The 2024 Toyota Venza's aggressive styling borrows cues from Lexus and other luxury brands. Its interior design is upmarket too. On the downside, the Venza doesn't offer as much passenger and cargo space as its rivals, and it's not rated for towing. But if you value comfort, technology and great fuel efficiency, the Venza is an excellent pick.Read full review
Mark Takahashi has worked in the automotive industry since 2001. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Mark has also contributed to Motor Trend, Auto Aficionado, Chevy High Performance and several motorcycle magazines in various roles. Mark is also a juror on the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards and can be seen regularly on the Edmunds YouTube channel and sometimes representing the company in media interviews.
Jonathan Elfalan has worked in the automotive industry since 2005. As a director of vehicle testing at Edmunds, Jonathan has tested and reviewed thousands of cars and written thousands of car-related articles over the course of his career. Jonathan got his start testing cars for Road & Track magazine as a newly minted mechanical engineer grad from University of California, Irvine, and has also contributed to Motor Trend and the Associated Press. He likes to say he learned to drive a manual transmission in a rear-wheel-drive mid-engine vehicle but often omits it was his family's 1991 Toyota Previa minivan.
Pros
High fuel economy
Standard all-wheel drive
Luxury-level interior quality
Quiet and comfortable ride
Cons
Small cargo capacity
Relatively high cost of entry
Not rated for towing
Performance is merely adequate
What's new
No significant changes
Part of the second Venza generation introduced for 2021
Overview
The 2024 Toyota Venza is classified as a midsize SUV but it's based on the smaller RAV4 Hybrid. As a result, it straddles the line between the midsize and compact classes with mixed results. The Venza sets itself apart from the RAV4 with sleeker styling and a more refined interior, but the sloping rear roofline drastically cuts cargo capacity. Both vehicles boast exceptional fuel economy, so the Venza is a standout on that front whether you classify it a compact or a midsize SUV. This is the final year the Venza will be on sale; Toyota will instead put its efforts toward the Crown Signia. As much as we like the Venza for its comfort, fuel efficiency and sharp looks, some rivals offer more utility at a lower price point.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2024 Toyota Venza LE 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $2.88 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.
The 2024 Venza's greatest asset is its exceptional fuel economy. It's estimated to get 39 mpg in combined driving (40 city/37 highway). That represents a huge advantage over non-hybrid midsize SUVs that range between 20 and 26 mpg combined. Even better, it's easy to achieve those impressive figures, as we averaged over 44 mpg in our real-world evaluation. There are notably few midsize SUV hybrids, and relative to the more common compact hybrids, the Venza is quite compelling.
Competitors to consider
The related RAV4 Hybrid trades interior refinement for a more accessible price and increased practicality. Among midsize SUVs, the Honda Passport is a top pick, but it isn't offered as a hybrid. We're more inclined to recommend compact hybrid SUVs that include the Kia Sportage Hybrid and Honda CR-V for reasons called out in our Expert Rating below.
Edmunds Expert Rating
Our VerdictThe Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.
Good
7.8
out of 10
edmunds TESTED
The 2024 Toyota Venza's aggressive styling borrows cues from Lexus and other luxury brands. Its interior design is upmarket too. On the downside, the Venza doesn't offer as much passenger and cargo space as its rivals, and it's not rated for towing. But if you value comfort, technology and great fuel efficiency, the Venza is an excellent pick.
How does the Venza drive? The specs for the Venza's four-cylinder hybrid powertrain don't look like much on paper, but this SUV is adequately quick in real-world acceleration. In Edmunds' testing it covered 0-60 mph in 7.6 seconds. That's a second behind the Honda Passport but quicker than a V6 Jeep Grand Cherokee.
The Venza's handling doesn't quite match its sporty looks, but it is tidy and confident as you go around turns. When you're just commuting around town, Toyota's mastery of blending gas and electric power shows through and the Venza delivers smooth and virtually lag-free acceleration.
Comfort
8/10
How comfortable is the Venza? Toyota paid special attention to dialing up the comfort level in the Venza. The cabin is well insulated from the sounds of the outside environment, and the engine doesn't have the annoying drone that it does in the RAV4 Hybrid. The Venza also delivers excellent ride comfort, feeling more like a Lexus in the way it dispatches bumps and handles highway dips.
