An elegant non-SUV in appearance and driving experience, the 2022 Toyota Venza hybrid crossover excels in quiet, seamless efficiency. The Venza is a small hybrid crossover, offering seating for five and standard all-wheel drive. It competes with vehicles like Toyota’s own RAV4, the Subaru Forester, and the Honda CR-V. The Toyota Venza remains unchanged for the year 2022.
While sharing some mechanical components with the angular RAV4, the Venza showcases a sleek, sculpted design and a more luxurious interior. The Venza exudes a sophisticated form reminiscent of Lexus. The sharp lines of the 4Runner and RAV4 have been replaced with smooth edges and flowing curves. Without the Lexus signature grille, the shape features a soft wedge and a rear reminiscent of a coupe, giving off a bold yet refined impression. Toyota adds subtle touches of chrome and stylish polished wheels, but overall, the Venza aims to provide a calming driving experience.
The Venza prioritizes passenger comfort. Toyota aims for impressive fuel efficiency with the 2022 Venza, while ensuring that acceleration and handling are not compromised. Featuring a hybrid 2.5-liter inline-4 engine, the Venza produces a combined output of 219 horsepower; one of the system’s three motors drives the rear wheels, offering a unique take on all-wheel drive. The result is a smooth acceleration from 0-60 mph in around seven seconds, seamless integration of gasoline and electric power, and a leisurely acceleration feel due to the gearless transmission optimizing economy.
The braking system shows some lack of precision as well: gentle on application, the Venza first engages regenerative braking before activating the conventional brakes. While the transition is smooth, it is noticeable. All Venza models come equipped with all-wheel drive. Notably, the Venza’s navigation system automatically selects the most efficient routes, favoring controlled acceleration and gradual inclines.
The Venza’s ride quality benefits from Lexus-inspired suspension tuning. Sharing a similar setup with the RAV4 in terms of hardware, the Venza receives softer springs and shock absorbers, enabling more body lean in corners and better absorption of rough road surfaces. The sporty edge has been toned down. While not particularly thrilling to drive, it offers consistent capability and comfort. The EPA provides favorable fuel economy ratings for the Venza, as expected from a hybrid model. It boasts EPA estimates of 40 mpg city, 37 mpg highway, and 39 mpg combined.
The Venza offers strong protection for passengers. Following rigorous crash testing, the Venza has demonstrated its exceptional safety performance. It achieves top scores in both crash-test evaluations. The NHTSA awards it four stars overall for front-impact protection, but the combination of all scores results in a five-star overall rating. The IIHS designates it as a Top Safety Pick, with “Good” ratings across all subtests.
Every Venza includes standard features like automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitors, active lane control, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features such as parking sensors, a head-up display, and a surround-view camera system prove to be helpful in enhancing rear visibility, especially affected by the unique roofline design.
The Venza’s compact cabin incorporates higher-quality materials compared to the RAV4. The interior features door and dashboard panels as well as the center console covered in synthetic leather, while the steering wheel and gear shifter are wrapped in genuine leather, all accented with contrasting stitching and piping. The overall ambiance is elegant and noticeably quiet.
The Venza offers a concise lineup of three models, each well-equipped with user-friendly infotainment systems and a comprehensive list of standard features, making it a compelling choice. While the warranty coverage is standard, the available options are limited. The Venza LE, priced at $33,885, offers power amenities, a 6-speaker audio system, cloth upholstery, LED headlights, a power driver’s seat, 18-inch wheels, a hands-free tailgate, an 8.0-inch touchscreen, and support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
At $37,415, the Venza XLE adds synthetic leather upholstery, heated front seats, and unlocks additional options such as a head-up display and a dual-panel sunroof. The Venza Limited, priced at $41,215, features synthetic leather upholstery, navigation, a surround-view camera system, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, and a premium 9-speaker JBL audio system. The Venza is backed by an average warranty of 3 years/36,000 miles.
The 2022 Toyota Venza stands out as a distinctive departure from traditional boxy SUVs. With its sleek design, efficient hybrid powertrain with standard all-wheel drive, and advanced technology, the Venza offers a refined environment for both passengers and the surroundings. While the Venza impresses with its upscale appearance and sophisticated driving dynamics, the RAV4 appeals with a more rugged style and slightly more interior space. Regardless of your choice, Toyota has you covered.
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