Used 2021 Toyota Venza

One of the hottest segments among car buyers is crossover SUVs, especially midsize 2-row models. Manufacturers have responded by launching a number of these variations on their established 3-row models. The all-new 2021 Toyota Venza follows that recipe up to a point. Slotted between the 3-row Toyota Highlander and the 2-row compact RAV4, the Venza is less of a short-wheelbase version of the former and more of a larger variant of the latter.

While larger and more upscale than the RAV4, the 2021 Venza takes its drivetrain directly from the successful RAV4 Hybrid. This unit combines a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle 4-cylinder engine with two electric motors, one on each axle, to produce 219 horsepower delivered to all four corners. In addition to giving the Venza all-wheel-drive (AWD) capability, the hybrid powertrain delivers good fuel economy. Toyota estimates that the Venza will deliver a city/highway combined rate of 40 mpg.

As an all-new entry, the Venza features sleek coupe-like styling in a 4-door crossover SUV body. The look is much more contemporary than the boxy and more wagon-like Venza that was dropped from the lineup in 2015. However, it does retain the 2-row, 5-passenger configuration of that earlier model.

The Toyota Venza is a completely different driving experience than its predecessor. That model had a more of midsize passenger wagon feel to it than a crossover SUV. The 2021 Venza, which uses a blend of components from the RAV4 and Highlander, feels more like a proper SUV thanks to its elevated seating position and great forward visibility.

The driving experience is also a blend of the smaller, nimbler RAV4 and the larger 3-row Highlander. The Venza offers a bit more width making the cabin roomier. Isolation from outside noise is much improved over RAV4. The better-insulated interior, with its use of high-quality materials and soft-touch surfaces, comes off more like something from the Lexus lineup than a mass-market offering.

The 216 horsepower combined output is solid. The instant boost of acceleration from the electric motors feels stouter than the numbers indicate. The AWD is an on-demand system that primarily operates in front-drive and is there to add more traction when needed when the pavement gets slippery, or you get really aggressive with the accelerator. The hybrid operates smoothly and seamlessly, transitioning back and forth between electric and gasoline power. However, if you’re looking for more power or sportier handling in a 2-row SUV, you may want to look at the V6 power available in the Honda Passport, Chevrolet Blazer, and Ford Edge.

Our test vehicle was equipped with the 12.3-inch infotainment display, and most of the controls and systems operate through the touchscreen, save for the audio volume knob. The lack of traditional controls can be distracting when trying to set the temp, fan speed, or change a station. A good fallback position is the voice command system, especially when using the navigation.

Overall, the Venza is easy to drive and live with in everyday traffic. The steering is precise with good feedback, and Toyota has done an admirable job of blending regenerative and standard braking for a seamless application of stopping power. The company has had many years of practice in building conventional hybrids, and all that work pays handsome dividends in the newly reconstituted 2021 Venza.

The cabin has a clean, uncluttered look to it. A larger center console with integrated cupholders, shifter, and auxiliary controls sweeps upward into the dash and is topped by an infotainment touchscreen. In front of the driver, there’s a standard 4.2-inch information display on the base LE that grows to seven inches on XLE and Limited trims. An optional 10-inch color head-up display is also available.

The twin front bucket seats featured sculpted bolstering and come with an 8-way power adjustment on all models and 4-way power adjustment for the front passenger on the Limited. The driver’s seat also automatically slides to the farthest back position when the front door is opened. Heated front seats are available, while ventilated versions are standard on the Limited.

The rear features room for 3-across seating with a center folding armrest. The 60/40-split rear seat folds down to offer access to the cargo hold. With the seatback up, that area has a capacity of 28.8 cubic feet.

The exterior of the 2021 Toyota Venza is, in a word, sleek. From some angles, it looks like it was lifted directly from Lexus, sans the large spindle-shaped grille. The proportions are more 4-door coupe than upright-SUV inspired. While the large lower grille has Toyota’s familiar trapezoidal shape, the edges are rounded, giving it a softer, more elegant look. Narrow lighting elements with integrated LED running lights flank the smaller grill upper. In profile, the Venza’s tapered look is accented by brightwork surrounding the window openings.

The sides are sleek and uncluttered and thin wheel-arch extensions add just a hint of athleticism to a shape that is more urban than off-road. The rear hatch is bisected by a thin strip of LED taillights and topped by a spoiler. Twin chrome exhaust tips and some additional brightwork framing the rear diffuser completes the look.

STAR GAZE FIXED PANORAMIC GLASS ROOF
Offered as an option, this fixed panoramic glass roof is something we’ve seen on other vehicles. The difference here is the electrochromic glass which allows the driver to switch from transparent to frosted mode within a second. This frosted feature keeps out direct sunlight while at the same time brightening the interior.

ALL-WHEEL DRIVE
While all-wheel drive is a given in this segment, often it is not standard across the board. Most entry-level SUVs are front-wheel drive, but in the case of the Venza, all will come with AWD thanks in large part to its hybrid nature.

For comfort and convenience, all 2021 Toyota Venzas come with power windows, an 8-way power driver’s seat, and a hands-free power liftgate. For entertainment and information, you can enjoy an AM/FM sound system with six speakers, an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen, and Android Auto/Apple CarPlay/Amazon Alexa compatibility. And for driving confidence, you get all-wheel drive and a backup camera with projected path and dynamic gridlines.

If you’re willing to pay extra, your Venza wish list can include a digital rearview mirror, the Star Gaze panoramic glass roof, a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, heated/ventilated seats, dynamic navigation, a digital key, 12-speaker 1,200-watt JBL premium audio, a surround-view camera, a 10-inch color head-up display, and a 7-inch instrument cluster screen.

There is one basic hybrid powertrain in the Toyota Venza. It’s based on a normally aspirated 4-cylinder Atkinson-cycle gasoline-powered engine mated to two electric motors delivering all-wheel drive. The new Venza earns a combined city/highway fuel economy of 39 mpg.

2.5-liter inline-4 engine + electric motors
219 horsepower (peak output with gasoline and electric combined)
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 40/37 mpg