Too bad the new connect software is just horrible, no split screen no cool features within the software it’s just so basic and crude, other manufacturers blow Toyota away with the features embedded in their software. I have a 2023 venza limited and in two years if Toyota does not up their drive connect software with features and capabilities I will pass on Toyota, totally disappointed with just a big Google map or just the radio. The heads up display is super basic, most companies include a BSM alert within the HUD as well as other features. Wake up TOYOTA
Can someone clarify what does it mean by EV mode in this (Toyota in general) vehicle? I want to know in daily rush hour traffic when frequent stop-and-go driving takes place, does the EV mode allow the vehicle to start moving from stop using the electric motors only (assuming the batteries have enough charge)?
It forces vehicle to disable engine and use ev mode only but only really useful in parking lots. The engine will automatically come on when battery is low or if you accelerate too quickly. Most of the time that button is redundant because the vehicle stays in ev mode automatically whenever the conditions allowed. You won't need to engage this in stop and go traffic, otherwise you'll go crazy with ev mode being disabled when you try to accelerate just a little bit quicker. Just accelerate gently during stop and go and you'll see vehicle engage in ev mode with engine turned off whenever possible
Very true what Jiayaw said. The vehicle has gone all electric at 30,40 and 60 moh depending on whatever the software decides. Pure electric mode is a useless feature unless you are in the drive thru or maybe around the parking lot. Otherwise just put it in eco mode and it'll do it for you for the most part. I'm getting a consistent 41mpg in eco mode. High as 42.7 moh on a tank of gas.
@tomasso883 it will decide if you press pedal too much or if battery charge state is too low but it will force it to stay ev mode as long as possible compared to normal driving mode. However it's not really practical to use in most cases. My use case is because my parking is on the 7th floor, I don't need to engine running to charge the battery right from the beginning as I'll be descending down and car can charge a bit while going down, so I'll force ev mode to ensure car doesn't start engine yet until later on. Otherwise not much use case for it to be honest as you can engage ev mode as long as you are light on the throttle
