Have the 23 limited and it’s a “lexus light” to me.. drives almost as good as a RX.. but it’s cheaper 😅 .. the materials are not as nice as a lexus but it’s a good compromise without spending $60k US. I cringed at the off road part 😂 not meant for that at all. If I wanted that I would definitely go RAV or Subaru.
That's what I thought! They're replacing traffic lights near me and I'm only going 4-5mph until it opens up, and the amount of gas saved could be helpful in situations like that.
I currently have a 2020 rav4 limited hybrid and it’s really good in snow with Michelin xi winter tires. I have a Venza limited coming in a few weeks. I will not be taking it off road 🤣
Great video! When you compared the seats between the Venza and a Rav 4, were you comparing it with an XLE or just an LE? I find that the XLE has FAR superior seats to the LE. I'm currently trying to choose between ordering a 2024 Venza and a Rav 4 XLE this coming fall. Also, do you have any idea why Toyota doesn't have a towing hitch option or rated towing capacity for the Venza, but you can get it on the Rav4? All info you can provide is greatly appreciated!
Who decided that shiny black trim on the outside was a good idea? It will get scratched up quickly. Also, the Bridgestones would be gone day 1. The interior looks much better than most Toyotas
Looks like they haven't really changed how well the AWD could work since the RX450h. Great car either way tho. I think they nailed the customer that wants it. They need to make sure the Rav4 can do significantly better offroad.
I think Rav4 may do better immediately due to higher clearance and a suspension that is possibly more rugged and if it is the right model, has better suited wheels and tires and a mode setting that gives more choices. To get the Venza to that level requires a lift of some sort and new wheels and tires and no way to add a trail or sand/ etc mode other than through driver prowess. I guess that means about $1,000+ or so spent? Its like, a Venza with aTRD off road set of springs, dampers and bump stop package would be able to do 90+% what a Rav4 Woodland could? but would that suspension fit a venza?
Another great video review. We love our 2021 Venza Limited. It is quiet, smooth to drive, very comfortable and great on fuel. We have been averaging 6.2 L/100 km and (around 38 mpg). Ours does have a front camera that I have used for parking. Very helpful at times. I'm starting to see more and more Venzas. A neighbour of ours liked our Venza so much, she went and got one for herself. The only disappointment has been a few squeaks that appear every once in a while.
I do notice squeaks at very low speeds on EV mode. Noticed it when I was in a garage parking where the sounds echoes off the walls. At first I thought it’s like an EV warning noise. Maybe it will go away once I wear out whatever is squeaking 😂. Will keep on observing; I’ve had it only for about a month.
I know it was mentioned that the ride was decent. But in watching the video, especially on the road that you ran the 0-60 test, it seemed, from just looking at the vibrations in the steering wheel and the sharp jostling in your shoulders, that the ride was pretty stiff. Was that the case or was the suspension softer than it looked in the video?
Sorry Ryan, but why would you drive all the way to the woods for hiking trails and then stand around on an electric scooter getting essentially zero exercise? I’m an avid hiker and the whole point is to go outside and get some exercise. No wonder everyone is getting so plump. Jeeze.
Please see if it's profitable to test any non wilderness version (non X2 modes) of Subaru and if possible the new trax or any similar 2WD crossover with 'traction modes) over the new improved course. 😊
Thanks for sharing your video I owned a 2022 venza hybrid limited come with everything beautiful looking SUV on the road today very comfortable and quiet ride lexus like interior and exterior design excellent on gas I put over 1000 kilometers for 55 litre of gas tank as long as I put my foot on the gas paddle gently I love my venza so much. Take care bye from milton Ontario Canada 🇨🇦
Awd wasn't that bad... both fronts were spinning at the same time as the rear. Not xmode good but i think tyres and mud tricked you a bit. Or at least that's the impression i got How does the awd work? Is it a 2nd motor at the rear as well?
