Is the 2021 Toyota Venza a Hybrid SUV worth the wait to drive?

[@PlyrMava.]

I just got my Venza XLE about two weeks ago, with the upgraded interior and sound system. Absolutely love it, the best car I've ever had. A little bummed I don't have the HUD, and the star gaze roof looks cool, but I'm okay without the perks. People who want a stylish crossover and aren't concerned with having the most cargo space... Highly recommend!

[@EricsonHerbas]

Excellent review. The “stargaze” panoramic sunroof. Looks amazing!

[@GioArteaga]

Yesterday I picked up a limited edition and love all the technology in it. Quiet and responsive. MPG is great!

[@marketbuy]

How much is MSRP and what did you pay for the Limited edition OTD? Thx

[@VictorLeEPICVIC951]

Absolutely stunning! Wished I got money 😂😭 Speaking of acoustics, I gotta say, I'm glad they brought the Venza back strong. Even my unnamed-trim 09 Venza has good acoustics! Great vid, Joe!

[@angiebagsic9515]

I test drove 9 different cars and this new 2021Venza captured my heart. Can’t wait mine in red❤️ oh and btw I love how you incorporate your reviews with different food/ snacks especially with the twinkies 😂

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks Angie for taking the to say that! I really appreciate your support and thanks for sharing about your experience with the Venza.

[@realbird4354]

Of course that got me too.

[@greasyhitchball]

Bought a limited a few weeks ago. Tremendous bang for the buck. Total package. Great upscale looks (inside and out), comfort, tech and fuel economy. We love it.

[@ethanmckibbin]

Ruby Flare Pearl, this is exactly what I'm going to get

[@thinkabout602]

Yep, that's a beauty. We are always ready with you Joe and keep that sense of humor going strong. 👍

[@dooranderson938]

I like the roof doesn’t open like the Bentley great yeah!😃 luxury indeed! Love it! Beautiful excellent

[@RaitisRides]

I totally agree with you!

[@autonewstv86]

I am seeing some NX is the new Venza just a little

[@brandon6541]

Yes.

[@williamsnwagwu7846]

True

[@williamsnwagwu7846]

Also the rear

[@alpappalardi7044]

I am not a suv person ,let alone a hybrid. But I will acknowledge one hell of a nice looking Suv . I think this will cut into the sales of Lexus NX . Sharp

[@JustaPersonTryinToHuman365]

Not everyone likes twinkies and skittles joe, some of us prefer zebra cakes and starbursts

[@Karem19782]

Congrats 300K Subscribers

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks man! I appreciate your support!

[@rncondie]

300,001. I just subscribed Please double check on the price Rati

[@vietkay6398]

The new venza is looking HOT!!

[@Justme-bx5xk]

Toyota has REALLY stepped up in style! Nice look & price!👍🏾

[@dr.killjoy5001]

Great looking car! I wish the current Rav4 would look this good.

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for letting me share this with you!

[@Hans_Moleman925]

Congrats on 300K Raiti!

[@tinmandw]

I'll give it a year or two to see if the taillights improve. But looks amazing otherwise

[@haydertahir8556]

This party tray is for the macadamia nuts 🥜

[@peruprofundodance]

32 k to 39 k? not too bad.

[@RaitisRides]

I totally agree with you!

[@rncondie]

Rati, double check your price. The Limited with Star Gaze according to Redline is $43,100

[@kriskrish2182]

@@rncondie $43,100 is including the destination/freight charge Venza LE: $32,470 Venza XLE: $36,000 Venza Limited: $39,800 Plus $1,175 destination/freight charge. The one in the video was $43,100 including options and freight.

[@challenger516]

@@rncondie Double check your shitty math.

[@phonoodles7002]

get hybrid one

[@ET_Videos]

Price hits the spot for sure!

[@RaitisRides]

I can feel it already!

[@krunoslavstebih3190]

Hey Joe, nice revievs and job you and your team doing with all car brands , especially with Kia ,Hyundai and Genesis cars . All the best greetings from Croatia !!

[@its.kobayyyyyyy]

I saw the new Venza from the Cars & Bids intro from Doug DeMuro's Ferrari F50 review.

