We just bought ours on Saturday. We test drove the Rav-4, Venza, Highlander, Outback, CX-5, and Sorrento and came back to the Venza. We fell in love at first drive and came back to make sure we loved it. WE DO! This car is super fun to drive, the stereo is great for stock and other than learning all the tech, it's a very intuitive drive. You get the lux feeling of a Lexus too which really can't be over-emphasized.
I own WENZA LE and have driven more than 12,000 miles. It feels more comfortable and quieter than RAV4. The average fuel consumption is 41.5MPG. I am very satisfied.
If you can't find a Toyota Rav4 Prime, which is still limited in availability, this is an excellent fallback position, that doesn't feel like one. Toyota has built its name on making daily drivers, and this is one of their best. It's so subtle, you probably won't notice it's excellence driving by, and maybe that's by design.
Steve, Just for fun I followed the link to your equally glowing 2010 Venza review. If it was up to us Canadians, that 'Camry wagon' would have never gone out of production as it was just as popular up here as the Highlander. What a pity they never followed your advice to offer a 6 speed manual with that smooth V6. Getting back to the new Venza, I look forward to seeing how all-Hybrid models like the Venza and Sienna sell over the next year with gas prices on the upswing.
I picked up base LE for $33K OTD. Base model is surprisingly loaded with premium features and same powertrain. It also has buttons for AC and a volume knob.
Guys this was at the end of January 2021, no one was buying new cars. I was able to get the best deal because Centennial Toyota in Vegas was barely selling cars. I'm not lying, things have changed. I drove the car for 14500 miles so far and Carvana is willing to give me $38K for this car. Weird times we live in.
In Japan, it’s actually the 4th gen of that line! In the USA, we had gen 1 and 2, skipped 3, and now this is 4, but Toyota badged instead of Lexus badged. It’s the Toyota UX line.
Ironically the Asian variant of the Venza is called the Toyota Harrier. The Harrier nameplate used to be a Japanese Lexus RX 300 back in the 90s and early 2000s. You're closer to the mark than you think.
Steve you continue to be the best reviewer on RUclips. High praise for the Venza. What I like about your reviews is that your honest with your praise and criticism. This sounds like the most complete vehicle Toyota has made in a long time. I might even cross shop next time I buy a car. I find Toyota to be tedious in its utilitarian principles, but this looks very different than the typical Toyota vehicle. Cheers
Toyota is probably one of the smartest companies out there. They are slow to respond to changes because they are planning the future ahead. I expect to see a lot of good vehicles coming out of Toyota soon.
I would not really call them slow to change. They are smart, they make their power train with latest technoly, or even thinking ahead and then uses it for 15-20 years before introducing A newerr power train, and almost always toyota mass produces them with little problem. That is where toyota is different compared to other manufacturers.
They mass-produced hybrid system, engines with dual injection and high thermally efficient engines, safety systems and many more. Not lot of other brands does that.
@@manujohn5281 You are right. They introduced new power plants in 2008, and they were all ahead of their time. They have kept them a little too long though lol. They need to put that 5.7L engine from Tundra in a Corolla lol.
When the original Venza came, it and the old Honda Crosstour were Subaru Outback competitors. Now, with this new Venza, Toyota has found its competitive midsized crossover.
I had almost bought xc40 but then saw Venza. There is tough choice now what to choose. Torque and hp numbers are quite not in favor of Venza though but it is comfy and stylish
Hello Steve I am a new subscriber and I watched your video on the 2021 Toyota Venza and I will have to say it was your video on the venza that convinced me to go and test drive the venza . I purchased the blueprint one like the one in your video at first I was indecisive on a color but after seeing the blueprint one in your video I knew it was the color I wanted . You are an excellent reviewer very informative and I could tell you know alot about cars . The venza is amazing the gas mileage the comfortable seats the panoramic stargaze sunroof the tech and the safety features to name a few things . I absolutely love my venza I have had it a month and I haven't filled it up yet . This is my first hybrid and it certainly will not be my last but I plan on keeping this one for a long time . Would love to see you do a video on the infotainment screen in depth and all it can do .
Congratulations, Rebecca! I think you're going to love it! I'm thinking I should start diving deeper into the infotainment side of things in my reviews - you're right. I'm getting a Sienna next week and I'll focus more on it.
