Here's Why This Fancy RAV4 Hybrid Might Not Be For Everyone - 2021 Toyota Venza XLE Review

The Toyota Venza was discontinued in 2015 but now it is back in the form of a hybrid only clone of the RAV4 Hybrid. While it shares the same platform, it looks totally different inside and out. This new Venza looks more upscale and has an exterior design that is drastically different than the rest of the Toyota lineup. But there's a couple of little drawbacks that may prevent the Venza from becoming the number one choice for crossover buyers.

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[DMAX-edpq]

Came off a 2017 CX5 Grand Touring. We UPGRADED to the Venza limited. Absolutely love it. My wife has a 42 mile commute with some rolling hills and she averages about 50mpg. I don’t know why people complain about “road noise”. Every car has some degree of road noise and this one is so minimal if any. Fit and finish is great. We are very pleased. A tad smaller in the cargo area but we’re okay with it.

[atvchicZ]

I just bought the 2024 Venza Limited. I am getting between 43-50 MPG depending on VA traffic. I'm loving it, compared to what I was driving... a 2009 Camry-getting bout 23 MPG.
Yes, the back cargo space is not the biggest. But for what I need, I make it work. I absolutely love my Venza!

[TheValuePro]

The problem with the RAV 4 Hybrid is that they are not readily available for sale at most dealerships, every dealer I spoke with is charging a $2, 000+ premium over sticker price with virtually every unit being presold and there are no factory incentives. The Venza on the other hand has a higher sticker price, but has $1, 750 in Toyota cash incentives. With the incentives the Venza has more features at an overall lower price than the RAV 4, at least for the time being.

[kathym]

I like the 2021 Venza XLE. Just started leasing last weekend. Previously had a 2019 Rav and this is my first hybrid

[gat]

planetary gears instead of belts=wow, you are the only one to mention this. I bought one of these gems and didn't know that- I sell gearboxes and electric motors and the planetary gear is the most beautiful design of all gearing.

[schlauchmeister]

The Limited trim doesn't "come with" the Star Gaze roof, it's a $1400 option.

[michaelmorrow]

Yes, I hate how the current RAV4 looks. It's truck like and I particularly dislike the floating roof appearance on the lighter color ones. The Venza, the other hand, is a sophisticated looking town vehicle that looks like a mini RX350..

[paulstein]

A helpful comment. While driving, I went to turn the radio on. I kept my eyes on the road. The radio power button is above the start button. I hit the start button. Heard dinging sounds. Then I got the message, holding the start button for 3 seconds, will automatically cause an emergency stop. That’s bad placement.

[fenix]

The Venza will also say it’s driving on Ev when it’s coasting around 40 mpg and you press the accelerator softly just to keep it at 40 miles per hour

[bho]

My biggest disappointment with our Venza Limited has been the JBL audio system. Six of the 9 speakers are in the front. The result is a lack of a rounded, stereo sound. I would like more speakers in the back to round out the sound. Something to look into doing aftermarket?

[sophaman]

I owned one 2022 venza hybrid limited i love it good on gas ⛽ i can run more than 1000 kilometers with 55 litre of gas with light foot not heavy foot ok thanks for your video take care bye from milton Ontario Canada

[bobbywarkenthien]

A few weeks ago my Mom got the Venza Limited with the StarGaze roof option. So far she is liking it. She almost got the Highlander Hybrid Platinum, but didn't really need a 3 row. Stepdad wanted her to get the Highlander lol. She got a pretty decent deal on it from the dealer. Dealer was asking low $40k(think it was $42, 000) and got them down to a decent amount. I think the Limited is decently priced for what you get.

[hawkesworth]

I'd have to take issue with the criticism of not being able to do certain things while wearing gloves in a modern car. I've driven in the snow in Europe and Australia and in New York when they had a wind chill of minus thirty and I've never worn gloves while driving. As criticisms go, it isn't one.
Good review though.

[paulstein]

No gloves needed with the heated steering wheel. I really don’t notice any difference between this ECVT and the regular automatic transmissioin, .

[Blackhawk.]

Does a baby stroller fit in the venza??

[johnbrews]

The car is good. But there are a few complaints. Wind noise and road noise are noticeable - not awful but annoying. But the main downside is Toyota Safety Sense 2.0. The lane centering feature is erratic and undependable. The adaptive cruise control picks up stopped vehicles too late, and loses the car in front too easily. The navigation system is horrible - hugely out of date it’s suggests illegal turns and can’t find the US Post Offices.

On the positive side: handles well, steers nicely, comfortable seats, unnoticeable shifting between electric and gas, smooth braking, great stereo system, gas mileage about 37 mpg in suburbs. Plenty of oomph around town, quick take off from stops. Adequate power for passing on highway.

[radrcer]

Anyone know how roadnoise of Venza compares to Rav4?

[peters]

touch panel and no volume nob is a deal braker.

[william]

The soft console is a deal breaker for me. The middle console should be hard materials. Any spilled drink would cause issues for the soft console. The 2022 NX has it right. Wish Venza had something like that

[donbrloks]

2022 model. Averaging in low 40 mpg. Like most everything. Things I don’t like. Backup noise is way too loud. Interior lighting is very dim. Rear turn signal lights down low & hard to be seen by drivers behind you.