This is the sweetest vehicle I’ve ever owned. By far the best high end Toyota. Not to mention if you drive it right you get more and more mpg . I see mine going up.
I off roaded one of these in Utah last year. Did fine on back dirt roads and even crossed a few small streams. Got good mileage and I really liked all the info on the screens. It's not a 4runner or wrangler, but definitely better than a sedan.
I think your channel should have more subscribers. I feel that your review has a healthy balance on your opinion and stats of vehicle. Your AWD tests are easy to understand and fun to watch. Keep up your good work!
The more awd stuff this channel does, the better. The more technical the explanations get, the better. I don't mind if he spends the whole video taking apart a center differential and the rear differential clutch packs 😂
I just dropped my FJ for a 2011 Venza. Such a step up in ride comfort and fuel efficiency. I would love one of these new Venzas, just can’t justifiably spend $36k for ANY car. If I want off-road fun, I just drop the top on my 04 Wrangler.
I also had a 2013 Venza, loved it! I totaled it in 2018 and was heartbroken that they were no longer made... until now! Bought a 2021 venza this last august. I really like it but not in love with it like the older version.
I love my 2022 Venza!! Slick, sexy, mature and so economical!! Best gas mileage ever. It’s super quiet and unlike some hybrids that jump and jerk in between EV and power it’s absolutely seamless.
I just bought one last Saturday, the LE model (basic) loving it so far. very quiet comfortable ride plus I'm getting over 45mpg city driving. Great review! definitely helped me with my buying decision lol.
Well-done review, very through. You have a new subscriber. We have a 2010 Venza with 140K miles, and it is the most reliable vehicle ever. This one looks good and since we never go off road, it has all we would ever need.
I own a 2011 Red Toyota Venza AWD which I purchased new and it now has 96,000 miles on it. Toyota discontinued the Venza around 2015/16 I believe. Okay I'm the empty nester and no off roading..ha ha ha. I live in one of the snowiest cities in the USA about 122" average per year. My Venza never got stuck in the snow nor does it slide around. I have put off purchasing a new car for about 2 years now because I love my Venza so much.!! This is the longest I have kept a car in my life. The Venza has been a good car no maintenance issues, just normal stuff, tires, battery, brakes. In hindsight I got a 4 cyl and wish I had opted for the 6 cylinder. I am over joyed that there is a new Venza for 2021, if this new Hybrid is as good as my old one, I'm running to the dealership.
This far exceeded my expectations in terms of capability. I was expecting it to really struggle off-road and am pleasantly surprised to see it do well. While I do still believe that Toyota needs to up the power output from the rear, I'm glad to see that each time they tweak it they are making more and more progress with how much it's able to assist the front wheels.
I just bought the 2021 Venza Ltd model this past weekend and I love it! It has Great gas mileage and so many features. Is AWD and drives smooth too. So nice.
@@flandrescarlet486 I heard they do well, but I personally do not know. I'm currently living in the desert southwest. It does very well in the heat. When I bought it, it was only mildly cold weather.
I live in the Midwest and have no issues with it and the cold weather. I hope that's helpful. My mom and I both bought the Limited trim line and really like it.
I have watched this video several times before and since getting our Venza Limited. Your video made us feel like we made a good choice in choosing the Venza. It was honest and focused on the capabilities of the Venza rather than just the surface stuff like most reviews. We are loving our Venza (since August 21) and getting amazing gas mileage compared to our last car (2006 Acura TSX). Thank you for making this and all the great videos you make.
Man I have been waiting for this kind of review of the Venza! great stuff. I have this new Venza and every reviewer has shown me the quirks and features and the stuff i already know but this is great to see the Venza off road! thanks for this! Subscribed!
Do a RU-vid search on the Toyota Harrier ( only sold in Japan and other SE Asian countries with right hand drive) that's what the Venza is based on. I like the Harrier and I like this Venza. Good review.
