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The 2021 Toyota Venza is a big deal

Previously, the Prius was the only Toyota model available only as a hybrid
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The 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and three electric motors make 219 net horsepower and 163 pound-feet of torque for the Toyota Venza. What that tells us is that the electric motors are mostly used for low-speed acceleration until the gasoline engine begins making useful power.

It is perhaps not that unusual for a nameplate to return after a multi-year absence, but it is unusual for it to return as an all-wheel-drive hybrid. ThatÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s right, there is no non-hybrid version of the 2021 Toyota Venza.

ThatÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s a bold move, unless you think the same way Toyota does: That hybrids and not necessarily battery-electric vehicles are where itÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s at. For now, at least. In fact, the redesigned Sienna minivan is also hybrid only.

The redesigned Venza is noticeably smaller than its predecessor, which naturally translates into less cargo volume, with the rear-seatback either upright or folded flat. The distance between the front and rear wheels is actually the same as that of the RAV4.

Whether you take a shine to the exterior styling Ï㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥” which seems almost Lexus-like Ï㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥” the passenger environment is something quite special. ItÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s incredibly elegant and understated.

ItÂ’s clear that the focus is on the centre console with a screen thatÂ’s perched high up the driverÂ’s field of vision. A downside might be that itÂ’s perched high in the driverÂ’s field of vision. PHOTO: TOYOTA
ItÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s clear that the focus is on the centre console with a screen thatÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s perched high up the driverÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s field of vision. A downside might be that itÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s perched high in the driverÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s field of vision. PHOTO: TOYOTA

The 8.0- and available 12.3-inch touch-screens are easily viewed, however thereÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s a mild learning curve to the controls.

On the plus side, the Venza uses a traditional console shifter instead of dials or switches for gear/direction selection.

The standard all-wheel-drive hybrid system consists of a 176-horsepower 2.5-litre four-cylinder and three electric motors (including one supplying power to the rear wheels) for a net output of 219 horsepower and 163 pound-feet of torque. ThatÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s a bit light to handle the VenzaÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s 1,770-kilogram heft but the electric motors do provide significant low-speed power. ItÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s only when accelerating to higher speeds that the modest power rating is quite glaring. The transmission is a continuously variable unit with selectable Normal, Eco and Sport drive modes.

Is it a mistake to not offer a base Venza with front-wheel-drive and an internal-combustion engine? Probably not. Toyota has other vehicles so equipped. It’s clear the Venza — hybrid only — is intended to be a technology statement for the brand. PHOTO: TOYOTA
Is it a mistake to not offer a base Venza with front-wheel-drive and an internal-combustion engine? Probably not. Toyota has other vehicles so equipped. ItÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s clear the Venza Ï㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥” hybrid only Ï㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥” is intended to be a technology statement for the brand. PHOTO: TOYOTA

What the Venza might lack in outright performance, it makes up for in fuel economy. The hybrid system is rated at 5.9 l/100 km in the city, 6.4 on the highway and 6.1 combined. ThatÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s better than any non-hybrid competitor by a wide margin. An animated display between the driverÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s gauges indicates when the hybrid is in electric mode and when the regenerative braking system is operating.

The lithium-ion battery pack is beneath the rear seat so it doesnÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™t interfere with cargo stowage or passenger room.

When launching from a dead stop or in slippery/icy road conditions, all-wheel-drive sends up to 80 per cent of the systemÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s torque to the rear wheels. In normal steady-state cruising, 100 per cent of the hybridÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s power is sent to the front wheels. When cornering, light braking pressure is applied to the inside rear wheel to slow it down (a form of yaw control), which helps the Venza turn with less understeer and therefore more stability.

Venza pricing starts at $40,350, including destination charges, which compares with $34,350 for the RAV4 hybrid LE and $47,500 for the larger Highlander hybrid that has three rows of seats.

Hybrid is the only way the 2021 Venza can be bought. Unheard of perhaps five years ago, the move is not entirely surprising as hybrid prices are quite reasonable and the in-city fuel economy is excellent. The base model is $40,350, including destination charges. PHOTO: TOYOTA
Hybrid is the only way the 2021 Venza can be bought. Unheard of perhaps five years ago, the move is not entirely surprising as hybrid prices are quite reasonable and the in-city fuel economy is excellent. The base model is $40,350, including destination charges. PHOTO: TOYOTA

The base Venza LE comes with a decent degree of content, such as a power driverÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s seat, interior ambient lighting, wireless phone charging, hands-free power liftgate and a six-speaker audio system. You also get most of ToyotaÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s active-safety technology and driver-assist features.

The XLE adds roof rails, front- and rear-parking assist, heated and ventilated power front seats, auto-dimming rearview mirror and fancier interior/exterior trim.

Along with the 12.3-inch touch screen, the Limited arrives with a 360-degree surround-view camera, puddle lights (to illuminate the ground when the doors are opened), heated and cooled front seats, heated steering wheel and a nine-speaker, 1,200-watt JBL-brand audio package.

Optional for the Limited is the stunning and mesmerizing Star Gaze panoramic glass roof that can go from clear to frosted and back, as needed, at the press of a button.

If youÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™re in need of cavernous cargo capacity with off-road capability, then other Toyota are likely better suited to your needs. But with all-weather versatility combined with upscale looks and content, the reconstituted fuel-sipping Venza is a definite contender.

The battery pack that powers the three electric motors resides beneath the rear seat. The cargo capacity is slightly less than the RAV4Â’s, but that has more to do with the RAV4Â’s squarer shape. PHOTO: TOYOTA
The battery pack that powers the three electric motors resides beneath the rear seat. The cargo capacity is slightly less than the RAV4Ï㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s, but that has more to do with the RAV4Ï㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s squarer shape. PHOTO: TOYOTA

What you should know: 2021 Toyota Venza

Type: Four-door, all-wheel-drive midsize hatchback/wagon

Engine (h.p.): 2.5-litre DOHC I-4 and three electric motors (219)

Transmission: Continuously variable (CVT)

Market position: Toyota has revived the Venza name and the general shape as an addition to the companyÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s range of utility vehicles. Making a hybrid power team and all-wheel-drive standard is rare.

Points: A modern interpretation of the Venza is as good looking as the original Ï㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥¢ Standard hybrid system plus AWD is a gutsy move, but Toyota has indicated that hybrids are where itÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s at, ahead of new battery electrics Ï㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥¢ Horsepower and torque output is on the modest side, but thrifty fuel consumption should make up for any perceived shortfall. Ï㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥¢ A wide assortment of standard active-safety tech.

Active safety: Blind-spot warning with cross-traffic backup alert (std.); active cruise control (std.); front and rear emergency braking (std.); lane-departure warning (std.); pedestrian/bicycle detection (std.)

L/100 km (city/hwy): 40/37

Base price (incl. destination): $40,350

BY COMPARISON

Honda Passport

  • Base price: $45,500
  • Shorter version of the Pilot comes with a 280-h.p. V-6. AWD is standard.

Chevrolet Blazer AWD

  • Base price: $42,000
  • Good-looking model seats five people and offers a choice of three engines.

VW Atlas Cross Sport

  • Base price: $41,000
  • Atlas offshoot comes with a turbo 235-h.p. I-4 or optional 276-h.p. V-6. AWD is std.

Ï㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥“ written by Malcom Gunn, Managing Partner at Wheelbase Media

If youÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™re interested in new or used vehicles, be sure to visit to find your dream car today! Like us on and follow us on



About the Author: Black Press Media Staff

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