2021 Toyota Venza Test Drive Review: Better Than A Lexus!?

[@synthianguyen6377]

One comment since test driving a Venza. The one common complaint people reviewing the car was that you have to individually tap the volume button when in reality you can just hold it down LOL same with the temp button!!

[@tonyrock5313]

Give me the Venza over the Rav4 anyday! What a beauty inside and out.

[@rebeccamoran5382]

I have the 2021 toyota venza limited in blueprint and I agree with you 100% . I absolutely love my venza

[@DUNGSTA]

Rav4 prime has way more power

[@tedthompson3218]

What is it with a lot of the car reviewers, with there obsession with a volume knob. Do they not notice there is a volume control on the steering wheel. I have a 2017 Honda accord it has no knobs at all, I use the control's on the steering wheel. Never have I wished I had a volume knob. I wonder if they complain about not having a volume knob on there flat screen tv. And they are always comparing the venza to a rave 4, make statements like , why could'nt Toyota have made certain things more like a rave 4. The hole point of the venza is it's supposed to be different than a rave 4.

[@kathym1904]

I have had my 2021 Venza XLE for 2 weeks and I love it. My first hybrid. I have had RAV4s previously

[@DUNGSTA]

Did you cross shop the rav4 hybrid?

[@kathym1904]

@@DUNGSTA I may lease the Rav hybrid next. I wanted to try the Venza first.

[@foxgood]

I don't understand the complaints about the volume button, never in 6 years have I used my volume button in my Camry I always control the volume with the buttons on the steering wheel , I wouldn't mind not having a knob to control the volume.

[@carbuzzcom]

The passenger wouldn't use the steering wheel.

[@tangotea7192]

Same

[@tangotea7192]

​@@carbuzzcom Passenger can relax and adjust their temp.

[@jckgap]

This vehicle in Japan is called Harrier, the original model of RX. No wonder why it’s more luxury than other vehicle in Toyota. The same strategy when Lexus not selling in Japan, they create same model in other Sedan using different name like lexus ES=windom, LS =Celisor , IS= alteeza, RX=Harrier, GS=Aristo

[@lasuvidaboy]

Being built in Japan was yet another reason we bought out 2022 Blizzard Pearl Venza.

[@rxonmymind8362]

I wish the buttons inside from the dome lights to the back door would have a soft backlight so one can see the buttons. I'm having to use a flashlight to see.

[@kathym1904]

And, the seating is much more comfortable. I can be driving or seated in it for an hour and not be stiff getting out

[@PreludeSon]

Great video with great driver viewing perspective....thanks for the review!

[@Vane-sc8qj]

Good car like a luxry

[@kermit1]

I prefer the rugged looks of the RAV4 but prefer the interior of the Venza

[@pizzaslapper]

This looks great, I will get one as soon as they have a turbo 6 cylinder that is not a hybrid.

[@carbuzzcom]

So, you won't get one then. It's hybrid-only.

[@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. 8. Touch-sensitive controls are a disappointment.

[@holchr31]

Are you gonna copy and paste this on every review? We get the point...wow.

[@DUNGSTA]

Get the XLE and call it a day. Looks a million times better than your old venza...

[@benc4181]

At least on the steering wheel volume control, you don’t need to take your hands off the wheel

[@carbuzzcom]

Too bad for the passenger though

[@benc4181]

CarBuzz - Unlike the driver, the passenger don’t need to pay attention to the road while play with the controls

[@bh915]

I have a 2015 Venza and love it. I was sick when I heard Toyota stopped making them. I wish someone would tell us why they stopped. I don't think looking like and riding like a Rav4 is a compliment. My sister and sister-in-law both have Rav4's and they are not comfortable or a classy as my "old" Venza. I also don't like the huge screen that is obstructing the view out the front window. I may go with the Lexus for my next car even tho we've had trusted Toyotas for about 15 years.

[@leom00n79]

Which one would you purchase? Toyota Venza Limited or Hyundai Tucson Hybrid Limited???

[@tangotea7192]

Venza has a spare tire and Hyundai doesn't.

