Toyota Venza Is Now A Well-Dressed Crossover. And A Hybrid!

The 2021 Toyota Venza is more than just a return of the model that left our shores in 2015, it has an all new attitude. The vague wagon shape has been replaced with a swept silhouette. In the U.S. it only comes as a hybrid. Will this snag more buyers than the first generation? Tom Voelk checks out a mid-level XLE model and finds you may not need to move up to the Limited to get a quiet luxurious crossover experience.
SUBSCRIBE HERE ► bit.ly/SUB2DRIVEN
TURN ON NOTIFICATIONS BY CLICKING THE “BELL” BUTTON AFTER SUBSCRIBING!
FOLLOW TOM VOELK ON TWITTER ► / tomvoelk
About Tom: Tom Voelk is an award-winning automotive contributor to The New York Times. His podcast was the first to win an Emmy Award (and he's won for photography, editing, producing and reporting). But really, all you need to know is in the videos. Watch a few and you'll subscribe.

[@treads2595]

You can always tell when a manufacturer drops their embargo because my feed is full of multiple reviews of the same car.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Yup. I delayed my normal Tuesday launch because of it. Next week it will be the LC convertible.

[@miguelircontar]

I still end of watching all of them lol

[@treads2595]

@@miguelircontar I do as well. Everybody does something a little different so even though it's the same car, it's a totally different experience. I've been a fan of Tom's for awhile now so I always make sure to watch his.

[@vartantoumayants3286]

I bought a limited. Absolutely love it. 1 issue i wish it has a little more cubbies to store random things.. I get 42mpg. But I've only had a week. Im using it very gently.

[@ronniejaye1]

Canada went crazy for the original. I mean literally there's still millions of them driving around , everywhere!

[@rightlanehog3151]

We would still be buying wagons from Toyota if they were willing to sell them to us.

[@Lucky8s]

That's a terrible exaggeration. Toyota sold less than 10,000 Venzas per year (with the exception of 2012 - 11,294 units) since the Venzas inception in 2012 until its discontinuation in 2017. Not even 100,000 units were sold here, let alone your wild claim of millions.

[@rightlanehog3151]

@@Lucky8s On a per capita basis, the Venza was 3-4 times more popular in Canada than the USA. That's why we had a 2016 Venza in Canada even though American sales ended in 2015.

[@Lucky8s]

@@rightlanehog3151 So?

[@stephenhendricks103]

@@rightlanehog3151 You and me, my friend. But few others (at least in the US) want wagons. Unless, of course, they have a Subaru badge and disguise themselves in an SUV costume.

[@shenjw12000]

I love the Ranger Rick comment, it's spot on. I would predict that many women who wanted to buy the Rav4, was turned off by the truck like exterior. Now they can buy the sleeker Venza.

[@kathym1904]

I started leasing a 2021 Venza XLE six days ago and love it!!

[@77devera]

It does look like an entry-level Lexus. I wish they have non-hybrid option like a V6. The front end look nice, but I didn't see any fog lights. The interior really looks dark, I hope they have contrasting color scheme as an option. The rear looks like a Jag. I hope this new Venza will be a success this time around!

[@ericjyeutter]

Thanks for another great video review Tom. Keep em coming!

[@tjs114]

Harrier is also a breed of dog, smaller than an English Foxhound, but larger than a beagle and looking similar to both.

[@cbrbird]

Old Venza was really popular in Vancouver BC area and I saw four of them this morning at Canadian Tire. We have a 3.5 V6 AWD which we love except for very light steering. You could see as soon as you crossed the border that there was hardly any on the road in Washington state. This review seems to show the new beast has gone down market a bit in equipment, but seems high priced...

[@rightlanehog3151]

In Canada people walked into a Toyota dealership , looked at the Venza and said. "It looks like a Camry wagon , I'll buy it." In the USA they said, "It looks like a Camry wagon, I'll buy a Highlander."

[@meenam300zx]

Old Venza was a grandma's station wagon!! Dull and ugly.

[@TC-ps9sd]

Your reviews point things that others don't. This video is a must for anyone seriously considering this Venza.

[@fabiomes]

Great review, as usual, Tom. Good job!