It actually has two electric motors upfront, and a 3rd on the rear axle. It’s a very reliable low maintenance AWD system Toyota has been using since the 2006 model year in the highlander and RX hybrids
Rear axle is powered by Q610 electric motor, 40 kW / 120 Nm, rear axle capability is almost 1300 Nm. The problem is the starting torque, these systems were never as capable as the classic ones with the driveshaft.
The previous generation Venza was like a station wagon or sport wagon, and it had a choice of a four-cylinder and a six cylinder engine, and the new one is a bit smaller and has the same Hybrid engine and powertrain as the RAV4. But the Venza is much more luxurious than the RAV4. It is almost Lexus-like!
Ryan did you say it has a 3.5 litre engine or was that a misstatement. One other thing why does Toyota never mention the torque numbers for their hybrid models ?
If the aftermarket can make a LSD for the rear open differential, it would be nice... but that probably means you would have to use something other than Toyota-WS ATF, which then makes the car a tad less efficient Also, I noticed the front wheels transferring power, but... the all-season street tires just didn't grip the wet dirt.
Great review Ryan ! I looked at a new Venza last year but I couldn’t get past the dark drab interior colors. It made me feel claustrophobic. Furthermore my insurance premiums would have gone up by $1K per year. Ultimately I chose the Forester Touring and my insurance premiums Dropped by $300 per year after selling my 11 Rav 4WD Limited.
Blacked-out trims are dead Toyota! Get with the times. That aside the Venza is a great package at an affordable price. However, the lack of real leather even on the highest trim is a huge disappointment. Softex is a rubbery, cheap feeling cost-cutting measure that doesn’t fool anyone. Also a major safety issue is the bumper-mounted rear turn signals. Completely invisible to other traffic in many situations. I’m aware of aftermarket programming to use the brake lights for turn signals on Kia’s (another large offender of bumper turn signals).
Thinking your price might be little off. But 2 totally different styles. Love my runner but 16 to 22 mpg ain't too spiffy 90 percent of road driving conditions. But off road going to the lake 😂😂😂
@@dtlusk24 16-22 sheesh I’m very lucky to see above 14.8 lollllll yeah true I just can’t imagine buying a Venza in a world where Tacos 4Runners, Supras, and Tundras exist 🤣
Its important to note that what you tested was a mid-level trim. You can get a fully digital gauge cluster and a better reverse camera system in higher trims
I would think this would do almost exactly the same as the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid since it is the same powertrain, same wheelbase, the Venza is slightly longer, and about 0.2 inches less clearance weighing about 200 lbs. more. So if this is greatly different from that SUV I would be shocked.
Sure but, not even close to the same comfort level or fuel efficiency. So if you live out in open country with 100% chance of rock slides or tree fall you SHOULD get the 4Runer
Yeah, obviously, but you would also be driving around for literally double the cost of gas. Both of these vehicles have a target audience with little overlap. This is probably the top end of what anyone who purchases this vehicle would intend to do.
It's intersting that Toyota chose the name Venza for the car, considering that it means toilet seat (benza) in Japanese. I'm not sure about their decision making process, but I still love the car.
They should have put 2 usbc in the rear cupholder area. And no plug in in the cargo area is nuts. Great review. I'll wait and see what Mazda Cx70 has in store
Why a Nightshade Edition? What the heck is that? Black wheels? So what. I like the car, but not those black wheels. Black wheels look cheap. Like a RAV4. No thanks for the NIghtShade thing. I like the XLE version. Why would they call it the "Hairier"? Are only Hungarian men allowed to drive these cars? One must be really hairy? I don't get that name. I like the VENZA name better. Nice car. The tires on the VENZA are low-rolling resistance, meaning not good for traction in snow or off-roading. Just consider that.
The biggest issue with this system is that the rear motor simply isn’t powerful enough. It’s a smart idea, but it just doesn’t have enough power to get it over obstacles when only the rear has traction
Hi guys! you are lucky that you are protected from the expansion of Chinese cars into your market, you still have the opportunity to get high on Japanese cars
@@jacklo325 it’s not useless. It should really be utilized for small neighborhoods, indoor parking structures, and other noise and pollution sensitive areas to ensure that the gas engine will not come on even under 25 mph because sometimes it will.
