The Toyota Venza is making its comeback for 2021 as a hybrid-only SUV after buyers showed an overwhelming preference for the company's hybrid line. Modeled after the hybrid-only RAV4, the 2021 Venza shares many of the same specs, including a host of safety features and a great fuel economy. Learn more about the 2021 Venza and what you can expect from this new hybrid crossover.
The Toyota Venza as a New and Improved Hybrid-Only SUV
Image via Toyota
With the launch of the two-row crossover Venza, Toyota lovers now have another excellent hybrid-only option. The 2021 Venza comes in three trims: the LE, XLE, and LImited.
Powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, the Venza has three electronic motors to give the model life. All Venza trims have electronic on-demand all-wheel-drive systems, with one motor powering the rear axle and the engine and the other two motors powering the front. The rear motor creates better traction and stability on the launch, giving this crossover excellent performance in snowy conditions.
The Venza and RAV4 also share similar fuel ratings. While the RAV4 gets a combined 40 miles per gallon, the slightly larger Venza gets 39 miles per gallon combined. You can also activate Predictive Efficient Drive, which helps increase fuel efficiency by learning common routes and predicting where and when to slow down. The batteries are slightly different, with the RAV4 using a nickel-hydride battery and the Venza using a lithium-ion pack. In terms of life, there's not much difference, but the lithium-ion battery is lighter.
When it comes to parking footprint, the Toyota Venza isn't much bigger than the Corolla. It is much taller than the Corolla, feeling as spacious as the Camry once you get inside. If you have a RAV4, you can expect almost the same dimensions, but the Toyota Venza is not as squarish as the RAV4.
Driving the Toyota Venza Hybrid-Only Model
Image via Unsplash by Sam Warren
The Venza offers a quiet, smooth ride that all passengers will enjoy. This crossover handles tight turns and corners well for an SUV, thanks to its electronically controlled brake system with active cornering assist. There's very little noise, vibrations, and harshness (NVH), even on the highway. The electric motors provide a smooth acceleration with plenty of torque, which has a pre-load function, to get it up to driving speed quickly.
Three driving modes are available: NORMAL, SPORT, and ECO. NORMAL is perfect for regular trips, while ECO helps increase the battery life and fuel efficiency. For a fun, yet green driving experience, SPORT increases the throttle response.
Of course, all of the trims come with the Toyota Safety Sense system to ensure every trip is a safe one. Within this suite, you'll find features like:
- Pre-collision system with pedestrian detection: This system detects potential collisions and automatically applies the Venza's brakes.
- Dynamic cruise control: When set, the cruise control will automatically adjust to maintain a safe distance between the Venza and the car ahead of it.
- Lane tracing assist: When using dynamic cruise control, lane tracing assist helps keep the Venza centered in its lane.
- Lane departure alert: If you veer from your lane, this feature sends an alert to help you get back in your lane.
Inside the Toyota Venza Hybrid-Only Model
The inside of the Toyota Venza may not be as spacious as you expected. This is mainly due to the wide center console and center stack, which takes some of the space from the driver and front-seat passenger. The chunky dashboard swallows up some of the areas as well.
Still, the model offers ample space for the tallest of passengers. The available panoramic Star Gaze roof makes this model even more appealing. Note, however, that once opened, the panoramic roof takes up 2 inches of headroom for those in the back.
The available heated front seats and heated power steering wheel do make for a cozier interior. These options are available as part of a package in the XLE, but they come standard in the Limited. Premium Soft-Tex perforated seats are also standard on the Limited, giving this trim a luxurious feel.
The best part about the Venza's cabin is the standard and available tech. The LE comes with a 4.2 multi-information display, while the XLE and Limited have a 7-inch MID. The MID includes a Hybrid System Indicator that encourages greener driver habits. An available head-up display shows traffic signs, such as speed limit signs and upcoming stop signs, right above the MID. All trims come standard with a backup camera that has a system to clean the lens.
Not only does the tech improve the driving experience but the entertainment and comfort as well. Standard on the 2021 Venza is a wireless charger, which is a relatively new feature for most vehicles. There are also two USB ports in the front and two in the rear, so even passengers in the back can charge their devices. A center touch screen integrates with smartphones via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, allowing you to access your favorite playlists, phonebook, and navigation, all hands-free.
Sneak Peek at the Toyota Sienna
Not only is 2021 the year of the new Venza, but Toyota fans can also look forward to a hybrid Sienna minivan. Much like the Venza, the Sienna operates solely on a hybrid powertrain, with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine powering it.
Aesthetically, the 2021 Sienna minivan has a newly designed exterior, and the powertrain also got a brand-new makeover. The 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine now operates with two electric motors on the front axle on the front-wheel-drive model. On the all-wheel-drive model, you can find a third electric motor placed on the rear axle. With these new features, the Sienna is expected to get up to 33mpg combined.
To learn more about the new Venza, give us a call or stop by our showroom. With great fuel economy, a smooth ride, and superior technology, this is a hybrid crossover that you won't want to miss out on.
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