Yes Steve I never thought I could love a car but I absolutely love my venza . And thank you in advance for doing a video on the infotainment system sometime . Congrats on your new sienna they are beautiful and I love the styling .
@@stevehammes Great that you are getting warmer Steve! I've been a few times in the New York state during winter and its freezing but the landscapes are amazing!
Thanks, Steve. Really comprehensive look! If YOU love this thing, then it must really be all everyone says. It’s almost REVERSE badge-engineered: A Lexus in Toyota clothing (with a Toyota price). I’d probably pick a RAV4 Hybrid, but am willing to admit that a test drive of both, in my relative decrepitude, might find me opting for the greater comfort of the Venza (unless I was impressed by the RAV4 Prime), once I no longer live the three-row life. And a Nitro Yellow Supra for the missus, please, Mr. Lia!
@4:55 "I'm not a big fan of the gasoline electric hybrid powertrain at this point, simply because it feels like old technology already" Are you saying hybrids should be more advanced by now or that you still prefer internal combustion engines, even though they are the oldest technology we have so far?
@@stevehammes Agree but I still prefer a hybrid so it doesn't have to be plugged in but still does well on MPG. Plug ins are the future, no doubt, but it still takes energy to charge them. I would also worry about about getting caught in a blizzard or lengthy traffic jam in an electric. Once you're out, you're done.
I own a limited version and have 4500 miles on it. The enthusiasm here for the eCVT is warranted: smooth and responsive with undetectable shift from gas to electric. Also undetectable shift from regenerative to mechanical braking. Get about 37.5 mpg in suburban driving. Comfortable even on 8 hour trips. Acceleration adequate and confident handling. Gripes? Not awful but distracting road noise, and wind noise on highway. What is awful is the Nav system which is hopelessly outdated. And what is uninspiring is Toyota Safety Sense 2.0. The lane centering is on and off unexpectedly, needing constant attention; and the adaptable cruise control loses the lead vehicle too easily, and doesn’t pick up stopped cars at a red light quickly enough, leading to too suspenseful stops.
Though I’m not a fan of anything Toyota is making these days, I’ve always liked the Venza. It for the buyer who doesn’t want to step up to a Lexus but has the budget for something more than a Rav 4. Plus you won’t be pulling up next to another Venza at every light, unlike a Rav 4. It’s just a little bit of a hard buy when you’ve got Company’s like Kia/Hyundai turning out almost perfect cars/SUVs
I'm waiting to see if Toyota does a quick reboot on that center stack to have real buttons like the lower trims already include. I don't think there's a single reviewer who has liked the capacitive buttons. It definitely didn't go so well for Honda.
The Venza I believe is aimed at the 55 plus market. And most I believe would rather have knobs and or physical buttons then a confusing touch screen. If their like me. 🤔
@@paulht3251 I'm not in that age group and I definitely prefer real buttons and knobs. Not only more satisfying, but they provide assurance without always needing to take eyes off the road.
Thanks for the great review! I like this (classier interior, better mpg and my Japan made preference) but my wife likes the Sienna (2nd row captains chairs for our college kids when they are at home, ottomans, bronze paint color and the extra space). We probably need to visit a dealer someday.
Nice review, Steve. I had wondered if the horsepower was enough to make the Venza feel quick. I like its looks better than the RAV-4. Will you be getting the 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid to compare? Also, I'd love to see you review the Hyundai Santa Cruz compact truck, too.
I am also a fan of the original Venza. With the price premium they are charging for the new Venza, they ought to have offered the 245 hp Hybrid powertrain from the Highlander.
Often surprised by most reviewers not saying anything about the obscene amts of tire roar that makes this car near unbearable Yet buyers comment most always about it Also, the banging of your right knee on the console
Acura should bring back the Acura Legend. Why they got rid of that name with a great reputation is beyond me. I also like Optima much better than K5, which sounds like the name of a cereal.
They didn't get rid of the name, it's just used elsewhere - the Acura RLX, which was discontinued in North America, is sold as the Honda Legend in Japan.
i drove a rav & wasnt so impressed with it--it was like dating the tomboy sister!!! but taking the beautiful sister was amazing!!! fell in luv b4 i even drove!!!! venza IS my ride now!!!! :)
Panoramic sunroof is gimmicky at best. I rather have one that opens up for fresh air. Having said that, I won't consider this as my next potential car.