I enjoy your review of the Venza. You don't immediately nitpick the small cargo space or the weird location of the power button. Also, showing the offroad capabilities is a plus. One test I think you should add to your review is ambient cabin noise, so we can compare how noisy the rides are between cars.
1:52 it has a 3.5 liter engine?
Lol. Error. 2.5L
@@drivingsports I was thinking, dang that’s quite a change up, their venza must be a hidden gem. Haha
The venza would be a beast with the Tacoma engine.
@@spockskynet yeah could you imagine a 3.5L with hybrid lol it would be a hot rod 😄
@@alexsystems2001 The previous generation Highlander Hybrid used a 3.5L V6.
Ryan, This video has been reported to the Society For The Prevention of Cruelty to Semi-Luxury Hybrid CUVs. 😂
Have the 23 limited and it’s a “lexus light” to me.. drives almost as good as a RX.. but it’s cheaper 😅 .. the materials are not as nice as a lexus but it’s a good compromise without spending $60k US.
I cringed at the off road part 😂 not meant for that at all. If I wanted that I would definitely go RAV or Subaru.
EV mode is great for mall parking lots or when struck in slow moving traffic.
That's what I thought! They're replacing traffic lights near me and I'm only going 4-5mph until it opens up, and the amount of gas saved could be helpful in situations like that.
I really like this effort pushing the Venza to it’s limit - would like to see how it does in the snow if you ever revisit.
I currently have a 2020 rav4 limited hybrid and it’s really good in snow with Michelin xi winter tires. I have a Venza limited coming in a few weeks. I will not be taking it off road 🤣
These are built in Japan which is a plus and the limited trim gets you 4 drive modes.
Would love to see a video of your Crosstrek on that new course.
Does that chicken come with the car?
You wish. 😂
😂😂😂
Great video! When you compared the seats between the Venza and a Rav 4, were you comparing it with an XLE or just an LE? I find that the XLE has FAR superior seats to the LE. I'm currently trying to choose between ordering a 2024 Venza and a Rav 4 XLE this coming fall. Also, do you have any idea why Toyota doesn't have a towing hitch option or rated towing capacity for the Venza, but you can get it on the Rav4? All info you can provide is greatly appreciated!
Who decided that shiny black trim on the outside was a good idea? It will get scratched up quickly. Also, the Bridgestones would be gone day 1.
The interior looks much better than most Toyotas
Yes with better tires to make it a 4 season competitor
The Venza has always sort of come across as Toyota wanting to make an Outback, but not really wanting to make an Outback.
Looks like they haven't really changed how well the AWD could work since the RX450h. Great car either way tho. I think they nailed the customer that wants it. They need to make sure the Rav4 can do significantly better offroad.
I think Rav4 may do better immediately due to higher clearance and a suspension that is possibly more rugged and if it is the right model, has better suited wheels and tires and a mode setting that gives more choices.
To get the Venza to that level requires a lift of some sort and new wheels and tires and no way to add a trail or sand/ etc mode other than through driver prowess.
I guess that means about $1,000+ or so spent?
Its like, a Venza with aTRD off road set of springs, dampers and bump stop package would be able to do 90+% what a Rav4 Woodland could? but would that suspension fit a venza?
Let me think. Would I take any CUV off road? NO
I’m 6’1” and I slept in it for 9 months while transitioning job’s lol
Lol, you're the lunatic we've needed.
"You can't take this four-wheeling."
"It's got four wheels, doesn't it?"
You always stop the car in the worst spot and then expect it to pull itself out. We can see how the system works without you stopping
Another great video review. We love our 2021 Venza Limited. It is quiet, smooth to drive, very comfortable and great on fuel. We have been averaging 6.2 L/100 km and (around 38 mpg). Ours does have a front camera that I have used for parking. Very helpful at times. I'm starting to see more and more Venzas. A neighbour of ours liked our Venza so much, she went and got one for herself. The only disappointment has been a few squeaks that appear every once in a while.
