Toyota executives were more upbeat when talking about new vehicles, including the Venza, a midsize automobile they described as a crossover sedan.

Most of the industry’s crossover vehicles are sport utility vehicles built on the underpinnings of cars, which gives them a smoother ride and better fuel economy than S.U.V.’s built on a truck chassis.

But the Venza, which will be built in Georgetown, Ky., is meant for drivers who are no longer interested in driving S.U.V.’s, or conventional crossovers, yet like a higher sitting position and the ability to transport cargo, like athletic gear or gardening supplies.

The Venza, which resembled a smaller version of the Toyota Highlander or the Lexus RX, will replace the Camry Solara, a coupe version of the Camry sedan. It will reach the market later this year as a 2009 model. Venza will be introduced with a V-6 engine rated at 268 horsepower, 20-inch wheels and a six-speed automatic transmission. Toyota also plans to introduce a version with a four-cylinder engine and 19-inch wheels. The company did not give fuel economy estimates or disclose Venza’s price.