2021 Toyota Venza Street and Off-Road Review

Toyota's new 2021 Venza (aka Harrier outside the USA) brings the RAV4's Hybrid drivetrain to the mid-size market. In this video we review all the key features, try out a 0-60 run and then we take it off-road to see just how capable the all-wheel drive system is without a dedicated trail feature.
Notes: Due to a tight schedule, we had 24 hours to film and edit this complete review to make the embargo date. Unfortunately, we weren't able to include a bit about the adaptive cruise control. However, it is quite excellent, with updated graphics in the console and a solid center-line track.
CONTENTS
00:00 - Intro
00:57 - Features
05:12 - Gravel Launch AWD Test
05:55 - Road
08:53 - Forest Road / Hill Climb
14:53 - Short Slope Climb Test (Slow Motion)
#toyota #toyotavenza #offroad
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[@joematters1982]

This is the sweetest vehicle I’ve ever owned. By far the best high end Toyota. Not to mention if you drive it right you get more and more mpg . I see mine going up.

[@footballjunky1904]

I get around 50 driving 1/4 of the way into the yellow eco line I don’t pass it

[@wail3054]

I think your channel should have more subscribers. I feel that your review has a healthy balance on your opinion and stats of vehicle. Your AWD tests are easy to understand and fun to watch. Keep up your good work!

[@calebjared75]

I like the throwbacks to RAV4 and Outback reviews! Made this very interesting to watch despite never shopping for this vehicle. Thanks!

[@bho6486]

I have watched this video several times before and since getting our Venza Limited. Your video made us feel like we made a good choice in choosing the Venza. It was honest and focused on the capabilities of the Venza rather than just the surface stuff like most reviews. We are loving our Venza (since August 21) and getting amazing gas mileage compared to our last car (2006 Acura TSX). Thank you for making this and all the great videos you make.

[@dmajumdar2059]

The more awd stuff this channel does, the better. The more technical the explanations get, the better. I don't mind if he spends the whole video taking apart a center differential and the rear differential clutch packs 😂

[@bernardgagelin5290]

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[@billbrimmer1739]

Well-done review, very through. You have a new subscriber. We have a 2010 Venza with 140K miles, and it is the most reliable vehicle ever. This one looks good and since we never go off road, it has all we would ever need.

[@pocobueno1]

I off roaded one of these in Utah last year. Did fine on back dirt roads and even crossed a few small streams. Got good mileage and I really liked all the info on the screens. It's not a 4runner or wrangler, but definitely better than a sedan.

[@syamal2007]

Man I have been waiting for this kind of review of the Venza! great stuff. I have this new Venza and every reviewer has shown me the quirks and features and the stuff i already know but this is great to see the Venza off road! thanks for this! Subscribed!

[@bjsimon802]

Very good review, that Venza did surprisingly very good. I like your calm approach to describing cars.

[@igorkovalivskyi2834]

I love it.MY RESPONSOBILITY TO TEST THIS VEHICLE ON OFF ROAD .this is truly the best auto channel on KZbin .

[@lakmalantony8505]

Awesome as always, great video Ryan

[@adventuretraveling8957]

Buddy your car review’s totally unique then another cars KZbinrs awesome 👏 one keep it ..!!!

[@rbielarski]

Love this swanky cross-over....we will definitely be considering this in a year or two.

[@mlewis8579]

I have a 2013 Venza and love it, I went from a Jaguar XLE to my Venza and never looked back. Am so glad they brought it back! Great review!

[@m1cajah]

I just dropped my FJ for a 2011 Venza. Such a step up in ride comfort and fuel efficiency. I would love one of these new Venzas, just can’t justifiably spend $36k for ANY car. If I want off-road fun, I just drop the top on my 04 Wrangler.

[@luciaverdugo4187]

I also had a 2013 Venza, loved it! I totaled it in 2018 and was heartbroken that they were no longer made... until now! Bought a 2021 venza this last august. I really like it but not in love with it like the older version.

[@richardwiles4320]

I drove it yesterday, WOW!!!!

[@peter300pete]

my first time on this channel, hats off!!, loved your video and tests, I subscribed.

[@gianmariavolonte4315]

I really enjoy your reviews. Very through and informative and you have a natural knack for presentation. You concentrate more of what's important to the adult market as opposed to others where they spend ¾ the video talking about styling and the infotainment system. I do PDI on Toyotas and we recently got 3 of these Venzas. To me, they are much more pleasant to drive than the RAV4. Being made in Japan, PDI is just standard procedure and on the lot it goes. No quality issues whatsoever.

