The Venza name returned to the Toyota lineup for 2021 as a luxurious 5-passenger mid-size crossover with a traditional crossover profile offered exclusively with a hybrid powertrain and electronic on-demand all-wheel drive. The hybrid system pairs a 2.5L DOHC four-cylinder engine with three electric motors to deliver 219 horsepower and an estimated EPA rating of 39 combined MPG. The transitions are seamless, and the ride is impressively smooth. It won't win any races or autocross events, but it does offer a comfortable, composed ride that absorbs Chicagoland road imperfections. New for 2023 is the addition of the Nightshade Edition (based on the XLE) that features blacked out trim in the choice of three colors.
The Venza is available in four trims known as the LE, XLE, Nightshade Edition or Limited. Base LE models start at $34,620 and come with 18" two-tone machine finished wheels, wireless charging, 8" touchscreen with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto integration, blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and Toyota Safety Sense 2.0. XLE models will substitute in 19" chrome alloys, add a smart key assist system, heated front seats, LED lights, parking assist, and roof rails for $38,830. And top tier Limited models start at $42,765 and add 19" multi-spoke super chrome wheels, ventilated seats, available Star Gaze fixed panoramic roof, digital rearview mirror, bird's eye view camera, heated steering wheel, available 10" color head-up display, and a 12.3" touchscreen among other features. Competition includes vehicles such as the Ford Edge, Honda Passport, Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia Sorento, Nissan Murano, and Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport. Only the Sant Fe and Sorento are offered with a hybrid variant. After a week behind the wheel in a Venza Nightshade Edition, here's what stood out...
Nightshade Edition (+)The new Nightshade Edition is available in three premium exterior colors - Celestial Black, Wind Chill Pearl (replacing Blizzard Pearl for all 2023 models) or Ruby Flare Red, each boldly accented by an array of black trim for the interior. The Nightshade features an acrylic front grille trim, black-painted outer mirror caps, door handles, rocker panels and available black roof rails. The lower bumpers are complemented in front and rear by smoked chrome moldings as well. For all three colors, the 2023 Venza Nightshade Edition rolls on 19-inch gloss-black multi-spoke aluminum alloy wheels and blacked out rear badges. LED fog lamps, now standard on XLE and Nightshade, shine extra light from the darkness. For Nightshade specifically, this can also be paired with the available Star Gaze Panoramic Roof. This appearance package worked well with the Venza's design to give it a more youthful flare. I was stopped on two occasions in parking lots by strangers asking about the Venza. One was a Ford Edge owner who was intrigued by the Venza's appearance and the other had never seen one before.
Refinement (+)Everything about the Venza comes together to create a premium feeling interior and exterior that exudes refinement. The quality of craftsmanship is at Lexus levels with tight fittings, soft touch materials, and a general premium vibe. Standard on all models are LED lights up front and in back that complement the elegant, contemporary styling. With a sophisticated stance, minimal gaps and a subdued, but classy color pallet, the Venza will cater to a very different buyer than the RAV4. Available features inside include a 10" head up display, Star Gaze panoramic roof, and very comfortable seats. Combine all of these features with a smooth, quiet ride and the Venza makes for a very refined highway cruiser.
All-Wheel Drive (+)Standard on all Venza's is Toyota's electronic on-demand all-wheel drive which pairs nicely with the hybrid powertrain. The system takes all of the guesswork from the driver and engages when needed. I took the Venza camping on some uneven wet gravel terrain and had no troubles. The system utilizes a separate rear-mounted electric motor to power the rear wheels when it detects slippage or the need. While I was generally on dry terrain, this will be a nice feature during Chicago winters.
Fuel Economy (+)Offered exclusively with a hybrid powertrain, all Venzas have better than average MPG estimates for its size. When it arrived with a full 14.5-gallon tank, it offered a range of approximately 520 miles. EPA estimates are 40/37/39 MPG city/highway/combined. After a week of driving primarily on suburban roads, I averaged 38.5 MPG. Comparatively, the similarly sized Nissan Murano is rated at 23 MPG combined, Ford Edge at 21 MPG, Honda Passport at 21 MPG, and Hyundai Santa Fe PHEV at 33 MPG.
Exterior Style (+)The Venza offers something different from the rest of the Toyota line-up with a more contemporary smooth styling compared to the rugged looks we've seen in recent SUVs. Up front the nose juts out to the front with a wide lower fascia. A chrome strip underlines the signature LED lights and also at the bottom of the fascia to add some elegance. The profile is sleek with an integrated rear spoiler and a third window that comes to a point in the c-pillar. A sculpted body line runs at the bottom of the doors to create some movement without distraction. The flattened wheel arches give some dimension and are filled by either 18 or 19-inches wheels that are appropriately styled for this vehicle. Around back a solid lighting strip stretches across with the Toyota emblem at the center. The rear styling has a bit more edginess than the rest of the vehicle, but still works well with the overall proportions.
