The Toyota Venza: A Stylish and Efficient Midsize SUV

Introduction

The Toyota Venza, a midsize crossover SUV, has carved a unique niche in the competitive automotive market with its blend of style, efficiency, and practicality. Marketed primarily in North America, the Venza has undergone significant evolution across its two generations, offering a compelling option for buyers seeking a refined, hybrid-powered SUV. This article explores the history, features, performance, and legacy of the Toyota Venza, highlighting its strengths and its place in Toyota’s expansive lineup.

History of the Toyota Venza

The Toyota Venza debuted in 2008 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, designed as a versatile midsize crossover combining elements of a wagon and an SUV. Its name, a blend of “Venture” and “Monza,” reflects its adventurous spirit and sleek design. The first generation (2008–2017) was built on the XV40 Camry platform, sharing underpinnings with the Lexus RX. It was produced at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky (TMMK) and offered both four-cylinder and V6 engine options, with front-wheel or all-wheel drive configurations. After a hiatus from 2018 to 2020, the Venza returned in 2021 as a second-generation model, now a rebadged version of the Japanese-market Harrier, built on the TNGA-K platform and exclusively offered as a hybrid with standard all-wheel drive (AWD).

Design and Features

Exterior

The Venza’s exterior design is a standout feature, blending sophistication with modern aesthetics. The second-generation Venza, introduced in 2021, borrows styling cues from luxury brands like Lexus, with sleek lines, a bold grille, and aerodynamic contours. Available in seven exterior colors, including Coastal Gray Metallic and Ruby Flare Pearl, the Venza is equipped with 18-inch or 19-inch alloy wheels, depending on the trim. Its distinctive look sets it apart from boxier competitors like the Ford Edge or Honda Passport.

Interior

Inside, the Venza offers a premium cabin that rivals some luxury SUVs. High-quality materials, such as soft-touch surfaces and available synthetic leather upholstery, create an upscale ambiance. The front seats are supportive and adjustable, while the rear seats, though slightly cramped due to the sloping roofline, offer decent comfort for adults. Cargo space is a noted limitation, with 28.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 55.1 cubic feet with the seats folded, trailing competitors like the RAV4 Hybrid’s 37.6/69.8 cubic feet. A highlight is the available “Star Gaze” electrochromic panoramic sunroof, which shifts from transparent to opaque at the touch of a button, a feature typically found in luxury vehicles.

Technology

The Venza is equipped with modern technology, including an 8-inch touchscreen on the base LE trim and a 12.3-inch touchscreen on higher trims like the XLE and Limited. Standard features include Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and SiriusXM. The Limited trim adds a 10-inch head-up display and an optional nine-speaker JBL audio system. Toyota’s Remote Connect allows smartphone-based vehicle control, enhancing convenience. However, some reviewers note the multimedia system’s interface could be more intuitive, with the large touchscreen underutilized due to split-screen functionality.

Safety

Safety is a strong suit for the Venza, earning it a 2023 IIHS Top Safety Pick and a five-star NHTSA rating. Standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 includes automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and road sign recognition. Additional features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a Bird’s Eye View Camera enhance driver confidence. The first-generation Venza also received Top Safety Pick awards in 2009–2011, though some owners reported issues with sagging sun visors obstructing visibility, prompting calls for a recall.

Performance and Efficiency

The 2024 Venza is powered exclusively by a hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with three electric motors for a total output of 219 horsepower. Paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and standard AWD, it delivers smooth, if not spirited, performance. The Venza accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 7.6 seconds, adequate for daily driving but trailing some rivals like the Honda Passport. Its standout feature is fuel efficiency, with EPA estimates of 40 mpg city, 37 mpg highway, and 39 mpg combined, outperforming non-hybrid competitors like the Nissan Murano (23 mpg combined). Real-world tests have shown even better results, with some averaging over 44 mpg. However, the CVT can feel sluggish under heavy acceleration, and the engine may get noisy at high speeds.

Trims and Pricing

The 2024 Venza is available in three trims: LE, XLE, and Limited. Pricing starts at approximately $36,465 for the LE and tops out at $44,610 for the Limited, with Kelley Blue Book suggesting potential discounts of $1,652–$2,044 below MSRP. The XLE, priced around $40,000, is often recommended for its balance of features, including a larger touchscreen, heated and ventilated seats, and a hands-free power liftgate. In Canada, prices range from $42,550 to $52,250 CAD. The Venza’s value is enhanced by Toyota’s two-year complimentary maintenance and a 10-year hybrid battery warranty, though it lacks a towing rating, unlike some competitors.

Market Position and Discontinuation

The Venza competes in the crowded midsize two-row SUV segment against vehicles like the Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid, Honda CR-V Hybrid, and Toyota’s own RAV4 Hybrid. While praised for its efficiency and upscale interior, it falls short in cargo space and rear-seat room compared to rivals. Its unique positioning as a “premium” hybrid SUV makes it an outlier, appealing to buyers prioritizing comfort and fuel economy over utility. However, Toyota announced the Venza’s discontinuation after the 2024 model year, with the 2025 Crown Signia taking its place. The Crown Signia, also a hybrid with standard AWD, offers 243 horsepower and a 2,700-pound towing capacity, addressing some of the Venza’s limitations. The decision to sunset the Venza was driven by its overlap with the Crown Signia, which targets a similar buyer demographic but with enhanced features.

Consumer Sentiment and Resale

Posts on X and Reddit reflect mixed sentiment about the Venza’s discontinuation. Enthusiasts praise its smooth ride, luxurious interior, and fuel efficiency, with some lamenting Toyota’s decision due to poor marketing rather than product flaws. Resale value is a concern, as the Venza doesn’t hold value as well as the RAV4, though it outperforms many non-Toyota brands. Parts availability is less of an issue, as the Venza shares components with the RAV4 and Harrier, which continues production in Japan and China.

Conclusion

The Toyota Venza has been a distinctive offering in the midsize SUV market, blending style, efficiency, and premium features. Its hybrid powertrain, upscale interior, and strong safety ratings make it a compelling choice for buyers seeking a refined crossover. However, its limited cargo space, lack of towing capacity, and impending discontinuation in favor of the Crown Signia highlight its niche status. For those who value fuel economy and comfort over outright utility, the 2024 Venza remains a worthy contender in its final year. As Toyota shifts focus to the Crown Signia, the Venza leaves behind a legacy of innovation and elegance in the crossover segment.