[@angiebutcher4068]

How does this compare to a Honda CRV Hybrid? Thank You

[@carbuzzcom]

This is more expensive but more luxurious.

[@tonyrock5313]

@@carbuzzcom And more powerful.

[@xrpxtrariceplease2811]

Need a venza prime

[@braddruehl6786]

Very good review, however you didn't mention the front seat comfort. I read one print review of the Venza that said the front seat was short and there are is no thigh extender. Even worse, the drivers seat does not tilt up and down. Many cars don't have thigh extenders and being 6'2" tall I can usually get comfortable by tilting the drivers seat up. I've watched many reviews of the Venza and nobody mentions this. You reviewers must all be short people.

[@carbuzzcom]

5'8", so hard for us to comment on seat comfort for tall people.

[@braddruehl6786]

@@carbuzzcom Is it true that the front of the drivers seat will not tilt up or down?

[@carbuzzcom]

@@braddruehl6786 that sounds possible, but we got comfortable pretty easily.

[@carbuzzcom]

@@braddruehl6786 Seats should always be a "try before you buy"

[@braddruehl6786]

@94Moonshine Good to know. Thank you. How was the back seat? Could you sit behind yourself without your knees touching the front seat?

[@ethanmckibbin]

I think the RAV4 is severely ugly, too Jeep like so I'm going to get a Venza. Also if you need to quickly turn down the radio that's what the mute button on the steering wheel is for or it will pause what you're listening to. it in no way bothers me that there's no physical buttons because I never use them anyway I always use the steering wheel.

[@benc4181]

Creative Dragon - So true. Too much complaints about a physical volume button

[@yourccml]

i own a '19 RAV4 and am considering trading it in or selling it for the '21 Venza. Where is the Mute button on the steering wheel?

[@ethanmckibbin]

@@yourccml mine says hold but it mutes

[@christopherdouglas8471]

One of the best reviews I have seen. Hit all the points, put it into context, and gave a solid summation. Well done. Subscribed. PS - I am absolutely dumbfounded why there is no volume and tuning knob. After all Honda went through before finally getting it right, and now Toyota messes up. It could be a dealbreaker for me. I recently purchased a ‘21 KIA Seltos SX Turbo, and it has an excellent infotainment set - with knobs!

[@carbuzzcom]

Thank you! We like the Seltos a lot as well!

[@池俊霖]

When will it come in Taiwan to sell

[@SB-uq6zl]

No heated back seats?????

[@OldThomMerton]

I like the looks of the Venza more than either the Lexus RX or the RAV4 . . . I am annoyed that you can't get the 8" touchscreen/actual nobs for the radio AND the 'star gazer' roof . . . I love the roof but hate the 12" and the accompanying touch buttons.

[@kwannak]

Why is the 'Power' button in an awkward position? Shouldn't it be closer to the driver?

[@carbuzzcom]

Seems like an afterthought. But, it wasn't annoying.

[@nam12578]

Quick and easy access to your cellphone for distracted driving.

[@xrpxtrariceplease2811]

May I ask how tall are you? So I can estimate if I can fit the SUV?

[@carbuzzcom]

Only 5'8"

[@aladdinsane3523]

I asked that on another review. She made the car look huge.

[@paulelgie2568]

I just purchased the new Venza and it has about 2” over my head. I’m 6’3”. The seat goes up and down as well. I have the XLE version which the heated and air conditioned seat.

[@xrpxtrariceplease2811]

@@paulelgie2568 How do you like it so far?

[@paulelgie2568]

@@xrpxtrariceplease2811 I had 2 Venza’s prior to this one. The 2021 Venza is by far a more luxurious vehicle. It is closer to a Lexus. Prior to the purchase I drove a 2018 Rav4 limited model for two years. The Toyota Venza is far superior. It is amazing on gas as well.

[@andreyforero665]

I would like a comparison with the Murano and passport

[@carbuzzcom]

It's funny because this doesn't really compare to those. It's much smaller.

[@Gerryinthewoods]

CarBuzz wow....much smaller than a Murano? I’m surprised. And disappointed.

[@carbuzzcom]

@@Gerryinthewoods Murano is sizably bigger. This is actually smaller than the RAV4 inside.