The front seats are both comfortable and supportive. Our Limited trim test vehicle featured front seats with heat and ventilation, but we didn't find the seat ventilation to be all that effective. Thankfully, the dual-zone climate control provides more than adequate cooling. Rear passengers have pretty comfortable seats as well, with reclining seatbacks and climate control vents to ensure good air flow.
Interior
7.5/10
How’s the interior? We consider the Venza a rival to other midsize SUVs such as the Honda Passport and Subaru Outback. However, it has less interior space than those vehicles and generally matches the RAV4, which is a class size smaller. This isn't to say it's cramped inside; it's just that it's not as roomy as other SUVs in the same price range.
The rest of the interior is quite good. Toyota's latest (optional) 12.3-inch infotainment screen offers a user-friendly interface and menu structure. Below this screen are upgraded touch-sensitive controls for the climate control and radio. They work OK and are responsive, but we'd still prefer standard push-buttons and knobs.
The Venza's sleek body is relatively easy to climb in and out of and offers excellent forward visibility. The thick rear roof pillars obscure some of the natural view over your shoulder, but blind-spot warning is standard to help you out while changing lanes. Our Limited trim came with a 360-degree parking camera system that takes much of the guesswork out of maneuvering in tight spaces.
Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below
Save as much as $1,327 with Edmunds Click on the trim you’re interested in to see what Edmunds suggests you should pay to get a good deal. Savings vary by trim; $1,327 refers to estimated savings off of MSRP for the Limited trim.
How’s the tech? Toyota has finally caught up with the industry on smartphone integration, offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard features in the Venza. The projection of your phone's apps doesn't use up all of the space on the optional 12.3-inch touchscreen, but it spans a good amount and leaves room for additional on-screen controls. The native navigation system isn't as elegant, quick or easy as phone-based navigation apps, but it's nice to have in case you don't have a cell signal. Four USB ports plus a wireless charger provide power on the go for all devices on board.
Toyota has also come a long way with its advanced driver aids, and many come as standard equipment. Adaptive cruise control works down to a full stop, and lane centering assist keeps you in bounds without ping-ponging off lane markers. It's one of the more comprehensive and well-executed systems in the segment.
And we'd be remiss if we didn't mention the Venza's optional tint-on-demand electrochromic panoramic sunroof. With the push of a button, you can switch from clear glass to opaque white. It effectively blocks out much of the direct sun and heat but maintains a bright cabin space.
Storage
7/10
How’s the storage? Size matters when it comes to storage, and the Venza is smaller than most in the class. The cargo area is usable and doesn't look that small in isolation, but at 28.8 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats, it trails the class by a good margin (even the RAV4 offers more space) and has a slightly awkward liftover height. The 60/40-split seats fold flat, and you can store the cargo cover under the load floor when it's not in use. A hands-free tailgate is standard, something some competitors only offer on top-trim models.
Cabin storage for small items is also limited. Most bins are smaller than those you'll find in the average midsize crossover, and the Venza even lacks overhead space for sunglasses. For those with child seat needs, things are considerably better. Anchors are easy to access and we didn't have any issues installing a large rear-facing infant seat. But drivers over 6 feet will likely need to locate the seat on the passenger side.
It should also be noted that the Venza has not been rated for towing.
Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below
Fuel Economy
10/10
How’s the fuel economy? The EPA estimates the Venza gets 39 mpg combined. However, we observed an impressive 44.3 mpg over our 115-mile real-world evaluation route. Granted, the Venza only comes as a hybrid, but it obliterates everything in the segment in efficiency. The next most efficient SUV is the Subaru Outback (which is considerably slower) at 29 mpg combined. If our result is an accurate representation, we expect the Venza to routinely match or exceed its EPA estimate.
Value
8.5/10
Is the Venza a good value? While the Venza's cost of entry is higher than most in this segment, it has the interior quality and exterior styling of a Lexus. You won't be able to get into a Venza for less than $33,000, but it does come with a significant number of standard features such as a full suite of advanced driving aids, LED headlights and taillights, and a hands-free liftgate. The fully loaded Limited trim is competitively priced with segment leaders too.
