It is perhaps not that unusual for a nameplate to return after a multi-year absence, but it is unusual for it to return as an all-wheel-drive hybrid. That害羞草研究所檚 right, there is no non-hybrid version of the 2021 Toyota Venza.
That害羞草研究所檚 a bold move, unless you think the same way Toyota does: That hybrids and not necessarily battery-electric vehicles are where it害羞草研究所檚 at. For now, at least. In fact, the redesigned Sienna minivan is also hybrid only.
The redesigned Venza is noticeably smaller than its predecessor, which naturally translates into less cargo volume, with the rear-seatback either upright or folded flat. The distance between the front and rear wheels is actually the same as that of the RAV4.
Whether you take a shine to the exterior styling 害羞草研究所� which seems almost Lexus-like 害羞草研究所� the passenger environment is something quite special. It害羞草研究所檚 incredibly elegant and understated.
The 8.0- and available 12.3-inch touch-screens are easily viewed, however there害羞草研究所檚 a mild learning curve to the controls.
On the plus side, the Venza uses a traditional console shifter instead of dials or switches for gear/direction selection.
The standard all-wheel-drive hybrid system consists of a 176-horsepower 2.5-litre four-cylinder and three electric motors (including one supplying power to the rear wheels) for a net output of 219 horsepower and 163 pound-feet of torque. That害羞草研究所檚 a bit light to handle the Venza害羞草研究所檚 1,770-kilogram heft but the electric motors do provide significant low-speed power. It害羞草研究所檚 only when accelerating to higher speeds that the modest power rating is quite glaring. The transmission is a continuously variable unit with selectable Normal, Eco and Sport drive modes.
What the Venza might lack in outright performance, it makes up for in fuel economy. The hybrid system is rated at 5.9 l/100 km in the city, 6.4 on the highway and 6.1 combined. That害羞草研究所檚 better than any non-hybrid competitor by a wide margin. An animated display between the driver害羞草研究所檚 gauges indicates when the hybrid is in electric mode and when the regenerative braking system is operating.
The lithium-ion battery pack is beneath the rear seat so it doesn害羞草研究所檛 interfere with cargo stowage or passenger room.
When launching from a dead stop or in slippery/icy road conditions, all-wheel-drive sends up to 80 per cent of the system害羞草研究所檚 torque to the rear wheels. In normal steady-state cruising, 100 per cent of the hybrid害羞草研究所檚 power is sent to the front wheels. When cornering, light braking pressure is applied to the inside rear wheel to slow it down (a form of yaw control), which helps the Venza turn with less understeer and therefore more stability.
Venza pricing starts at $40,350, including destination charges, which compares with $34,350 for the RAV4 hybrid LE and $47,500 for the larger Highlander hybrid that has three rows of seats.
The base Venza LE comes with a decent degree of content, such as a power driver害羞草研究所檚 seat, interior ambient lighting, wireless phone charging, hands-free power liftgate and a six-speaker audio system. You also get most of Toyota害羞草研究所檚 active-safety technology and driver-assist features.
The XLE adds roof rails, front- and rear-parking assist, heated and ventilated power front seats, auto-dimming rearview mirror and fancier interior/exterior trim.
Along with the 12.3-inch touch screen, the Limited arrives with a 360-degree surround-view camera, puddle lights (to illuminate the ground when the doors are opened), heated and cooled front seats, heated steering wheel and a nine-speaker, 1,200-watt JBL-brand audio package.
Optional for the Limited is the stunning and mesmerizing Star Gaze panoramic glass roof that can go from clear to frosted and back, as needed, at the press of a button.
If you害羞草研究所檙e in need of cavernous cargo capacity with off-road capability, then other Toyota are likely better suited to your needs. But with all-weather versatility combined with upscale looks and content, the reconstituted fuel-sipping Venza is a definite contender.
What you should know: 2021 Toyota Venza
Type: Four-door, all-wheel-drive midsize hatchback/wagon
Engine (h.p.): 2.5-litre DOHC I-4 and three electric motors (219)
Transmission: Continuously variable (CVT)
Market position: Toyota has revived the Venza name and the general shape as an addition to the company害羞草研究所檚 range of utility vehicles. Making a hybrid power team and all-wheel-drive standard is rare.
Points: A modern interpretation of the Venza is as good looking as the original 害羞草研究所� Standard hybrid system plus AWD is a gutsy move, but Toyota has indicated that hybrids are where it害羞草研究所檚 at, ahead of new battery electrics 害羞草研究所� Horsepower and torque output is on the modest side, but thrifty fuel consumption should make up for any perceived shortfall. 害羞草研究所� A wide assortment of standard active-safety tech.
Active safety: Blind-spot warning with cross-traffic backup alert (std.); active cruise control (std.); front and rear emergency braking (std.); lane-departure warning (std.); pedestrian/bicycle detection (std.)
L/100 km (city/hwy): 40/37
Base price (incl. destination): $40,350
BY COMPARISON
Honda Passport
- Base price: $45,500
- Shorter version of the Pilot comes with a 280-h.p. V-6. AWD is standard.
Chevrolet Blazer AWD
- Base price: $42,000
- Good-looking model seats five people and offers a choice of three engines.
VW Atlas Cross Sport
- Base price: $41,000
- Atlas offshoot comes with a turbo 235-h.p. I-4 or optional 276-h.p. V-6. AWD is std.
害羞草研究所� written by Malcom Gunn, Managing Partner at Wheelbase Media
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