[@DUNGSTA]

Interesting...

[@allen8772]

Turn the music off

[@kubanskiloewe]

same wheels like a 2010 Lexus RX450H and not very different in overall outside shape BUT its lacking the much more pleasant to drive and understressed V6Hybrid !

[@kubanskiloewe]

@Hugh MacIsaac in spring and warm autumn i get always over 30mpg in my RX450H ! Its a bit better than the old 400 in that. But on Autobahn you have to calm down otherwise with 200km/h it burns fuel very quickly ....but its so fun !!

[@OnlineMD]

Oh, geez. You start driving at around 10 minutes into the video but talked non-stop and you shut off the engine and road noise completely! NOT FAIR! These hybrids, they make a ROARING NOISE as you accelerate! Anyhow, tomorrow I'm off to test drive a Venza 100 miles away in the Raleigh NC area. Our local dealer said they had one in when I called at 9 am. When I got there at noon, it was SOLD! Looks like they are selling like hot cakes! :) We have a Tesla Model 3 in the family. It takes off like a rocket with virtually no noise! After that, if the Venza makes a roar during acceleration, I'll get turned off. Maybe I have to just cool it and give up on rapid acceleration if I get the Venza! :) It is the EV range anxiety on long trips that makes me explore a hybrid. Besides, time to trade in my 15 year old Acura! I've heard though that Tesla is working hard on its new 4680 battery which will boost range from 310 miles to 360 miles in its cars. And charge much faster. The day after tomorrow I plan to test drive the new Tesla Model Y.

[@aladdinsane3523]

I’ll stick with a simple V6 in the Lexus. I think there’s to much to go wrong here.

[@dooranderson938]

Better more beautiful than Lexus Venza all the way

[@BMW-pk6nh]

Benz’s looks 100% better than the Toyota RAV4 and allot more appealing and attractive

[@larrynorcott1477]

And the price difference for German car, out of sight. Good Luck.

[@DUNGSTA]

Not as fuel efficient and priced too much

[@rbielarski]

Pretty vehicle but the large stuck on tablet and sea of charcoal coloring everywhere loses it for me. Better integration of the infotainment system and color choices would better suit our household.

[@cheyd4312]

Knobs.

[@tinhinnh]

the knobs are only on the LE trim

[@Mrtellitlikeitis]

U dont know shit. Its on xle as well

[@tinhinnh]

@@Mrtellitlikeitis no its not, jimmay

[@currypac]

Plz stop saying bu-en the word is button. Two t’s not zero t’s

[@argentumboyle249]

Hey, everyone do yourself a big favor and give this guy a big THUMB DOWN....

[@way246]

Why do only people who review cars think ugly cars are nice looking ?

[@carbuzzcom]

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. People complain about crossovers all looking too similar, then get mad when an automaker goes outside the box.

[@pilar861]

That car is gorgeous so shhhhh

[@johnforrester2574]

Great review! Got the Venza Limited yesterday. It is sweet =]

[@carbuzzcom]

Congrats!

[@jrstro6322]

The other reviews I watched say that it's fake leather. Leather isn't offered at all.

[@carbuzzcom]

Hmm, interesting note. You could be right.

[@georgeperisic5917]

You have to go to lexus for leather and standard lexus is fake leather you have pay to get real leather in lexus

[@tangotea7192]

​@@georgeperisic5917 Lexus has the same faux leather now.

[@6thGearSam]

I actually had to send this review to my aunt since she loves her old Venza

[@carbuzzcom]

It's very different than the last one but a lot of owners will likely jump to this one.

[@tinhinnh]

if they put the bigger hybrid system in this theres no point in getting the HL besides room

[@robertduklus6555]

What do you mean car based platform is gone?

[@carbuzzcom]

This one isn't based on a lifted Camry like the old one. It's based on the RAV4.

[@larrynorcott1477]

Rav 4 doesn't have all the goodies as this Lexus look alike does. Two things I don't like is the hybrid with 3 motors (lots to go wrong) and I am not a four wheel drive fan either. No that means I will not buy it.

[@DUNGSTA]

So you don't like good MPGs and awd? Makes no sense...