The 2021 Toyota Venza Returns with Standard Hybrid Power and All-Wheel-Drive

The market for hybrid-powered midsize SUVs is increasing exponentially. Drivers across Lake Charles, LA are well included in this market. The new Toyota Venza brings what these drivers need and offers more as a hybrid engine exclusively powers it. It is a midsize SUV with two stylish, sleek rows and spacious cargo suitable for small families. The Venza will fit in between the compact RAV4 and the midsize Highlander SUV, but it shares a platform with the Lexus RS.

The Venza will bring all-new features after being retired in 2015. These features include a new engine, a smooth transmission, more technology features, a sleek interior, and a well-designed exterior.

Venza Hybrid Powertrain

The Venza will be exclusively powered by a hybrid engine, which is a combination of a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and three electric motors, which come together to produce a total of 219 horsepower. The main gas engine and two electric motors power the front wheels while the other electric motor runs the rear wheels. The Venza will also offer a standard all-wheel-drive (AWD), which will give it superior traction. It appears to share the same powertrain as the Highlander hybrid and RAV4 hybrid, but it provides more versatility and control.

AWD System & Efficiency

Depending on the driver's input, the Venza can shift to full front-wheel drive or send up to eighty percent of available torque to the rear axle allowing it to save fuel when AWD is not needed. It utilizes a new and improved light lithium-ion battery, thus reducing the overall weight of the vehicle. In comparison, the RAV4 and Highlander only offer full-time AWD.

Toyota states that the Venza will come with a fuel economy of 40 mpg, which will be two times higher than the Highlander but similar to its hybrid version, which will make it one of the most fuel-efficient SUVs in the market. However, we will have to wait for the official EPA ratings.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Drivers always prefer a vehicle that combines space, comfort, and luxury. The Toyota Venza will offer a combination of these three features. The Venza will provide an optional electrochromic panoramic sunroof, which Toyota calls Star Gaze. The Star Gaze goes from transparent to opaque with a flip of a switch. The sunroof also comes with a sliding fabric for maximum light blockage.

The Venza offers either a 4.2-inch or seven-inch instrument cluster, a ten-inch color heads-up display, or a 12.3-inch touchscreen display that features Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and available navigation. It also comes with an optional Amazon Alexa, Google Assist, and Siri.

The Venza comes with a cargo capacity of 36.3 cubic feet behind the second row and weighs about 3,860 pounds in LE trim, 3,900 pounds in the XLE trim, and 3,920 pounds in the Limited trim. It offers rear legroom of 37.8 inches.

Safety

Like the RAV4 and the Highlander, The Venza comes with state-of-art safety technology features that enhance the driver's and passenger's safety. It comes with driver assistance technology, which features standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning that comes with lane-keeping assist, and standard adaptive cruise control that ensures safe distance with other cars on traffic. Other available features include parking automatic precision braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear-cross traffic alert and digital rearview mirror also found on the RAV4 and Highlander.

Trims Available

The Venza comes with three different trims, the LE, the XLE, and the Limited trim.

The LE trim comes on an 18-inch alloy wheel, a 4.2-inch multicolor information display (MID), a six-speaker audio system, and an eight-inch infotainment display.
The XLE offers a seven-inch MID and an option for nine-speaker JBL audio system, a ten-inch Head-Up Display, and a 12.3 infotainment screen.
The Limited Trim comes with JBL hi-fi and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen as standard. The Limited and XLE rides on 19-inch chrome multi-spoke wheel.

Available August 2020

The Venza will slot into Toyota SUV line up above the RAV4 and below Highlander when it arrives in August. Visit us from August at Lake Charles Toyota for a test drive and get a chance to meet our customer care team for more information.