2021 Toyota Venza | Review & Road Test
Автокөліктер мен көлік құралдары
For the latest Toyota Venza pricing and information:
https:
//www.kbb.com/toyota/venza/
The Toyota Venza used to be a crossover wagon thingy, custom-crafted for empty nesters. Well, it’s back as a midsize hybrid SUV…that’ll probably still appeal to empty nesters.
Built atop Toyota’s TNGA-K platform, the reborn Venza does a fine job carrying completely average people like me. Here’s my 5’ 10” body in each seat. I’m not sure how well brown and gray go together in our car but it’s nice to see an interior with some color. And in the key touchpoints, material quality feels good.
Broadly speaking, I appreciate that Toyota gave the Venza a handsome cabin that avoids fetishizing its hybridness.
But, more than anything, I love the seats. Toyota has a knack for shaping supportive, pressure point free seats. These are those.
Oh, but there’s some weirdness too. The visors don’t block low sun angles. Visibility over the driver’s right shoulder is hindered by a rising beltline, though thankfully blind-spot warning comes standard. And while the base 8-inch touchscreen includes traditional buttons and knobs…the 12.3-inch screen in our limited trim ditches those for capacitive controls.
As for cargo space, there’s 28.8 cu-ft behind the rear seats, which, by the way, do recline.
Among the new Venza’s defining traits, is the fact that it only comes as an all-wheel-drive hybrid. Let’s learn more about that powertrain.
Merging a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, a lithium-ion battery pack, and 3 electric motors, including one tasked solely with driving the rear wheels, the Venza generates 219 total system horsepower. Just like the Rav4 hybrid with which the Venza shares a powertrain. The Venza also returns a predicted 39 combined MPG, just a hair less efficient than the RAV4 hybrid.
On paper, the Venza’s powertrain is efficient and respectably powerful but how does it feel to drive.
Like this. There’s a smooth blend of electric and gasoline propulsion and when you need it there’s abundant oomph to get moving.
One important note, if you want an SUV that tows you’ll need to look elsewhere. Toyota does not recommend towing with the 2021 Venza.
With any hybrid, one area I scrutinize is the brakes. Blending regenerative and friction braking in a way that feels natural can be tricky but the Venza feels good…except for the last foot. The Venza demands more practice.
As you might expect there are various driving modes to fine-tune your Venza’s behavior plus varying intensities for the regenerative braking system accessible by quote/unquote “downshifting” using the drive selector.
And if you press the EV button, assuming the battery is adequately charged and you don’t press the accelerator too hard, you can drive your Venza under pure electric power for short distances…if that’s a thing you’d like to do.
The Venza also offers a system called Predictive Efficient Drive, that uses the navigation system to anticipate road and traffic conditions ahead and optimize vehicle behavior for maximum efficiency.
In motion, the Toyota Venza delivers a pleasing ride with minimal noise intruding into the cabin…except for a little light wind noise I noticed on the freeway.
Meanwhile, the steering feels artificial but man, if you’re buying a Venza nuanced road feel through the steering wheel is a low priority.
There are three trims, but this is the most elite Limited trim. That explains the air of sophistication your experiencing. It also explains the sweet electrochromic glass roof, which is only available on the Limited.
Other trick options include this digital mirror, heated and ventilated front seats, and a 360-degree camera that can survey your surroundings before launch. On the generous standard feature list are Apple CarPlay and Android Auto…as they should, a hands-free liftgate, wireless phone charging, and smart key access.
There’s also an extended roster of standard safety features like a pre-collision warning with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning with steering assist, blind-spot warning, and full-speed dynamic cruise control.
Spring for the Venza Limited trim like we’re driving here and you’re looking at not quite $40,000 before options.
The base model on the all-new 2021 Toyota Venza LE starts at $32,500 and comes with a hybrid powertrain that gets an estimated 39 mpg.
That’s slightly higher than non-hybrid 2-row mid-sizers like the Honda Passport or Ford Edge but still in the pricing ballpark.
So, what we have is an efficient, comfortable, distinct-looking, SUV wearing a Toyota badge and filled with value. To my mind, that’s an enticing formula, whether you’re an empty nester or not.