[@edp6679]

Sorry, gotta zonk the A/C controls, radio controls, and all the gloss touch points. You can’t adjust anything by feel - you have to look, and tap-tap-tap. Try that on typical Florida surface streets. Much prefer the RAV4 controls.

[@TheEclecticLifewithNini]

I really love your reviews. They are so comprehensive and on point. thanks for your work. New subscriber

[@oot007]

I don't think this car will come down to Oz unfortunately. Best car reviewer on youtube by a country mile. Well done.

[@sweetsher58]

I just got my Venza a week ago. She is a Coastal Gray. I Love to drive her. No need to dim lights on her. I didn't get the limited. I got the xe

[@julieloughney924]

I finally have seen something that will entice me to trade in my original owner 2006 Hylander Hybrid that I have loved.

[@Redmaile25]

Raiti, I would buy this car over the rav 4 bc this looks nicer, it looks classier. We drove the rav 4 and my wife and I felt like it was driving a ford which felt cheap. Also, if you want a shorter, car like feel, the venza is a great choice. This car is beautiful

[@eleanormassaro5195]

D Es I think the RAV4 is like 6 inches shorter than the Venza. That would certainly fit in my garage easier

[@user-tb7rn1il3q]

D Es I currently own a 5th Gen RAV4 LE AWD gas. I will not be trading for the Venza. The hybrid is nice, but real world highway mpg is about the same. I don’t drive much in the city. I work on my own cars. I don’t think I can work on a hybrid. The Venza has less interior room, sits lower, less off road capability, harder to work on, no towing capacity, harder to park, inferior AWD, less commanding view of the road, etc. I like the louder exhaust in the RAV. It’s dirt cheap to run and their is a bunch of room under the hood if any repairs are needed. Hybrids don’t have much working room under the hood. A lot of mechanics will not work on hybrids. I’ll admit though the Venza does look nice, the hybrid powertrain is efficient/smooth. One big thing people should know about is you can only change the temperature one degree at a time. It is also difficult to change the volume. I believe there is no knob. I have found that sunroofs are hot in the Summer and cold in the winter even with the shade. Sunroofs also take away from headroom. Sunroofs also have a habit of shattering. It is generally not covered by warranty. Toyota had issues with the RAV4 hybrid fuel tank and 12 volt battery, so it may be an issue with the Venza.

[@Redmaile25]

Brian, great point. Thanks for your input

[@diplo4235]

Man Toyota nailed it with this one exterior, interior, milage and features especially with that price tag. Thanks for the review Joe.

[@carlover4118]

32k till 39k is not too bad. 🤔😮😮👍😊

[@ericchen3444]

Your review are awesome like always. I just wish Toyota would ditch the touch sensitive buttons for the climate control and audio like the xle and le models. Also I hope they put the rav4 primes powertrain and engine in the venza but they prob won't.

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for sharing your great input and perspective on this one.

[@TheEvdiggity]

Great video as always. Hope to see a couple videos of the less expensive trims for this new Venza.

[@swpea2]

Roof needs to open, only “zonk.”

[@pedrofraymond999]

Great presentation and very informative. Thanks again!

[@RaitisRides]

I really appreciate it!

[@LS1007]

Nice looking but no leather for the top model is a zonk. Is Toyota trying to save the cows? Also another stuck on info screen. Manufacturers taking the cheap way out instead of integrating it into the dash. There should be a non-hybrid version for those who like choices. Nice job Joe. 👍🏻👍🏻🇺🇸

[@thinkabout602]

Let's start thinking about saving the only planet we have. 👍

[@LS1007]

Says the tree hugger

[@thinkabout602]

@@LS1007 yep, come and join the movement. You are right. I love trees and great cars. I do respect your views ☮ no I'm not a ❄ just a guy who knows a little about science.

[@LS1007]

thinkabout No thanks. So not using leather is going to save the planet? C’mon.

[@thinkabout602]

@@LS1007 got it 🌎

[@eurypiadozo4203]

I really dont like the hybrid setup cause its expensive but this is like a good choice for our hard earned money

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this one.