[@245tfox]

I'm not sure what's going on with Toyota's rear light designers. The RAV 4's rear brake lights are teeny tiny single LEDs within a massive light housing. And now they're hiding the turn signal on the new Venza...strange design decisions.

[@JEMurl]

Saving on cost probably?

[@dearbulls]

Rear is a copy of Jaguar F Pace

[@Lucky8s]

Which is awesome. Complaining about the RAV4's LED brake lights isn't a real complaint cause no one's ever complained about it. They're very bright. It'll be a cheap fix when the single LED bulb decides to give.

[@rafffer3951]

I’m mu opinion the taillights on the Camry RAV4 it’s too small and I don’t know how the hell it pass government standards that’s one of the things I hate about those vehicles

[@busybeez194]

It's originally for Asian market sold as Harrier.. they have different laws I guess

[@ijakdo]

This is the best car review on youtube for me. Keep it up!

[@GrahamQuigley]

Thanks Tom!!! Excellent video work indeed! 🤙

[@PP-qj1ez]

If Rav is Camry is crossovers, Venza is Avalon of crossovers .... Very well said! It exactly signifies the position of Venza in Toyota's fleet!!

[@marcelstanford430]

If I was forced to buy a crossover it would be a Venza. Great video as always Tom.

[@islandknight6105]

The government may force us all to buy Hybrids soon.

[@iragottlieb9764]

Great video, Tom. Informative and useful. We are looking at the Rogue but like what I see in the Venza, particularly the hybrid powertrain. Tempting!

[@porsche558]

Tom I love your reviews! Every time you talk about the back seat and you mention “head, leg, knee and foot room” I instantly think about that song “Head and shoulders knees and toes” LOL!

[@KenLiew]

Subscribed for 10 years and still one of my favourite car reviewer!

[@DrivenCarReviews]

So you're the guy. Thanks Ken.

[@calmandrelax94]

Great review, very thorough. Keep up the great work 👍🏻

[@dcjimr1]

The best looking Toyota in years, IMHO. Fantastic review, Tom...as always!!

[@noahboy6349]

One of your best review to date!

[@christopherclark6383]

Could kiss my Tacoma good-bye for this smart buy. I like your red/yellow/green presentation now. Your reviews are best.

[@xttrawave]

this is the only car review channel I watch!😊😊

[@mariowhyte2816]

Tom you are a legend my man!!! Personally not too impressed with the compromises of this new gen Venza but Loved your presentation!!! And look, the TP test is back!!!

[@Pillowthingy]

Glad my favorite trunk measurement index is back

[@Sanpedranoazul]

Yeyyyyy, TP test is back ! ! ! Venza looks great, thou, nowadays lookalike models everywhere! Great Review Tom, you`re the B E S T ! ! !

[@jbmcdoogle]

Why are the rear signals on the bottom of the bumper? How about putting turn signals where people can see them? EYE LEVEL!

[@drivingsports]

Great review as usual, Tom! We got 32mpg with the 2021 Venza overall... but that was after climbing a mountain. Lol.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Impressive quick turn! Hey everyone, here's a link to Ryan's piece with off roading- kzbin.info/www/bejne/iZjbn3SMiLCmraM

[@ivancabrera5319]

Make sure to turn off de eco mode once you will climb a mountain. Because the eco mode reduce the injectors to consume less, but when pushing the accelerator on hills it will consume more gasoline. In normal it will consume the necessary gasoline for the motor when climbing up on the road.

[@yusufeaston8541]

i know im asking the wrong place but does anyone know of a way to log back into an instagram account? I stupidly forgot my password. I appreciate any help you can give me

[@caysonarlo5322]

@Yusuf Easton Instablaster =)

[@tommihelich2613]

The low turn signals are unsafe. Now why would they do that?

