Overview
The Toyota Venza returned to the North American market for the 2021 model year as a mid-size two-row crossover, positioning itself between the RAV4 and the Highlander. Unlike the previous generation, which functioned as a wagon-like derivative of the Camry, this version is built on the Toyota TNGA-K platform, sharing its architecture with the Harrier sold in global markets. The vehicle is exclusively offered as a hybrid, emphasizing fuel efficiency and a premium interior experience over traditional SUV utility.
Engineering for this generation focuses on the Toyota Hybrid System II, which pairs a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with three electric motors to provide standard electronic on-demand all-wheel drive. By prioritizing a refined cabin environment and high-end materials, Toyota aimed to capture buyers looking for a more sophisticated alternative to the utilitarian RAV4. Manufacturing for the North American market takes place at the Takaoka plant in Japan, maintaining the brand’s reputation for high build quality and long-term reliability.
| Vehicle Overview | |
|---|---|
| Brand | Toyota |
| Model | Venza AWD |
| Model Year | 2022-2024 |
| Generation | 2nd Generation |
| Trim | LE, XLE, Nightshade, Limited |
| Body Style | 5-door SUV |
| Vehicle Segment | Mid-size Crossover |
| Vehicle Class | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD |
| Market | USA |
| Platform | TNGA-K |
| Assembly Plant | Takaoka, Japan |
| Country of Origin | Japan |
| Production Start | 2021 |
| Production End | 2024 |
| VIN Identifier | JTM |
| Base MSRP | $34,920 |
| Destination Charge | $1,350 |
| Total MSRP | $36,270 |
| Powertrain | |
| Powertrain Type | Hybrid |
| Engine Family | Toyota Dynamic Force |
| Engine Name | A25A-FXS |
| Engine Code | – |
| Engine Configuration | Inline-4 |
| Displacement | 2.5 Liters |
| Bore x Stroke | 87.5 mm x 103.4 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 14.0:1 |
| Aspiration | Naturally Aspirated |
| Fuel Delivery | Direct and Port Injection |
| Valve Train | DOHC 16-valve VVT-iE |
| Engine Block Material | Aluminum Alloy |
| Cylinder Head Material | Aluminum Alloy |
| Oil Capacity | 4.8 qt |
| Oil Specification / Viscosity | 0W-16 |
| Horsepower | 219 hp (Combined) |
| Torque | – |
| Redline | 6,000 rpm |
| Drivetrain | All-Wheel Drive |
| Transmission | Automatic (AV-S6) |
| Final Drive Ratio | – |
| Axle Ratio | – |
| Fuel Economy | |
| Fuel Type | Regular Gasoline |
| Recommended Octane | 87 |
| EPA City MPG | 40 |
| EPA Highway MPG | 37 |
| EPA Combined MPG | 39 |
| EPA City MPGe (for EV/PHEV) | – |
| EPA Highway MPGe (for EV/PHEV) | – |
| EPA Combined MPGe (for EV/PHEV) | – |
| Fuel Economy (L/100 km) | 6.0 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity (gal) | 14.5 |
| Estimated Driving Range | 570 miles |
| Annual Fuel Cost | $1,350 |
| CO₂ Emissions | 228 g/mile |
| Greenhouse Gas Score | 7 |
| Smog Rating | 7 |
| Electric Vehicle System | |
| Battery Supplier | Prime Planet Energy & Solutions |
| Battery Chemistry | Lithium-Ion |
| Gross Battery Capacity (kWh) | 0.9 |
| Usable Battery Capacity (kWh) | – |
| System Voltage | 252V Li-Ion |
| Number of Motors | 3 |
| Combined Output | 219 hp |
| Combined Torque | – |
| EPA Range (Miles) | – |
| On-board Charger Power (kW) | – |
| AC Charging Power | – |
| DC Fast Charging Power | – |
| Charge Port | – |
