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 in their current lineup. Revived after a brief hiatus, the Venza shares its roots with the RAV4 Hybrid but carves its own niche with a focus on sophisticated styling and enhanced comfort. Think of it as a well-crafted, satisfying dish – not necessarily groundbreaking, but expertly combining quality ingredients for a truly enjoyable experience. It might not set pulses racing, but for drivers seeking a refined and practical crossover, the 2022 Venza delivers in spades.
What Makes the 2022 Venza Stand Out?
The 2022 Toyota Venza, especially in the Limited trim, is loaded with features that today’s drivers desire. While Toyota’s design language can be polarizing, the Venza strikes a harmonious balance with its elegant curves and refined silhouette. It exudes an air of premium sophistication, drawing comparisons to Lexus models, yet arguably surpasses them in aesthetic appeal within the SUV segment. This upscale design ethos continues inside, where flowing lines meet soft-touch, high-quality materials. While some switchgear might reflect Toyota’s cost-conscious approach and the infotainment screen could appear slightly dated, the overall interior ambiance is a step above the RAV4 Limited, offering a more comfortable and refined environment. Expect a generous array of features including heated and ventilated seats, a panoramic sunroof, seamless Apple CarPlay integration, a convenient bird’s eye view camera system, a helpful head-up display, and a comprehensive suite of safety technologies. These features are competitive within its class, appealing to buyers prioritizing a well-equipped vehicle for their daily commutes and family journeys. The tested price for this fully-optioned Venza Limited comes in at $44,655.
Fuel Efficiency and Hybrid Performance
One of the most compelling aspects of the 2022 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, underscoring the advancements in Toyota’s hybrid technology. For drivers hesitant to commit to a fully electric vehicle and the charging infrastructure it demands, the Venza presents a sensible and efficient alternative. It offers the benefits of hybrid technology without the range anxiety, making it an ideal choice for those seeking to reduce their carbon footprint and fuel costs without drastically changing their driving habits.
While not designed for thrilling performance, the 2022 Venza prioritizes comfort and ease of driving. For driving enthusiasts, it might be considered unexciting, but this is precisely what appeals to Toyota’s target demographic. They prioritize comfortable and dependable transportation over sporty handling. From this perspective, the Venza excels. It offers a smooth and composed ride, tracks straight on the highway without requiring constant steering adjustments, and the steering is light and responsive enough for everyday maneuvers. It’s a quintessential Toyota driving experience – predictable, reliable, and effortlessly comfortable.
Downsides to Consider
As a vehicle focused on practicality and comfort, the 2022 Venza isn’t engineered for spirited driving. If you crave dynamic handling and brisk acceleration, this isn’t the SUV for you. However, for daily commuting and errands, it performs admirably. There are a few minor drawbacks to note. The placement of the start/stop button feels like an afterthought, awkwardly positioned within a storage cubby. This space also houses the wireless phone charging pad, making it slightly cumbersome to access your phone.
Acceleration is adequate but not particularly impressive, taking just over eight seconds to reach 60 MPH. While quicker than a VW Tiguan, the RAV4 Hybrid, sharing the same powertrain, is slightly quicker. Compared to the RAV4, the Venza offers less interior space, particularly in the rear seats and cargo area. While rear passenger space remains suitable for adults, it lacks the generous dimensions of its stablemate. The Venza’s sloping roofline, while enhancing its stylish profile, does compromise cargo volume. It’s sufficiently spacious for most needs but falls short of some competitors in outright cargo capacity. The price point is also higher than a comparably equipped RAV4 Hybrid Limited, reflecting the Venza’s focus on enhanced luxury. Honda’s CR-V Touring Hybrid, for instance, comes in at a significantly lower price, though it may not match the Venza’s interior refinement or fuel economy.
Another area common to Toyotas is the somewhat cluttered digital instrument cluster. The abundance of displayed information can feel overwhelming and unnecessary for many drivers. A simpler, more streamlined design would improve the driver’s experience. The fuel gauge and range estimation also appear inaccurate, underestimating the driving range on a full tank.
Toyota’s radar cruise control system can also be overly cautious, applying brakes abruptly and maintaining a speed slightly below the set value. A peculiar incident occurred during testing where the Venza’s brakes engaged due to a perceived collision risk that seemed distant and unwarranted, briefly cutting power afterwards. This appeared to be an isolated incident, not typical of Toyota’s safety systems.
Toyota’s Best?
The 2022 Toyota Venza stands out as a top contender in Toyota’s current lineup. Its appealing design, upscale interior, exceptional fuel efficiency, and comfortable driving dynamics make it a compelling choice. Unless maximizing interior space is a top priority, the Venza arguably surpasses the RAV4 Hybrid in overall appeal. Its hybrid powertrain delivers superior fuel economy compared to many competitors. While minor improvements could be made, the Venza effectively delivers on the core requirements of car buyers, making it a highly recommendable vehicle.
2022 Toyota Venza Limited
As-tested price: $44,655
Pros: Stylish design inside and out; excellent fuel economy.
Cons: Less cargo space than RAV4.
Verdict: An unexpected star vehicle from Toyota, blending style, efficiency, and comfort.