[@papaagidi2838]

Will be super expensive to replace that battery which will surely break in few years

[@donk6084]

man more companies need to make the adjustable cup holders. i swear every bottle is either to big or small for them

[@RaitisRides]

I totally agree with you!

[@juanseaforth5111]

I’m really liking the new Venza super stylish.

[@williamclark6555]

Now I have to decide whether to purchase a RDX or the Venza? Any suggestions Raiti?

[@phonoodles7002]

XLE 2.5L 4cyl hybrid CVT AWD 37000 USD in los angles 🇺🇸37/40/39 就是后备箱空间太小了

[@lorissaresendez9278]

Love watching your reviews! Not sure if you have seen the 2021 Buick Envision yet but that has me oddly excited. I think it would be a great vehicle to review.

[@lgbunbury]

Thanks for the great Review and pricing info. I’m told they won’t be available in Canada until Sep/Oct timeframe...

[@RaitisRides]

You are so very welcome! Thanks for being so great! You are 💯 right on that time frame.

[@henryhonda8408]

It's mid-September now so it shouldn't be too much longer.

[@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

[@LearningFast]

When does this vehicle hit showrooms? The trend lately has been to announce cars that won’t actually be available for another year or more. Is that the case for this vehicle? Edit: “End of August or end of September”.

[@RaitisRides]

I think the extra challenge is the pandemic siutuation.

[@stefanb.5154]

That’s always been the rollout plan for all vehicle manufacturers. Preproduction models are shown about 8 months before the production model starts trickling into dealerships.

[@godfatherNYC]

mpgxsvcd Thankfully this one’s not far off, for those who are interested in it. (I think these are still going to be hard to get ahold of though because they will probably sell like crazy!)

[@Lucky8s]

Should be available to order right now, at least in Canada and probably the US. Just keep in mind that the Venza is built exclusively in Japan so it'll probably take a while just to get one. I ordered a 2019 RAV4 Hybrid that never came, even after 4 months of waiting. Ended up with the 2020 RAV4 and a $2k sticker reduction. Honestly the better choice.

[@LeadfootLou]

Softec seats??? Did they run out of cows 🐮 🐄 ?? Love the red with the silver looking rims. The price was lower than I thought it would be since you said it falls in between the RAV4 and the Highlander. Some RAV4s can go above $42k in price. Excellent review as always. No one brings the info better than Joe! 👍

[@luciaverdugo4187]

The softec seats are not as problematic as “leather”. I live in the desert where it can get up to 120 degrees, the softec seats didn’t peel skin from my legs while driving. I’ve had my venza for a couple of months now and have been impressed so far.

[@xSkysplitter777]

Wow! Looks amazing and offers so much at a great price!

[@Deserstorm69]

Love this car! I currently have an X3... I’ll definitely consider this in a few years

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for letting me share it with you Melanie.

[@Deserstorm69]

@@RaitisRides big fan here! Keep the videos coming

[@raymondku7811]

Congrats for the 300k Subs!! Keep it up Joe!

[@christinezeld7151]

Absolutely and I’m just waiting for mine!!

[@RaitisRides]

Very cool!

[@superBANDfreak101]

I love the price! But for some reason my brain just dislikes this design sooo much. I want to love it! But I would rather choose a Rav4 I think... Love the review Joe!! Keep it up 👍

[@henryhonda8408]

I agree..... the Rav4 hybrid has it hands down in my books. I very recently took ownership of a new Rav4 XSE hybrid.

[@mariowhyte2816]

Toyota literally took everything about the first gen Venza and made em better with this here beauty!!! I love it!!! Thanks for the review Joe!!! #ToTheDoorPanel #VenzaTime #CrownVic #OnThrottle

[@randy74989]

Just remember folks, the $39K+ does not include the extras, e.g., special paint, upgraded infotainment system, and Stargazer roof. Those all cost extra, so a fully loaded one with the extra advanced technology package and all-weather package is around $44K

[@deand3223]

Italian names always make it seem classy from the get go :)

[@maurinethelizard6085]

Now my mom wants a Venza!