Nice car, but the passenger seat sucks worse than the rav4. Way too high, not sure why they cut the roofline so damn low. I am only 5’10” and this is worse than the rav.
It’s the effin passenger seat. I drove one, then went to sit on passenger side, then cracked my head going in and couldn’t adjust the seat lower. WTF Toyota. What moron designed that seat?
We just bought ours on Saturday. We test drove the Rav-4, Venza, Highlander, Outback, CX-5, and Sorrento and came back to the Venza. We fell in love at first drive and came back to make sure we loved it. WE DO! This car is super fun to drive, the stereo is great for stock and other than learning all the tech, it's a very intuitive drive. You get the lux feeling of a Lexus too which really can't be over-emphasized.
Thanks for sharing!
Do you hear that annoying sound when you go forward? I wonder if it's the microphone but it seems loud. I understand reverse, but forward?
@@dj3114 thats the pedestrian warning. Its stops at 20 mph
I own WENZA LE and have driven more than 12,000 miles. It feels more comfortable and quieter than RAV4. The average fuel consumption is 41.5MPG. I am very satisfied.
If they add the powerful RAV4 Prime PHEV powertrain to the Venza option list, I will definitely get one.
Best voice in car review better than most new anchors and narrator in the criminal shows.
Thanks, man!
If you can't find a Toyota Rav4 Prime, which is still limited in availability, this is an excellent fallback position, that doesn't feel like one. Toyota has built its name on making daily drivers, and this is one of their best. It's so subtle, you probably won't notice it's excellence driving by, and maybe that's by design.
Steve, Just for fun I followed the link to your equally glowing 2010 Venza review. If it was up to us Canadians, that 'Camry wagon' would have never gone out of production as it was just as popular up here as the Highlander. What a pity they never followed your advice to offer a 6 speed manual with that smooth V6. Getting back to the new Venza, I look forward to seeing how all-Hybrid models like the Venza and Sienna sell over the next year with gas prices on the upswing.
Thanks for going back and checking that out!
I picked up base LE for $33K OTD. Base model is surprisingly loaded with premium features and same powertrain. It also has buttons for AC and a volume knob.
So basically did you pay about $30k before taxes and other fees?
@@paulht3251 Yes.
Bullshit
Guys this was at the end of January 2021, no one was buying new cars. I was able to get the best deal because Centennial Toyota in Vegas was barely selling cars. I'm not lying, things have changed. I drove the car for 14500 miles so far and Carvana is willing to give me $38K for this car. Weird times we live in.
This reminds me of an old school Lexus RX.
In Japan, it’s actually the 4th gen of that line! In the USA, we had gen 1 and 2, skipped 3, and now this is 4, but Toyota badged instead of Lexus badged. It’s the Toyota UX line.
Ironically the Asian variant of the Venza is called the Toyota Harrier. The Harrier nameplate used to be a Japanese Lexus RX 300 back in the 90s and early 2000s.
You're closer to the mark than you think.
Steve you continue to be the best reviewer on RUclips. High praise for the Venza. What I like about your reviews is that your honest with your praise and criticism. This sounds like the most complete vehicle Toyota has made in a long time. I might even cross shop next time I buy a car. I find Toyota to be tedious in its utilitarian principles, but this looks very different than the typical Toyota vehicle. Cheers
Thanks, Hoder! Yes - for all those who accuse me of hating Toyota should watch this ;-) Love the new Venza. Toyota really nailed it.
I have the base version, it’s a way better car then I would think it would be.
Toyota is probably one of the smartest companies out there. They are slow to respond to changes because they are planning the future ahead. I expect to see a lot of good vehicles coming out of Toyota soon.
I would not really call them slow to change. They are smart, they make their power train with latest technoly, or even thinking ahead and then uses it for 15-20 years before introducing A newerr power train, and almost always toyota mass produces them with little problem. That is where toyota is different compared to other manufacturers.
They mass-produced hybrid system, engines with dual injection and high thermally efficient engines, safety systems and many more. Not lot of other brands does that.
@@manujohn5281 You are right. They introduced new power plants in 2008, and they were all ahead of their time. They have kept them a little too long though lol. They need to put that 5.7L engine from Tundra in a Corolla lol.
When the original Venza came, it and the old Honda Crosstour were Subaru Outback competitors. Now, with this new Venza, Toyota has found its competitive midsized crossover.