[@MrCarpediem6]

Thanks , Tom, for the heads up on the car seats and room in the back as I passed on the RAV-4 because of lack of backseat room with two toddler seats there. We're needing to upgrade and was waiting on a "hybrid" Subaru Outback unless this Venza proves to us otherwise. I think the small rear entry and doors that don't open wide (they can learn from Subaru here) might hinder that though.. Here's hoping Subaru gets on it and offers us a hybrid Outback. Edits: we'd preferring sticking to a two row mid size instead of a 3 row hybrid (like Highlander). And I remember when Camry's were considered the "entry-level" Lexus :)

[@mohammadfarajzadehtehrani88]

Thanks for the TP test. I was planning to buy this but that trunk is smaller than I thought it would be. Waiting for your review of XC60 and X5.

[@GB-ud1pg]

Hi, Tom. Thanks for all the hybrid reviews. Since it’s been a few years, will you be reviewing the Accord hybrid soonish? Would also be great to get a 3-way comparison among Honda, Hyundai/Kia, and Mazda’s most fuel-efficient family sedans. Can’t get myself to consider an SUV....

[@bighendy4162]

16:35 👍 nice fun fact sir.. Original harrier front logo is a golden hawk And you can see 16:37 front side of the car looks like a hawk, specialy the led light (more like hawk eye) 👍

[@TalismanPHX]

Curious that Toyota revived the Venza name. Harrier is a much better moniker. Styling is quite elegant, extremely Lexus-like, but the loss of interior space would have me buying a RAV4 for markedly less money. Be well, Tom & Martin! 😷😷😷😷

[@bumblebeez1995]

Thanks for this review, I was really excited about the Venza but after some of your points, it might not be a practical choice might just stick to the cheaper rav 4 instead.

[@curtganeles925]

A rare Wednesday release! Looks like the offspring of F-Pace and Sportage to my eyes; not necessarily a bad thing.

[@ivanlowjones]

Offspring?

[@sheilashineleofany822]

How its look like sportage.. this new 2020 not much different from 2013 Harrier. The shape is still similar

[@baldheadlogic]

Great Review Tom. I think a regular sunroof should be standard at these prices. Also, Those rear turn signals are a joke. They should have found a way to integrate those and the rear reverse lamps with the main tail lamps.

[@jeffa123]

Tom, GREAT review as always, very much appreciated! Next, that Pedestrian Warning Sound! My next door neighbor has a Hybrid RAV-4. When pulled out of the garage it sounds like...hmmmm...a "Low Speed UFO!" LOL!!! :) Take care Tom!

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Same here. I always know when my neighbor across the street is coming or going in their RAV hybrid.

[@eddstarr2185]

Another excellent review Tom! I'm struck by the new Venza's resemblance to the Avalon up front. Out back I see a hint of Aston Martin DBX. Personally I think Toyota is wise to offer a "RAV4 in a Tuxedo" and grab more customers who think the RAV4 looks too much like an Imperial Stormtrooper. (Toyota - please offer a RAV4 'Darth Vader" blackout package)

[@rightlanehog3151]

Checks for Venzas or RAV4s will be deposited into the same big, fat Toyota Motor Corporation bank account.

[@sheilashineleofany822]

Harrier always looks kind of a sleek car in Asian countries since 2013, nice to get a refreshed ones tho the shape is still similar

[@hagakuru]

I suspect that sooner or later there will be a mod where you'll be able to connect that low turn signal up to the running/brake lights and have them go in tandem when signaling. They already sell an insert for the lower red rear reflector at 12:18 to be replaced with a brake light - so you essentially have 5 brake lights. 2 upper, 1 third brake light, and the 2 lower supplemental ones.

[@lopezmichael3]

I look forward to your videos. Thanks

[@OlafurRagnar69]

Nice review. I like the new look of the car except the chrome in the front. Hopefully we can black them out in options

[@danhall3450]

Another great review through scenic Blue Ridge Tom! The Venza looks pretty good & MPG is great. However, I totally agree with you on your red light conclusions: Cargo space too small and rear turn signals too tiny/hard to see, even unsafe IMO. Those are deal killers for me so this car will not be replacing my Outback!

[@DrivenCarReviews]

I try not to shoot there too often, and now that everyone works from home there are so many more cars on the street that I have to shoot around.

[@siquanwu3131]

Great review as always, Tom, unfortunately I won’t get it in Australia, it really is a good car, makes me forget it’s a downgrade from my Lexus and save me tens thousands.

