2021 Toyota Venza

2021 Toyota Venza Highlights

The 2021 Toyota Venza hybrid is nothing like the old 2015 Venza. This model year marks the return of this nameplate to the U.S. market, but this time, it’s been reimagined as a hybrid crossover vs. the tall-ish station wagon it used to be. It shares its drivetrain with the RAV4 Hybrid but uses more curvier and stylish sheet metal.

Key Details

• Mid-size crossover body style
• Two-row seating for up to five passengers
• Standard hybrid powertrain across all trims
• Standard electronic all-wheel drive (AWD) system
• Based on Toyota's TNGA platform
• Available StarGaze fixed panoramic roof
• Sleek, crossover-coupe styling

Benefits

• Impressive fuel economy from standard hybrid system
• Upscale interior materials and design
• Standard electronic AWD for all-weather capability
• A comprehensive suite of safety features
• Quiet and comfortable ride
• Positioned between RAV4 and Highlander in Toyota's lineup

Learn More: 2021 Toyota Venza Price: MSRP, Depreciation, & Trends

2021 Toyota Venza Overview

Performance

The 2021 Toyota Venza offers a single powertrain configuration:

2.5-liter four-cylinder engine combined with three electric motors

• Total system output of 219 horsepower
• Electronic on-demand AWD system
• Continuously variable transmission (CVT)

Key performance features include:

• Drive mode selector with Normal, Eco, and Sport modes
• EV mode for short-distance all-electric operation
• Electronic AWD with the rear motor providing additional traction
• Regenerative braking system
• 0-60 mph in approximately 7.5 seconds

The hybrid powertrain is shared with the RAV4 Hybrid but tuned for a more refined driving experience. The system seamlessly uses the power of gasoline and electric motors, prioritizing efficiency while maintaining adequate performance.

Safety

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded Venza a top five-star overall safety rating. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) named the 2021 Venza a Top Safety Pick, the group’s second-highest ranking, when equipped with specific headlights.

Standard safety features on all 2021 Toyota Venza trims include:

• Eight airbags, including a driver's knee airbag
• Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 system
• Star safety system
• Tire pressure monitoring system
• Hill start assist control
• Electronic parking brake with brake hold
• Rearview camera

The Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 system includes:

• Pre-collision system with pedestrian detection
• Full-speed range dynamic radar cruise control
• Lane departure alert with steering assist
• Lane tracing assist
• Road sign assist
• Automatic high beams

Front and rear parking assist with automated braking is optional.

Driving

The 2021 Toyota Venza is behind most competitors in acceleration, but it still delivers a refined driving experience that prioritizes comfort and quietness. The hybrid powertrain provides smooth acceleration from a stop, with the electric motors filling in torque before the gasoline engine takes over.

The steering is as precise as required from such a vehicle and offers good feedback. The suspension tuning favors ride comfort over sporty handling, effectively absorbing road imperfections while maintaining composure through corners.

One of the Venza's big pluses is its quiet cabin. Toyota has incorporated extensive sound-deadening materials and acoustic glass, resulting in minimal wind and road noise at highway speeds.

The electronic AWD system routes most of the power to the front wheels most of the time. Unlike mechanical systems, it uses a dedicated electric motor for the rear wheels, engaging automatically when additional traction is needed.

Different drive modes allow drivers to tailor the vehicle's response to their preferences:

• Average mode balances performance and efficiency
• Eco mode maximizes fuel economy
• Sport mode provides more responsive acceleration
• EV mode enables short-distance electric-only operation

While not designed for serious off-roading, the Venza's ground clearance and AWD system can handle light trail duty and inclement weather conditions.

Interior

The Toyota Venza 2021 interior is a departure from the 2015 interior. It is now cleaner and has an upscale design. Toyota used premium materials and modern technology to balance luxury and functionality.

Key interior features include:

• Seating for five passengers
• Eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat
• Available heated and ventilated front seats
• Available heated steering wheel
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Available StarGaze fixed panoramic roof with electrochromic glass

The Venza's front seats are well bolstered and comfy, and they have plenty of adjustment range to accommodate various driver sizes. The rear seats provide adequate space for adult passengers, though some competitors offer more legroom.

Cargo capacity:

• 28.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats
• 55.1 cubic feet with rear seats folded

The interior layout is modern and intuitive, with controls logically arranged and easily accessible. The available 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system is well-integrated into the dashboard design.

