2023 Toyota Venza / McDonald’s Caviar

The Toyota Venza uses an interesting mixture of luxury car and standard Toyota protocol to make for a unique midsize(ish) SUV. Today I will see if that makes it competitive in a class full of competent cars like the Hyundai Santa Fe, Honda Passport, Subaru Outback, Ford Edge and many more.
Thank you, Royal South Toyota, for letting me test drive a Venza to make this video possible.
Royalsouthtoyota.com
‪@Toyotajeff‬ (video showcasing the sunroof)
• BIG Changes for 2023 T...
‪@ToyotaofCoolSprings‬ (second video showcasing the sunroof)
• 2021 Toyota Venza Star...
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[@UncleYohta]

Interesting they added the XLE projectors to the LE for 23'. I own a 21' LE and I always felt that it was missing projectors. I'm coming up 2 years with my Venza next month and the base model is more than enough for most folks.

[@sophaman9193]

I owned a venza hybrid limited 2022 very nice car to drive very good on gas lexus like interior materials thanks for sharing your video take care bye from Canada 🇨🇦

[@jaycasbon2749]

Fabulous review - thanks so much for an analysis of the Base Model!!!!!

[@PBorn-cm3sj]

Very nice review with lots of useful information for me to decide! Received my 2023 venza xle yesterday! Originally asked for le trim, but changed to xle due to the small infotainment screen. The package of this vehicle is excellent and i noticed that venza is very quiet compared to rav4 hybrid. The dealer does not take orders, but sells allocated vehicles manufactured from japan. Very nice quality vehicle. I'm impressed.

[@pinaklonkar]

I think this has been the best review I have seen for this car model / trim.

[@cherrylicious2]

loved your review! thanks for including if the rear seats recline or not.... (alot of other reviewers left that out)... loved when you opened the rear of the car, & *poof* you're there! lol😄

[@stephenwinter8892]

Greetings from southern Ontario Canada I really enjoyed the video

[@superbird24]

Cool review. I think this is one of Toyota’s underrated models.

[@normanwohlmuth6267]

Awesome vehicle. I have a 2021 Limited. Great ride and MPG to boot. Does it Lexus style. Liked it so much i traded it in for a 2023 Venza. Similar to a NX350H with a lower price tag.

[@jamesnicol3831]

One of the best hybrids available the base trim is the intelligent mature choice

[@LG-nx7we]

Agreed I purchased the 22 base model of this car and it was one of the best decisions just off the fact that it gave me the analogy speedometers.

[@alengreen589]

It´s a good Toyota, thanks for the review 👍

[@Realistick]

Thanks for watching!

[@juanmoar7239]

How is the wind noise on high way compared to Rav4 Hybrid 2023?

[@CRVgarage]

When you are traveling in the city, put the spare tire in the garage & you have a secret underfloor storage.

[@konacyclist]

Very impressive review!

[@lasuvidaboy]

Good review. We ordered our 2022 Blizzard Pearl Venza XLE in January, 2022 and received it here in LA in March, 2022. I’ve heard the wait time for the Venza is now anywhere from nine months to one year. Not sure if that’s accurate.

[@robertherman1146]

Current wait time is 15 to 18 months

[@amycollins7126]

Thank you for the review! I have a silly question. I just bought an LE a few days ago, and it does not indicate it's an LE on the back, which I've noticed XLE and Limiteds do. I noticed in your video, your LE also didn't have indicate the trim on the back. So do LEs just not have it? It doesn't bother me, but I wondering if they just forgot to put it on mine. 😃 I'm loving the Venza so far!

[@Realistick]

They're trying to hide that it's the entry level trim! I feel like most manufacturers will only drop a badge on the sport or top trims so that's an interesting move by Toyota.

[@Eiran423]

I really hate this trend where nearly all center consoles have these large buttresses in order to create a cute & cozy Barbie bed for your phone - this leaves zero room for the knees. Absolute deal breaker for anyone that manspreads.

[@jeffmorse645]

I'd skip the upper trims and get the LE. Nice quality fabric seats (that still are power) instead of vinyl "leatherette" and for the HVAC controls.

[@LivingInAnInverseReality]

Thanks. Thats exactly what I did.

[@elsaandnoah]

Toyota should market this as a Harrier in North America too

[@hiyahandsome]

So much to consider with the Venza, but unlike you I hate the back end and think the front end is preferable to any new Lexus. The rear lights stick out like a shelf (vey noticeable parked on the streets of NYC) and the cargo space is small due to the slope of the roof. But the ride, fuel economy and quality make it worth considering in 2023. Cheers~

[@Realistick]

It definitely has some distinct highs and lows and less middleground attributes. Kind of adds to it being an interesting car but definitely not for everyone!

