Attractive? Check. Hybrid economy? Check. Surprisingly nice interior? Check. The 2022 Toyota Venza is back, and it’s making a strong case as one of Toyota’s most compelling vehicles. Revived after a brief hiatus, the Venza shares its underpinnings with the RAV4 Hybrid but carves out its own niche with a focus on style, comfort, and impressive fuel efficiency. Let’s dive into what makes this hybrid SUV stand out in a crowded market.
What Makes the 2022 Toyota Venza a Standout SUV?
The 2022 Toyota Venza, especially in the Limited trim, delivers a premium experience that will satisfy a wide range of buyers. While Toyota’s design language can be polarizing, the Venza hits the mark with its sleek and sophisticated aesthetics. It’s a genuinely attractive vehicle, boasting smooth lines and a refined silhouette. In fact, the Venza’s exterior styling leans towards luxury, drawing comparisons to Lexus SUVs, and arguably surpassing them in visual appeal.
The upscale design continues inside the cabin. Sweeping lines and high-quality materials, including soft-touch leather, create a comfortable and inviting environment. While some switchgear maintains Toyota’s pragmatic approach, and the infotainment screen might appear slightly dated to some, the overall interior quality is a step above the RAV4 Limited. The focus here is clearly on comfort and a touch of refinement, making the 2022 Venza a pleasant place to spend time.
As expected from a modern Toyota, the 2022 Venza comes well-equipped with features. Heated and cooled seats, a panoramic sunroof, Apple CarPlay, a bird’s eye view camera, and a head-up display are all available, enhancing both convenience and safety. These features are competitive within its class, ensuring buyers get a vehicle packed with desirable technology. The tested 2022 Toyota Venza Limited reached a total price of $44,655, reflecting its premium features and trim level.
One of the most compelling aspects of the 2022 Toyota Venza is its exceptional fuel economy. Achieving an average of 35 MPG during a week-long test drive is remarkable for a vehicle of this size. This impressive efficiency underscores the advancements in Toyota’s hybrid technology. For drivers hesitant to embrace fully electric vehicles, the Venza presents a compelling and practical hybrid alternative, offering significant fuel savings without the need for charging infrastructure.
Driving enthusiasts might find the 2022 Toyota Venza less engaging, prioritizing comfort and ease of driving over dynamic performance. However, for Toyota’s target demographic, this is likely a positive attribute. The Venza is designed for comfortable and reliable transportation, excelling in everyday driving scenarios. Its strengths lie in its smooth ride, fuel efficiency, and user-friendly driving dynamics. The steering is light and responsive, and the vehicle tracks straight and true on the highway, making it an ideal Toyota for those seeking hassle-free motoring.
Areas for Improvement in the 2022 Toyota Venza
While the 2022 Toyota Venza excels in many areas, there are a few minor drawbacks. From a driver’s perspective, the Venza is not built for spirited driving. Its focus is on comfortable commuting and daily errands rather than thrilling performance.
Inside the cabin, the placement of the start/stop button feels like an afterthought, tucked away in a storage cubby. This awkward positioning also affects the wireless phone charging pad located in the same compartment, making it slightly cumbersome to access your phone.
Acceleration is adequate but not exhilarating, with a 0-60 MPH time just over eight seconds. While this is quicker than some competitors like the VW Tiguan, the RAV4 Hybrid, sharing the same powertrain, is slightly faster. Compared to the RAV4, the 2022 Venza offers less interior space, particularly in the rear seats and cargo area. While still suitable for adults, the rear seats and cargo capacity are not as generous as its sibling. The Venza’s sloping roofline, contributing to its stylish appearance, does compromise cargo volume. It’s a sufficiently sized vehicle, but falls slightly short of some alternatives in terms of outright space.
The price point of the 2022 Toyota Venza is also marginally higher than a similarly equipped RAV4 Hybrid Limited, reflecting its added touch of luxury. Competitors like the Honda CR-V Touring Hybrid offer a lower price tag, albeit with a less refined interior and slightly less impressive fuel economy. However, the savings are considerable for buyers prioritizing value over the Toyota badge and upscale feel.
Another common Toyota trait, also present in the Venza, is a somewhat cluttered digital instrument cluster. The abundance of displayed information can be overwhelming and unnecessarily complex for the average driver. A more simplified and cleaner design would improve the driver’s experience. Similarly, the fuel gauge and range estimation can be inaccurate, underestimating the vehicle’s actual driving range.
Toyota’s radar cruise control system can also be overly cautious, exhibiting abrupt braking and a tendency to maintain a speed slightly below the set speed. In one instance, the Venza’s emergency braking system engaged prematurely due to a perceived collision risk that was not imminent, highlighting a potential for oversensitivity.
Is the 2022 Toyota Venza Toyota’s Best?
Despite these minor criticisms, the 2022 Toyota Venza emerges as a standout model in Toyota’s current lineup. Its stylish design, refined interior, excellent fuel economy, and comfortable driving experience make it highly appealing. Unless maximizing cargo space is a top priority, the Venza presents a compelling alternative to the RAV4 Hybrid. Toyota’s hybrid technology continues to lead the way in fuel efficiency, often surpassing competitors in real-world MPG. While some minor improvements could enhance the overall package, the 2022 Toyota Venza effectively delivers on the core values that car buyers seek, making it an unexpected star in the Toyota family.
2022 Toyota Venza Limited
As-tested price: $44,655
Pros: Stylish design inside and out; exceptional fuel economy.
Cons: Less cargo space than RAV4; Slightly uninspired driving dynamics.
Verdict: The 2022 Toyota Venza is a stylish and fuel-efficient hybrid SUV that deserves strong consideration.