[@usafmd1]

Since I'm one of the "old men" who qualifies for this car's demographic, I was disappointed not to see side/rear visibility mentioned (maybe I missed it, I'm old). Older adults don't have the same reflexes; therefore, visibility is a prime concern. Despite the quieter and more comfortable ride compared to the Rav-4, what looks like poorer viz and those ridiculously small rear turn signal lights seem a deal-killer for me. Thanks for the great reviews Tom.

[@davidp2888]

I like it. I use a wheelchair, so the lift height and the capacity to store the chair conveniently in the back are concerns.

[@stevebowzer]

Glad to see that Venza added leather to the top trim since this video

[@edysinsimon8646]

From all the hype and/or appearances goes...this hybrid looks fairly attractive to my older eyes. Yeah...It's kinda good lookin.

[@Oyinkan1234]

Hi Tom. Wonderful Review as always. I’m just wondering...Do you miss working for the New York Times?

[@rolandoquezada7180]

Nice review

[@catsspat]

TP is back! Yeah!!!!!

[@tinhinnh]

you look right at home in this car, Tom

[@garypothoven9687]

My favorite use of "harrier" is in old school college newspaper reporting on cross country races; although I suppose the origin for that use is from hunting dogs.

[@EchoSigma6]

Nice crossover for empty nesters, the Venda should give buyers many years of trouble free driving. Since there was no comment on rear side visibility, blindsight must not be an issue. Front sight view from the driver’s perspective looks decent. Venza will provide buyers what they expect from Toyota.

[@cosmogoy1895]

WE WANT THE FASTEST ENGINE & HIGHEST TRIM FULLY LOADED!!!!!

[@bjk6574]

The new 2021 Venza looks great (nice new tech), but give me the spacious plush ride of 6 cylinder, 6 speed automatic 2015 Venza XLE

[@ram64man]

I wonder if we will see a phev prime version given how well the rav 4 has sold out

[@nateisright]

Were Honda running a sale on Crosstour rear quarter windows?

[@vaderprime923]

My wife and I have had a first generation Venza and we love it, we were looking forward to the new generation but I’m pretty disappointed it strays from the large hatchback form of the first and is essentially a budget Lexus crossover. Would be great for my parents but probably not for us.

[@shariqmirzaa4742]

Hi Tom..... Great work... Can I know about the location you have shot the video... It's so beautiful.... Nature at its best... Can I know where was it shot?... Thank you

[@DrivenCarReviews]

In the Seattle area. It's beautiful when it's not raining.

[@sonofcain14]

Like the avalon it seems like an old man car. Great to see the tp back

[@andybub45]

Its basically a smaller RX350, which is a total old man car.

[@eganfo]

Ranger Rick? Nice, I haven’t heard that in years. Toyota did a good job reintroducing the Venza, it was very bland before. It looks very similar to the RA-4 at first glance except for the wheel arches.

[@farcinue]

These are always eye catching when I see one, but rare compared to the ubiquitous rav.

[@studytime8994]

I bought a venza last week and have been taking it to work everyday. I get 42 mpg according to the car. Thats awesome!

[@penguin_ca]

Beautiful car. It is said that Toyota move all geniuses to Lexus section. But they apparently missed this design team. I wish NX could be in this nice shape.

[@kyrosmike]

I'm practical I like cargo capacity, bring on the hybrid Sienna with built in frig option. Venza seems like X6 of Toyota SUVs, style 1st for more money...

[@rightlanehog3151]

If they had used another name, we might not have expected as much practicality.

[@paulm6481]

Great entry. It will be successful. I wish it had knobs for radio volume and tuning.

[@MrMuchachos75]

It does. Buy the xle. Geeze

[@MrMuchachos75]

Without the upgraded larger screen

[@dsugioaga]

Whether it's Harrier or Venza, in my opinion either is better than XYZ123 or a similar alphanumeric accident.

[@rightlanehog3151]

Tom, Can you really blame Toyota for not using the name 'Hairier' in North America? This Venza adds cost and reduces practicality compared to a RAV4 so it may well remain a niche choice. I give qualified credit to Toyota for promoting Hybrids while simultaneously fighting higher CAFE standards. BTW we loved Camry wagons/Venzas in Canada, we kept the people of Kentucky employed building them for us through the 2016 model year. We still live in hope that Toyota will send us another wagon some day.

