2021 Toyota Venza Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$32,670 to $40,000

Original MSRP

8.3
of 10

expert review

4.5

avg user rating

(36 reviews)
8.3
out of 10
expert review
Look & feel
8/10
Technology
7/10
Performance
8/10
Safety
9/10
Form & function
9/10
Cost-effectiveness
9/10
2021 Toyota Venza Test Drive Review summaryImage

The new 2021 Toyota Venza returns as a hybrid crossover geared toward budget-conscious empty nesters. It’s designed to be more upscale and fuel-efficient than the Toyota RAV4, giving buyers plenty of reasons to upgrade.

At first glance, the 2021 Toyota Venza looks more like a Lexus than a typical Toyota, which is fitting, because the Venza is anything but typical. The new Venza blends a new approach to in-car technology with fresh exterior and interior design.

Like the Nissan Murano, Honda Passport, Ford Edge, and Chevrolet Blazer, the 2021 Venza is a two-row SUV meant to be more sophisticated than the family-friendly Nissan Rogue, Honda CR-V, Chevrolet Equinox, and Toyota RAV4. There is no three-row Venza option.

It also comes only with a hybrid powertrain—for better or worse—something that its competition is lacking. All-wheel drive is also standard.

The Venza’s $38,490 Canadian starting price is slightly higher than the Murano and Blazer, but it comes with the traditionally more expensive hybrid powertrain. Is the hybrid worth shelling out a little more for in a new vehicle?

8/10

The Toyota Venza is 13 to 14 centimetres shorter than the Toyota RAV4 (depending on trim level) and about 2 cm closer to the ground, but both models have the same wheelbase.

When it was revealed, many critics said the Venza looked more like a Lexus. This is true, even in person where, from the grille to the elongated profile, it blurs the line between the brands. In this respect, it looks more like the Lexus LF-1 Limitless concept that was first shown at the 2018 North American International Auto Show than any of the SUVs in the Toyota brand’s stable.

Toyota sells the Venza in three trim levels: LE, XLE, and Limited. It comes in the buyer’s choice of seven paint colours, some of which are not available on all trim levels.

The long list of standard equipment on this SUV includes a dual chrome-tipped exhaust, LED headlights and taillights, automatic high beams, puddle lights, and 18-inch alloy wheels. The base LE model comes standard with a wireless charging pad, 4.2-inch driver’s information display, leather-trimmed steering wheel, Bluetooth, dual-zone automatic climate control, fabric-trimmed seats, heated front seats, eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, 60/40 split-folding second-row seat, leather-trimmed shifter, a Smart Key, automatic up/down power windows, remote keyless entry, 8-inch infotainment touch screen, four USB ports, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay.

There’s also a full suite of standard safety and driver assistance technology, which we’ll cover in the Safety section of this review.

Upgrading to the Venza XLE will get you black bumper garnishes, silver roof rails, 19-inch alloy wheels, LED projector headlights, gloss black exterior elements, dual LED daytime running lights, a 7-inch driver information display, auto-dimming rearview mirror, a rearview camera with dynamic gridlines, SofTex bolsters, a soft-touch dashboard, and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen.

A digital rearview mirror with Homelink, illuminated footwells, and a backup camera washer are standard on the top-tier Venza Limited trim. The Star Gaze panoramic roof is also included, which features electrochromic glazing technology and adds an element of cool to the SUV.

Our tester was a fully loaded Venza Limited.

Eileen Falkenberg-Hull
Published Nov 10, 2021 by Eileen Falkenberg-Hull
Eileen Falkenberg-Hull is the Senior Editor of Autos at Newsweek and the former editor of AutomotiveMap. Her work has appeared in American City Business Journals, Trucks.com, CultureMap, InnovationMap, SportsMap, and U.S. News & World Report. She is also an on-air contributor to the SBNation Radio network.

User reviews for 2021 Toyota Venza

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User rating:
by Milton M
Sep 20, 2024
This car totally surprised me. I wanted the Limited instead of the base model but this car has everything in terms of features.Sep 20, 2024
by Anonymous
Jul 08, 2024
I like the newer , after 2021 features with the design in back with the lip in the back . I like the all wheel drive, heated seats and stylish design. I think it is missing moon roof as not a feature plus more colors a nd can be priced lower. Overall it is a favorite of mine and would like to own one. Jul 08, 2024
by Anonymous
May 30, 2024
Has a smooth and quiet ride. Good acceleration and love the seats.May 30, 2024

2021 Toyota Venza Pricing

Original MSRP
$32,670 to $40,000
Price range
$35,644 to $37,844
Average price on CG
$35,678
YoY price change
$37,844 to $35,678

Trims & specs

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Voice recognition audio system · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · Touch screen display radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brake diameter: 12.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.1 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Floor Material: carpet · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Adaptive stop and go cruise control: semi-automatic · Assist handle: rear · Autonomous lane guidance: lane centering · Cargo cover: retractable · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: front · Memorized settings: liftgate · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): USB front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: voice recognition controls · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8