Material quality is a strong point, particularly in higher trims. The 2021 Toyota Venza Limited trim adds premium touches like leather-trimmed seats and ambient lighting.

The optional Star Gaze panoramic roof is a unique feature. It uses electrochromic glass that can switch from transparent to frosted at the touch of a button.

Technology

The 2021 Toyota Venza comes equipped with a range of technology features designed to enhance convenience, connectivity, and safety:

• Eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system (standard)
• Available 12.3-inch touchscreen display
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
• Amazon Alexa integration
• Available nine-speaker JBL Premium Audio system
• Available digital rearview mirror
• Wireless phone charging pad (2021 Toyota Venza XLE and above)

Additional available technology features include:

• Surround-view camera system
• Head-up display (Limited trim)
• Seven-inch multi-information instrument cluster display

The infotainment system is user-friendly, though some may find the touch-sensitive controls less intuitive than physical buttons.

Fuel Economy

The 2021 Toyota Venza, with its standard hybrid powertrain, offers impressive fuel economy ratings. The EPA fuel economy estimate is as follows:

2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine:

• AWD (mpg): 40 city / 37 highway / 39 combined

These figures are competitive within the crossover segment, particularly considering Venza's standard AWD system. The hybrid powertrain's efficiency makes it an attractive option for buyers prioritizing fuel economy without sacrificing the utility of a crossover.

The Venza's EV mode allows for short-distance electric-only operation, though the primary benefit comes from the hybrid system's efficient operation in normal driving conditions.

2021 Toyota Venza Reviews

Consumer reviews on Kelley Blue Book gave the 2021 Toyota Venza an overall rating of 4.6 out of five. Owners praise the vehicle for its quality, reliability, value, and styling.

Reasons to Buy It

• Improved interior from previous Venza
• High safety ratings
• Excellent fuel economy
• AWD comes standard
• Refined, smooth ride
• Unique Star Gaze panoramic roof option
• Strong Toyota reliability reputation
• Distinctive styling sets it apart from other crossovers

Problems

• Limited cargo space compared to some competitors
• Touch-sensitive controls may be less intuitive than physical buttons
• Rear seat space could be more generous
• Higher starting price than some non-hybrid competitors
• No plug-in hybrid option

Explore: Toyota Venza Pros and Cons: What To Know When Weighing Your Decision

CoPilot's Take

The 2021 Toyota Venza slots between Toyota’s RAV4 and Highlander size and attempts to find a 'Goldilocks zone' in the manufacturer’s lineup. The Venza excels compared to these other vehicles in terms of efficiency, more luxurious driving demeanor, and increased space over more compact offerings.

The Venza may not be fun on winding roads, but it is comfortable with premium interior appointments. The standard hybrid powertrain delivers impressive efficiency with enough power to avoid feeling tepid.

However, potential buyers should consider a few factors. The cargo space is adequate but falls short of some similarly sized competitors. Although the touch-sensitive controls add to the vehicle’s modern interior design, they can be challenging to learn.

2021 Toyota Venza FAQs

Why is the Toyota Venza being discontinued?

2024 will mark the end of the reimagined hybrid crossover version of the Venza, which will join the 2015 version as a discontinued Toyota vehicle. A new car dubbed the Crown Signia will replace the Venza.

How much does a 2021 Toyota Venza cost?

According to CoPilot national listings, a 2021 Toyota Venza costs $20,000 to $41,000, depending on condition, mileage, equipment, and marketplace demand.

What are the disadvantages of a 2021 Toyota Venza?

There are several potential disadvantages to consider:

Cargo Space:

• Less cargo capacity than many competitors
• High load floor can make loading heavy items more difficult

Price:

• Higher starting price than non-hybrid competitors
• Premium features can push the price into luxury crossover territory

Interior Space:

• Rear seat legroom is less generous than some rivals
• Sloping roofline can impact rear headroom

Performance:

• A single powertrain option may not satisfy those wanting more power
• No non-hybrid version is available

Technology:

• Touch-sensitive controls can be less intuitive than physical buttons
• Some features are restricted to higher trim levels

Practicality:

• No third-row seating option
• Lower towing capacity than some competitors

As for reliability concerns, there are a few 2021 Toyota Venza problems. The vehicle is known for being reliable and durable.

Check Out: Here Are The Toyota Venza Years To Avoid