2023 Toyota Venza SUV

　　

2023 Toyota Venza Review

byAlex NishimotoCorrespondent

　　Alex Nishimoto has worked in the automotive industry since 2007. He was a staff writer for MotorTrend for 10 years and since then has contributed to CNET, PRI, AutoWise and other publications.

　　When the Toyota Venza re-emerged after six years off the market, it found itself in the highly competitive midsize SUV segment. Though it's not in the running for best in class, the Venza distinguishes itself from its competitors with an emphasis on style and fuel economy.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 Toyota Venza LE 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.06 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$99/mo  for Venza LE

　　Venza LE

　　LE 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) - $34,120 MSRPXLE 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) - $38,330 MSRPNightshade 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) - $39,455 MSRPLimited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) (Most Popular) - $42,265 MSRP

　　vs

　　$183/mo

　　Avg. Midsize SUV

　　Built on the same platform as the popular RAV4, the Venza is more than 5 inches longer and features a sleek profile thanks to a sloping roofline and sharp rear end design. The Venza is also offered as a hybrid only, packing the same 219-horsepower gas-electric setup as the RAV4 Hybrid. Inside, the Venza offers a stylish, tech-rich cabin that looks and feels luxurious.

　　For 2023, Toyota is adding a new Nightshade Edition based on the XLE model but with blacked-out accents and additional equipment. All Venzas receive Toyota's latest infotainment software, and the upgraded 12.3-inch touchscreen previously only available on the Limited is now standard on the XLE as well.

　　The Venza competes with other midsize offerings like the Honda Passport, Subaru Outback and Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, but unfortunately, it can't hang with its rivals when it comes to cargo space. Still, if you want an SUV that gets great mileage and looks good doing it, the Venza might be for you. Check out our test team's exhaustive Expert Rating below to learn all about the 2023 Toyota Venza.

　　Please note that the following rating was conducted on a pre-2023 Venza. We'll update the score once we test the RAV4's latest touchscreen.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Good

　　7.8

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

7.5/10

　　How does the Venza drive? The specs for the Venza's four-cylinder hybrid powertrain don't look like much on paper, but this SUV is adequately quick in real-world acceleration. In zzdcar' testing it covered 0-60 mph in 7.6 seconds. That's a second behind the Honda Passport but quicker than a V6 Jeep Grand Cherokee.

　　The Venza's handling doesn't quite match its sporty looks, but it is tidy and confident as you go around turns. When you're just commuting around town, Toyota's mastery of blending gas and electric power shows through and the Venza delivers smooth and virtually lag-free acceleration.

　　

Comfort

8.0/10

　　How comfortable is the Venza? Toyota paid special attention to dialing up the comfort level in the Venza. The cabin is well insulated from the sounds of the outside environment, and the engine doesn't have the annoying drone that it does in the RAV4 Hybrid. The Venza also delivers excellent ride comfort, feeling more like a Lexus in the way it dispatches bumps and handles highway dips.

　　The front seats are both comfortable and supportive. Our Limited trim test vehicle featured front seats with heat and ventilation, but we didn't find the seat ventilation to be all that effective. Thankfully, the dual-zone climate control provides more than adequate cooling. Rear passengers have pretty comfortable seats as well, with reclining seatbacks and climate control vents to ensure good air flow.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below