Drivetrain

4WD Type: on demand

Engine

EV battery capacity: 0.93 kWh · Electric Motor Battery Type: lithium ion · Electric Motor HP: 118 · Electric Motor Power Output (Kilowatts): 88 · Electric Motor Torque: 149 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP: 176 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP@RPM: 5700 · Hybrid Gas Engine Torque: 163 · Hybrid gas Engine Torque@RPM: 5200 · Oil cooler: auxiliary

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black with chrome accents · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: black · Rear trunk/liftgate: sensor-activated · Rocker panel color: black · Window trim: chrome

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

Hybrid

Starter Type: motor/generator

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: Amazon Alexa · Infotainment: Android Auto ready · Infotainment screen size: 8 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: range · Instrument cluster screen size: 4.2 in. · Warnings and reminders: coolant temperature warning

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: automatic high beam dimmer · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Safety

Automatic emergency braking: front · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: front · Impact absorbing seats: dual front · Impact sensor: fuel cut-off · Pre-Collision Warning System: audible warning · Pre-collision warning system: pedestrian detection · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: flat · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: cloth

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 14.3 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.8

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 24 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 22 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with read function · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: Toyota Connected Services · Smart device app function: maintenance scheduling · Wifi: hotspot

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: auto-on in reverse

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · Voice recognition audio system · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · Touch screen display radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brake diameter: 12.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.1 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Center console trim: simulated wood · Door sill trim: scuff plate · Floor Material: carpet · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Adaptive stop and go cruise control: semi-automatic · Assist handle: rear · Autonomous lane guidance: lane centering · Cargo cover: retractable · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: power steering wheel · Memorized settings: 2 driver · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): USB front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: front seatback · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8

Drivetrain

4WD Type: on demand

Engine

EV battery capacity: 0.93 kWh · Electric Motor Battery Type: lithium ion · Electric Motor HP: 118 · Electric Motor Power Output (Kilowatts): 88 · Electric Motor Torque: 149 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP: 176 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP@RPM: 5700 · Hybrid Gas Engine Torque: 163 · Hybrid gas Engine Torque@RPM: 5200 · Oil cooler: auxiliary

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: chrome accents · Grille color: black with chrome accents · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: sensor-activated · Rocker panel color: black · Window trim: chrome

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

Hybrid

Starter Type: motor/generator

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: Amazon Alexa · Infotainment: Android Auto ready · Infotainment screen size: 8 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Instrument cluster screen size: 7 in. · Warnings and reminders: coolant temperature warning

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: puddle lamps · Headlights: automatic high beam dimmer · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Roof rails: silver

Safety

Automatic emergency braking: front · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: front · Impact absorbing seats: dual front · Impact sensor: battery disconnect · Parking sensors: front · Pre-Collision Warning System: audible warning · Pre-collision warning system: pedestrian detection · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: flat · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: cloth · Upholstery accents: leatherette

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 14.4 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.7

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 24 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 22 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with read function · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: Toyota Connected Services · Smart device app function: engine start · Wifi: hotspot

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheels: chrome alloy

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: auto-on in reverse

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · Voice recognition audio system · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · Premium Brand: JBL · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 8

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brake diameter: 12.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.1 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Center console trim: simulated wood · Door sill trim: illuminated scuff plate · Floor Material: carpet · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Adaptive stop and go cruise control: semi-automatic · Assist handle: front · Autonomous lane guidance: lane centering · Cargo cover: retractable · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: front · Easy entry: power driver seat · Memorized settings: liftgate · Multi-function remote: vehicle and key memory · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): USB rear · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Rearview mirror: camera-based · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: door pockets · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8

Drivetrain

4WD Type: on demand

Engine

EV battery capacity: 0.93 kWh · Electric Motor Battery Type: lithium ion · Electric Motor HP: 118 · Electric Motor Power Output (Kilowatts): 88 · Electric Motor Torque: 149 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP: 176 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP@RPM: 5700 · Hybrid Gas Engine Torque: 163 · Hybrid gas Engine Torque@RPM: 5200 · Oil cooler: auxiliary

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black with chrome accents · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: chrome accents · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: sensor-activated · Rocker panel color: black · Window trim: chrome

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

Hybrid

Starter Type: motor/generator

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: Amazon Alexa · Infotainment: Apply CarPlay ready · Infotainment screen size: 12.3 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Instrument cluster screen size: 7 in. · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: LED · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Roof rails: silver

Safety

Automatic emergency braking: front · Camera system: surround view · Camera system washer: rear · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: front · Impact absorbing seats: dual front · Impact sensor: alert system · Parking sensors: front · Pre-Collision Warning System: audible warning · Pre-collision warning system: pedestrian detection · Rearview monitor: in mirror

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: flat · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: perforated

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 14.4 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.7

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 24 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 22 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: Toyota Connected Services · Smart device app function: maintenance status · Wifi: hotspot

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheels: chrome alloy

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: with washer