Like the domestically-produced Toyota Avalon, the upcoming Toyota Venza is a creature of U.S.-tailored design -- big enough for soccer practices with a sufficiently cushy ride to satisfy your average American folk. But with a full line of crossovers like the RAV 4 and Highlander why build another?

The answer is probably that the Venza will be among the first to achieve just the right balance between a full-size SUV and a car, offering ample interior room and sedan-like driving dynamics. To meet the growing demand for fuel efficient drivetrains Toyota will empower the base model with a 2.7-liter DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder VVT-i. Of course this may turn out to be a green mirage. Although Toyota has yet to release real-world MPG stats, this engine is considerably larger than Camry's 2.4L and is built to push a much heavier shell. The 3.5L V6 will be optional.

That said the new Venza will be quite tech-worthy, especially for a mid-market family crossover. Options will include a panoramic glass roof with tilt and slide functions, 13-speaker Voice-activated DVD navigation system with an integrated satellite radio receiver,1 XM NavTraffic, MP3/WMA playback capability, hands-free Bluetooth phone capability, a rear-seat DVD entertainment system, and a backup camera. There is no word on the price, but expect something in the neighborhood of $22,000 - 28,000.