SPECS VEHICLE LAYOUT Front-engine, AWD, 5-pass, 4-door SUV
ENGINE 2.5L/176-hp/163-lb-ft Atkinson-cycle DOHC 16-valve I-4 +
118-hp/149-lb-ft (front elec), 54-hp/89-lb-ft (rear elec); 219 hp (comb)
TRANSMISSION Cont variable auto CURB WEIGHT 3,850 lb (est)
0-60 MPH 7.5 sec (MT est) ENERGY CONS, CITY/HWY 84/91 kWh/100
miles CO2 EMISSIONS, COMB 0.50 lb/mileLength 186.6”Width 73.0”Wheelbase 105.9”
76 MOTORTREND.COM APRIL 2021and Honda Passport, but
instead of offering something
sporty or outdoorsy (like Chevy
and Honda do), Toyota went
the other way and delivered an
upscale design with a well-
equipped package.How is our long-term
Toyota Venza specced?
Although all Venzas come well
equipped, we opted for the XLE
trim level, the middle of three
Toyota offers. (The LE serves as
the base model, and the limited
tops the range.)
Toyota only offers two pack-
ages on the XLE—a premium
audio system and the SofTex
package. The former replaces
the standard 8.0-inch touch-
screen with a 12.3-inch touch
display with navigation, adds
three USB ports (four total)
and Apple CarPlay/Android
Auto compatibility, and
replaces the base six-speaker
stereo with a nine-speaker JBLsound system. This $2,050
package, which also adds
capacitive touch buttons under
the infotainment display,
gives the interior a clean look.
The SofTex package adds
leatherette seats, heated and
ventilated front seats, a heated
steering wheel, and powered
front seats—all for $510.
Like all Venzas, our XLE is
equipped with Toyota Safety
Sense, which adds a handful
of safety technologies to make
the environment safer and
take some stress off the driver.
Features such as lane depar-
ture alert with steering assist,
lane tracing assist, radar cruise
control, and automatic emer-
gency braking are all standard.
The Venza earned a Top
Safety Pick designation fromM
ainstream luxury is an
elusive concept, yet
the 2021 Toyota Venza
encompasses that and more.
The midsize SUV makes
a statement with its elegant
design and clean cabin, which
those taking a quick glance
could mistake for a Lexus
interior. But as a Toyota, the
Venza brings the value and
accessibility the automaker is
known for. For the next year,
we will be driving Toyota’s
hybrid-only SUV, which was a
finalist in our most recent SUV
of the Year competition.
The Venza competes against
a growing group of crossovers,
such as the Chevrolet Blazerthe Insurance Institute for
Highway Safety, falling short
of the coveted “Plus” recogni-
tion because of the Marginal
and Acceptable headlight
ratings. On the crash tests,
however, it scored Good
ratings across the board.What about the engine?
All Venzas share the same
hybrid powertrain, which
combines a 2.5-liter I-4 engine
with three electric motors to
provide 219 hp total. All-wheel
drive is standard, as one of
those three electric motors is
placed on the rear axle; a CVT
is in charge of sending the
power to the wheels.
As you’d expect, the Toyota
Venza offers great fuel
economy. All models earned
an EPA rating of 40/37/39
mpg city/highway/combined,
which is impressive for a
midsize SUV. You can drive
more than 560 miles before
having to stop for gas.Why go for a Toyota Venza
instead of a RAV4?
Although the Venza slots
between the RAV4 and
Highlander in Toyota’s SUV
lineup, the RAV4 Hybrid has
more passenger space and
slightly better fuel economy.
But the main thing differenti-
ating the Venza from the RAV4
is its luxury and refinement.Updates on our long-term fleet
MT
UPDATE
BMW 228i“Over the next year, we’ll find out if
this hybrid Toyota SUV brings Lexus-like
luxury to the masses.” Miguel CortinaEPA City/Hwy/Comb Fuel Econ
40/37/39 mpgArrival: 2021 Toyota Venza Hybrid XLE
Base Price $37,175 As Tested $39,735Height 65.9”PHOTOGRAPHY MT STAFF