2021 Toyota Venza Review: Back as a Hybrid and Better Than Before

The 2021 Toyota Venza picks up where its predecessor left off five years ago, with a slightly more premium vibe compared to others in the automaker’s lineup, including the RAV4. This time, the SUV is back exclusively as a hybrid and with standard AWD.
Read the full review on autoTRADER.ca:
www.autotrader.ca/expert/2020...
0:00 Intro
0:55 History and Design
2:09 Powertrain and Specs
3:17 Fuel economy
4:12 Driving impressions
6:56 Infotainment and User-friendliness
9:45 Features and Amenities
11:31 Build Quality
11:55 Cargo space and Practicality
12:59 Value
14:09 Pros and Cons
14:23 Conclusion

[@mrqs_jns]

the lift gate is height adjustable

[@JenniferJohnson-fh8fx]

I actually own the Venza and it’s a pleasure AND I traded in my Mercedes for this car…would not even think of going back.

[@paulstein9258]

I have the Limited. So easy to change the volume on the steering wheel. Why have gloves on, with a heated steering wheel and a heated car? Also. The same leather like material on the Lexus NX 300 H, a basically identical type car.

[@rxonmymind8362]

Just bought the 21 model with 54k miles. Absolute sublime drive. I'm coming from a Lexus RX 350 which is nearly identical in terms of ride, fit and finish. 38.6 mpg on my first tank of gas spending $45 on fill up compared to my RX and Ford F-250. 😂 Loving life. Made in Japan too? WIN. My wife drives her Lexus IS350 and that has it's charm too. For long drives this suv cannot be beat. Lush, refined and the JBL sound system is great.

[@autotrader_ca]

It’s a great vehicle, that’s for sure! Enjoy!

[@henrys.4376]

Nice review Dan, I like your take on things. When are you going to do a review of the 2021 Sienna?

[@danilika9420]

Thanks, Henry! I’ve got one booked for a week in January, so expect the video in February or early March! (We’ve got our awards coming up in February, so the rollout will push the Sienna back a bit, but it’ll be worth the wait!)

[@swanblake]

Well done review Dan. A nice vehicle whose ergonomics would drive me nuts. No rear heated seats is also lame and other cost cutting measures shown here. I would go with the new Kia Sorento which also will have a hybrid option.

[@danilika9420]

Thanks, Blake! Always appreciate the feedback! I’m definitely looking forward to the new Sorento. I was also thinking today that we’re overdue for a redone Sportage...

[@ayc020892zv]

Too many complaints over the touch controls I have own a Venza for 2 weeks now and me and my wife took a few turns each driving the vehicle to get used to it. We came from a 4Runner and we don’t find anything annoying about this vehicle. I think Toyota did all the right calls on this nice little SUV. PS not everyone is as tall as you buddy. The truck opening is decent enough for the average person

[@rxonmymind8362]

Lomg press the touch buttons and it works fine. Don't understand the fuss.

[@rbielarski]

Get the XLE with standard 8" screen (knobs included) which then gives you normal HVAC system w/knobs as well.

[@danilika9420]

I just wish Toyota would’ve retained the physical controls with the big screen like it did in the Highlander!

[@danilika9420]

@Hugh MacIsaac Agreed, the steering controls are convenient, though I find myself still using the knobs for volume and tune in most vehicles.

[@TheJc71693]

Can you guys show less of a person talking and more shots of the actual car in the future? It's informative stuff you guys are saying but i would like to see more car shots. Thanks!

[@belotan4218]

Ford escape, cheaper but you didn’t mention the reliability

[@ericbox999]

I like new Venza overall but center console leaves a tiny room beyond the shifter. Struggling every time.. The effective main display area is one inch off all around. Case is oversized for nothing.

[@venkatkondam7950]

This is not really the Venza . It is a Toyota Harrier, rebadged as Venza to cash in on the name in north american market. It is slightly larger than RAV4 and more smooth. This is slightly upscale fit and finish than RAV4. Nothing more

[@danilika9420]

If you watch the video, you’ll see that I discuss the Harrier connection right off the top! Though the Venza definitely isn’t larger than the RAV4. It’s slightly *longer*, but their widths and wheelbases are identical, which means passenger room is about the same by most measures. There’s also less cargo space than the RAV4 because of the way the roofline and tailgate taper.

[@paulstein9258]

Really? This is the Lexus NX 300 H. Check it out. Standards all trims, AWD and Hybrid.

[@rxonmymind8362]

​@@paulstein9258Venza is thousands less.

[@TheMichaelRN]

This is a lazy effort by Toyota, this is a reskinned Rav4 with better springs and dampers.

[@devenderahuja3985]

TOYOTA IS MOST THIRD CLASS CAR 🚗 OF INDIA.