Toyota reintroduces the Venza for 2021

[TiGeo]

Just another CUV-thing that looks like all the other CUV-things. Meh. The old ones was most definately NOT a station wagon by any reasonable definition.

 

[Zee09]

Looking at one today.

 

[Hogwash]

Stopped in at the dealer to pick up a serpentine belt for the Tacoma recently. Saw one on the showroom floor...sat in it too.

Meh......just a another bland SUV in the sea of 100s I see on the road everyday. I do like the Hybrid powertrain. But for the money I would probably gravitate towards something else. I'm not a big SUV guy anyway

 

[IveBeenRued]

We ended up going with the RAV4 Hybrid because it has 31% more trunk volume and you can get a true trailer hitch with the RAV4 unlike the “Activity Mount” on the Venza.

The Venza is much quieter on road but adding some insulation to the doors of my RAV4 only took an hour and made the difference negligible.

 

[AutoMechanic]

It’s nice but the Hybrid only is a deal breaker for me. I refuse to buy a hybrid.

 

[Zee09]

It’s nice but the Hybrid only is a deal breaker for me. I refuse to buy a hybrid.

Why?
Resale is usually less but to a person who leases it wouldn't be a big deal.
I think I know why but it ain't going to be a 20 year keeper anyway with todays tech

 

[AutoMechanic]

Why?
Resale is usually less but to a person who leases it wouldn't be a big deal.
I think I know why but it ain't going to be a 20 year keeper anyway with todays tech

You are right Jim. It’s just too modern for me and it has that darn push button start again that they can’t seem to stay away from. Definitely won’t be any on the road in years anyway. And I don’t like buying the first model year of something.

 

[Zee09]

You are right Jim. It’s just too modern for me and it has that darn push button start again that they can’t seem to stay away from. Definitely won’t be any on the road in years anyway. And I don’t like buying the first model year of something.

I figured but if you travel a bunch the hybrid really saves you.

 

[AutoMechanic]

I figured but if you travel a bunch the hybrid really saves you.

Yes my family can’t stay home. And we don’t believe in running cheap gas either lol.

 

[Zee09]

Yes my family can’t stay home. And we don’t believe in running cheap gas either lol.

There was a guy on here that did the Florida trip getting 69 mpg for the whole trip on a VW Diesel.
Than would turn me on.

 

[JeffKeryk]

Looking at one today.

Full report, please. People are always asking me about cars; this seems to be a winner. Toyota quality is a big plus.
Plus, I am not a fan of the RAV4 looks, but that's just me.

 

[wdn]

Even in the original Venza which I own and am driving today, the Venza was a tier above the RAV4. Larger and way more comfortable than a RAV4 of the same generation.

 

[Hogwash]

Even in the original Venza which I own and am driving today, the Venza was a tier above the RAV4. Larger and way more comfortable than a RAV4 of the same generation.

I never cared for the cheap feeling of the 1st gen Venza's interior. It also had a lot of squeaks and rattles. That was based on my experience with my friend's Venza anyway

 

[Hogwash]

And the current RAV4? Oof. Hard to get passed it's looks.

The refreshed Highlander looks decent. But like I said earlier....SUVs just aren't my thing

 

[supton]

Venza might be nice but no towing capacity. Does nothing for me.

 

[edyvw]

Reminds me of Cadillac Catera: It si for old people. Oh no, it is for young people.

 

[ryster]

Even in the original Venza which I own and am driving today, the Venza was a tier above the RAV4. Larger and way more comfortable than a RAV4 of the same generation.

The first gen Venza was built on the Camry platform. The RAV4 was on a different platform until about 2018. It makes sense that the original Venza was larger and a step up.

Toyota is now using variations of the same global platform for the Camry, RAV4, Venza, etc. The new Venza is basically a JDM car (Toyota Harrier) being sold in the US as a hybrid-only model. A lot more "premium" than the RAV4, but the more swept styling takes away from cargo capacity.

The new Venza is ideal for an older customer that wants a comfortable car to just drive around in on a daily basis. My parents are considering one to replace their 2nd generation Highlander. Simply because it is virtually the same size as their older Highlander, and they don't want a 3rd row seat. They have no interest in a RAV4 Hybrid because they view it more as a "trucky, kids car". The new Highlander has grown in size, and they don't want that either.

The new Venza is really plush inside. The Venza's glass roof is a total gimmick and a total waste of money. Not worth the $1400 Toyota charges for it.

 

[MrPlow]

What's the reason behind many of the newer vehicles having such small rear and side windows? Do they feel the camera systems make up for the reduced visibility? I would assume, the more metal and less glass in those areas probably helps them to be designed stronger for less weight, but I'm kind of old school and like looking out the windows.

 

[PimTac]

What's the reason behind many of the newer vehicles having such small rear and side windows? Do they feel the camera systems make up for the reduced visibility? I would assume, the more metal and less glass in those areas probably helps them to be designed stronger for less weight, but I'm kind of old school and like looking out the windows.

You answered your question. The safety systems and rear camera provide the visibility you need.

 

[ryster]

In reviewing the Venza forums online, owners are starting to report the same fueling issue that is affecting the RAV4 Hybrids. Makes sense since they share most of the same hybrid system components.

That is a total deal breaker. My parents, who had the 2021 Venza at the top of their shopping list, are crossing it off. They have no interest in making a $40K gamble that they may or may not have the fueling problem. Toyota acknowledges that "certain" 2019-2020 RAV4 Hybrids have an issue, but claim that it does not affect the 2021 Venza or 2021 RAV4 Hybrid. There are also 2019-2021 RAV4 Hybrid owners experiencing the fueling issue and being told by Toyota their VIN is not part of the problem and they do not have it (despite the owners not being able to refill their cars with more than 7-11 gallons from empty on a 14.5 gallon fuel tank.) Toyota's remedy is to install a new fuel tank and fuel sending unit on affected vehicles, however many owners that have had the repair done are claiming it did not solve the problem.

Some current model Highlander Hybrid owners are also starting to report fueling issues as well (unable to fill to almost full tank capacity from near empty.)