Used 2021 Toyota Venza Consumer Reviews
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More fun still great economy in the normal mode!
I've had my Venza for better than four months now. During this time I've really gotten to know this wonderful SUV. The heated steering wheel is really appreciated on a cold morning with no gloves on. The frosted sunroof that clears at the touch of a button is something my wife loves. However, the main reason you buy a vehicle is for performance or economy. The Venza gives you both with a toggle of that little silver piece of metal to the right of center and forward on your console. You have three options economy 39.8 miles to the gallon without trying. This though would give you the feeling you're driving a Prius. Toggle forward and you're in normal and the SUV comes to life. You don't have to stomp on it to stay with traffic. The vehicle quiets down and you're suddenly zipping around and the vehicle is now fun as you blast your Sirius to whatever music suits you on those nine JBL speakers. Fun still delivers 35.3 miles to the gallon. Do you really want to zip? Move the toggle to sport. The suspension firms slightly and the car really goes. No MPH because I didn't stay in the mode long because normal is almost as quick and I like the mid 30's gas mileage with prices through the roof on gas. Buy it because it's a hybrid, love it if you're willing to give up some gas mileage and have some real fun. The heated, ventilated seats are comfortable the vehicle is sharper in appearance than a Lexus and I just can't get over how much fun it is to drive. It does have an intelligent all-wheel drive system. It is heavy which means it doesn't get blown around in the wind. If the snow flies go back to economy and with the weight and all-wheel drive you will have a nimble little tank, to get you through the inclement weather. Finally, when you go to look, be prepared to be blown away, the vehicle appeals to all the right senses and it's a Toyota that doesn't look like one.
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MPG better than advertised
2 Yr. Update: I'm at 100,000 miles (I drive a lot) with ZERO issues. Factory tires lasted 70k miles. I've only paid for regular maintenance. Original Review: I’ve had my Venza Limited for a week, and I’m consistently getting 45- 46.5 mpg driving as I normally do (southern climate). I’m beyond thrilled at the mpg! It handles well and while Toyota’s safety features can be annoying, it’s practically self-driving on cruise. Many of the tech features are easier to understand after reading the manual and/or watching the tips/tricks videos online. The 360° camera is a dream. The upgraded seats are actual a/c, not just ventilated. My only complaint thus far is the cabin lighting. It’s really dim and there is no central dome light. I’ve struggled several times to find something in my purse and had to use my phone flashlight!
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- LE Hybrid 4dr SUVMSRP: $25,50014 mi away
- LE Hybrid 4dr SUVMSRP: $30,998In-stock online
- LE Hybrid 4dr SUVMSRP: $27,184In-stock online
Nice ride and happy with purchase
I purchased the LE model. I'm about 5'6, and getting in and out you have to watch your head, so I lowered my seat and it is fine now. If you are taller, you may want to purchase the XLE or Limited since the seats lower and move back after you turn-off the car for easier exit and entry. I thought the seats were a little firm, so I purchased seat pads from amazon. They look great like they are part of the seats (like a pillow-top mattress). Of course, this means you cannot use the heated seats settings, but I never do anyway. I noticed that when I play the radio a little too loud, the bass makes the dashboard buzz. I turned-down the bass, and I don't blast my radio anymore. I wish there was a sunglasses holder like I have in my Lexus ES330 (this is the only thing that really bugs me). So, I keep my sunglasses in the area where you can charge your iPhone. The ride is nice and I like the handling. I keep my Venza in sport mode, so the acceration is very good. The braking is good, also. I'm getting about 40 mpg. It also has a great turning radius. After having the car for about two months, my battery died. I hadn't driven it for a few days, but I am pretty sure I must have left the vanity mirror light on. Since then, I haven't had any problems with the battery, and I have left it sitting for two weeks (I was on vacation). I've had this car since last October, and I am very happy with my purchase. I enjoy driving it. My longest drive was to Disneyland (100 miles), and it was a very comfortable drive.
Love this car
We had a RAV4 and enjoyed it for five years. We consider a new RAV4 but were very impressed with the styling of the Venza. We drove both 2021 RAV4 and Venza and felt the Venza was quieter, offered a better ride and more amenities. We took the Venza on a long trip right after we bought it and we’re not disappointed. We are very happy with it.
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Gas sipper
The Venza is back after a 6 year absence, only nobody seems to know what it is. To me it doesn’t fit the SUV tag, lacking the utility of most vehicles in this category. Based on the Rav4, it doesn’t approach the useable room found in that model. That said, one good thing carried over is the identical hybrid system. I was drawn to the vehicle for several reasons, hybrid technology, fit & finish, style, car like handling. It has not disappointed although the tradeoff comes in functionality. There’s less room inside despite its size when compared to others, partly due to the swoopy styling. No cubbies or tie-downs in the rear, lets the groceries run around and chase one-another. Two items make this an outstanding vehicle. Of course it features AWD, the drive train is pure mechanical genius. The switch from battery power to engine is flawless. A recent 20 mile leisurely jaunt on country roads netted 46 MPG! That’s on a vehicle just short of 4,000lbs. Regenerative braking is barely noticeable. Liked the fact I was able to buy a luxury vehicle without a moon roof I’d seldom if ever use. The nicest surprise was the JBL audio system that comes with the 12” head unit. Optional on the XLE, standard on the Limited model. The sound and clarity is amazing, has to be heard to be believed. Last but not least is the technology part, an obvious prelim to self-driving vehicles. The vehicle reads road signs along with lane guidance. Way too much stuff to cover in this short review. I’d say seniors, empty nesters will be the ideal candidate for this vehicle. This isn’t designed for a young family with kids and a dog. The price of admittance will likely be a consideration. Additional thoughts after 6 months ownership. While not a perfect vehicle, its operation is extremely smooth. The transmission is more like an electric vehicle, no gear changing as you move up to highway speed. The power is steady and adequate for lane merging on interstates. Estimated mileage is lower than what I achieve on a regular basis. It is always between 45 and 47 MPG at fill up. Truly amazing... Follow up: One year of ownership -15K miles. I've adapted to a touch screen over knobs, debatable which is better or easier to use. My largest dislike is the location of frequently used controls such as the steering wheel heater and rear hatch not being easily visible. Even the gas cap release is hard to see at night until you open the driver door. Just seems the design emphasis is on pretty rather than functional. Had to make a tire change in January due to an alignment issue I missed tearing up the front end. Got away from the low rolling resistance model that was noisy, plus I wanted a better all weather aspect. Yes it did cut the milage by 2 or 3 MPG's.
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