[@stephenhendricks103]

The Venza is meant to fill a gaping hole in Toyota's crossover lineup. Until now the only brands not to offer two midsize crossovers (a smaller, usually a 2 row and a larger 3 row vehicle) in the US. Now Mazda stands alone with its slow selling 3 row CX-9. Toyota desperately needed a vehicle between the 195" Highlander and the 181" long RAV4. At almost 187" the Venza splits the difference. And fortunately for Toyota they didn't have to invest much in design, engineering, or production costs. The Japanese "Harrier" fit the bill with a few badge changes and some USDOT compliance mods. Presto. The resurrected Venza.

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for letting me share it with you!

[@godfatherNYC]

"Creepers who want to do something weird" LMAO

[@rottieshepcalibre9156]

They might want to touch you 😁

[@hpisanggaming1798]

Amazing showcase. This guy aint boring to watch...lol

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for saying that!

[@hpisanggaming1798]

@@RaitisRides im a car guy and watch some reviews like this but you're amazing what you do! Thanks!

[@JJ-ls7fq]

Toyota did a very nice job with the new Venza. My zonks? I can't open the sunroof. That's frustrating. Zonk! Touch pad for the climate controls. I had that in the Honda HR-V. No bueno. Bound to malfunction, and expensive to repair and replace. Give me physical controls! Knobs, buttons, switches. Zonk! No tachometer? Zonk! Unless I'm just not seeing it. Otherwise, I'm digging it, even though I wish there was an option for a traditional V-6 engine like the previous generation. Okay, that's a zonk, too.

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this one.

[@henryhonda8408]

No need for a tachometer on a hybrid vehicle. Never saw one with a tach.

[@bobstl8647]

Fantastic Video...just subscribed! Your vibe is the BEST on the web! Congrats! Is life too short not to get the Limited???!!!! I think I would regret not having that roof! When I think about it, I seldom actually open a sunroof. I suspect the frost/clear toy would more than make up for the roof not opening. But, there is a major price gap for the Limited! What do you think??? Everybody feel free to chime in....would love everyone's thoughts!

[@rncondie]

Double check your pricing. Redline quoted $43,100 for the Limited Venza with Star Gaze.

[@richl1319]

Interesting

[@BigBadRivi]

great video on the Venza. Give us a stereo quality sound check on these sound systems! My wife wants a new SUV with a great sound system

[@RaitisRides]

Will do!

[@normt5463]

Almost $45K and only vinyl?

[@edb.8388]

Great review Joe! I had the original Venza, what an improvement!

[@RaitisRides]

I am so glad that you like this one Edward.

[@HeIaI]

congrats on 300K subscribers

[@stevenkreiss2113]

Congratulations Joe on hitting the 300k subscriber mark.

[@charlie1483]

so glad they decided to bring the venza back

[@valeri4593]

I have the new 2021 venza and LUV it! However what about that horrible noise that has to do with the traction, it sounds like the engine in falling out ?!!!

[@lososcott1157]

The non functional glass roof is a big turn off

[@RaitisRides]

You can see through it.

[@lososcott1157]

@@RaitisRides it needs to tilt or slide.

[@michaelgatto6348]

Major zonk. It’s off the list

[@hubertablake4086]

Great review Joe as always. Toyota did a great job in bringing back the Venza l have to say. Not feeling the red color though but do love the tech that Toyota had brought into this vehicle with iPad infotainment system and interior. The attention to detail is superb. The price point on all 3 models is reasonable. Toyota engineering and the Toyota driving experience is exceptional and l am very impressed with the options that Toyota gives you for the value of $$$$.

[@Synfulz]

Great follow up review.

[@RaitisRides]

Thank you so much!

[@benc4181]

Lexus need to learn from this design

[@timothycoyne5874]

I’m a hatchback and wagon fan, and always liked the design of the Venza, but also thought it was overpriced for what it was. The new one has more attractive pricing, but to me Toyota has taken a cool wagon-like car and turned it into just another crossover. Like the world needs yet another crossover. But I get it, most people aren’t enthusiasts like us, and this new hybrid will be a terrific option for them, especially folks with families. With nice styling, affordable price, great fuel economy, and AWD, I think this will be a big hit for Toyota.