Additional benefits for the Venza beyond Toyota's basic three-year/36,000-mile warranty include hybrid powertrain coverage for eight years/100,000 miles. Toyota also recently extended its battery warranty coverage to 10 years/150,000 miles. Free scheduled maintenance is included for the first two years/25,000 miles, and there's roadside assistance for the first two years of ownership.
Wildcard
8/10
The Venza returned with a healthy amount of personality when reappeared in the Toyota lineup in 2021. While its aggressive new design is certainly eye-catching, it didn't move the sales needle much compared to its predecessor, and that sportier look isn't backed up by athletic performance. Sure, it's adequately quick and very fuel-efficient, but it's not the weekend-joyride type unless the point is seeing how far you can get on a tank of gas. And it certainly excels in that category, handily beating the rest of the class when it comes to fuel economy.
But if, like us, you value substance, then the Venza excels in almost all the important areas for a midsize SUV and rewards you with a well-rounded driving experience.
Which Venza does Edmunds recommend?
We recommend stepping up to the XLE trim level. For a reasonable price increase, you get several interior upgrades, convenience features, a larger infotainment touchscreen and additional safety features.
Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart
Toyota Venza models
The 2024 Toyota Venza is a midsize SUV that comes with more standard features than most vehicles in its segment. It's offered exclusively as a hybrid with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (total output of 219 horsepower) and all-wheel drive, and it comes in four trim levels: LE, XLE, Nightshade Edition and Limited. Highlight features include:
LE
The Venza LE is well equipped for a base model, including:
18-inch alloy wheels
LED headlights
Heated, power-folding side mirrors
Hands-free power liftgate
Keyless entry (front doors only) with push-button ignition
4.2-inch driver information display
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Cloth upholstery
Power-adjustable driver's seat
You also get these tech features:
8-inch touchscreen infotainment system
Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Amazon Alexa compatibility
Satellite radio
Connected services with access to a Wi-Fi hotspot
Wireless smartphone charging
Four USB ports
Six-speaker sound system
Blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning (alerts you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while in reverse)
All Venzas come standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+. It includes:
Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Venza and the car in front)
Forward collision mitigation with pedestrian detection (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
Lane departure mitigation (warns you of a lane departure when a turn signal isn't used and can automatically steer to maintain lane position)
Lane keeping system (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane)
XLE
The XLE takes things up a notch with:
19-inch alloy wheels
LED foglights
Roof rails
Keyless entry for the rear doors
Ambient interior lighting
7-inch driver information display
Auto-dimming rearview mirror with programmable garage door opener
Heated front seats
Synthetic leather upholstery
12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system
Parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible in front of or behind the vehicle when parking)
Rear automatic braking (brakes if sensors detect an imminent collision with an object behind the vehicle)
Nightshade Edition
The Nightshade Edition is a Venza XLE with blacked-out trim and wheels.
Limited
The Limited trim bumps the Venza up in luxury by adding:
Perforated synthetic leather upholstery
Power-adjustable front passenger seat
Ventilated front seats
Heated steering wheel
Digital rearview mirror (allows you to see out the back even with a fully loaded cargo area)
360-degree camera system (gives you a top-down view of the Venza and its surroundings for tight parking situations)
Head-up display (displays important information in your sight line on the windshield)
Navigation system
Nine-speaker JBL audio system
Some of the features on the Limited are optionally available on the XLE. You can upgrade the Limited with:
Star Gaze panoramic roof
Glass switches between clear and frost-tinted with the push of a button
2024 Toyota Venza Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
I just replaced a 2018 Highlander Platinum with a 2024 Venza Limited. When I first went to the dealer, I test drove the new Highlander and a 4Runner, with intentions of just buying the Highlander. The new Highlander had a four-cylinder engine, which seemed under-powered, not smooth, and extremely noisy. My 2018 was far superior to the 2024 version. The 4Runner was also very loud and … had a bumpy ride, not to mention a gas guzzler.