Пікірлер: 431
If you're a potential Venza buyer who cares about nuanced steering feel, tell us here. And prove Micah wrong!!
@Jason.W.
3 жыл бұрын
Should add a centre console knee comfort to your squirrel test.
@USA-qm2bk
3 жыл бұрын
He looks better without facial hair
@PatriceV100
3 жыл бұрын
Seats and features look like my Lexus RX. What did I pay for again? Horse power only?
@mattb9664
3 жыл бұрын
@@PatriceV100 replace those spark plugs before 100k! it's the only reason that I'm getting ready to dump my RAV4 Sport V6. They are stuck!
@imnotanalky
Жыл бұрын
I am buying a Venza this month. Nuanced steering feel would be great. I have a long commute, but will also drive this in the mountains on weekends. I’m thrilled with the mpg, but would be more thrilled with better a lot of feedback while steering. Really glad the awd will take us to the ski slope.
2022 Venza: “Toyota has brought back the volume knob”
@MrKillerRC
2 жыл бұрын
Nope. Still no knob on the 2022s
@topend162
2 жыл бұрын
@@MrKillerRC venza LE trim always had volume knob
@lightshunshine3861
2 жыл бұрын
@@topend162 yeah
Nice review Micah. I was skeptical of this at first, but this new Venza actually grows on me. The fact that you can achieve 39mpg with this type of cabin room is quite enticing.
It's like an Avalon SUV. Micah you are the best
@thecriticalthinkeroutsidet4947
3 жыл бұрын
Sorta. The Avalon is a full-size vehicle as opposed to the Venza being a mid-size offering.
@MicahMuzio
3 жыл бұрын
No, you're the best! Thanks for watching!
@HarryKuloh
3 жыл бұрын
Cuv*
@naveenthemachine
3 жыл бұрын
I think the Avalon is better than this venza because I think it’s more luxury focused. You can get things like 4 way lumbar for both the driver and passenger as well as an adaptive suspension on the Touring and real wood trim in the limited. Plus you can get heated rear seats as well and dynamic sequential turn signals
@tinhinnh
3 жыл бұрын
naveenthemachine but the funny thing is the camry has optional pano roof but the avy doesn’t
I hope they bring back the FJ, but with four doors, removable rooftop and doors like the Jeep and Bronco. I wouldn’t be surprised.
@JJJosh949
3 жыл бұрын
I do recall seeing a concept a few years ago, I think it’s called the FJT1 or something
@fuffthebucks7266
3 жыл бұрын
I would buy one in a second
@evnejg94
3 жыл бұрын
FJ. When Toyota finally refreshes the 4Runner they should have a 'sport' option which is removable like the 1st gen 4Runner. That would be the incredible.
@riverstinson5063
3 жыл бұрын
I loved both of my FJ's
This is my favorite 21 Venza review so far.
Great review. I loved you telling Toypta to ask Honda, "how did jettisoning the volume knob work out? " 🤣
Great review - thank you. There is a lot about this vehicle to appreciate. I hope this turns out to influence this segment and adjacent segments, moving forward.
MICHAH, THE MVP🤘🏽🤘🏽!! Thank God that the Venza doesn’t have black plastic around the wheel arches wooo !! Love the red exterior and two tone interior colors upfront 👍🏽
Today I sat in a Venza, and the seats are so comfortable ❤️
It looks so much like a Lexus and that’s not a bad thing.
@davidaladzhanyan4188
3 жыл бұрын
Lexus and Toyota are basically the same. They’re sister companies
@skiran69
3 жыл бұрын
@@davidaladzhanyan4188 lexus is luxury division of Toyota.
@skiran69
3 жыл бұрын
@@davidaladzhanyan4188 they aren't different companies.
@thelastword71
2 жыл бұрын
@@davidaladzhanyan4188 Lexus is the luxury marquee of Toyota
@idcnetwerk9265
2 жыл бұрын
@@thelastword71 100% Correct! Lexus are just posers of Toyota same Folks same company
Another great review by Micah. Thanks buddy!
