The five-door, two-row Toyota Venza returned to Toyota dealers in the 2021 model year after a brief absence. The first generation ran from 2009-2017 slotting between the popular compact RAV4 and mid-size Highlander. This second time around, the second-generation Venza incorporates a purposeful mission statement as an exclusive gas-electric hybrid generating better than average fuel economy than its previous incarnation.
Toyota has sold more gas-electric hybrids worldwide than any other manufacturer thanks to the introduction of the Prius at the start of the Two Thousands. Prius, a name now synonymous with fuel-extension, started the charge towards worldly acceptance of alt-powered vehicles. Toyota markets 10 gas-electric hybrids, more than any other automaker.
Toyota’s long track record fine-tuning hybrids helps Venza reach an enviable 39 miles per gallon in combined city/highway travel, significantly stronger than rival four-cylinder gas-electric hybrids. The 39 estimated mileage utilizing regular 87-octane fuel and 14.5-gallon fuel tank provides an impressive 565-mile drive range, almost double of what some all-electric vehicles offer.
As of this writing, fuel prices at the corner filling station have topped five dollars per gallon in many parts, Venza’s 39 miles per gallon and all-wheel drive make a strong value case against all-electric vehicles with starting prices in the mid-40s.
Venza employs a lithium-ion battery pack, the popular choice for all-electric vehicles. Prius models historically employed a nickel metal hybrid battery, a heavier option, of which Toyota is slowly edging away.
For the 2022 model year, Venza returns virtually intact from 2021. Toyota pegs this returning crossover as a compact falling into the larger sector of the continuum. Three returning trim levels include: LE, XLE and top-trim Limited.
Gas-electric hybrids, unlike emerging plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) do NOT require nightly plug ins to recharge. It’s seamless self-charging works for apartment dwellers and those sans garages with limited access to the plug-in process. Venza remains a top choice for those wishing to extend fuel economy, but aren’t quite ready to pull the plug and opt all-electric.
Unlike the first-generation Prius hybrids incorporating exaggerated aero-dynamic styling, Venza’s 2022 charm blends in with its sculpted good looks, dual tail pipes and handsome side character lines.
All trims include a power liftgate with hands-free adaption activated via an under-vehicle foot swipe. One cue to fuel-extending underpinnings is found within Toyota’s circular exterior T logo as all hybrids incorporate a blue hue.
While Toyota retains its ‘King of the Hybrids’ crown, the pivot towards all-electric EV technology has been measured at best. In the upcoming 2023 model year, its first all-electric EV sold nationwide hits dealerships in the form of the bZ4X five-door crossover.
‘Toyota Hybrid System II’ consists of a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine teaming up with three electric motor/generators with one electric motor exclusively monitoring the rear wheels, generating the all-wheel drive perk. Total horsepower reach 219 with ample low-end torque.
One motor powers the lithium-ion battery pack, acting as a generator while the vehicle is utilizing gasoline power. For very short, low-speed jaunts, Venza is capable of operating in pure electric mode with the push of a ‘EV” button, although Toyota remains mysteriously mum regarding the exact range of available pure EV miles.
As with plug-in hybrids and all-electric vehicles, Venza takes full advantage of regenerative braking, a process of storing kinetic energy created by the mechanical braking process, for later reuse. Drivers may summon varying degrees of braking resistance/feel through the transmission shifter’s easily interpreted plus (+) and minus (-) options.
For those calling the upper Midwest home, Venza includes a higher-tech ’Electric on Demand’ all-wheel drive system standard that’s built around one of three electric motors (instead of reliance upon bulkier driveshafts and transfer cases). Working seamlessly and transparently with no driver input, the system preemptively sends up to 80 percent of engine torque to the rear wheels, helping reduce slippage during quick starts or inclement weather. Pilots can monitor the numerical torque distribution from the instrument panel. The system defaults to front-wheel drive during normal operation.
It operates in tandem with the electronic controlled continuously variable transmission (ECVT) popular in hybrids replacing a traditional seven or eight-speed automatic transmission. These ECVT’s prioritize fuel economy rather than performance, which describes Venza’s overall game plan. Venza’s all-wheel drive targets on-road snow falls rather than dense off-road forestry.
Venza presents a Toyota first in the form of ‘Star Gaze,’ working in tandem with the long, static panoramic glass roof. Electrochromic glass technology alternates between transparent and frosty modes within seconds of a toggle switch. Opting for the frosty side brightens the interior while at the same time reducing sunlight. It’s optional only in Limited trims.
Our Limited trim had a starting price of $40,380. Options included an Advanced Tech Package (heads up front windshield display, rain-sensing wipers)- $725; frosted panorama roof-$1,400; door edge guards- $315 and other ancillaries bringing the total to $44,817 including a $1,215 destination charge. An entry LE trim starts at $33,320 while midgrade XLEs jump to $36,775.
A rather generous 7.8 inches of ground clearance eases ingress and egress and good road perception when cruising. All trims come with eight-way power driver’s seat with top-shelf Limited adding four-way passenger-seat power.
When setting the transmission to reverse, instead of a constant ‘Beep’, Venza emits a less intrusive yet attention getting, gentle heavenly hum.
The large circular electronic start button resides far right of the steering column below the HVAC pressure-sensitive flat surface, within an alcove and easily accessible when needed. It’s nearby a mode switch selecting three drive modes (Normal, Sport, Eco).
The huge touch-sensitive 12.3-inch flat screen standard in Limited (an eight-inch size adorns the other two trims), is relatively easy to master. Climate controls may monitor through the screen or via the smooth, pressure-sensitive dash pad void of dials or knobs.
The rectangular, seven-inch instrument panel (or multi-information display in Toyota speak) depends largely upon animated graphics but creatively brings along thin blue stick like dial inserts interacting with the animation.
As with all Toyota products, Toyota safety sense 2.0 comes standard, a comprehensive grouping of active, radar-based safety features.
Another high-tech nuance borrowed from select 2022 Lexus models involves the once ubiquitous rearview mirror. A digital video feed streams real-time activity of goings on outside the rear window. Best time to activate this feature is when two or three folks occupy row two. This feed overrides any interference from heads, shoulders, arms or other extemporaneous body parts that might block visual access when using the conventional mirror thanks to tiny cameras. It easily tunes out via a manual toggle switch under the mirror frame. When driving solo, a switch back to the traditional non-digital mirror works just fine; starring too long at the video feed induces headaches.
This digital rear camera remains exclusive to Limited trims as are a 360-surround-view camera, LED fog lights and in-vehicle GPS navigation.
Venza offers tech heads some enticing standard fare. In addition to three months of complimentary satellite/HD radio, the roster also includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth wireless connectivity, a Wi-Fi hot spot and Amazon Alexa compatibility. Apple Car Play includes access to Siri voice recognition while Android Auto teams with its in-house answer to Siri, Google Assistant. Terrestrial AM/FM radio gets thrown in for good measure.
‘ToyotaCare’ comes standard, offering two years (or 25,000 miles) of complimentary maintenance covering factory scheduled items (oil changes, tire rotation) along with 24/7 roadside assistance.
2022 Toyota VenzaPrice as tested: $44,817
Engine: 2.5-liter, 16-valve four-cylinder
Horsepower: 176
Combined total Horsepower: 219
Wheelbase: 105.9 inches
Overall Length: 186.6 inches
Overall Width: 73.0 inches
Overall Height: 65.9 inches
Curb Weight: 3,913 pounds
Fuel Economy: 40 mpg city/ 37mpg highway
Assembly: Japan