories of the Camry wagon, which was phased out in the mid-’90s.

STYLING: Interestingly, for a vehicle so practical, the Venza’s real strong suit might be styling. After years of boxy SUVs dominating the highways, the Venza’s sensuous body lines and gleaming 20-inch wheels (on the V-6) make it a refreshing design package. From the side, the Venza can be confused with the much pricier Lexus RS 350.

Inside, our tester was richly appointed with pleasing plastics and faux mahogany accents. The cabin is a marvel of interior architecture. The shifter is elevated almost to dash level, opening up the console for a variety of trays, cup holders, power-cord jacks and iPod docks. Our tester had a comfort package, which includes leather upholstery and heated front seats. Low step over height make entering and exiting the cabin a pleasure. A panoramic roof that offers separate front and back seat sliding panels is a separate option.

The Venza’s hatch opens into a spacious rear storage area big enough for a week’s worth of beach gear.

DRIVING IMPRESSIONS: The Venza’s V-6 engine pushes the crossover from 0 to 60 in 6.7 seconds. A four cylinder Venza is also available, making 182-horsepower and getting a bit better gas mileage.

Our V-6 test model had power to spare, making the Venza surprisingly fun to drive. For those looking for a little extra insurance in slippery conditions, both the four and six cylinder models are available in all-wheel-drive configuration.

BOTTOM LINE: Toyota hopes Venza-style crossovers will emerge as the next new thing. For families looking for snappy styling, thrifty gas mileage and a break from the tyranny of the traditional SUV, it might be just the ticket.

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