Good to see the Venza back
@jeremiahanthony5521
3 жыл бұрын
@Brian Lee ikr , but then again it’s gon sell
i just watched an old review from 2014 and it’s like micah morphed from aspiring young adult to suburban daddy overnight 🙈
@MicahMuzio
3 жыл бұрын
You're not wrong. The transformation occurred in June of 2015...exactly when my daughter was born. 😂
As always, you are my absolute favorite!
Micah I truly enjoy your reviews
This is a great review can’t wait for you to test out the Toyota Yaris cross, I’m really interested in buying it
@rightlanehog3151
3 жыл бұрын
Wait 6 months for that preview.
Great review Micah!😸
Y’all reviews are spot-on. As long as I like the car I will be watching your reviews
@MicahMuzio
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks, Christopher! I appreciate the support.
I think it's a sharp crossover and 40 mpg combined, full time 4 wheel drive, and a super quiet cabin are things I really care about. And then there's the awesome Toyota reliability. Just wish it could tow about 3500 lbs.
Toyota will come to regret not having an actual volume buttons
@nicholassmith7048
3 жыл бұрын
Some companies just have to learn the hard way.
@tomny67
3 жыл бұрын
Much ado about nothing. Petty complaint.
@lordprotectorhaythamkenway6495
3 жыл бұрын
tomny67 Petty complaint but still a necessary one
@darailcruise847
3 жыл бұрын
it’s so stupid of them they could put it on some of their own cars but not this one
@BTC909
3 жыл бұрын
At the dealer: "Umm yeah, could we pull these crappy controls out & put in the ones from the lower trim?"
great review
Micah - love the reviews as always. Question for you re the Venza. What did you think about the low signal lights on the rear bumper? Any concerns with that re safety especially from cars / trucks behind the Venza?
Looks like a very nice new Venza.
That sunroof is pretty cool.
This is my next dream car 😊
There’s a volume control on the steering wheel. And as an added bonus, you don’t have to take your hands off the wheel.
Less than 40k for the Limited! That's a hell of a deal and I hope this will elevate the features offered on the NX when it gets redesigned. Was expecting it to be 42k-47k and hopefully Toyota's production numbers can keep up with sales cause they've been struggling with the RAV4 Hybrid. I heard most dealers sell them for well above MSRP and take deposits for the waitlist.
I love it! Toyota does not recommend towing with the Venza but guess what, they have a tow package for an option online!
Finally something decent from Toyota! They need to keep doing this, in the past they are worse than mediocre with their efforts
bought a 2021 certified, everything as nice as a bmw or audi, pleasure to drive and plenty or power
I love my new Venza.
Big love dude From Saudi Arabia
My grandma would love this
It looks very luxurious, and comfortable. Lexus, you need to step up your game!
@goblaisens
3 жыл бұрын
It’s probably so nice because it has the same features Toyota puts in Lexus. You could call it trickle down ergonomics
I like it! I have a ‘14 Venza LE v6 with 135k miles and still going strong with absolutely zero issues aside from normal routine maintenance. But, since the new ones cannot tow anything, I will not be buying one. Plus, I’m planning to put 200k+ more miles on mine. Thanks for reliable vehicles Toyota! I will be a repeat customer...just give me another 7-10 more years. Maybe by then the Tundra will appeal to me more. 👍🏻
cant wait for the XSE trim!!!
Avalon front, great interior, and the tail from side & rear view looks like the Jaguar FPace. Definitely looks good
@sheilashineleofany822
3 жыл бұрын
Rear looks is harrier not f pace. Sure looks similar but this thing if i recall came out first rather than f pace
@ehabelamine6441
3 жыл бұрын
Somehow agree checked it out and first impression was it looks as J FPace
Best car brand in the planet . Toyota is Toyota no comparison 😍
@ormand3000
3 жыл бұрын
I'd rather buy a Ford Mach E. Same size and all electric for the same price.
The Toyota Venza looks like if a Range Rover Velar and Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross had a baby
@CarGuy-xe9cy
3 жыл бұрын
The tail lights are like the Jaguar f pace too
I love that Toyota brought back the Venza name! Not a fan of that larger touchscreen though, it looks tacked on.