Just got one, same color, even the base LE has so many tech feature that most top level trims will not have. Pretty happy ! It will do offroad just don't overdo it
Lovely design but here are some concerns. 1. It's larger than a RAV4 but smaller on the inside. 2. Less headroom than a RAV4, and even less with the sunroof. 3. No volume knob on the larger 10" screen. 4. The rear turn signal lights are integrated into the bumper and are too low. 5. Offer it as a plug-in hybrid. 6. Would prefer a moonroof (opens to the elements) than a sunroof with the glass that frosts on/ off. 7. Three inches shorter than the old Venza.
I welcome another fuel efficient model to market but, in comparison, the #RAV4 Hybrid looks like a better deal every day. The cheaper price of the RAV4 and larger cargo/passenger space make it hard to resist. Once again, Toyota's Hybrid AWD system exceeds expectations. With an upgrade in rear electric motor power and a software adjustment, they have the makings of a very fine Hybrid AWD system with more rear wheel bias.
I agree with you, while it seem that it handle the rock hill much better without much wheel spin then regular RAV4 Hybrid, it is a better buy for cargo practicality and price. It also a good choice for a small young family. The RAv4 Hybrid is still on my list but COVID-19 keep me from try to get one at present.
@@Kburd-wr6dq I think that is just a misinformation by reviewers. There is no power to be sent to the rear. Rear has an independent motor - so it is 100%. But that 100% is only 50ish HP.
Well i see these with a harrier badge and i can tell you ,they are really realible even in the most uncertain conditions ,great review,you have you a new sub
Well, as an owner of a 1st Gen Venza who may soon be looking for a newer vehicle, the new Venza is a sweet, sweet surprise. I like most of what I'm seeing and I would like a hybrid, so, the new Venza just jumped up into the top tier of vehicles for me to lok at. More expensive then I'd like, but I would prolly look for a slightly used one to save myself some coin. I wait with bated breath for the long-tern reviews! - Note: I'd never do what he was doing, although snow and a few gravel forest roads would be in the Venza's future. - Note2: Angle of attack makes a big difference on the last slick hill test, and I have my doubts about the consistency of your tests, but, the fact that she pulled it off was a little impressive!
I've watched many reviews in the past week, and this review it the best I've seen. I am one of those folks who are comparing the Venza with the RAV 4 and the Outback Onyx. Looking forward to your review of the 2021 Subaru Outback Onyx (it has the turbo engine) and the 2021 Subaru Legacy with the turbo engine. Zero to 60 is a number that tells me how the vehicle will merge onto a busy highway using a short on-ramp. But how about passing ability? Please run some tests for passing ability such as 40 mph to 60 mph, 40 to 70, 50 to 70.
Well this new Venza and new Sienna have 3 motor on the AWD so they can get more torwue and grip during snow or mud thn the RAV4 Hybrid with 2 motor on the rear compare to the new Venza and new Sienna. Nice improvement Toyota. I hope you guys continues to do so. Thank you Toyota.
I feel like the Venza should have received the up-tuned 243 hp hybrid system from the Highlander and Sienna to differentiate it more from the RAV4 hybrid. Wonder what the holdback is?
I really enjoy your reviews. Very through and informative and you have a natural knack for presentation. You concentrate more of what's important to the adult market as opposed to others where they spend ¾ the video talking about styling and the infotainment system. I do PDI on Toyotas and we recently got 3 of these Venzas. To me, they are much more pleasant to drive than the RAV4. Being made in Japan, PDI is just standard procedure and on the lot it goes. No quality issues whatsoever.
I’m considering one I’m just concerned with the AWD. I’m coming from a 2016 Outback limited that is a beast in snow and rain with all seasons. I realize I would lose space but from my research it sounds like it drives nice. I will miss a moon roof. I would be interested in a limited.
Great presentation 👍 It's nice to see, that Toyota is heading in the direction of Lexus, because I HATE the current Lexus faces and the infotainment control. Also you get more tech with a cheaper price tag. Of course the insulation is not as good and some luxury features are missing compare to Lexus. But why would they trash there own luxury brand. Toyota is heading in a bright future. MNo more boring cars!
a really great video. Nice to see a review that is more than a drive on perfect highway condition. I love the venza, but I am a little nervous as we are very active with outdoor activity, including some off roading. nothing crazy, but to get to some hiking trails you do have to go on dirt service access roads. also, I am a little concerned about the bike rake capability. it has a maximum of 110ibs which should work for our 2 bikes. But it is unclear to me the potential impact of the hands free hack lift.