[@fr373969]

I’m cross shopping Forester and rav4 prime, this is exactly what I want to see

[@sr-sr592]

Just got one, same color, even the base LE has so many tech feature that most top level trims will not have. Pretty happy ! It will do offroad just don't overdo it

[@alierikenoglu8006]

Very useful review. Thank you! Can't wait for the new Sienna review :)

[@billtang79]

Love the video. Entertaining yet informative. Would love to see a comparison video between the Honda passport and this Venza though if there will be a 2020 Passport

[@kamotebanana5747]

i really like the way you test the car in rough terrains...it really shows what the car is capable of...pls do the rest of SUV with AWD/4WD....

[@normaspirated]

“It’s... got only 7.8 inches, but it’s got it in the right places, I guess.” Sorry. I had to.

[@Aikynbreusov]

Hey, hey, hey.... kids are reading your comment too...

[@TobyCostaRica]

I’m expecting a Sienna Hybrid AWD up this too! 😀 Could you add incline degree info in the future? It’s always hard to tell in video

[@freedombuy4672]

love this guy... wonderful job thumbs up and subscribed.

[@ajpend]

Very solid video. Thanks.

[@Maggie-ly6sj]

a really great video. Nice to see a review that is more than a drive on perfect highway condition. I love the venza, but I am a little nervous as we are very active with outdoor activity, including some off roading. nothing crazy, but to get to some hiking trails you do have to go on dirt service access roads. also, I am a little concerned about the bike rake capability. it has a maximum of 110ibs which should work for our 2 bikes. But it is unclear to me the potential impact of the hands free hack lift.

[@loneapple440]

Nice video of the Venza. I have a friend that has an older model and loves it.

[@OldThomMerton]

Well, as an owner of a 1st Gen Venza who may soon be looking for a newer vehicle, the new Venza is a sweet, sweet surprise. I like most of what I'm seeing and I would like a hybrid, so, the new Venza just jumped up into the top tier of vehicles for me to lok at. More expensive then I'd like, but I would prolly look for a slightly used one to save myself some coin. I wait with bated breath for the long-tern reviews! - Note: I'd never do what he was doing, although snow and a few gravel forest roads would be in the Venza's future. - Note2: Angle of attack makes a big difference on the last slick hill test, and I have my doubts about the consistency of your tests, but, the fact that she pulled it off was a little impressive!

[@imports4lifetoyotalexus98]

Well this new Venza and new Sienna have 3 motor on the AWD so they can get more torwue and grip during snow or mud thn the RAV4 Hybrid with 2 motor on the rear compare to the new Venza and new Sienna. Nice improvement Toyota. I hope you guys continues to do so. Thank you Toyota.

[@moonsapling]

Toyota really is making their Hybrid AWD system work. Impressed. Great review.

[@rightlanehog3151]

They are making real progress.

[@leticiajohnson9722]

I love my 2022 Venza!! Slick, sexy, mature and so economical!! Best gas mileage ever. It’s super quiet and unlike some hybrids that jump and jerk in between EV and power it’s absolutely seamless.

[@annieyahu676]

I just bought the 2021 Venza Ltd model this past weekend and I love it! It has Great gas mileage and so many features. Is AWD and drives smooth too. So nice.

[@flandrescarlet486]

How is it in cold weather? I'm living in very cold area so have some concerns about the hybrid system.

[@annieyahu676]

@@flandrescarlet486 I heard they do well, but I personally do not know. I'm currently living in the desert southwest. It does very well in the heat. When I bought it, it was only mildly cold weather.

[@flandrescarlet486]

@@annieyahu676 Thank you very much. It's also good to know it works good in hot weather.

[@trishmoake2588]

I live in the Midwest and have no issues with it and the cold weather. I hope that's helpful. My mom and I both bought the Limited trim line and really like it.

[@koukimonzta]

i love the front end

[@gluis2k]

I just bought one last Saturday, the LE model (basic) loving it so far. very quiet comfortable ride plus I'm getting over 45mpg city driving. Great review! definitely helped me with my buying decision lol.

[@joematters1982]

Congrats. I just bought mine this year 2022

[@ejirobirhiray3171]

Hello

[@gluis2k]

@@ejirobirhiray3171 👋

[@heyalexluu]

As a new Venza owner, I was thinking of bringing my Venza up the mountains to ski. Seems like I'll do fine.