Good looking crossover hybrid
Waiting for the Sienna !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Considered buying one of these for our next vehicle. Glad I watched this. Between hybrid only and no volume knob, I’ll pass until they come to their senses and offer up a conventional power train at a better price.
@HettBret
3 жыл бұрын
The only way you will get conventional for it is in over seas. It's offered as the Harrier over yonder. I have knobs in the LE trim, but you don't get them with the JBL system.
Micah, B footage from Bixby Knoll?? Making me homesick again, buddy. Anyhow, why the Venza name? Its called the Harrier in the JDM, and is a much better moniker for a almost elegant tall CUV. Reminds me of something my parents would buy. Outstanding work as always
@rightlanehog3151
3 жыл бұрын
Might the problem be the word 'Hairier' ?
Michah could review a ream of paper and I'd still end up watching.
LOVE IT.
Hope they bring back the Yugo! You go I stay back!
Great review and wonderful to see Micah. I think we need to do a review on the beard/mustache ...actually a review on razors so that Micah will shave. Thank you.
I can dig the new Venza, but two issues A) Other than lack of battery availability, why no Venza Prime? B) The RAV4 Hybrid has a larger cargo area that appears to be more usefully shaped. Admittedly the RAV4 and Venza have different missions, but that seems silly to me
Dang Toyota is on fire!
Lovely design but here are some concerns. 1. It's larger than a RAV4 but smaller on the inside. 2. Less headroom than a RAV4, and even less with the sunroof. 3. No volume knob on the larger 10" screen. 4. The rear turn signal lights are integrated into the bumper and are too low. 5. Offer it as a plug-in hybrid. 6. Would prefer a moonroof (opens to the elements) than a sunroof with the glass that frosts on/ off.
@tinhinnh
3 жыл бұрын
troll
Nice video, Thank You! But, Oh No! did you switched lanes in the middle of an intersection? LOL
It looks like a Lexus NX & Jaguar E-PACE had a baby and had Toyota adopt it!
I drove a 2010 Venza for 7 years and loved most things about it. Not sure I’m feeling the vibes with this one.
I just pine for the old school station wagon!
@rightlanehog3151
3 жыл бұрын
You don't pine alone @SaveTheWagon
My next car!
Toyota's the best!
never liked the venza. then this generation came around 😍
Retro? I’m holding out for a revival of the Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser wagon.
@rightlanehog3151
3 жыл бұрын
#SaveOldsmobile
The Lexus RX for the masses!
So this is basically a Rav4 hybrid for people who like smoother edges in the styling department. 🤔
@HettBret
3 жыл бұрын
Kind of. It rides like my 2018 Camry did, but higher and slightly more quiet. :)
Micah, I REALLY like your beard.
I’m sold !!!!
*Kelley Blue Book* very nice and execelt video 💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕 I LOVE THIS
why is there a cutout for the foglights but no foglights??!?!?!??!
Love it. But it'd be nice if the mpg was way more than the rav4.
I would like u make video review for the new Mercedes Gla 250 2021
actually toyota was catering a car called "toyota harrier" and still is to the Japnese market,but it gained popularity in other countries as well 6 years back and now toyota is makinh sure it is available in every market possible,u guys can look up in wikipedia for better understanding
The Interior reminds me of the Lexus nx
Test drove one today
Yes. I want electric only range. Like the RAV4. 42 miles.
Nice car 👍
Wished Toyota had put in the Turbo engine from Lexus like they did in the previous model of Harrier (Venza). It sure would sell well if they had done so
Why did I not hear about this until now
Looks like a Lexus suv. The nose and the back. Will choose this over rav4.
@AppleSlipper
3 жыл бұрын
The current-gen Toyota Venza is a US-market Toyota Harrier. Previous generations of the Toyota Harrier provided the basis for the Lexus RX.
A Venza Prime would be nice.
@dubya13207
3 жыл бұрын
I'm hoping in the next few years, by the time I'm ready to buy...