[@darthdarthbinkss]

Very well said, 100% agreed. I like how it doesn't have a Lexus black hole grille

[@hariguhan8399]

Thanks for the review! Personally in terms of seat comfort, rear seat occupancy for 3 people of your build and drive - how does it compare to Mazda CX-5 (Non-Turbo)?

[@Realistick]

Easily beats the cx-5 in those regards, If you're tall, the center tunnel is more annoying but that's it. The CX-5's main pro over this is agility, steering communication, and the awd system is going to make it a little more capable off road.

[@hariguhan8399]

@@Realistick Thank you for your reply! Really enjoyed all your recent reviews on popular cars that folks are in the market for. Great content 👌🏾

[@toronado455]

Consumer Reports complained about tire and road noise on their Venza. But the one they purchased had the 19 inch wheels. I wonder if they have driven the LE with the 18 inch wheels if there would be any difference.

[@panzer_TZ]

It’s the stock Bridgestone Ecopia tires on the higher trims. They’re hard and loud. If you swap them out for Michelins or Pirelli’s the car becomes significantly quieter and more comfortable. Source: I owned a 2021 XLE before it was totaled.

[@Realistick]

Must have been the tires on their old model, it was definitely not loud from when I tested it and the rim sizes here would make a negligible difference.

[@toronado455]

@@panzer_TZ Makes sense. In my own experience with different vehicles, changing tires can make significant differences!

[@UncleYohta]

The 18" Dunlops on the LEs are no better either. Loud and rough but I'm going to wear them out some more before I buy a new set.

[@sumnersmith808]

Nice ending lol

[@publiclypreaching]

On the toyota website it says that the base LE for 2023 has ambient lighting. Its mentioned twice in the interior full detail comparison on the site. Why doesnt yours have it? Cam you check to see why it doesnt as you mentioned only the higher trims have it. But toyota says otherwise. This is a deal breaker for me. Please respond thanks!

[@Realistick]

I think there is different levels of ambient lighting (though it’s been a couple months since I’ve dived into the nuances of the venza), I’d check the brochure as I’ve found it to be more accurate than Toyota’s own press material and website!

[@mountainhobo]

I wish someone would compare width by height of the cargo opening on RAV4, Highlander, Sienna, and Venza. That would be a useful information.

[@Realistick]

The venza is definitely the smallest of them! The Sienna is larger to a comical degree than everything else.

[@mountainhobo]

@@Realistick Yes, I wish the second row in the Sienna folded down, that would make it a no-brainer choice for me.

[@go86go]

it's quite a bit higher than the rav4. it's a deal breaker for an old geezer like myself.

[@Realistick]

@@mountainhobo Yeah, the packaging for that seems to be something only Chrysler has pulled off so far. At least the ability to take out the rear seats (without unbolting them) would have been super helpful.

[@DavidMichaelKalman]

@@Realistick Was able to remove all the rear seats in my 2003 Sienna. Moved an entire living room bookshelf system stacked flat on the cargo floor.

[@mountainhobo]

Central console tunnel is way too wide. I am also 6'3", and I *hate* those contraptions. Prioritizing Big Gulps over driver comfort / knee room is an annoying trend.

[@Doc1855]

I looked at the Venza, but it only comes with 1990 Gloomy Grey or Boring Black interior colors. Furthermore it would have Increased my insurance premiums by $1K per year. Ultimately I chose the Forester Touring that has the beautiful saddle brown leather interior. My insurance premium Dropped after selling my 11 Rav 4WD Limited and insuring my Forester Touring.

[@MrMuchachos75]

Bull. No ins rate is increasing 1k a year

[@Doc1855]

@@MrMuchachos75 I’m not lying. For those 2 reasons I didn’t buy the Venza. We’ve been driving Toyota’s for 40+ years.

[@Starfish2145]

I wish they would leave the AC controls as buttons

[@kecart]

Hate the turn signals are loooow in the bumper. Very low and not where drivers are expecting them to be.

[@sharonb.9128]

It’s been discontinued, but I think positioning this as a MIDSIZE suv was how the Venza got lost. It SHOULD have been in the same category as the other compact SUV’s they match in HP, size, legroom, cargo capacity and even gas tank size. The Rogue, CRV and Tucson all have 14 gallon tanks. It just looked tiny and underpowered next to midsize SUV’s. It’s baffling.

[@paulchackal2631]

Hi. At 4:07 the center console just in front of the center armrest shows no buttons for the heated front seats, despite the fact that all trims have standard heated front seats. Did they remove those physical buttons for 2023?

[@Realistick]

That makes much more sense! No heated seats on the base trim (US market).