| Charging Standard (CCS1/NACS) | – |
| DC Charge Time (10-80%) | – |
| Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) | No |
| Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) | No |
| Heat Pump | No |
| Performance | |
| 0-30 mph | – |
| 0-60 mph | 7.6 seconds |
| 0-100 mph | – |
| Quarter Mile | 15.8 seconds |
| Top Speed | 118 mph |
| Braking Distance (60-0 mph) | 124 ft |
| Lateral Acceleration | 0.81g |
| Power-to-Weight Ratio | 17.8 lb/hp |
| Dimensions & Capacities | |
| Length (in) | 186.6 |
| Width (Without Mirrors) (in) | 73.0 |
| Width (With Mirrors) (in) | – |
| Height (in) | 65.9 |
| Wheelbase (in) | 105.9 |
| Front Track (in) | 63.0 |
| Rear Track (in) | 63.4 |
| Ground Clearance (in) | 7.9 |
| Curb Weight (lbs) | 3,915 |
| GVWR (lbs) | 5,005 |
| Towing Capacity (lbs) | – |
| Payload Capacity (lbs) | 1,090 |
| Passenger Volume (cu ft) | 98.3 |
| Cargo Volume (Behind Rear Seats) (cu ft) | 28.8 |
| Cargo Volume (Max) (cu ft) | 55.1 |
| Turning Circle | 38.1 ft |
| Approach Angle | – |
| Departure Angle | – |
| Breakover Angle | – |
| Safety Ratings | |
| NHTSA Overall Rating | 5 Stars |
| NHTSA Frontal Crash | 4 Stars |
| NHTSA Side Crash | 5 Stars |
| NHTSA Rollover | 4 Stars |
| IIHS Award | Top Safety Pick |
| Small Overlap Front | Good |
| Moderate Overlap Front | Good |
| Side Impact | Good |
| Headlights Rating | Good |
| Front Crash Prevention | Superior |
| Technology & Connectivity | |
| Infotainment Display | 8.0 to 12.3 inch |
| Instrument Cluster | 7.0 inch Multi-Info Display |
| Apple CarPlay | Wireless |
| Android Auto | Wireless |
| Navigation System | Available |
| Audio System | JBL Premium |
| Speaker Count | 9 |
| Wireless Charging | Available |
| Wi-Fi Hotspot | Available |
| OTA Updates | Yes |
| Digital Key | Available |
| Warranty & Ownership | |
| Basic Warranty | 36 months/36,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 60 months/60,000 miles |
| Corrosion Warranty | 60 months/unlimited miles |
| Roadside Assistance | 24 months/25,000 miles |
| Complimentary Maintenance | 24 months/25,000 miles |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | 96 months/100,000 miles |
| EV Battery Warranty | 120 months/150,000 miles |
| Specs.Autos Exclusive Data | |
| Engine Assembly Plant | Toyota Motor Corporation, Japan |
| Transmission Supplier | Aisin |
| Battery Cell Manufacturer | Prime Planet Energy & Solutions |
| Gear Ratios | – |
| Differential Type | Electronic On-Demand AWD |
| Cooling System Capacity | – |
| Frunk Capacity (cu ft) | – |
| Roof Load Capacity (lbs) | 150 |
| Safety Recall Count | – |
| Production Volume | – |
| Units Sold in USA | – |
Consumer Insights & Market Appeal
The Venza is widely regarded for its exceptional fuel economy and refined, quiet cabin, which separates it from more rugged competitors in the mid-size SUV segment. Reliability remains a strong point, as the hybrid powertrain is a proven unit shared across several Toyota models. Prospective buyers should note that the cargo capacity is somewhat limited compared to the RAV4 due to the sloping roofline and battery placement, making it better suited for passengers than heavy hauling. In the used market, the Venza maintains high resale value, though owners should inspect the infotainment system for software responsiveness and ensure the hybrid battery cooling vents remain clear of debris to maintain optimal efficiency.