[@parsley0120]

This far exceeded my expectations in terms of capability. I was expecting it to really struggle off-road and am pleasantly surprised to see it do well. While I do still believe that Toyota needs to up the power output from the rear, I'm glad to see that each time they tweak it they are making more and more progress with how much it's able to assist the front wheels.

[@rightlanehog3151]

Agreed.

[@rosepaul9681]

Better tires wpuld also make a difference.

[@tonyrock5313]

It's an exceptional car. After driving on the road and getting out it's hard to remember any issues.

[@anijog9908]

Like your videos! detailed which is required if a awd is to be tested on unpaved roads! Suggest ways to avoid overheating of locking diffs in awd.

[@nehemiahwashingtoniii748]

Do a KZbin search on the Toyota Harrier ( only sold in Japan and other SE Asian countries with right hand drive) that's what the Venza is based on. I like the Harrier and I like this Venza. Good review.

[@c_b5060]

I've watched many reviews in the past week, and this review it the best I've seen. I am one of those folks who are comparing the Venza with the RAV 4 and the Outback Onyx. Looking forward to your review of the 2021 Subaru Outback Onyx (it has the turbo engine) and the 2021 Subaru Legacy with the turbo engine. Zero to 60 is a number that tells me how the vehicle will merge onto a busy highway using a short on-ramp. But how about passing ability? Please run some tests for passing ability such as 40 mph to 60 mph, 40 to 70, 50 to 70.

[@drivingsports]

We reviewed the Outback Onyx last year: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bXawn41vltqIe5I

[@drivingsports]

We also have a long-term Onyx. kzbin.info/www/bejne/q4WrYamkjq2sisk

[@monikashoup5454]

I own a 2011 Red Toyota Venza AWD which I purchased new and it now has 96,000 miles on it. Toyota discontinued the Venza around 2015/16 I believe. Okay I'm the empty nester and no off roading..ha ha ha. I live in one of the snowiest cities in the USA about 122" average per year. My Venza never got stuck in the snow nor does it slide around. I have put off purchasing a new car for about 2 years now because I love my Venza so much.!! This is the longest I have kept a car in my life. The Venza has been a good car no maintenance issues, just normal stuff, tires, battery, brakes. In hindsight I got a 4 cyl and wish I had opted for the 6 cylinder. I am over joyed that there is a new Venza for 2021, if this new Hybrid is as good as my old one, I'm running to the dealership.

[@yooalex]

When can you test out Lexus awd system, on the rx, nx or ux, or maybe the lx or gs

[@bjsimon802]

The gasoline model Rav4 does amazing offroad, i have watched some videos. Not 4 runner good, but very decent. Hybrid is meant to save you on fuel, and does that well.

[@eisas1184]

Thanks for the review, can we still get a review for snow performance or slip test?

[@ruzzelladrian907]

SH-AWD is still one of the best with torque vectoring on individual wheels to make it drive like a rear-wheel drive car.

[@adofoi30]

Just saw it today it is relatively tight for my 6ft 270lb frame. Especially since jumping into it from my 2019 Forester. The LE is pretty loaded though.

[@iridium130m]

I feel like the Venza should have received the up-tuned 243 hp hybrid system from the Highlander and Sienna to differentiate it more from the RAV4 hybrid. Wonder what the holdback is?

[@fernandovargas7562]

Cool Venza hybrid for Boston... nice video ... Go Toyota go

[@unlogical2188]

whenever you get the 2021 Sienna AWD, what about try to take it out on this trail?

[@cg-xk7lc]

plz share your insightful review for lexus lx & gx

[@Danielle-tx2es]

how this one compare with the highlander? mpg? thank you..

[@ethanmckibbin]

I'm going to be buying one of these in Florida, wonder how it'll do in Sandy places

[@rightlanehog3151]

I welcome another fuel efficient model to market but, in comparison, the #RAV4 Hybrid looks like a better deal every day. The cheaper price of the RAV4 and larger cargo/passenger space make it hard to resist. Once again, Toyota's Hybrid AWD system exceeds expectations. With an upgrade in rear electric motor power and a software adjustment, they have the makings of a very fine Hybrid AWD system with more rear wheel bias.

[@superlight47]

I agree with you, while it seem that it handle the rock hill much better without much wheel spin then regular RAV4 Hybrid, it is a better buy for cargo practicality and price. It also a good choice for a small young family. The RAv4 Hybrid is still on my list but COVID-19 keep me from try to get one at present.

[@James-il3tq]

@@superlight47 Venza has exact same engine, ECVT and EAWD system as Rav4 so it'll have same off-road/poor weather performance.