I test drove the Venza, which was not only more comfortable, but a lot quieter and seemed peppier. When I heard that 2024 was the last year it would be sold in the US, I decided to buy it while I still could. I read all the reviews and YouTube videos I could find on the car before I made my final decision. It seems like most people who bought a Venza are very pleased with it. I didn’t want to wait for the new Crown Signia, which looks like a tall station wagon (not to mention it will likely cost thousand more than the Venza). I’m old and retired, but I’m not ready for a Crown quite yet.
I wanted to address something that was described as a negative in many of the reviews, the storage space. This vehicle seems like it was intentionally designed this way. It appears to be designed to look like a sporty coupe and may be intended for people who do not want or need a traditional large SUV. If one needs that much storage space, they would likely be looking for a larger SUV, truck or minivan anyway. As a recent retiree, I have no plans to haul furniture, large volumes of luggage, or much of anything else beyond golf clubs, a suitcase or two, and an occasional trip to the big box hardware store. For my requirements, I prefer the sleek look of the unique sloping roof line to another generic hulking, square SUV. It still has more space than a traditional sedan, especially with the rear seats folded, which is all I am looking for. The same can be said for the lack of towing specs. I doubt the target market for this vehicle would ever want to tow large trailers with it.
I have not found the engine to be that noisy, also a point mentioned in some of the reviews. You can hear it under full acceleration, but it doesn’t seem to be straining, and the 0 to 60 performance tracks similarly what I experienced in my 2018 Highlander V6, only with double the gas mileage. It moves seamlessly between gas and electricity, which I really enjoy.
I found the interior to be comfortable, and very upscale. I especially like that the center console is padded where my knee rests against it when I am using the cruise control and don’t have my foot on the gas. I opted for the glass roof, and at my age, I didn’t want an open sunroof where the sun would bake my balding head. I love being able to turn it opaque and still enjoy the light.
The one thing mentioned frequently are the climate control buttons. I think Toyota was trying to give this car a very “high-tech” vibe, and that is likely why they included touch-capacitive controls as opposed to plastic buttons, in the higher trims. While I like the look and feel of real buttons, at least no dirt will get stuck between them. They do seem to work well and are very easy to clean.
I appreciate the Softex seats instead of real leather. On my old Highlander, the leather faded to a yellowish color in the sun and started to crack. The Softex has the feel of leather, but with the durability of a Gore-Tex coat. Toyota is also known for making this material with less toxic chemicals than many other manufacturers, which is a “green” bonus.
The exterior of the car has one feature I like that I never see mentioned in any reviews. The front hood opening is recessed behind a soft plastic material that is like the bumper. The rocks hitting the car will hit this part first, much like a rock deflector. It is an easier part to replace or paint than the basic metal hood found at the front of most cars, saving a little wear and tear on the edge of the hood.
There are only a few things I don’t like about the car. In the rear seating area, there are no side shades, which would have been any easy thing to include at little cost. Also, there are no climate control buttons, only vents. The addition of these two items would have made the rear seating area a little more upscale to match the rest of the vehicle.
My largest complaint is with Toyota itself. They seem to have way too many “subscription” services that should be included at no charge. They are trying to extract every revenue stream from the customers they can to increase their profits. When my trial period ends for these “features,” I will not be renewing them.
Feature rich baby Lexus
5 out of 5 stars
Perry’s Dad, 08/08/2023
2023 Toyota Venza LE 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
I traded my 2017 Lexus RX350 for the 2023 hybrid Venza. While not as posh the Venza’s driving characteristics are similar to the Lexus and it has more technology and driver safety features in a slightly smaller package. Best of all my current overall efficiency since buying the Venza is 40 plus miles per gallon.
If it doesn’t have it, you don’t need it.
5 out of 5 stars
Charles F. Taylor, 08/02/2023
2023 Toyota Venza Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
We traded a Lexus 350 in for Venda LTD Hybrid. The Venda came equipped with virtually every extra we could think off. I won’t go into details offered by other reviewers other than to say I agree with them. We have had Chevys, Pontiacs, Mercedes, Lexuses, VWs, and a few others, and the Venza is the best of the lot, especially when you factor in MPG, styling and cost. Its comparative … rating is knocked down for a lack of space in the rear, but it is perfectly fine for a couple who do not tow. I recommend it without qualification or reservation.