In Japan Harrier (USA Venza) is not advertised as a competition of RAV4, but as a city-style SUV. It is in between RAV4 and Lexus RX. I think the reason only hybrid is available in the North America is that Toyota assumes low sales and didn't want to develop AT version. Harrier in Japan comes with direct shift CVT (DCVT) and 2.0l NA engine. The same setup as the Japanese version of RAV4 is. I also think you were wrong with the competition of this gen Venza - what you mentioned is the competition of Highlander - a "square" vehicle that supposed to be functional. Harrier in Japan doesn't sell as functional or "off-roady". It sells and cheap Lexus that is good to take for golf for people who live in the city who do not have enough money to buy a Lexus. There is plenty of them in Japan and I might buy used one previous gen - 2.0l turbo with 6-speed AT and AWD ;). I assumed Toyota was told many times, by me as well, to offer Harrier outside of Japan as it quite a good value for money for people who want more luxury but do not need a Lexus. It will sell in Japan and EU. ;)
The competition we listed is exactly who Toyota said was their competition for the vehicle in the USA. I agree that Passport is a weird one to compare - but it is Honda’s 2-row mid-size. And they are calling the Venza a mid-size, so here we are.
@@drivingsports Marketing people are so strange. How they can sell different stories in different countries for the same product and still expect to be taken seriously? ;)
@@rightlanehog3151 It is especially silly that Harrier is a car made specifically for the Japanese market and it is a "city style SUV". I have nothing against that. It is a high quality vehicle for specific types of people. It is definitely not a competition for Honda Passport ;) BTW: the reason I know so much about that car is because I am planning to purchase a 2013 model - before it went all "cute". It is an ugly and robust SUV with a decent trunk ;)
I just wish toyota and most companies would not put the lcd screen so high up. I so prefer how the screen is large and lowered in the Subaru Outback. Perfect.
Love the video. Entertaining yet informative. Would love to see a comparison video between the Honda passport and this Venza though if there will be a 2020 Passport
The gasoline model Rav4 does amazing offroad, i have watched some videos. Not 4 runner good, but very decent. Hybrid is meant to save you on fuel, and does that well.
Dissappointed that the roofline is so low. .. Seems like every newer Suv/crossover the roofline is made lower. The main reason I went to the SUV years ago was the HIGHER roofline and the excellent visibility that comes with it.. With better visibility you see better (for safety) and the overall driving experience is improved - not to mention improved comfort.
Cars with an open differential struggle with traction on slippery sections “full send or use momentum” Cars that put down brakes “also open differential ” on a slipping wheel are alright for flat surfaces But on hills even with a extra throttle the future will slow you down. I would go with a limited slip differential “locks the differential when the wheels are slipping” Or a lockable differential
Subaru better start stepping it up, they are under-fire big time in the crossover adventure vehicle market. Most major brands are getting close enough with their awd systems and ground clearance to give them a run for their money. The Bronco sport is going to launch soon and it seems to have a decent offering.
I wholeheartedly agree with the logic of your statement. Strangely, Subaru has a cult-like grip on their customers so don't expect diminished 'Subie' sales anytime soon. As long as Ford Motor Company is building those Bronco Sports to their usual 'standards', Toyota has nothing to fear.
@@rightlanehog3151 I should also clarify that I am a Subaru fanboy to a degree. I own a 98 Forester (with overlanding mods) and very much still like their products. I think Subarus are still competitive but I don't know for how long.
@@mattmers To be fair, Subaru pioneered AWD in affordable passenger cars. They continues to make safety as well as visibility a priority in their designs and actually succeed in selling a wagon. They deserve credit for all those things but they simply cannot compete with Toyota in long term QDR and fuel efficiency. I will be very curious to see how Subaru meets CAFE standards going forward. With Toyota owning a large chunk of Subaru, I continually expect more TMC components to turn up in Subaru vehicles but it never seems to happen. :)
The Bronco sport is a totally different breed. Watch this ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-sjVTmjV6Y70.html minute 6:22 It’s will destroy its rivals.
