Toyota Venza
The Toyota Venza is a midsize two-row SUV with seating for five adults. It was intended as an upscale alternative to the family-oriented Toyota Highlander or RAV4 models. The Venza is a bit more luxurious than Toyota’s other midprice SUVs, and the second row is more spacious than the three-row Highlander and the smaller RAV4.
The Venza was produced in two generations separated by a six-year hiatus in production. The second-generation Venza was available only with a hybrid driveline, while the first generation used a conventional gasoline engine.
Explore the evolution of the Toyota Venza
Get our expert take on used Toyota Venza models, or view year-by-year changes.
Second generation Toyota Venza
The second-generation Venza is a hybrid midsize SUV with all-wheel drive provided by a rear-axle electric motor. The Venza is based on the compact RAV4 hybrid, but it's upsized to provide a spacious two-row, near-premium SUV experience. The Venza also provides a more luxurious alternative to the family-oriented Toyota Highlander SUV. However, the sportier sloped roof line on the Venza reduces available cargo space to 28.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats, or 55.1 cubic feet with the seats down.
With the hybrid driveline, the Venza returns an EPA-estimated combined 39 mpg
, well above competing SUVs without a hybrid system. The Venza is also noted for its plush interior, among the best in the Toyota lineup. The newest model years of the Venza offer a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system and onboard GPS navigation. Optionally, the Venza offers an automatic sunroof that turns from clear to opaque at the push of a button.Model highlights
Hybrid powertrain
Seating for five adults
Luxury interior
Available high-tech sunroof
Available 12.3-inch infotainment screen
First generation Toyota Venza
The first-generation Toyota Venza was closer to a station wagon than to a modern crossover SUV, but it offered a more luxurious interior than other Toyota SUVs. The Venza was marketed to small families and empty-nest adults as a premium but still economical alternative to other SUVs.
The first-generation Venza came equipped with a gasoline engine of either four or six cylinders, with an automatic transmission and available all-wheel drive. The Venza provides seating for five adults, with adult-friendly legroom and headroom in the second row. The Venza was updated for the 2013 model year, with a refreshed look and the Toyota Entune® multimedia infotainment system.
Model highlights
Available V6 engine
Available all-wheel drive
Seating for five adults
Reclining rear seats
Changes by year
Latest generation from 2021 - 2024
2024 Toyota Venza
2023 Toyota Venza
Highlights
Updated infotainment system
Expanded 12.3-inch touchscreen availability
New Nightshade Edition debuted
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2022 Toyota Venza
2021 Toyota Venza
Highlights
First year for all-new hybrid SUV
Larger than RAV4 and smaller than Highlander
Four-cylinder engine with standard hybrid drivetrain
Designed for upscale buyers
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Previous generation from 2009 - 2015
2015 Toyota Venza
Highlights
Final year of production for this generation
Rearview camera system added
Standard tow package on V6 models
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2014 Toyota Venza
2013 Toyota Venza
Highlights
Updated styling
Standard touchscreen infotainment system with Entune®
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2012 Toyota Venza
2011 Toyota Venza
2010 Toyota Venza
2009 Toyota Venza
Looking for 2012 models or older?
CarMax only sells 2013 models and newer. But no matter the year, we'll happily buy your car.
Reliability
RepairPal gave the Toyota Venza an overall reliability rating of 4 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Excellent. This rating ranks Toyota Venza 5th out of 32 among Midsize SUVs.
RepairPal reports that the average total annual cost for repairs and maintenance on a Toyota Venza is $374, compared to an average of $494 for Midsize SUVs and $591 for all the vehicles RepairPal considered in its dataset.
According to RepairPal, Toyota Venza owners bring their vehicles into a repair shop for unscheduled repairs an average of 0.7 times per year, compared to an average of 1.0 times for Midsize SUVs and 1.3 times for all the vehicles RepairPal considered in its dataset.
RepairPal reported that the probability of a repair being a severe or major issue is 11% for the Toyota Venza, compared to an average of 14% for Midsize SUVs and 14% for all the vehicles RepairPal considered in its dataset.
Jeff Zurschmeide has been an automotive journalist for more than 20 years, covering the new car business as well as motorsports and industry news. He lives in Tillamook, Oregon, at the confluence of great roads, nice weather, and plenty of space for a collection of strange old automobiles.
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