The Toyota Venza, a vehicle celebrated for its sophisticated style and exceptional comfort in the midsize CUV segment, is entering the 2023 model year with an exciting new addition: the Nightshade Edition. Building upon the already well-regarded XLE trim, the 2023 Venza Nightshade Edition amplifies the vehicle’s visual appeal with a distinctive blackout treatment, available in a trio of striking exterior colors. This enhancement further solidifies the Venza’s position as a tech-forward and premium hybrid crossover, boasting an EPA-estimated 39 combined MPG rating and standard electronic on-demand all-wheel drive. The 2023 Toyota Venza continues to offer a compelling blend of efficiency, technology, and style for discerning drivers.
Striking Style: The Nightshade Edition and Design Refinements
The 2023 Toyota Venza Nightshade Edition is designed to turn heads. Available in Celestial Black, Wind Chill Pearl, and Ruby Flare Red, this edition makes a bold statement with its darkened aesthetic. The Wind Chill Pearl replaces the Blizzard Pearl for all 2023 Venza models, offering a fresh and modern white option. Regardless of the chosen color, the Nightshade Edition is adorned with a wealth of black trim elements that accentuate its sleek lines and contemporary design.
The exterior enhancements begin at the front, featuring an acrylic front grille trim finished in black, complemented by black-painted outer mirror caps and door handles. The rocker panels and available black roof rails further contribute to the cohesive dark theme. Smoked chrome moldings on the lower front and rear bumpers add a subtle touch of contrast and sophistication. A black shark fin antenna completes the look, adding a sporty and refined detail to the roofline.
Rolling on exclusive 19-inch gloss-black multi-spoke aluminum alloy wheels and featuring blacked-out rear badges, the Nightshade Edition exudes an air of understated aggression and modern elegance. Adding to the enhanced visibility, LED fog lamps are now standard on the XLE and Nightshade trims, providing improved illumination in adverse conditions. For those seeking an even more open and airy cabin, the Star Gaze™ panoramic roof remains available as an option for the Nightshade Edition, allowing occupants to switch between transparent and frosted modes with ease.
Premium Hybrid Performance and All-Wheel Drive
At the heart of every 2023 Toyota Venza lies the Toyota Hybrid System II, ensuring exceptional fuel efficiency without compromising performance. This system pairs a highly efficient 2.5-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine with three electric motors and a compact lithium-ion battery. The advanced engine technology includes Variable Valve Timing-intelligent system by Electric motor (VVT-iE) on the intake camshaft and VVT-i on the exhaust camshaft, along with a variable cooling system and fully variable oil pump to maximize engine efficiency.
The result is a seamless and responsive driving experience with 219 total system horsepower and an EPA-estimated 39 combined MPG rating. The electronic on-demand all-wheel drive system, standard across all Venza trims, further enhances driving confidence in various weather conditions. This system utilizes a separate rear-mounted electric motor to power the rear wheels when needed, proactively distributing torque to optimize traction and stability. The system can send up to 80% of driving force to the rear wheels during starts to minimize front wheel slip and improve cornering agility.
Drivers can tailor the Venza’s driving dynamics with selectable NORMAL, ECO, and SPORT modes. SPORT mode sharpens throttle response for a more engaging driving experience, while ECO mode prioritizes fuel efficiency. NORMAL mode provides a balanced setting for everyday driving. Additionally, EV mode allows for short-distance, electric-only driving at low speeds, further enhancing fuel savings and reducing emissions. Regenerative braking captures energy during deceleration, contributing to the hybrid system’s overall efficiency.
Cutting-Edge Technology and Connectivity
The 2023 Toyota Venza is equipped with a suite of advanced technology features designed to enhance convenience, entertainment, and connectivity. The centerpiece of the interior is the Toyota Audio Multimedia system, available with either an 8-inch or a 12.3-inch touchscreen display. For 2023, the XLE trim now comes standard with the 12.3-inch screen, offering a more immersive and user-friendly interface. All Venza models receive updated USB ports, including USB Type-A and Type-C ports, and a fourth-generation Qi wireless charger for seamless device integration.
