Revived Venza, back and better than ever
If at first you don’t succeed ...
In the first go-round for Toyota’s Venza, it miserably disappointed the midsize SUV market. Due to its appearance — an early entry to the bubble-type rear end (that was ahead of its time) and front fascia that was flat-out something from outer space — it was just a dud.
A few months ago, Toyota relaunched the Venza as its mid-size do-it-all SUV, and really only one word comes to mind — impressive!
Our 2021 revived Venza focuses on both styling and price. Our XLE Hybrid version came with the works, including a 2.5L 4- cylinder engine with attached hybrid system (a combined 219 horsepower), 19 inch multi- spoke wheels, LED headlights and a hands-free power liftgate.
The front fascia takes some getting used to as that outer space front end
is back, but now the market warrants it as other brands have dramatically increased the size of the front end. The rear end borrows from Jaguar and Volvo and is exceptionally proportioned correctly.
On the inside, appearing similar to its luxury sister, the Lexus RX350, we find a fantastically redesigned infotainment system with a 12.3-inch touch screen and
a nine-speaker JBL system. The seats were comfortable, with a worthy additional $510 for the SofTex package including heated and vented seats and heated steering wheel. The sight lines were worth noting as well, it’s now very easy to see out of the Venza.
On our week-long test, we drove over 500 miles to get the real story of the Venza and to stretch its legs. It’s
ultra quiet on the highway, smooth around town and easy on the eyes as we received many compliments from on lookers and leaf-peepers inwesternM assachusetts.
For those considering the
Lexus RX350, it is a really good idea to look at the less pricey Venza, as its style, accoutrements and appearance are similar while hitting the wallet for less. Don’t worry, Lexus won’t
mind, it’s all family to them.
Toyota Venza
MSRP: $36,000 As tested: $39,735 MPG: 40 city, 37 highway, 39.6 as tested