[@long_fellow]

Headroom is a problem for me. Front seat ceiling too low for 6'1"

[@MrMuchachos75]

Crazy. Im 6’3. Plenty of room

[@knightblad5631]

Hmmm, a cost-efficient luxury car, you say?

[@toddac61]

Just picked up our new 2024 Limited yesterday and the dealer only gave us one key. Said we have to wait (months) for Toyota to ship the other one. I thought the chip shortage was done by now.

[@jamesnicol3831]

You should contact Toyota to be sure of the provenance of your venza

[@toddac61]

@@jamesnicol3831 I did, they said the key should be coming in May so only three months to get a key.

[@asamyers4572]

10:28 I wish I had a hybrid powertrain to make up for my…inadequacies

[@matthewviti2241]

Really wish Toyota would do away with that tablet on top of the dash design. It's bad. Exterior isn't too bad - like a junior Lexus

[@dethsyl907]

Is it true that the awd system disengage over a certain speed?

[@Realistick]

It's front wheel drive most of the time. I believe that it sends torque back there based on condition and throttle input. I can't directly answer that question but I'd assume it would kick in if it sensed any wheelspin at any speed. I'll ask a product designer sometime, maybe at the upcoming chicago auto show.

[@Poler777]

My friend has one. Warning, this is NOT a car for big people. Driver and front passenger space is tight. Front seats are skinny with minimal travel and the center console is HUGE. Somehow less drivers room than a CH-R. But….it is a Toyota. So you’ll drive cramped for 300K miles. :)

[@Realistick]

Yeah I have no idea what they were thinking with that center tunnel. I still managed to feel comfortable because of the seats and ride quality but it could have been improved a ton if they reformed the dash and console.

[@mountainhobo]

So this is essentially Toyota Camry Hybrid Liftback with a lift?

[@Realistick]

Not really. I think of it more like a dumbed down version of a Lexus RX.

[@mountainhobo]

@@Realistick Interesting. Development at Toyota usually goes bottom-up, so I made an assumption.

[@toronado455]

​@@Realistick I thought the Lexus NX was the Lexus that was related to Venza and RAV4.

[@Realistick]

​@@toronado455 You're right, I've got my models switched up! Though, they all ride on the same platform.

[@GUYThanatt]

What is your Height?

[@darthdarthbinkss]

6'9

[@DavidMichaelKalman]

Lack of utility puts it right up against the new Prius AWD (unless you absolutely need the added ground clearance). You don't lose much cargo space, but you gain mpg.

[@Realistick]

Passenger space is where you take a big hit with the prius apparently. I also doubt the new prius will have this level of comfort but I eagerly await the chance to give it a go on the same roads!

[@DavidMichaelKalman]

@@Realistick For me, comfort = quiet and utility = cargo space (can it hold a bike?). We shall see!

[@DavidMichaelKalman]

@@Realistick All I really want is a fuel-efficient AWD hatchback. Am I being unreasonable by being hung up on AWD and a hatch? The Corolla Hatchback is an excellent value but FWD only. I've been spoiled by driving my Subaru Impreza -- my first AWD -- but my son took it to Colorado... I don't miss Subaru's bullshit electronics though. The new Corolla hybrid sedan would be perfect... the simplicity of the electronics puts Subaru to shame, but could I live with a sedan? (no car camping, plus I'd need a bike rack). I can't wait for a decent Subaru hybrid, so that leaves the Prius LE AWD if I can fit a bike in it.

[@DavidMichaelKalman]

But then there's the Prius tire size problem. The OEM tires are in a size unique to Prius... They're not sold anywhere else in the U.S. as far as I can tell. I would want to buy at least one extra tire from Toyota, but I can almost guarantee they'll be in short supply.

[@SP-LW.55.11.5]

McDonald's caviar? Just because it's not a "luxury badge" but is the same under the roof as a Lexus?

[@dsmdriver2588]

According to toyotas website the Venza can tow 3500lbs

[@Realistick]

Ive seen some dealers sites say that but it’s not recommended by the owner’s manual so I won’t report that. Here is a source that discusses that a little. www.etrailer.com//question/623604

[@LivingInAnInverseReality]

It’s rated for towing now. I think it’s 3000 lbs

[@bnie6166]

Rear turn signal is a zonk.

[@rayboudreault1452]

Don’t buy one unless you get Toyota to warranty the high voltage cable against corrosion. First question should has this problem been solved. This happens with Venza, Rav 4, prime. Very expensive repair with no warranty.

[@Realistick]

They fixed it with the RAV so I’d assume it’s fixed for this but haven’t heard of any reports with the Venza

[@rayboudreault1452]

@@Realistick the issue is not wether the new vehicles have been modified, the issue is what about the people such as myself with a 2021 Venza . Once the three year warranty is up I would be on the hook for a very expensive repair.