[@rocketman3158]

Very good reviews! Always interesting.

[@rottieshepcalibre9156]

"Sparkles like a ruby" ,.. am sold 😁

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for letting me share it with you!

[@r3drift]

black wheels and im sold.

[@highhome6060]

Damn they NAILED IT. my jaw is dropped. I haven't been very impressed by Toyota in a long time. This is a game changer

[@dyingangelo]

its like they asked their child to help them stick the awd badge and thats how far they can reach!

[@GodRaymond423]

Who remembers back when you could get XLE and Limited?

[@markbaldwyn1344]

that is a gorgeous ride inside and out but Toyota needs to have a black out package for the venza to really attract many buyers to this car.

[@RaitisRides]

I am so glad that you like this one.

[@kenchy318]

Congrats on 300k subscribers, regarding the car, I just hate the trend of sticking on a tablet and calling it modern, and of course gloss black buttons.

[@robertdessouroux6035]

Hi Joe, thanks for this video...great job as always! Do you think they'll offer an XSE version in the near future?

[@SquidzitAce]

The gap between the wheel and the wheel well seems very large. Is it really as wide as it seems in video and pictures? Oh, and I just subbed. Nice videos!

[@tu6198]

not too sure about the screen, Toyota is not really known for great screen resolution or ergonomics. plus that screen trim looks like it gets scratched very easily. you can clearly see the streaks from wiping it.

[@sunahamanagai9039]

For years, the Toyota Harrier was the Lexus RX series in the US. So, with this generation, we may be getting a Lexus for a Toyota price.

[@Leomtnz]

Do you own every car you review? Im just wondering.

[@RaitisRides]

Not at all Maria. This is a press fleet vehicle for auto journalists.

[@Alex-pu3ef]

What a question😂

[@eleanormassaro5195]

Aleksandar Babic LOL!

[@Alex-pu3ef]

@@eleanormassaro5195 whats up cutue

[@Alex-pu3ef]

Cutie'

[@jaypatel7424]

Sup Joe, I'm here 4 the drive portion only, already seen the interior in the previous Venza video.

[@sondang3718]

Hi joe,nice mustang you got!one question when is the 2021 sienna come out in public,thanks Joe enjoy your ride.

[@thomashuey2189]

Toyota have been producing some great designs. This looks awesome!

[@RaitisRides]

I totally agree with you!

[@dannyboy8850]

Missing heated back seats and fog lights

[@RaitisRides]

So very true!

[@libsstry8551]

When will you be able to get a hand on the new Sienna?

[@Cbo__25]

told my wife you were going to talk about twinkies....... You did not disappoint! You da man Raiti!!!!

[@dustnuri]

I just bought the xle I love it!!!

[@digitaldoc100]

Too bad Toyota thinks that a vehicle has to have a Lexus badge on it to justify a turbo. This hybrid engine has me bored with it before I even drive it. Would love to see a small displacement V-6 turbo in it that would really make this a lot more interesting than what it currently is. Not all of us are obsessed with fuel economy, and want to give up driving dynamics, and performance for it. Nice interior, but this powertrain disappoints.

[@RaitisRides]

That is a very good point!

[@johnhenrymcmahon6878]

Would be really awesome if this Geisha girl had the powertrain from the RAV4 Prime. Looks good, tho. A really great trick sunroof. An awesome review as always, Joey R. Thanks to Big Crown Vic and all your crew there. :) JV Johnny

[@eden20111]

Back reminds me of the Jaguar F Pace. Looks good!

[@Pin-Din7]

Meant to say in the overview Venza video that it definitely reminds me of the NX from Lexus. I'm sure you're waiting to review the new Sienna. That thing looks highly updated.

[@zennoodle]

Glad they brought a form of the Harrier to the U.S aka Lexus RX.

[@miguelircontar]

The rear turn signals are a turn off

[@RaitisRides]

I feel your pain!

[@JJ-ls7fq]

Joe, what do you think? Venza or Highlander?

[@RaitisRides]

I like the Venza but if you need more room there is your answer!