I hope you take better care of yours than Ryan does. 😉
like which squeaks??
Lol I hate neighbors that want what you have! 😂
What squeaks are you talking about?
I do notice squeaks at very low speeds on EV mode. Noticed it when I was in a garage parking where the sounds echoes off the walls. At first I thought it’s like an EV warning noise. Maybe it will go away once I wear out whatever is squeaking 😂. Will keep on observing; I’ve had it only for about a month.
Toyota and Hyundai/Kia seem to be in a competition to make the worst AWD system.
I wanna see the CX50 on this trail
Stock for stock wife’s venza hybrid dominated my Subaru Outback Onyx XT in deep snow.
That exhaust pipe was bent pretty badly at 11:37
I know it was mentioned that the ride was decent. But in watching the video, especially on the road that you ran the 0-60 test, it seemed, from just looking at the vibrations in the steering wheel and the sharp jostling in your shoulders, that the ride was pretty stiff. Was that the case or was the suspension softer than it looked in the video?
Sorry Ryan, but why would you drive all the way to the woods for hiking trails and then stand around on an electric scooter getting essentially zero exercise? I’m an avid hiker and the whole point is to go outside and get some exercise. No wonder everyone is getting so plump. Jeeze.
Show us an Acura MDX or RDX with SH-AWD climb that small course. Would be fun to watch.
Please see if it's profitable to test any non wilderness version (non X2 modes) of Subaru and if possible the new trax or any similar 2WD crossover with 'traction modes) over the new improved course. 😊
Thanks for sharing your video I owned a 2022 venza hybrid limited come with everything beautiful looking SUV on the road today very comfortable and quiet ride lexus like interior and exterior design excellent on gas I put over 1000 kilometers for 55 litre of gas tank as long as I put my foot on the gas paddle gently I love my venza so much. Take care bye from milton Ontario Canada 🇨🇦
The original RX300 was called a Harrier in the asia market back in the day.
Wouldn't the EV mode be useful in bumper to bumper traffic?
Right. I use it that way.
Great car, can't seem to find it anywhere locally, over 8 month wait and that too my options/ trim isn't guaranteed.
20:02 _ The red color on the Varla e-scooter matches the Toyota Venza Pretty Well!
Nice vehicle but I am not a fan of the black rims and black trims.
The tires that come with the VENZA are street tires, low rolling resistance tires. All the wheels were spinning, so it did perfectly well.
Dude!! You literally had that thing on 2 wheels. cool
18:43 The built-in navigation sucks, but the voice works well, lol. FYI, both navigation and voice stop working after the 1 year trial.
Awd wasn't that bad... both fronts were spinning at the same time as the rear. Not xmode good but i think tyres and mud tricked you a bit. Or at least that's the impression i got
How does the awd work? Is it a 2nd motor at the rear as well?
It actually has two electric motors upfront, and a 3rd on the rear axle. It’s a very reliable low maintenance AWD system Toyota has been using since the 2006 model year in the highlander and RX hybrids
Rear axle is powered by Q610 electric motor, 40 kW / 120 Nm, rear axle capability is almost 1300 Nm. The problem is the starting torque, these systems were never as capable as the classic ones with the driveshaft.
Ryan, Great content for us car geeks!
Did they downgrade the Venza? It used to be a smaller Highlander. Now it's on the RAV4 platform?
The previous generation Venza was like a station wagon or sport wagon, and it had a choice of a four-cylinder and a six cylinder engine, and the new one is a bit smaller and has the same Hybrid engine and powertrain as the RAV4. But the Venza is much more luxurious than the RAV4. It is almost Lexus-like!
Ryan did you say it has a 3.5 litre engine or was that a misstatement.
One other thing why does Toyota never mention the torque numbers for their hybrid models ?
Yup, misspoke. I had it correct in the script, too: 2.5L.
comment for chicken
👌😂 Now that’s a big 4 cylinder engine. Even you noticed the mistake after saying it. Great review as always.