[@andybub45]

People wanted the Venza nameplate back. Here it is

[@YourNextAmazingStory]

Tom, thanks for this. Is this the blueprint color?

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Pretty sure its Coastal Grey. Didn't get a monroney sticker since it was preproduction. I, of course, highly recommend choosing the color in person.

[@YourNextAmazingStory]

@@DrivenCarReviews Thanks so much for the quick reply!

[@speedracer9132]

I wonder what hybrid manufacturers will do when the federal mandate for pedestrians is enforced. Will there be some update that we go to the dealer for? I have a Lincoln MKZ hybrid and it’s completely silent rolling around the neighborhood

[@DrivenCarReviews]

It won't be retroactive.

[@cabron247]

A long time Toyota Finance guy told me Toyota didn't like that many RX customers were choosing the Venza Limited thus losing out on more bang per unit so they were happy to stop production. This time around looks like they're willing to bring it to the US since they already make it in Japan thus going after the new slick Blazer and Murano

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Hmmm, I think it's more like Toyota was only selling 20-30K a year at the end, compared to 450,000 Camrys.

[@MechayaAlta]

Why is the rear lift over height considerably more than the RAV4? Does the Venza have more underfloor storage?

[@patrickcotter5629]

Spare tire.

[@denault3985]

Ranger Rick? Not a bad hybrid SUV, but for offroad in 4 wheel-drive?

[@lil----lil]

"Manufactured in Japan" Welcome back. I want Japanese cars made in Japan. Just like I wouldn't want the F-150 made anywhere else except here in the USA.

[@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.

[@apache-yaquibrown4060]

I absolutely agree on all your points. I am tired of having to use a touch screen. Too much is a distraction and a danger.

[@marcob1729]

I hope that more automakers remove the tach for these complex hybrids. The gauge in Honda's hybrids is just distracting, especially since the engine doesn't even drive the wheels

[@TurfSurf]

Doesn’t Costco have a limit on the TP?

[@DrivenCarReviews]

They might, it's not like I'm buying it though.

[@tonywong8594]

good jobs

[@legacyjeetkunedo492]

I see the first Venza all the time and word has it that the resale value is high.

[@hiroarcturus9105]

45,000 back ordered for only 1 month in Japan.

[@dygardion9130]

I mean now that you mentioned we don’t want to hear you sing... I kinda want to hear 😂

[@DrivenCarReviews]

I have my dignity.

[@MandusahRamirez]

I hope they make a venza prime

[@stephenhendricks103]

So where does the Venza fit in the more or less standard crossover categories of compact vs midsize vehicles? Is it an uspscale RAV4, a smaller midsize CUV for those who don't need/want the cramped, largely useless 3rd row of the Highlander? A "tweener" Goldilocks CUV that's larger than a compact but smaller than most midsize 2 row CUVs, similar to the VW Tiguan and the Nissan Rogue? The answer is yes to each of those questions. Though several reviews focus on comparisons between the RAV4 hybrid and the Venza, I suspect that a significant chunk of Toyota fans in search of a CUV will opt for the Venza rather than the Highlander. Especially if they're committed to a hybrid powertrain and opt out of an emergency third row of seats. For those who aren't committed to the Toyota brand and a hybrid powertrain, it may be a tougher choice. At a bit less than 187" in length, the Venza is somewhat shorter than other 2 row midsize SUV's most of whch range from about 188" to 192" in length. That may be a plus or a minus depending on a consumer's available parking and whether they plan to hang a bike rack on the rear end. But the Venza's trim dimensions and coupe-like styling is a definite negative in terms of cargo space where the Venza has less than any midsize rival and even less than the RAV4 and several other compact SUV's. All in all the Venza is likely to appeal to the kind of customers who have the Lexus RX a long term success but at a lower price point. No pretensions of being a "sporty", much less an "off road" crossover. Suitable for couples and small families with adequate performance and class leading fuel economy.