Tomdeere
5 out of 5 stars
Tomdeere Hoosier to the core!, 07/16/2023
2023 Toyota Venza Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
We are retired and have looked for a vehicle to replace our Rogue which we liked, but wanted something that gave us better mileage as well as overall nicer more luxurious feel. What we found to meet all of those criteria we settled on a 2023 Venza, which we love. The only shortfall is lack of hauling capacity, which is not as important to us as it used to be. The seats are very … comfortable and love the ability to just say, "Hey Toyota take us to where we want to go". Our son who drives a Lexus RX tried to convince us to get one, but could not see the $12,000 difference in price and after seeing and drive our new car he was convinced as well. We cannot figure out why this model is not selling compared to the Rav4, which is not nearly as nice. You can't go wrong with a Venza!
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2024 Toyota Venza, so we've included reviews for other years of the Venza since its last redesign.
The Honda Passport remains our favorite in the midsize SUV class, which is impressive since it's been able to fend off newer rivals. Its potent V6 engine is more capable than the Venza's hybrid powertrain, though the Venza clearly has better fuel economy in its favor.
The Venza is on the small side for a midsize SUV while the Kia Sportage Hybrid is on the large side for a compact SUV, making them comparable in many ways. Even so, the smaller Kia delivers more rear passenger space and a much larger cargo capacity than the Toyota. Power and fuel efficiency are similar, though the Sportage Hybrid is slightly more enjoyable to drive.
The Honda CR-V with the hybrid powertrain is another compact SUV worth considering against the Venza. We like it for its intuitive tech interface and high levels of comfort, but it's weaker and slower than the already middling Venza. Fuel economy is comparable, but the CR-V holds an advantage with its much larger cargo capacity.
The Venza is Toyota's hybrid crossover SUV. It sits just above the RAV4 Hybrid in the Toyota lineup and is one of the brand's most luxurious offerings. Think of it as the SUV equivalent of the Crown sedan. While there are drawbacks (like its lack of a tow rating, frustrating interior ergonomics and lack of space compared to rivals), the Venza is a quiet and feature-rich crossover that appeals to buyers who value comfort above all else.
The Venza's second generation was introduced for 2021, and based on typical life cycles for a vehicle, 2024 could bring light changes to the Venza. We'd expect the powertrain, a 2.5-liter four-cylinder augmented by three electric motors, to remain unchanged. But the exterior would get a light nip and tuck, with Toyota sharpening the SUV's style and bringing it in line with the rest of its lineup. We'd also expect Toyota to pack in some new features. Beyond that, the Venza should stay the same efficient, comfortable place to spend time it has been.
Edmunds says
The Venza delivers near Lexus levels of comfort at a relatively affordable starting price, and high gas prices only broaden this hybrid SUV's appeal. It's possible the Venza could see styling updates for the 2024 model year.
FAQ
Is the Toyota Venza a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2024 Venza both on the road and at the track, giving it a 7.8 out of 10. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2024 Venza gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 43 reviews) What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the Venza has 28.8 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Toyota Venza. Learn more
What's new in the 2024 Toyota Venza?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2024 Toyota Venza:
No significant changes
Part of the second Venza generation introduced for 2021
To determine whether the Toyota Venza is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the Venza. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the Venza's 4-star average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2024 Toyota Venza a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2024 Toyota Venza is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2024 Venza and gave it a 7.8 out of 10. Our consumer reviews show that the 2024 Venza gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 43 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2024 Venza is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2024 Toyota Venza?
The least-expensive 2024 Toyota Venza is the 2024 Toyota Venza LE 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $35,070.
Other versions include:
LE 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) which starts at $35,070
XLE 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) which starts at $39,280
Nightshade 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) which starts at $40,405
Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) which starts at $43,215
If you're interested in the Toyota Venza, the next question is, which Venza model is right for you? Venza variants include LE 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT), XLE 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT), Nightshade 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT), and Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT). For a full list of Venza models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more