By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica.com

(December 15, 2020) Back in 2008, Toyota launched the Venza, a two-row crossover utility vehicle that some described as a Camry wagon, aimed primarily at the empty nester market. It was designed in the United States, with an elevated driving position, big, wide doors and seats that were, well, a bit wider to better fit the average American consumer. But the Venza never caught on and was discontinued in 2015.

For the 2021 model year, Venza is back, this time in the midst of a crossover utility vehicle craze that Toyota is hoping will give Venza a better chance at success. With looks that closely mimic its upmarket first cousin, the premium Lexus RX 350, and the fact that it’s strictly powered by a gasoline-electric hybrid driveline, Venza is different this time around.

The new Venza shares strong DNA mappings with its smaller sibling Toyota RAV4 which, by the way, is the best-selling passenger vehicle in the United States. Both are built on the same versatile TNGA-K global platform with the same width and wheelbase, although Venza is six inches longer and sits lower. Visually, it is noticeably larger than the RAV4.

Venza is a two-row, five-seater that boasts updated technology, safety features, standard all-wheel drive and still offers large doors, a higher seating position and a decent amount of cargo capacity. Although, oddly, Venza is actually less spacious inside and less practical for hauling cargo than the RAV4. It’s significantly more luxurious than either the current RAV4 or previous Venza and could pass for an entry-level Lexus model with all of its new refinements both inside and out.

Inside, premium materials are on par with Lexus, with thoughtful features like three-level heated and ventilated seats in both front and rear. The driver’s seat automatically adjusts back to the rear-most position for ease of entry and exit. There’s a hands-free rear power liftgate and an optional Star Gaze fixed panoramic glass roof ($1,400 and exclusive to the Limited trim) that lightens and dims the glass between transparent and opaque with an on/off control and power sunshade. We first saw this roof on Mercedes-Benz vehicles a few years ago and really liked it.

Other niceties include an optional 10-inch color head-up display with speedometer and hybrid system indicators, and rain-sensing variable intermittent windshield wipers ($725).

Venza shares its all-wheel-drive hybrid system with the RAV4 hybrid, including the 2.5-liter inline-four-cylinder engine and two moto-generators, plus a third electric motor for the rear axle. At 219, the horsepower is the same for both vehicles.



Venza does get a lithium-ion battery pack rather than the nickel-metal-hydride unit in the RAV4. Combined city-highway fuel economy for the Venza is rated at 39 mpg. Our combined 300-mile city highway test driving over a week returned an impressive average of 37.1 mpg. That’s similar to the RAV4 we previously tested. Toyota says they have no plans to offer a gasoline-only engine or other hybrid variant.

Venza is offered in three different trim levels: LE, XLE and Limited, all with the same driveline.

Expecting driving thrills from the Venza is like going to the dentist for good conversation. It’s a perfectly serviceable, attractive and safe vehicle for almost all driving requirements of suburban corporeal errands. Put the window down, arm out the window, sit back and enjoy a relaxing ride that feels composed, lazy and compliant, almost in a submissive way.

But where the Venza falls short is in direct comparison to the RAV4 hybrid. First, for vehicles that are nearly identical (save interior and exterior styling), a similarly equipped Venza XLE lists for $39,200, about $6,000 more than the RAV4 XLE Premium model. You’ll have to decide if styling alone is worth the difference in price. Our Limited trim level Venza listed at $43,100 with the optional Advanced Technology Package and the Star Gaze sun panel roof. That isn’t an insignificant amount of money to pay for what is almost exclusively styling and a bit nicer interior.

Essentials
Base Price: $32,470 - $39,800
Price as Tested: $43,100
Engine/Transmission: 2.5-L gasoline 4-cylinder and two motor-generators, plus a third electric motor lithium-ion battery pack hybrid delivered through a continuously variable automatic transmission and all-wheel-drive.
Fuel Economy: 40/37/39 MPG – City/Highway/Combined
Seating: 5

Where Built: Aichi, Japan

Crash Test Results: 2021 Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Top Safety Pick and highest possible overall five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Competes With:
Chevrolet Blazer
Ford Edge
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Nissan Murano
Toyota RAV4

Fab Features
Great gas mileage
Attractive upscale interior and exterior design
Soft, cushioned drive