Does anyone else not like the placement of the auto break hold button?
If the aftermarket can make a LSD for the rear open differential, it would be nice... but that probably means you would have to use something other than Toyota-WS ATF, which then makes the car a tad less efficient
Also, I noticed the front wheels transferring power, but... the all-season street tires just didn't grip the wet dirt.
Have you been able to get a rivian in hand?
RAV4 prime hands down
I like these sortta experimental videos. Thank u much sir.
Great review Ryan !
I looked at a new Venza last year but I couldn’t get past the dark drab interior colors. It made me feel claustrophobic.
Furthermore my insurance premiums would have gone up by $1K per year.
Ultimately I chose the Forester Touring and my insurance premiums Dropped by $300 per year after selling my 11 Rav 4WD Limited.
That's a huge difference in insurance. Why is there that big of a difference?
@@huntstyle Also wondering why. I just got a 2023 rav4 hybrid SE and my insurance stayed the exact same as my 2014 Forester I was getting rid of
You must mean $1k per year?
@@TT-rk8mi yes, $1K per Year
2.5 liter, not 3.5. He needs to know more about the car before reviewing it.
Haha! I always tell people that the Venza is kind of underrated… but I’m not sure this is what I had in mind 😂 Great video! (And great concept.)
Great updates to Chicken Run! Would love to see the Mav Tremor tackle it!
Nice car. Would definitely consider down the road.
$1100 for some black paint? 😮
In some market toyota provides a FWD version, same lol
Blacked-out trims are dead Toyota! Get with the times. That aside the Venza is a great package at an affordable price. However, the lack of real leather even on the highest trim is a huge disappointment. Softex is a rubbery, cheap feeling cost-cutting measure that doesn’t fool anyone. Also a major safety issue is the bumper-mounted rear turn signals. Completely invisible to other traffic in many situations. I’m aware of aftermarket programming to use the brake lights for turn signals on Kia’s (another large offender of bumper turn signals).
42K?!?!? LMFAOOOO that's 4Runner TRD Off Road MSRP XD XD XD wtfff
Thinking your price might be little off. But 2 totally different styles. Love my runner but 16 to 22 mpg ain't too spiffy 90 percent of road driving conditions. But off road going to the lake 😂😂😂
@@dtlusk24 16-22 sheesh I’m very lucky to see above 14.8 lollllll yeah true I just can’t imagine buying a Venza in a world where Tacos 4Runners, Supras, and Tundras exist 🤣
@@andrewjarvis7777 the Venza is more luxury oriented and has a lot of luxury features, a very different vehicle from a 4Runner
3.5 4 cylinder?
I think he ment 2.5L
Yeah, I am just dreaming about a 3.5 V6 Toyota compact SUV.
Ya but unfortunately that's not the case anyone they all going hybrids
THE CHICKEN DIDN'T LIKE THE VENZA
0:23
Its important to note that what you tested was a mid-level trim. You can get a fully digital gauge cluster and a better reverse camera system in higher trims
Plus the 360 degree and front camera on the Limited trim
I would think this would do almost exactly the same as the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid since it is the same powertrain, same wheelbase, the Venza is slightly longer, and about 0.2 inches less clearance weighing about 200 lbs. more. So if this is greatly different from that SUV I would be shocked.
This is a great example of crossovers are not SUVs. A stock 4runner would eat this up in 2wd.
Sure but, not even close to the same comfort level or fuel efficiency. So if you live out in open country with 100% chance of rock slides or tree fall you SHOULD get the 4Runer
Yeah, obviously, but you would also be driving around for literally double the cost of gas. Both of these vehicles have a target audience with little overlap. This is probably the top end of what anyone who purchases this vehicle would intend to do.
I like the electric scooter
Scooters and Livestock, Ryan’s new sub channel
I didn’t even know about your Riding Sports channel so count me in!