Agreed.
Our family just bought a Venza yesterday! Very excited to go take delivery of the car in a week :)
I had almost bought xc40 but then saw Venza. There is tough choice now what to choose. Torque and hp numbers are quite not in favor of Venza though but it is comfy and stylish
Hello Steve I am a new subscriber and I watched your video on the 2021 Toyota Venza and I will have to say it was your video on the venza that convinced me to go and test drive the venza . I purchased the blueprint one like the one in your video at first I was indecisive on a color but after seeing the blueprint one in your video I knew it was the color I wanted . You are an excellent reviewer very informative and I could tell you know alot about cars . The venza is amazing the gas mileage the comfortable seats the panoramic stargaze sunroof the tech and the safety features to name a few things . I absolutely love my venza I have had it a month and I haven't filled it up yet . This is my first hybrid and it certainly will not be my last but I plan on keeping this one for a long time . Would love to see you do a video on the infotainment screen in depth and all it can do .
Congratulations, Rebecca! I think you're going to love it! I'm thinking I should start diving deeper into the infotainment side of things in my reviews - you're right. I'm getting a Sienna next week and I'll focus more on it.
Yes Steve I never thought I could love a car but I absolutely love my venza . And thank you in advance for doing a video on the infotainment system sometime . Congrats on your new sienna they are beautiful and I love the styling .
Excellent review Steve! I really enjoy the winter season videos!
Thanks! Finally starting to warm up around here
@@stevehammes Great that you are getting warmer Steve! I've been a few times in the New York state during winter and its freezing but the landscapes are amazing!
Thanks, Steve. Really comprehensive look!
If YOU love this thing, then it must really be all everyone says. It’s almost REVERSE badge-engineered: A Lexus in Toyota clothing (with a Toyota price). I’d probably pick a RAV4 Hybrid, but am willing to admit that a test drive of both, in my relative decrepitude, might find me opting for the greater comfort of the Venza (unless I was impressed by the RAV4 Prime), once I no longer live the three-row life.
And a Nitro Yellow Supra for the missus, please, Mr. Lia!
I love everything written here! Very well said.😂. It’s about time I drive one of those RAV4 Prime.
This drives way better than rav 4 and is more comfy. I drove both, rav 4 sucked
wow!!!! i enjoyed ur vid!!!! soooo glad u like my venza!!!! i fell in luv wit it & have the limited!!! it is LUXURY!!!!!
Steve praising a Toyota... The check must have cleared.
We’ve been negotiating a fee for quite some time now😉
@@stevehammes a rust free Tacoma?
Really a great review Steve. I’m definitely going to shop the Venza for my next car. I’m a New subscriber too.
Thanks, Rich! Welcome aboard!
@4:55 "I'm not a big fan of the gasoline electric hybrid powertrain at this point, simply because it feels like old technology already"
Are you saying hybrids should be more advanced by now or that you still prefer internal combustion engines, even though they are the oldest technology we have so far?
It was a stopgap technology to get to electric. But electric is here. That was my point.
@@stevehammes Agree but I still prefer a hybrid so it doesn't have to be plugged in but still does well on MPG. Plug ins are the future, no doubt, but it still takes energy to charge them. I would also worry about about getting caught in a blizzard or lengthy traffic jam in an electric. Once you're out, you're done.
I have loved what I have seen and heard of the Venza and this review pretty much cemented my getting one.
get 1!!! they r awesome!!!
I will say the drivetrain is great. eCVT so much better than a belt one.
Still super noisy. Good gosh
@@Mrtellitlikeitis That's what makes it fun
My only worry is the relatively small cargo area. Big enough for two Labrador retrievers?
Do they like each other?
I own a limited version and have 4500 miles on it. The enthusiasm here for the eCVT is warranted: smooth and responsive with undetectable shift from gas to electric. Also undetectable shift from regenerative to mechanical braking. Get about 37.5 mpg in suburban driving. Comfortable even on 8 hour trips. Acceleration adequate and confident handling. Gripes? Not awful but distracting road noise, and wind noise on highway. What is awful is the Nav system which is hopelessly outdated. And what is uninspiring is Toyota Safety Sense 2.0. The lane centering is on and off unexpectedly, needing constant attention; and the adaptable cruise control loses the lead vehicle too easily, and doesn’t pick up stopped cars at a red light quickly enough, leading to too suspenseful stops.
