2021 Toyota Venza Review

Name: 2021 Toyota Venza Review
Brand: Toyota
Price: 21999 USD

+188

The Toyota Venza's aggressive new 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.

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2021 Toyota Venza Review

byJonathan Elfalan^{Director, Vehicle Testing
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

One of the smallest midsize SUVs
Higher cost of entry
Not rated for towing

What's new

All-new midsize SUV
Available exclusively as a hybrid
Kicks off the second-generation Venza

Overview

Hey, the Venza is back! Did you miss it? Considering the lack of shed tears or internet outcry back when Toyota binned the original Venza after the 2015 model year, the answer would probably be, "No, not really." But a 2021 Toyota Venza is here nonetheless, and it's got a few new party tricks to show off.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2021 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 $3.20 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$103/mo

$184/mo

Avg. Midsize SUV

Calculate my fuel costs

The new Venza competes with other midsize crossover SUVs such as the Chevrolet Blazer, Honda Passport, Subaru Outback and Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport. These models are known for their abundance of passenger and cargo room. Oddly, this is something the new Venza is a bit short on. However, it does have something they don't: a standard hybrid powertrain.

All Venzas use a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors (one dedicated to charging) to send power through a continuously variable automatic transmission to its front wheels. A single rear motor also provides power to the rear wheels when you need extra traction. It's a similar setup to the RAV4 Hybrid and Highlander Hybrid SUVs. Total output is 219 horsepower. This might not seem like much given that the Passport's V6 cranks out 280 hp, for example, but we've found acceleration to be perfectly adequate. Plus, it's smooth, quiet and gets you a Toyota-estimated 39 mpg in combined city/highway driving.

Overall, we think highly of the Venza and recommend it if you're looking for an SUV that's stylish, upscale and fuel-efficient.

Edmunds Expert Rating

Our Verdict^{The 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

Rated for you by America's best test team.

Performance

7.5/10

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

8.0/10

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 same annoying drone as 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 monitoring 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.

Technology

8.0/10

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

7.0/10

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.

Fuel Economy

10.0/10

How’s the fuel economy? Preliminary fuel economy estimates are 39 mpg (40 city, 37 highway). However, we observed an impressive 44.3 mpg when driving 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 economy estimates.

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 lengthier 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

8.0/10

The Venza has returned with a healthy amount of personality. It's destined to be more popular than its predecessor just based on its aggressive new design alone. But 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.

But, if like us you value substance, then the Venza excels in almost all the important areas for this midsize SUV class and rewards you with a well-rounded driving experience.

Which Venza does Edmunds recommend?

The Venza's higher starting price means it comes pretty nicely equipped from the start. Since that's the case, we'd go with the base LE model. It gets you Toyota's full suite of advanced driver aids, a hands-free liftgate, LED headlights, and keyless entry and ignition. You won't be able to upgrade to the larger 12.3-inch touchscreen, but we think the standard 8-inch screen and controls are easier to use anyway.

2021 Toyota Venza models

The 2021 Toyota Venza is a midsize SUV that comes with more standard features than most in its segment. It's offered exclusively as a hybrid with all-wheel drive and comes in three trim levels: LE, XLE and Limited. Highlight features include:

LE
The base LE gets you started off nicely with:

A hybrid powertrain with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (219 hp total output)
All-wheel drive
18-inch wheels
LED headlights
8-inch touchscreen display
4.2-inch driver information display
Push-button ignition and keyless entry (front doors only)
Power-adjustable driver's seat
Dual-zone automatic climate control

You also get:

Wireless smartphone charging
Four USB ports
Hands-free liftgate
Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Amazon Alexa compatibility
Six-speaker sound system

All Venzas come standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 that includes:

Adaptive cruise control (uses front-mounted radar and camera to maintain a preset speed and distance to the vehicle ahead. Operates down to a stop.)
Lane centering assist (works with adaptive cruise control and keeps the vehicle centered in the lane with small steering inputs)
Forward collision mitigation with pedestrian detection (warns you of an impending collision and can apply the brakes if you don't react in time)
Lane departure alert (alerts you if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane)

XLE
The XLE takes things up a notch with:

Front and rear parking sensors
19-inch alloy wheels
Roof rails
Auto-dimming mirror with HomeLink
Projector-style LED headlights
Heated front seats
Simulated leather and cloth seats
Keyless entry for rear doors
A larger driver information display

Limited
The Limited trim bumps the Venza up to the luxury class by adding:

12.3-inch touchscreen
Nine-speaker premium JBL audio system
Digital rearview mirror (allows you to see out the back even with a fully loaded cargo area)
Heated and ventilated front seats
Full simulated leather upholstery
Power-adjustable front passenger seat
Heated steering wheel
360-degree camera system (gives you a top-down view of the Venza and its surroundings for tight parking situations)

Some of the features on the Limited are available on the XLE as options. For the Limited you can also get:

Advanced Technology package

10-inch color head-up display
Rain-sensing windshield wipers

Star Gaze panoramic roof

Glass switches between clear and frost tinted with the push of a button
Electrochromic sunshade (think transition lenses)
Removes the roof rails if equipped

Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

4/5Excellent

#5 out of 32 among Midsize SUVs

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.