Toyota really needs to come up with a new and sophisticated AWD system like Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive, Acura's SH-AWD, and Hyundai's H-TRAC.
I guess everyone wants a completely generic looking crossover. I wish they had made a sleek awd wagon- that would really stand out from the field and be more like its predecessor, but I guess it wouldn’t sell.
Toyota make lots of wagons for other markets. Their AWD Corolla Hybrid wagon would be very practical. Considering the fact it is built in the same factory that supplies our Hybrid Corolla sedan and Corolla hatch, we should at least be able to 'special order' them.
What's funny about the GPS is that in Japan is the same thing, it hasn't changed in ages and you even see it in taxis all over Tokyo. This car when they meant it was made in Japan they were serious! lol.
I like Toyota vehicles so far they are very reliable vehicle this Venza design much better than previous boxy wagon design at the mean time Toyota must do update on 2022 versions 1: For the drivers who are 5'10" and over if they drive long hours or stuck in traffic will feel very uncomfortable on sitting driver seat and may feel leg pain they must add manual or power thigh support like German vehicle even now some Buick models have it 2: Touch system some times in cold weather will not respond and may confuse the driver and take off his eyes off from the vehicle , A/C Heating power on off, control buttons will have to update with semi touch system as like Buick or Cardilac with led light indication 3: Back side signal indicators they should add one more under the tail lights aswell for the vehicle safety during the day driver from other vehicle may not see and cause accident 4 : Inside the vehicle power start button is too far for driver to bend down to search to press Let's hope Toyota will update
Mid July there is no snow in the PNW? Not true, I'm looking at Mt. Baker right now and it's covered in the white stuff. You could have found some snow in the mountains to test if you put in the effort.
I have the 2011 - 8.1” here for mine. But the real kicker for me - this one gets 40mpg, nothing our early models can approach. I’m averaging 19 around town and 24 highway...and I drive like a little old man. 😂
@@m1cajah This new one is much smaller than your genuine Venza and yours will probably serve you well for another decade. When your Venza is due for replacement around 2030, cars should run on CO2 and emit oxygen from their tailpipes. BTW I like to think that I am the slowest driver commenting on RU-vid, in August I reached 40 years without a speeding ticket ;-)
I would like to see a comparison video between this and the Outback; it seems like consumers are more likely to cross shop these two. I'm unimpressed by the Venza, honestly. It's basically a stretched out RAV4.
Funny thing is, RAV4 is going to be its stiffest competition. Unless a customer really wants a softer ride and willing to pay extra thousands of dollars. I'm going with RAV4 prime.
Toyota says the new Venza has up to 80% of system power to the rear wheels. Seems like a lot? But hey maybe that’s true! The Venza has a standard lithium ion battery, so maybe that helps. Also the 2021 rav4 will now get the lithium battery as well
Just saw it today it is relatively tight for my 6ft 270lb frame. Especially since jumping into it from my 2019 Forester. The LE is pretty loaded though.
If the rear wheels are solely powered by the electric motor, then not much off roaring can be done. Because you will run out of juice pretty quickly. And I hope I am wrong, I hope the gas powered engine also powers the rear wheels when needed.
early in the video, sport mode is pointed out as less wheel spin/loss of traction but continues to test the car offroad in normal (with more wheel spin). o_0
The good thing is that Toyota CVT transmissions are not plagued with issues like other manufacturers. Although,like you, I prefer a normal automatic transmission.I would prefer a proper manual transmission but thats just me...
@@James-il3tq that is correct. That mitigates the common issue with CVT transmissions as getting the vehicle started from a dead stop puts the most strain on the transmission. Once it gets moving it shifts into the CVT ⚙. This is why Toyota does not have issues with the CVT in there cars/ crossovers.
It is a theory... but breaking front wheels will mean more electric power to the rear..... at least in Prius by breaking and accelerating it was possible to recharge the battery
I am from Japan, even though I ordered Harrier (Venza) HV model in last sep, it has not been marked in the product line in Japan, as estimated the delivery date on the order form, it indicated in the middle of March 21. I do not know how long USA side needs to wait, but Toyota production plan is very awful.