Is it now available for sale
Though I’m not a fan of anything Toyota is making these days, I’ve always liked the Venza. It for the buyer who doesn’t want to step up to a Lexus but has the budget for something more than a Rav 4. Plus you won’t be pulling up next to another Venza at every light, unlike a Rav 4. It’s just a little bit of a hard buy when you’ve got Company’s like Kia/Hyundai turning out almost perfect cars/SUVs
....not named Supra......classic Steve. Great review....!
I'm waiting to see if Toyota does a quick reboot on that center stack to have real buttons like the lower trims already include. I don't think there's a single reviewer who has liked the capacitive buttons. It definitely didn't go so well for Honda.
i got my venza in december & i dont get y ppl have prob wit da knobs!!! my limited is super awesome & i dont miss a thing!!!! luv my new ride!!!! :)
The Venza I believe is aimed at the 55 plus market. And most I believe would rather have knobs and or physical buttons then a confusing touch screen. If their like me. 🤔
@@paulht3251 I'm not in that age group and I definitely prefer real buttons and knobs. Not only more satisfying, but they provide assurance without always needing to take eyes off the road.
Thanks for the great review! I like this (classier interior, better mpg and my Japan made preference) but my wife likes the Sienna (2nd row captains chairs for our college kids when they are at home, ottomans, bronze paint color and the extra space). We probably need to visit a dealer someday.
Either way, I think you’ll like your choice. Good luck!
Nice review, Steve. I had wondered if the horsepower was enough to make the Venza feel quick. I like its looks better than the RAV-4.
Will you be getting the 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid to compare? Also, I'd love to see you review the Hyundai Santa Cruz compact truck, too.
Can't wait for the Santa Cruz! Don't have the Tucson on my schedule yet but I'm sure that I will soon.
looks like an E-Pace, kinda.
Great video, Steve. I know filming in winter weather can be rough.
One of these days it will eventually warm up around here.
I always liked the Venza more than the Rav4, but this generation needs to add a more powerful version and XSE trim.
I am also a fan of the original Venza. With the price premium they are charging for the new Venza, they ought to have offered the 245 hp Hybrid powertrain from the Highlander.
Rav 4 is old and trash
Often surprised by most reviewers not saying anything about the obscene amts of tire roar that makes this car near unbearable
Yet buyers comment most always about it
Also, the banging of your right knee on the console
Both the Dunlop and Bridgestone in both sizes? That's odd.
Another excellent review!
Like. Comment. Share.
Thanks, RJ.
Nice review! What's the Lexus version of this!? haha
Thanks!
The upcoming 2022 Lexus NX looks similar to this one.
Acura should bring back the Acura Legend. Why they got rid of that name with a great reputation is beyond me. I also like Optima much better than K5, which sounds like the name of a cereal.
Or a set of snow skis.
They didn't get rid of the name, it's just used elsewhere - the Acura RLX, which was discontinued in North America, is sold as the Honda Legend in Japan.
Nice Toyota Harrier
I get 42 miles per gallon 2022 Venza that’s all I care about.! 🤑
But Steve, its just a fancier RAV4 Hybrid...with less cargo space.
Some guy I know from the limited slip blog told me that.
No rav 4 is a old design inside and out and it’s boring/ also drives like crap. This Venza is awesome inside and out
i drove a rav & wasnt so impressed with it--it was like dating the tomboy sister!!! but taking the beautiful sister was amazing!!! fell in luv b4 i even drove!!!! venza IS my ride now!!!! :)
Panoramic sunroof is gimmicky at best. I rather have one that opens up for fresh air. Having said that, I won't consider this as my next potential car.
Nice car, but the passenger seat sucks worse than the rav4. Way too high, not sure why they cut the roofline so damn low. I am only 5’10” and this is worse than the rav.
All TNGA cars are plagued by a low roof line.
It’s the effin passenger seat. I drove one, then went to sit on passenger side, then cracked my head going in and couldn’t adjust the seat lower. WTF Toyota. What moron designed that seat?
Should have been a proper mid-size. Those touch buttons need to go. Those rims, ooh. A RAV4 Hybrid is still a better choice.
I would take this any day over a RAV4 hybrid.
Ugly and horrible Toyota interiors
You?
Needs eye exam and a brain