Cost

^{The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Toyota Venza from 2008-2022.}

$374/yr

vs. $485/yr
for Average Midsize SUV

Frequency

^{The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).}

0.75x/yr

vs. 1.18x/yr
for Average Midsize SUV

Severity

^{The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).}

10.7%

vs. 13.5%
for Average Midsize SUV

powered by RepairPal ^{Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.}

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2021 Toyota Venza.

5 (60%)

4 (23%)

3 (8%)

2 (4%)

1 (5%)

4.3

141 reviews

Write a vehicle review See all 141 reviews

Most helpful consumer reviews

Perfect car for SOME people

JimB, 10/19/2020

2021 Toyota Venza XLE 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

We are an active, retired couple who love to travel. No need for 3rd row seats, looking for comfort, safety assistance, and fuel efficiency. We bought the upgraded seat package, but didn’t want the moonroof. Also opted to use Apple Play & our phones for navigation because write-ups indicated the 12” screen w/nav was overly complicated versus the 8” screen w/o nav. Wanted a good audio …

Definitely a great car for SOME people!

RMH, 12/11/2020

2021 Toyota Venza Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

I went from a BMW X3 m40i to this car. From the first week I had the BMW, I had issues with the brakes, the electronics, total engine shutdown, and the list goes on. Yes, it was fun to drive (when it was running) but I was tired of being a frequent flier at the local BMW service center. My family and friends have Toyotas and can vouch for their reliability, so I began researching the …

Seeing if I'm a Hybrid type of guy

Dave, 06/07/2021

2021 Toyota Venza Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

This is my first SUV, and purchased because my wife wanted a vehicle that we could take a trip in, with comfort and adequate storage space. We needed only a 5-seater as it's just us and a few furry kids, so the Venza checked all the boxes. Took delivery of my Venza limited last week so these are my initial impressions. I was hesitant to purchase at first as I would not consider myself …

Best car I have owned.

Flatkansas, 07/24/2021

2021 Toyota Venza LE 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

Very quiet, smooth stable ride. I like how the engine shuts off coasting, braking, or stopped at a light. It make very very little sound or vibration when the gas motor starts/stops. I have driven conventional gas (non-hybrid) vehicles with auto engine stop/start that are very annoying. I was at bit concerned about the added complexity of a hybrid, but Toyota has been making hybrids …

See all 141 reviews of the Toyota Venza

Write a vehicle review

2021 Venza Highlights

Trim:

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$32,670
Engine Type	Hybrid
Combined MPG	39 MPG
Cost to Drive	$103/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	28.8 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	all wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles

See all features & specs

Safety

Our experts like the Venza models:

Dynamic Radar Cruise Control: Uses front-mounted radar and cameras to maintain a preset speed and distance to the vehicle ahead. Operates down to a stop.
Pre-collision system with pedestrian detection: Warns you of an impending collision with a vehicle, pedestrian or bicycle. Can apply the brakes to avoid or mitigate damage.
Lane tracing assist: Works with adaptive cruise control to keep the vehicle centered in the lane with small steering inputs.

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Overall4 / 5
Driver4 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Side Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front Seat5 / 5
Back Seat5 / 5
Rollover
Rollover4 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of Rollover15.5%

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Good
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Good
Side Impact Test – Updated
Acceptable
Roof Strength Test
Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Good

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2021 Toyota Venza Review

2021 Toyota Venza Review

Pros

Cons

What's new

Overview

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2021 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 $3.20 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.

Edmunds Expert Rating

Performance

Comfort

Interior

Technology

Storage

Fuel Economy

Value

Wildcard

Which Venza does Edmunds recommend?

2021 Toyota Venza models

Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

Cost

Frequency

Severity

Most helpful consumer reviews

Perfect car for SOME people

Definitely a great car for SOME people!

Seeing if I'm a Hybrid type of guy

Best car I have owned.

2021 Venza Highlights

Safety

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Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2021 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 $3.20 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.}