@JamesKungjklol
3 жыл бұрын
Hoping for that NX450h+ (+ supposedly for plug-in)
You gotta stop changing lanes at intersection Micah (Not unless its legal in California 🤔). Safety first! Otherwise, great review as always! Hello from 🇨🇦
@wallybeegone
3 жыл бұрын
It’s not legal in California. I live here 😂 but we have a habit of doing it because the traffic gets bad and we have to move out of the way if the light goes red and we’re in the intersection.
Beautiful looking wagon
Hyndai santa fe rivals ?
I'm biased as I've been a fan of the previous generation JDM (plus a few other markets) Harrier, of which this is a rebadged version, but I think we're going to be seeing a lot of these on the road.
This the new Lexus Nx man
I'd like to see the hosts "Squirrel friend" ;-)
future NX
As an update to my previous review, I still love mine but some things to add. Wind noise can be annoying and mine has started to get some type of rattle or knocking at high speed and not sure what from. The wireless phone charging port area doesn't work well/at all. My fuel tank door recently stopped opening (heard it's a common issue). I have almost 60k miles on it now. I also wish the radio had a "scan" button to search for stations while driving. All it has is "seek" where you literally have to press it forward to go to every single next station and who wants to do that. Other than that it drives nice, has awesome fuel economy, feels nice inside compared to rav4 which to me feels more basic/plastic/sporty.
Looking at this for my sister.
we need more suvs.
Hey Toyota! If you’re bringing back the Venza from a half decade long production hiatus then maybe you can bring back the Celica, and true Supra, and the Trueno AE86. I mean those cars made you famous in car culture so how about it Toyota...a blast from the past...PLEASE.
The seats look like they are out of a german manufacturer like lexus or something. Really nice
@ibrahimbashir6634
3 жыл бұрын
Lexus is Japanese... And Toyota is its parent company
I wish it had the same v6 as the Highlander. same goes for the new sienna.
@naveenthemachine
3 жыл бұрын
Henry Manty I know. I’m saying I wish they offered their v6 as a power train and not only a hybrid
I bought a limited version Venza without the electrochromic skylight. Mostly I agree with this review, but two items I don’t. 1) No trouble coming to a smooth stop; 2) Wind noise on highway is noticeable. Cameras work well, but guidance is a bit too cautious. Adaptive cruise control works, but loses the car in front readily. Tire pressure display indicates a pressure about 2psi lower than my two tire gauges. Head clearance is tight getting into passenger seat - on driver side seat can be lowered. Bottom line: some minor complaints, but thumbs up!
@nancyissa4781
Жыл бұрын
Is the wind noise loud on the freeway ?
Tired of the f-pace esque rears of most crossovers now and yea the haptic controls gotta go..
Ev mode is useful for drive throughs
New Venza looks like a highlander
Would’ve been nice to have a V6 option
@tinhinnh
3 жыл бұрын
I guess the Prime is the new “V6”
I live in Midwest and I wish they could add the remote start. I like everything that I want in SUV except remote start during winter time.
@praveenkolla5900
3 жыл бұрын
Ha, all Venza comes with remote start, standard. My Venza LE have this.
@dariusmendoza564
3 жыл бұрын
@@praveenkolla5900 Thank you
I wish it came with the natural aspirated 3.5L V6 😞
Hate that it’s hybrid only. I keep my cars 20 years and hybrids need big $$$ repairs after 10-12 years, whereas a gas Toyota can run for 25 years.
@CytotoxicTrev
2 жыл бұрын
I see it's been 10 months since you wrote this, but if you're still in the market, perhaps a Lexus RX 350 with conventional gasoline engine would be the better option in that case. Pretty expensive, but it could be paid for in ~5 years and then you'd have ~15 years of riding the gravy train with no car payments. Lol.
This is called Harrier in JDM. We get it reconditioned here in South Asia.
@silcosilva
3 жыл бұрын
the hybrid is just coming over, and the 2L naturally aspirated engine variant still seems to stick around, though the turbocharged 2L variant is available for those who needs more power to boost their ego...
At 1:21 it looks like an SUV version of the Accord Crosstour.