The 2021 Venza midsize crossover, arriving at dealerships this month, is an Americanized version of the Japan-built Harrier. The two-row hybrid, slotted between the RAV4 and the Highlander, will boast up to 40 mpg in combined fuel economy with a hybrid-only powertrain, Toyota says. The Venza is equipped with a 2.5-liter inline-four engine mated to three electric motors, delivering 219 hp. Here’s a roundup of select early Venza reviews from the automotive media.
“Considering how long Toyota’s been refining its hybrids, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that the 2021 Venza is one smooth operator. I can never tell when the rear axle is putting in work, and the whole system blends together so well it’s impressive. Just apply some throttle and let the computers figure out whether it’s launching under electricity alone (smooth and quiet) or relying more on the gas engine and the continuously variable transmission (a little less quiet, no less smooth). The net power output might seem low, considering it’s a couple of dozen horsepower below the Highlander Hybrid, but the Venza has more than enough grunt for on-ramps and passing. Its diminutive lithium ion battery can deliver silent operation for a mile or two at a time, as well, adding even more serenity to the equation.
“The powertrain isn’t the only part of the Venza delivering a luxury-tier experience, either. The suspension is soft enough to eliminate smaller amounts of road nastiness, while it’s not so mushy as to generate seasickness as it meanders its way around curves. The steering is predictably light and mass-market-friendly.”
— Andrew Krok, Roadshow by CNET
“The Venza may look like a sporty crossover, at least from the rear, but it’s not an invigorating crossover to drive. Toyota doesn’t provide a 0-60 mph estimate, but the RAV4 Hybrid gets there in 7.8 seconds. A Venza is approximately 130 pounds heavier than the RAV4 Hybrid — it should therefore be even slower, putting it well in the rearviews of most competitors. At least it feels quicker off the line than numbers may suggest due to the electric motors, but like all Toyota hybrids, there’s plenty of droning under full acceleration that does little to convey a sporty intent.
“Toyota says it was able to improve the ride comfort over the RAV4 through a newly tuned suspension. All the underpinnings are extremely similar, though. The Venza rides on the same TNGA-K variant of Toyota’s corporate platform and even shares the RAV4’s 105.9-inch wheelbase. Road imperfections and potholes are soaked up admirably, and highway cruising is both quiet and comfortable. However, the wind and road noise is not reduced to Lexus-quiet levels of serenity.
“At no point does the Venza ever encourage the driver to push it through a winding road. The rear electric motor does a bang-up job of keeping the front wheels from being overwhelmed, but this is no performance-oriented all-wheel-drive system. The eco tires give up quickly, and you can really feel the heft of the tall body around corners. Look at an Edge or Blazer if you want something that’s a bit more fun and lively to drive, because the Venza is for somebody with their priorities centered around fuel economy and comfort.”
— Zac Palmer, Autoblog
“It doesn’t take long behind the wheel before the Venza suddenly feels like it’s shrunk around you. You’re left feeling like you’re driving something much smaller — and lighter — than you are. Likely, this is accomplished through communicative steering, a well-balanced chassis and good throttle response.
“The Venza drives with far more agility and maneuverability than anything its size has any right to. The electric motor supplies instantaneous low-end power, zipping the car ahead of slow-moving traffic with a sort of casual athleticism I’ve come to expect from sports cars — but certainly not from hybrid, two-row crossovers.”
—Kristen Lee, Business Insider
“The Venza definitely isn’t super quick, but it does accelerate well for a car that weighs 3,900 pounds. The secret is the instant torque from the electric motors, which work together with the gas engine to give the hybrid crossover lots of low-end twist. With the sharpened throttle response in Sport mode especially (one of three, joining Normal and Eco), the Venza feels rather enthusiastic off the line.
“The Venza isn’t a performance crossover though, and most buyers will be more impressed with its well-defined smoothness around town. And even though it shares a base with the RAV4 — and does feel similar to an extent — the Venza drives more like a Lexus. The suspension is softer and more supportive than what you get on the RAV, the steering is lighter as well (with only a touch of dead-on-center feel), and thanks to the addition of an Active Cornering Assist feature, body roll is noticeable but less offensive.”
— Jeff Perez, Motor1
“The Venza’s hybrid system functions smoothly, delivering good fuel economy and easy operation. Cruising on all-electric power at neighborhood speeds is easy, though the whine of electric motors is fairly noticeable with no music playing.”
— Mark Phelan, Detroit Free Press
“I heaved it into corners and squealed tires around several of them with absolutely no drama. The suspension’s emphasis on ride was clear with vehicle roll and the tires are clearly low rolling resistant and also low grip, but the chassis exhibited total competence, no matter what was thrown at it. My heart rate stayed at a slow-walk-in-the-park pace.
“Powertrain, too, was a bit lackluster but did its job. I got plenty of passing power when I needed it on two-lane roads, and it cruised quietly otherwise. Furthermore, the continuously variable transmission behaved well, always responding adequately to power requests. It doesn’t much matter what driving mode you’re in: eco, normal or sport. The Venza is always well behaved.”
— Robin Warner, Autoweek
“The Venza comes across as a Toyota sprinkled with magic Lexus luxury dust, boasting numerous clever touches and refinements that make it a pleasant crossover. It is more pampering than a RAV4, and it is a bit roomier than the Lexus NX. Like many Toyotas, there isn’t much excitement here, but it is quite competent and inoffensive. We found a few annoyances in our initial time with the Venza, but all the key elements (powertrain, interior space, suspension, etc.) have merit.”