Rememeber the Venza? we do, Toyota stopped production in 2015, but now it’s back wearing a new set of clothes, a hybrid power train (the only option) and it slots in nicely between the RAV4 and the Toyota Highlander.
The 2021 Toyota Venza utilizes the pairing of a 2.5-liter inline-four gasoline engine with three electric motors, the one on the rear axle that gives the Venza all-wheel-drive capability. Combined the Venza makes 219 horsepower, with a promise of a 40 mpg combined EPA rating.
The all new exterior looks premium versus the RAV4 but actually offers no more cargo space, in fact, two cubic feet less, despite being 5.7 inches longer than that compact crossover. Cargo space behind the Venza’s rear seats measures just 36 cubic feet and rear-seat space in the Venza is similar to the RAV4.
The 2021 Venza offers plenty of entertainment and connectivity through intuitive and versatile Toyota audio systems. Audio Plus is standard on LE and XLE and includes an 8-inch touchscreen. Premium Audio with Dynamic Navigation and JBL is optional on XLE and standard on Limited and features a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen display with controls that can be switched between driver or front passenger operation.
Standard safety systems include:
- Pre-Collision System with Daytime/Low-Light Vehicle and Pedestrian Detection, plus Daytime Bicycle Detection (PCS)
- Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC)
- Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA w/SA)
- Automatic High Beams (AHB)
- Lane Tracing Assist (LTA)
- Road Sign Assist (RSA)
Overall it looks good and being Toyota will undoubtedly sell well in this fast growing section of the market, Toyota is expecting to hit around 50,000 annual sales in the US. I can’t help wondering if an all electric version is in the works for here too.
Prices haven’t been announced yet but a good guess would be it will start in the $30,000 range and up to around $45,000 when fully loaded.
The Venza will go on sale in the U.S. in August.