[@carholic-sz3qv]

Now Toyota needs way more plugin in hybrids

[@Kburd-wr6dq]

@@James-il3tq IIFC this is able to shift 80% of power to rear whereas rav4 hybrid is only 50%

[@supriyasou3722]

@@Kburd-wr6dq I think that is just a misinformation by reviewers. There is no power to be sent to the rear. Rear has an independent motor - so it is 100%. But that 100% is only 50ish HP.

[@VampirusX]

Great presentation 👍 It's nice to see, that Toyota is heading in the direction of Lexus, because I HATE the current Lexus faces and the infotainment control. Also you get more tech with a cheaper price tag. Of course the insulation is not as good and some luxury features are missing compare to Lexus. But why would they trash there own luxury brand. Toyota is heading in a bright future. MNo more boring cars!

[@kubanskiloewe]

how much does this Venza weigh and how much the RAV Hybrid ?

[@Danielle-tx2es]

this is why i like high clearance suv..we get floated where i live.

[@wpgtriniman]

Lovely design but here are some concerns. 1. It's larger than a RAV4 but smaller on the inside. 2. Less headroom than a RAV4, and even less with the sunroof. 3. No volume knob on the larger 10" screen. 4. The rear turn signal lights are integrated into the bumper and are too low. 5. Offer it as a plug-in hybrid. 6. Would prefer a moonroof (opens to the elements) than a sunroof with the glass that frosts on/ off. 7. Three inches shorter than the old Venza.

[@daniyar_ala]

Beautiful car

[@youmaarludwig5647]

Nice review.... I'd be subscribing your channel..... Would've been interesting to see how it behaves if the tire pressure was deflated to 20psi

[@m1cajah]

And a slightly less “street” tire...something mildly more aggressive.

[@jesusalmaraz3792]

When will the Venza be available?

[@110percentcanadian6]

Cars with an open differential struggle with traction on slippery sections “full send or use momentum” Cars that put down brakes “also open differential ” on a slipping wheel are alright for flat surfaces But on hills even with a extra throttle the future will slow you down. I would go with a limited slip differential “locks the differential when the wheels are slipping” Or a lockable differential

[@bradh6185]

I need this mpg and comfort level, but with fair ground clearance and off-road ability. Is there such a thing?

[@susheelkumarbhargav]

I have another test in mind for the all wheel drive systems. Going on an off-ramp or on-ramp to a highway in about 40-45 mph where people usually do at usually 20-25 mph, I did this with Subaru Outback, Forrester, Crosstrek and they all handled very good.. I experienced huge body rollover with a CX-5 and appreciable results with RDX SH-AWD ..what do you think about this test? Is this good enough to test the AWD capability in an urban environment?

[@miteco1]

needs front strut tower bar and rear under bar cuz too much dive n roll in faster turns n curves ...a little stiffer suspension would help too

[@Danielle-tx2es]

didnt see...do you have cellular chargers on the back?

[@domiperez1759]

Venza seems great

[@robertlandry5676]

I think the Venza could have managed your Death Valley excursion . Great road trip 👍🏼

[@m-cw7er]

I’m considering one I’m just concerned with the AWD. I’m coming from a 2016 Outback limited that is a beast in snow and rain with all seasons. I realize I would lose space but from my research it sounds like it drives nice. I will miss a moon roof. I would be interested in a limited.

[@rentalproperties8598]

Mid July there is no snow in the PNW? Not true, I'm looking at Mt. Baker right now and it's covered in the white stuff. You could have found some snow in the mountains to test if you put in the effort.

[@jamiecraswell9368]

Where can I get one of those ball caps ?

[@MahdiDarestani]

I think weight distribution on this is different from RAV, hence why performs differently.

[@alexmseu]

I would like to see a comparison video between this and the Outback; it seems like consumers are more likely to cross shop these two. I'm unimpressed by the Venza, honestly. It's basically a stretched out RAV4.

[@pipin447]

En los vehiculos hibridos de toyota el modo de down hills control es colocarlo en modo B.

[@hagakuru]

Would of been nice if you highlighted the adaptive cruise control and steering assist. I'd like to know how Toyota is doing with that tech nowadays.

[@drivingsports]

It’s exactly like the system in the RAV4 with updated graphics.

[@philipc239]

Suzuki ALLGRIP system?

[@mattchristiani1664]

Just bought one in the Limited trim. Reminds me of my Lexus RX, just don't have to get fuel nearly as much.

[@godzy49]

I like your duties!!