[@MrMuchachos75]

Buy a cx9. Put down useless 3rd row to have a stretched 5 seater

[@stephenhendricks103]

@@MrMuchachos75 It's stretched all right. But it has less total cargo space than a Honda CR-V. And with the near useless 3rd row folded, its passenger capacity matches the CR-V, a vehicle that's 17" shorter than the humungous CX-9

[@Kevin27182]

Crazy how I never thought of the harrier as human hair. I always thought of the plane or bird. Curse my technical mind

[@EpicLemonMusic]

Damn I think the rav4 hybrid is wayy sexier than the Venza but I like the wideness and refined driving of the venza ripp. Lexus needs to hurry and make an NX based on this system

[@MrMuchachos75]

No mention of the terrible non adjustable passenger seat? I drove a xle and the seat drove me nuts not being able to go up or down

[@patrickcotter5629]

2023 has height adjustment now.

[@kevinabraham2029]

Tom do you actually have a Twin? Or is he a product of video editing? I've been watching for years, and I believe you two are twins, but I don't know for sure.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

I'll have to ask ET and get back to you on that.

[@patmoitry4397]

TP and MC are back, FINALLY! (not sure about the effectiveness of wearing a mask when you drive alone in the car, but...). Not particularly excited about this Venza. All show... less room! What a poor design of the trunk this is... You are SO RIGHT about the sound knob AND the rear turn signal: come on Toyota: this is a safety issue!!! See & be seen! Last but not least: no you don't need a hair cut Tom: All your followers love your hair (style) as it is! ;-)

[@Oyeolsakin]

Interior doesn’t appear much bigger than the rav4. That’s a mistake in my view. They should have made the back visibly roomier to differentiate a bit more.

[@aeb1305]

Why is it that every year the head and tail lights get smaller for any car brand? I could barely see the turn signal

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Headlights are smaller because of LED light tech. After that, you got me.

[@K03sport]

Hello Tom.. I heard the Ford Escape called and it wants it's outfit back. The Venza used to be unique; but now it just blends in with all of the other eggs/blobs. An actual Camry wagon would have been more nice...low blow, a double add at 1:20...ouch. --p.s.: 30 thumbs down...why? Just because you might be anti-Toyota, anti-hybrid, anti-CUV, etc. or dislike the pedestrian tone, or the color gray; doesn't mean you have to dislike the video...Tom did a great job presenting the car's argument; it's not his fault it is another bland and boring Toyota CUV hybrid that looks blah...

[@tracyf6304]

A woman from Japan in my building said Venza is toilet seat in Japanese. I think the letters B and V sound the same, Benza. Ask the Mrs.

[@CRVgarage]

Its a no brainer to buy the Venza LE instead of the Rav4 XLE for the same money.

[@CynicalBastard511]

The NHTSA should step in and prohibit Toyota of selling this car because of the ridiculously small and dangerous rear turn signal design.

[@danielr9708]

Like they care. They still allow ambiguous red turn signals that are also the brake lights.

[@normt5463]

That turn signal is about the worst place. Almost as bad Toyota bubble turn signal housings that reflect the sun and are difficult to see.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Well... let's not forget that many people don't even signal.

[@ThorMaxx]

Have you seen how tiny the brake lights are on the Rav4? They are the size of a thumbnail.

[@ivanlowjones]

Um...it's a little late for NHTSA to step in and halt production at this stage, dont'cha think?

[@infidel24]

Reminds me of the old Hyundai Veracruz

[@ElijahsAba]

I like it. But as a current Prius owner, give me some knobs for radio and HVAC controls, please - much more important to me than a “real” gear selector. P.S. Is Toyota especially marketing this car to women? A makeup ad just popped up in the middle of your review!

[@tommihelich2613]

Only Hyundai commercials for me.

[@garfield8900]

Very nice but too short for me. I like a SUV long enough to fold down the back seat and be able to sleep while traveling.

[@MrMuchachos75]

The original Harrier wasn’t a hybrid in Japan. If this suv were gas it would be the most popular around. Making it the loud e cvt along with super loud road noise, this will crash and burn

[@patrickcotter5629]

Nope