The Toyota Audio Multimedia system is designed for intuitive interaction through touch and voice controls. With available Connected Services like Drive Connect, drivers gain access to Intelligent Assistant, Cloud Navigation, and Destination Assist. Intelligent Assistant allows for voice commands using phrases like “Hey Toyota” to control navigation, audio, climate, and more. Cloud Navigation provides real-time map, traffic, and routing information, while Destination Assist offers 24/7 live agent support for destination guidance.
Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility are standard, along with dual Bluetooth® phone connectivity. An available Wi-Fi Connect subscription turns the Venza into an AT&T Hotspot, supporting up to five devices. Integrated Streaming allows users to link their Apple Music® and Amazon Music subscriptions for in-car control. For audiophiles, the optional JBL Premium Audio system, standard on the Limited trim and optional on XLE, delivers exceptional sound quality through 9 speakers, including a rear subwoofer, powered by a 12-channel amplifier.
Enhanced Safety with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+
Safety remains a top priority for Toyota, and the 2023 Venza comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ (TSS 2.5+), a comprehensive suite of active safety systems. This suite includes Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, enhanced to detect oncoming vehicles and pedestrians at intersections when turning. The system provides audio/visual alerts and automatic braking to mitigate potential collisions with vehicles, pedestrians, and bicyclists. Emergency steering assist further enhances safety by stabilizing evasive steering maneuvers and helping to prevent lane departures.
Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) is also part of TSS 2.5+, maintaining a preset distance to the vehicle ahead and functioning down to a stop. Lane Departure Alert helps prevent unintentional lane drifting, while Lane Tracing Assist (when DRCC is engaged) provides gentle steering assistance to keep the vehicle centered in its lane. Automatic High Beams enhance nighttime visibility, and Road Sign Assist recognizes and displays road sign information on the Multi-Information Display (MID).
Additional standard safety features include Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Front and Rear Parking Assist with Automatic Braking. Toyota’s Rear Seat Reminder is also standard, alerting drivers to check the rear seats upon vehicle exit. The robust TNGA-K platform provides a solid foundation for collision protection, contributing to the Venza’s overall safety performance.
Premium Comfort and Interior Refinement
The 2023 Toyota Venza is designed to provide a refined and comfortable driving experience for both driver and passengers. The cabin is meticulously crafted to minimize noise and vibration, creating a serene environment for conversation and music enjoyment. Extensive sound-blocking and absorbing materials are strategically placed throughout the vehicle’s structure to reduce road and wind noise. An acoustic glass windshield further contributes to the quiet interior.
Luxury seating features include an 8-way power driver’s seat standard on all trims, with the Limited trim adding an 8-way power passenger seat for 2023. Heated front seats are available, and ventilated front seats are standard on the Limited trim. The Venza utilizes S-FLOW air conditioning technology, directing airflow only to occupied seats for enhanced comfort and efficiency. On higher trims, the climate control system features Intelligent Touch capacitive controls for a modern and streamlined interface.
The Venza offers practical cargo space with 28.8 cubic feet behind the second row and 55.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. A standard tonneau cover provides added security and can be stored under the cargo area deck when not needed. Thoughtful storage solutions throughout the cabin include large cupholders and door bottle holders, accommodating various beverage sizes.
Trim Levels and Value
The 2023 Toyota Venza is available in LE, XLE, Nightshade Edition, and Limited trims, each offering a compelling blend of features and value. The LE trim comes well-equipped with standard hybrid all-wheel drive, Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, and an 8-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia touchscreen. The XLE trim upgrades to 19-inch wheels, SofTex-trimmed seats, and now features the 12.3-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia display as standard. The Nightshade Edition builds upon the XLE trim with its unique blacked-out styling elements. The top-of-the-line Limited trim adds premium features such as a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, JBL Premium Audio system, Star Gaze™ panoramic roof, and a 10-inch color Head-Up Display.
Regardless of the chosen trim, the 2023 Toyota Venza delivers a sophisticated and efficient driving experience. With its standard hybrid powertrain, available Nightshade Edition, advanced technology, and comprehensive safety features, the Venza continues to be a standout choice in the competitive midsize CUV segment. Backed by Toyota’s renowned reliability and comprehensive warranty, the 2023 Venza offers peace of mind and lasting value.