[@jdmspiritturkey_jst]

like the design, like the overall but not get any in our country

[@carlosrivera7274]

is a toyota awd system or a lexus awd

[@ag4eng]

The only time I have taken my car off road is to park at the soccer field. Think Venza will be fine.

[@SoulReaper4700]

Does it have Parking sensors?

[@subielife4life]

I actually kinda like it, however the navigation screen looks kinda tacked on, like almost aftermarket....

[@Aaron-ui9tj]

The sound of that rear motor is terrifying.

[@autonewstv86]

Great that Toyota is expanding their hybrid application, but it's time to add the Prime treatment to the Highlander and new Sienna.

[@jimbob4456]

Rides nice.

[@willba4]

on that little hill climb, (the dirt one) do you air the tyres down at all? or do you keep all the vehicles at street pressure?

[@drivingsports]

Street pressure. We want to torture the all wheel drive system, not make it easy.

[@rightlanehog3151]

@@drivingsports I am contacting the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Press Fleet Vehicles immediately.

[@ThamilNesan]

I like Toyota vehicles so far they are very reliable vehicle this Venza design much better than previous boxy wagon design at the mean time Toyota must do update on 2022 versions 1: For the drivers who are 5'10" and over if they drive long hours or stuck in traffic will feel very uncomfortable on sitting driver seat and may feel leg pain they must add manual or power thigh support like German vehicle even now some Buick models have it 2: Touch system some times in cold weather will not respond and may confuse the driver and take off his eyes off from the vehicle , A/C Heating power on off, control buttons will have to update with semi touch system as like Buick or Cardilac with led light indication 3: Back side signal indicators they should add one more under the tail lights aswell for the vehicle safety during the day driver from other vehicle may not see and cause accident 4 : Inside the vehicle power start button is too far for driver to bend down to search to press Let's hope Toyota will update

[@robertosegura1359]

hello I need recommendations ford escape hybrid or toyota venza hybrid

[@drivingsports]

Haven’t yet driven the Escape Hybrid! We’ve asked, but Ford hasn’t sent one.

[@normt5463]

Toyota sells in the Buick segment.

[@thomasdinh2753]

thats impressive for street tires and not airing down.

[@NRGRX]

This one is 100% made in Japan!

[@howlingwolf125y]

Dissappointed that the roofline is so low. .. Seems like every newer Suv/crossover the roofline is made lower. The main reason I went to the SUV years ago was the HIGHER roofline and the excellent visibility that comes with it.. With better visibility you see better (for safety) and the overall driving experience is improved - not to mention improved comfort.

[@supriyasou3722]

yeah i think forester is the only exception

[@frenchbuhi777]

I am from Japan, even though I ordered Harrier (Venza) HV model in last sep, it has not been marked in the product line in Japan, as estimated the delivery date on the order form, it indicated in the middle of March 21. I do not know how long USA side needs to wait, but Toyota production plan is very awful.

[@rodysk8]

I was gonna get one mainly for snow! Now what should I get? Subaru , prime?

[@m-cw7er]

I can say both my Forester and Outback have never let me down in snow and pouring rain with all seasons. I don’t off road and I live in PA. What I can say driving both in pouring rain I feel so safe and secure at all times. I’m thinking of getting a Venza limited once interest rates fall. This video showed me a lot about the AWD system and while no comparison to Subarus I think I’ll be fine for what I need.

[@jerry5011]

What's funny about the GPS is that in Japan is the same thing, it hasn't changed in ages and you even see it in taxis all over Tokyo. This car when they meant it was made in Japan they were serious! lol.

[@godzy49]

It is a theory... but breaking front wheels will mean more electric power to the rear..... at least in Prius by breaking and accelerating it was possible to recharge the battery

[@Thissandthat]

Toyota says the new Venza has up to 80% of system power to the rear wheels. Seems like a lot? But hey maybe that’s true! The Venza has a standard lithium ion battery, so maybe that helps. Also the 2021 rav4 will now get the lithium battery as well

[@drivingsports]

I would guess that’s 80% of the rear motors maximum torque - since there no physical connection. Marketing speak is difficult to parse sometimes.

[@raytflower]

I just wish toyota and most companies would not put the lcd screen so high up. I so prefer how the screen is large and lowered in the Subaru Outback. Perfect.

[@m-cw7er]

I agree. I wish Subaru would have kept physical buttons for climate control in the new outback.

[@beybladegeekraiyaan555]

We need more suvs

[@businessmanph]

The only mode you need is 1 with a great driver 👌