The Toyota Venza is back for 2021, reimagined with everything crossover buyers might want in a versatile five-seater: all-wheel drive, superior fuel economy, top technology and a comfortable, design-focused interior.
The original, first-generation Venza was a crossover aimed at active empty nesters. It debuted in 2008 but was retired in 2015 after it had trouble connecting with its niche audience and was surpassed in sales by Toyota’s own RAV4 compact crossover and Highlander three-row SUV. The resurrected, second-generation 2021 Venza remains a five-passenger crossover, but its name is the closest resemblance it has to its former self.
As Toyota focuses on adding more fuel-efficient cars and SUVs to its lineup, the Venza returns as a hybrid-only model. The spotlight on fuel efficiency is joined by an emphasis on style and features. The new Venza offers luxe details like a panoramic sunroof, wireless phone charging and a head-up display. Also unlike the previous Venza, the modern iteration sits on the same platform as the Harrier SUV that’s sold in Japan instead of the Camry midsize sedan, which ups its versatility.
The 2021 Venza casts a wider net and is well-suited for buyers who need the flexibility and ease of an SUV but want something more stylish than the RAV4 or smaller than the Highlander (both are available as hybrids). It’s also a perfect upgrade for the Prius owner who expects 40 mpg and is ready for a more sophisticated in-car experience.
The Venza is confident but not overly powerful. Its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine is mated to a trio of electric motors for a total of 219 horsepower overall, an output competitive with most popular crossovers of comparable size. All-wheel drive is standard. It’s fuel economy is best in class with 40 mpg around town and 37 mpg on the highway. That’s also much higher than non-hybrid alternatives.
The Venza’s motors use a continuously variable transmission, which is subtle and quiet unlike some other vehicles in Toyota’s lineup that can sound a bit whiny under acceleration. The Venza has enough gusto to get up to speed smoothly on the highway and its responsive steering aids in efficient and precise maneuvering between lanes.
The same precision helps it navigate tight city quarters or nab cramped spots in crowded parking lots. The Venza rides comfortably in congested surface street traffic and an abundance of stop-and-go between stop lights won’t tire the driver. It would proficiently serve triple duty as highway commuter, around-the-town family hauler or road tripper.
Driving enthusiasts beware: while adequate in many ways the Venza falls short on the fun-to-drive meter, as expected. It does not corner like it’s on rails, but it’s not meant to. It’s a hybrid after all and its focus is on fuel economy and comfort.
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