It's intersting that Toyota chose the name Venza for the car, considering that it means toilet seat (benza) in Japanese. I'm not sure about their decision making process, but I still love the car.
like a highlander for engine
They should have put 2 usbc in the rear cupholder area. And no plug in in the cargo area is nuts. Great review. I'll wait and see what Mazda Cx70 has in store
Why a Nightshade Edition? What the heck is that? Black wheels? So what. I like the car, but not those black wheels. Black wheels look cheap. Like a RAV4. No thanks for the NIghtShade thing. I like the XLE version. Why would they call it the "Hairier"? Are only Hungarian men allowed to drive these cars? One must be really hairy? I don't get that name. I like the VENZA name better. Nice car. The tires on the VENZA are low-rolling resistance, meaning not good for traction in snow or off-roading. Just consider that.
Too bad they don't offer a PHEV version - with the higher ground clearance and high MPG it would be class leading....
you messed up and said 3.5L-4cyl. Its a 2.5L, The 3.5 was a V6 that Toyota discontinued.
good luck on trying to find one without dealer mark ups.
I keep hearing this... what city you in? State?
The biggest issue with this system is that the rear motor simply isn’t powerful enough. It’s a smart idea, but it just doesn’t have enough power to get it over obstacles when only the rear has traction
I have seen these cars in real life. They look bigger in real life than in video
It's like Dr. Who's phone booth, bigger on the inside than the outside 😂😊
Hi guys! you are lucky that you are protected from the expansion of Chinese cars into your market, you still have the opportunity to get high on Japanese cars
#Venza 🏁
nice car but soo expensive especially with toyotas crazy dealer markups
For 2023, they got rid of the half velour seats on the XLE, Boohoo.
It's a very nice vehicle! I think the black trim looks nice...now. I think overtime, it would get scratched up. The interior also looks much nicer.
very nice, i have ordered limited one. its coming 0n 16th oct. Thanks for the video
When you are traveling in the city, put the spare tire in the garage & you have a secret underfloor storage.
Sure have a knack for scooter riding, don't know where you learned that from but it is quite a talent.
Do you believe in Sasquatch?
The question is if Sasquatch believes in you…
It was heartbreaking hear the struggle of that SUV, finally interior design is nicer in Toyota's cars
You'd be the first and last person to take a venza off roading
Hello, what a nice scooter you have. When will we see the New Outlander Phev on a 4x4 route on your channel?
That is one very worried chicken. Put that on a t-shirt
Test the new Outlander PHEV.
Xm. Is terrestrial....
Looks a lot like Bainbridge Island!
The 2024 added the 360 camera
Unfortunately the 360 camera is still a Limited only feature.
What a test drive this is!😅😊great!
❤❤❤❤
It’s called Venza in China as well.
i think this is better when they put turbo in it
I wish this was available in Australia. :(
Hi Ryan, any plans to test the RAV4 woodland?
Still waiting for one to show up. 🤷♂️
What is the NM and KW output of the 3.5 liter engine?
Sorry, it's a 2.5L (mistake in video). Toyota doesn't break out the Nm/KW for the US-spec engine.
So after you hit 25mph, the EV mode shuts off. What happened if you stop again? Are you back in full EV mode?
Nope. Have to hit the button again.
@@drivingsports Wow, that's kinda useless, and thanks for the explanation.
@@jacklo325 it’s not useless. It should really be utilized for small neighborhoods, indoor parking structures, and other noise and pollution sensitive areas to ensure that the gas engine will not come on even under 25 mph because sometimes it will.
Is that the boulder gray leather interior?
I believe that is the black soft-tex interior
Does the panoramic sunroof open up?
Afraid not
I enjoy your review of the Venza. You don't immediately nitpick the small cargo space or the weird location of the power button. Also, showing the offroad capabilities is a plus.
One test I think you should add to your review is ambient cabin noise, so we can compare how noisy the rides are between cars.
do the rear seats recline at all??
They do a little bit. I just got a 2024 XLE and looking forward to a road trip once I break it in.
2.4 L not 3.4
2.5