The 2023 Toyota Venza Limited Is An Overshadowed Lexus-Like Hybrid SUV

The #ToyotaVenza was brought back to the #Toyota lineup about 2 years ago as a more upscale, hybrid only midsize SUV. For 2023, the latest #Venza gets a few tweaks including a new infotainment system, updated tech, and a new #VenzaNightShade trim level. It still has a very #Lexus like feel for those of you who don't need the fancy badge.

We're also on:

[vadskar]

The poor sales numbers are solely due to total absence of the venzas on the dealer lots. They cannot make enough of them. Waiting time for limited trim is 4-6 months.

[vincenty]

This is a car for people who want a Lexus RX without paying the Lexus premium and I love it. The Venza has one of the more attractive interiors for Toyota.

[panzer_TZ]

The appeal of this car, at least for me, is that it is way more attractive looking than a RAV4 and it's way more rare in the wild. Another thing is that the Venza's trims and packaging is way more simple, especially for 2023. Finding a RAV4 Hybrid without being gouged by a dealer is already hard enough; now try finding a RAV4 Hybrid specifically with (for example) a pano roof or rain sensing wipers. For 2023, the Venza Limited gets the advanced tech package standard, so if a Venza Limited shows up on a dealer lot, you KNOW you're getting all the features you want.

[TalismanPHX]

Venza has very mature and elegant styling

[derekong]

I had a Venza for 6 months and loved it. Its more highway cruiser than a RAV4. Nice seats, plush interior, lots of luxury features found in Lexus. I think if you want a highway cruiser and dont want all the woods and leathers of the Lexus this is an excellent drivers car. Its a luxury highway cruiser for 10k less than a Lexus.

[DesertDweller]

I prefer the Venza's exterior lines over those of the RAV4 styling, which I view as "blocky" and more utilitarian. The interior seating is more comfortable in the Venza. The somewhat reduced cargo capacity is not an issue for me. Finally, I understand that Toyota is not releasing a lot of Venzas, so the wait times can be frustrating.

[bho]

We love our '21 Venza Limited in blueprint blue with the grey Softex interior. I really like the styling. It is reminiscent of a Jag/Lexus but it also is unique when looking at other Toyotas (Looking similar to the RX makes sense when you consider that the first 2 generations of the RX were rebadged Toyota Harriers.). Amazing gas mileage, averaging 38 mpg from day one. we bought it. Great power. Just did a trip from Vancouver BC to Laguna Beach and it was quiet, comfortable, drove well. It was much quieter than the RAV4 and at the time, it felt roomier and more affordable than the Lexus NX. Honestly, unless you're gunning it from light to light, it is quiet when driving. I do like the updated infotainment centre on the '23. I know people buy the NX for the Lexus name but honestly, the Venza is just as good and you will save a lot of money when you compare feature to feature. Great video and thank you for sharing about the Venza. We are seeing more and more of them here.

[ArnelZapataJr]

I think it looks simple and clean from the design. I feel like Toyota’s trying to appeal to the more mature audience with the Venza which is perfectly fine.

[ejm]

Sales are bad not because no one wants one. BUT because no one can get a Venza. Supply chain problems. I was lucky to find a 2023 Venza Limited. I am a empty nester. It's the perfect car for me !

[creyes]

I saw one of these today and was like woah wtf is that?! It looks really nice in person

[ayczv]

This car has been a HOT sale here in Canada. Specifically in Alberta. You see them everywhere. We got the luck of getting our hands on one of the first ones back in January 2021. No complaints with the vehicle. Only lots of fuel savings as is a commuter car for us. Good job on the review.

[evdanielsson]

First of all, thank you for being the only mainstream reviewer who did a video on the ‘23 Venza. I’ve had my ‘23 Venza Limited with StarGaze (in Ruby Flare with the Boulder interior) for a little over a month now, and after about 1, 200 miles I am in love. My husband got a ‘23 RAV4 Hybrid XSE (in Cavalry Blue) and I feel I got the nicer car for sure. He loves his RAV4; but, my Venza is just so premium. Quieter, smoother (although his smaller wheels make harsh bumps a bit smoother), and a few extra features that he wishes he had (power steering column, lock and close liftgate button, power-folding mirrors and head up display). The 1200-watt JBL sound system also blows the RAV4’s 800-watt JBL out of the freakin’ water. Overall it’s a fantastic car, and I’m happy I got it instead of paying out the ass for an NX.

[HettBret]

Had the '21 Venza LE and just upgraded to the '23 Venza XLE in Titanium Glow. The Venza is a wonderful vehicle and Toyota really is giving more luxury options without having to commit to their Lexus line. I highly recommend this vehicle!

[MicheleEngel]

If I had a family—spouse and a couple of kids still in school—this would not be the car for me simply because of the space constraints. Families have sports gear and luggage and all kinds of stuff they drive around with, depending on the day’s destination and agenda. This is not a practical vehicle for that SUV customer profile. But I’m 69, single, semi-retired, and this is perfect for my lifestyle. Plenty of room for a passenger or two plus some luggage for a road trip or just the usual grocery and other shopping. No need for speed or sporty maneuvering, and luxury features make it a wonderfully enjoyable ride. Retirement incomes often don’t support the extra expense of a Lexus or other luxury cars. Boomer generation singles and couples are active and adventurous and living long lives. I think this is the perfect niche SUV for us. 😊

[natieya]

You were much nicer this time to the Venza, lol. I feel like last time, you had it out for the poor thing. My two cents: I'm buying one. It looks MUCH nicer and the ride is much smoother than the Rav4. The stargazer is awesome (I never open my sunroofs anyway) and the cooled seats sealed the deal.

[bobberardino]

Seems like Toyota is creating a hybrid AWD sub-brand by going for near Lexus luxury without Lexus pricing with this Venza and the Crown. I like it.

[michaelkeyes]

I've had my 2021 Venza for just over 1 1/2 years -- Love it! Traded my 2015 RAV4 LTD, and the Venza is SO much quieter, better riding, and more powerful vs. the last gen RAV4, and the interior is much better quality. Obviously, the styling limits the cargo capacity a bit, but not that much. ALL the professional road reviews criticize the space, but the cargo space almost exactly matches that of my comp set at a better price --- Audi Q5, BMW X3, Acura RDX, Genesis GV70, and of course Lexus NX -- The cargo capacity of all these compact Lux Crossovers are similar, so Venza is not exactly deficient there. Toyota still reserved some sound insulation for the Lexus version, which is annoying, but still love my Venza for $10K+ less.

[wbwayne]

Everytime I see a Venza on the road, it gives me a real Lexus RX vibe. A 2 generation ago RX. I actually like it, especially the interior.

[daves]

I bought a 2022 Venza and am averaging about 43 mpg in combined driving.

[tommygtr]

With a "peanut butter" colored leather of leatherette interior. perfection! I LOVE your channel. Thorough and in-depth reviews.