Star Gaze Panoramic Roof (+/-)Toyota has given the Venza an available full panoramic fixed glass roof that features electrochromatic glass technology that allows drivers to switch from transparent to frosted modes utilizing an on/off switch. The frosted mode still allows light in the cabin for a more open, airy vibe while reducing direct sunlight. This is a nice feature for longer trips when you may want brightness, but not glare. The downside of this feature is that it is fixed and there is no option for the fresh air that comes with a sliding moon roof.
Interior Layout (+/-)Despite its premium feel and comfortable seats, the overall layout was a bit of a letdown. The dash layout is very segmented with a traditional cluster behind the steering wheel and an available 12.3 infotainment touch screen that sits on its own at the center of the dash. Below the touchscreen are climate and audio controls which have been updated since I first drove it. Further embedded to the center of the dash/center console is the push-button start just behind the traditional gear selector. The gear selector is placed in the center of the console with two cup holders in front of it. Unlike vehicles like the Highlander or the RAV4, there is no great place to set your mobile device and the general placement of things feels slightly off. There is an available wireless charger tucked deep in the console behind the gear selector, but it's awkward and doesn't easily accommodate my iPhone 12 Pro. Another odd placement is a row of controls to the left of the steering wheel that are out of sight to the driver for the hatch release, camera view, and heated steering wheel. The overall focus of the interior is on style over functionality.
Interior Comfort (+)The Venza offers a good amount of comfortable passenger space for five. The black softex leather seats are very supportive and comfortable for long trips. It's easy to get in and out of as the driver's seat automatically moves to the furthest back position upon entering/exiting and returns to its previous position when the vehicle is started. There is sufficient head, leg, and shoulder room all around. Available heated and cooling seats can be adjusted in up to 8-ways. Rear seats comfortably accommodated all three of my kids, although I imagine the middle seat would be tighter for an adult.
Cargo (-)The Venza has a relatively small cargo area compared to its competition. There's 28.8 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats and 55.1 cubic feet with these seats folded. On the plus side, a hands-free power liftgate comes standard.
Technology (+)There is a lot to like about the technology features in the Venza. The available 12.3-inch touchscreen display sits prominently at the center of the dash and integrates with both wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Toyota's Entune system is user-friendly and easy to navigate. Everything can be controlled via the touchscreen, steering wheel controls, or physical buttons. One issue I had concerns with when it initially launched was the lack of physical buttons, as everything was haptic touch based. That has changed for 2023 as Toyota has added volume and climate control buttons that work seamlessly without issue. The large screen is fully utilized by Apple CarPlay and is intuitive to navigate through.
Also offered is a digital rear-view mirror which utilizes a camera in the back of the car to show unobstructed video in the "mirror." This feature takes some getting used to, but ultimately provides a better view of what is behind the Venza. Directly in front of the driver is an available 10-inch color head-up display that projects a good amount of information on the windshield including speed, hybrid system indicator, driver assist alerts, and more. And finally, there are cameras everywhere including a standard backup camera with projected path and gridlines. Step up to Limited models and you'll also get a bird's eye view camera with perimeter scan that will highlight the vehicle's surroundings.
Standard Safety (+)Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 comes standard on all trim levels which adds to the overall value and reassurance that comes with purchasing a new Venza. The comprehensive list of features includes the following:
* Pre-Collision System with Daytime/Low-Light Vehicle and Pedestrian Detection, plus Daytime Bicyclist Detection
* Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert
* Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
* Forward automatic emergency braking
* Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
* Automatic High Beams
* Lane Tracing Assist
* Road Sign Assist
* Adaptive cruise control
The Venza also scored well in overall IIHS safety ratings and earned five stars in an overall rating from NHTSA.
Final StatementThe Venza does a lot of things well, but it doesn't stand out in one area which could lead to consumers overlooking it. Toyota built a very refined vehicle that is on par with its Lexus brand. It is stylishly compelling, and the new Nightshade package enhances its appeal. Functional improvements to the infotainment screen have made it even better. Bottom line, it's a non-offensive crossover that will offer a very comfortable driving experience and will save you some money at the pump.
First Impression Summary:
Test Vehicle: 2023 Toyota Venza XLE Nightshade
Exterior Color: Ruby Flare Pearl
Interior Color: Black Softex
Notable Options: Star Gaze Fixed Panoramic Roof ($1,400), Integrated dash cam ($375)
Price as tested: $42,349 (with destination charge)