[@sunitjoshi3573]

@@rayboudreault1452So is the issue solved in 2023 Venza?

[@Milab53]

Does this mean that you really need to get the extended warranty for 10 years when you’re buying this car?🤔 We just got a new, Venza 23, and considering between buying, or not buying extended warranty.🧐

[@rayboudreault1452]

@@Milab53 it depends on how long you plan on keeping it. Toyota is now warrantying the cable and this may not even be an issue for the 23 model. As far as extended warranties go I don’t buy them.

[@vlj1133]

"McDonald's Caviar." Excellent. The reason the Venza doesn't sell as well as its less plush, more utilitarian sibling, the Rav4, is simple: looks. By and large, people shopping in this segment prefer the faux-offroad image of the boxier, more aggressive seeming Rav4. A very useful byproduct of that boxier shape is greater cargo capacity, and, as you mentioned, a lower load floor with a wider opening. The Venza has more of a Lexus Lite appearance, which appeals to some older people (your typical Lexus buyer), but is far less appealing to most men and nearly all younger buyers, who generally prefer the Rav4's sportier image. When I was shopping the Venza, Rav4, and Camry, literally every male I spoke with said they don't like the Venza's looks. Everyone preferred the Rav4, especially in that new Cavalry Blue. The consensus was that the Venza was either too generic, too feminine, or too AARP. Cementing the real-world consensus of this opinion, every Rav4 hybrid had a somewhat negotiable $10K dealer markup, while the Venza could ultimately be negotiated down to msrp. This, despite a much lower inventory of Venzas.

[@Realistick]

That’s definitely a big reason for it among other things, thankfully the Venza seems to be selling well enough regardless but definitely not anywhere close to the RAV

[@mikefrank6162]

Still no inventory on any of them! Lol!

[@dogiego]

@@mikefrank6162 I think the reason they aren't selling a lot of them is because they don't make a lot of them. Toyota is prioritizing their other models over the Venza. When production normalizes maybe they will become more available.

[@myaccount__7269]

Rav 4 is trash unless it the prime.

[@jet_black]

I love McDonald's and hate caviar.

[@Realistick]

Same here, and metaphorically speaking🥸, I usually find myself opposed to buying luxury cars due to price, running cost and a worry over durability but the Venza gives you the luxury without those specific drawbacks.

[@jeffreyerickson6766]

Tyler is hot!

[@sachsajekach4590]

This is NOT 2023 Venza. 2023 does not have volume knob. You are misleading your viewers!

[@Realistick]

This was a 2023, I appreciate your goodwill but you’re the only one potentially misleading my viewers, only the base model has the knobs. You can check the toyota website or the actual listing of any Venza LE in the US.

[@eleanormassaro5195]

This is the base Venza. they still have knobs

[@jingjing5731]

Its is the 2023 Venza Le I have one😀

[@sunitjoshi3573]

@@jingjing5731How do you like it so far?

[@jingjing5731]

@@sunitjoshi3573 yes very much so. Right now it runs 43.7 miles per gallon.

[@Milab53]

Thank you very much for the excellent explanations and clarifications!!! We just purchased a new 2023 Venza LE...it's our first hybrid and we're still learning all the features of the car🤨😳. At the same time, we cannot make a decision and think about the extended warranty that Toyota representatives are trying to persuade us to buy. We read a lot of information on the Internet and many people say that there is no need to do this... Would you recommend buying an extended warranty of 10 years? It's quite expensive, but Toyota representatives told us that it's necessary because of the hybrid version... What do you think about it?

[@JenniferJohnson-fh8fx]

Car Care Nut has a video on this exact topic. You can go to his channel and search for it.

[@Milab53]

Also, I'm very disappointed with some things about the new 2023 Venza LE... I traded my 2009 Venza LE for a 2023 Venza LE because I loved that car for 14 years so much!!! But after buying a new one, I couldn’t believe my eyes 😳 that after 14 years the rear view mirror was changed to the cheapest one!!! The 2009 LE Venza had an auto dimming rear view mirror!!!! Plus, the 2009 LE came with a programmable garage door opener! How could Toyota, 14 years later, change them and switch to a cheaper version in the same trim?!? Now I'm thinking of replacing the rearview mirror with an auto-dimming one...🙄😢 Overall, I certainly really like my new Venza... just with a little bitterness 😕

[@telmorodrigues1093]

Funny. I noticed that too. The base model comes relatively well equipped, but I don’t understand why they cheap out on the rear view mirror/garage opener lol. How do you like it otherwise?