IT’S A BEST BUY BECAUSE:
The stylish Venza boasts an upscale feel inside and out, pleasant road manners, and a smooth hybrid powertrain that delivers outstanding fuel economy—all at highly competitive prices.
BUT…
Its cargo volume comes up a bit short against class rivals’.
WORTH NOTING:
The top-line Limited model can be equipped with an optional “Star Gaze” panoramic fixed sunroof, which uses electrochromic technology to switch from transparent to a frosted, translucent surface at the press of a button.
WHAT IS IT?
The Venza is Toyota’s new-for-2021 2-row, 5-passenger midsize crossover SUV; it’s positioned as a stylish urban-commuter vehicle that competes primarily with rivals such as the Chevrolet Blazer, Ford Edge, and Nissan Murano. Toyota previously used the Venza badge on a 2-row midsize crossover it sold from 2009-2015, but the 2021 model shares nothing but its name with its predecessor. It comes standard with a hybrid powertrain and all-wheel drive—a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine is paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and three electric motors for a total output of 219 horsepower. One of the motors is mounted in the rear to drive the rear wheels when needed to reduce front wheel slip or improve cornering. The model lineup ascends through LE, XLE, and Limited models. LEs are well equipped with standard features such as keyless entry and starting, wireless smartphone charger, a hands-free power liftgate, and the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite of active safety features. XLE models add features such as front and rear park sensors, heated front seats, auto-dimming mirror, and a larger driver-info display. The top-line Limited gets features such as full simulated-leather upholstery, a heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats, a 360-degree camera system, and a premium JBL audio system with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen (that last item is optional on the XLE).
WHAT’S NEW?
The Venza is a new vehicle for 2021. It’s built on the Toyota New Global Architecture-K platform, which is currently in use by other Toyota vehicle lines.
FUEL ECONOMY
The Venza’s EPA-estimated fuel economy is 40 mpg city/37 mpg highway. In Consumer Guide® testing, an XLE model averaged 41.5 mpg in 60-percent city driving.
VALUE IN CLASS
The revived-for-2021 Venza is one of only five hybrid vehicles available in the mainstream midsize SUV class—the others are the Ford Explorer, Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia Sorento, and Toyota’s own Highlander. The Venza’s excellent fuel economy is a key selling point, but the generous list of standard and available features, comfortable ride, and classy cabin also make the Venza a clear Best Buy pick.
| BASE PRICE RANGE | $32,470 – $39,800 |
| BODY STYLES | 4-Door Wagon |
| AVAILABLE ENGINES | 219-HP, 2.5-Liter 4-Cyl./Electric |
| DRIVE WHEELS | All-Wheel Drive |
| BUILT IN | Japan |
| EPA FUEL-ECONOMY RANGE | 37-40 MPG |
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