The 2024 Toyota Venza Hybrid SUV Stands Out with Its Stylish Design and Innovative Features

The Toyota Venza, a midsize SUV, masterfully blends the efficiency of a hybrid powertrain with the elegance of a premium design. Resurrected in 2021 after a four-year pause, the Venza boasts a roomy, comfortable interior, a smooth, quiet ride, and a plethora of cutting-edge tech features. Unique in its class, the Venza offers a fixed panoramic roof that can transition from opaque to transparent with a simple button press, creating an unmatched, airy atmosphere.

In this review, we'll delve into the key features and specs of the 2024 Toyota Venza and see how it stacks up against its competitors. Additionally, we'll share insights from experts and owners who have test-driven the Venza, providing an in-depth look at its pros and cons.

Hybrid Powertrain and Performance

The new Toyota Venza is fueled by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and three electric motors, generating a combined output of 219 horsepower. This powertrain is coupled with an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT) and an all-wheel-drive system, capable of distributing torque between the front and rear axles as necessary. With an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 39 mpg combined, the Toyota Venza is among the most fuel-efficient SUVs in its class.

The 2024 Toyota Venza provides a polished driving experience with sufficient acceleration and nimble handling. Its hybrid system smoothly shifts between gas and electric power, and the regenerative braking system both recycles energy and cuts down on brake wear. The Venza offers three driving modes: Normal, Eco, and Sport, which allow drivers to modify throttle response, steering feel, and climate control settings to their liking. The Venza also features an EV mode, which enables it to operate solely on electric power for short distances at slower speeds.

In terms of speed, the Venza reaches 60 mph from a standstill in 7.1 seconds, which is marginally slower than rivals like the Honda Passport (6.2 seconds) and the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid (6.6 seconds). Nonetheless, the Venza makes up for its speed deficit with its smoothness, silence, and commendable fuel efficiency. Edmunds lauds the Venza's ride quality, commenting that it "handles bumps gracefully and feels steady around corners."

However, the Venza's hybrid powertrain does have its limitations. It lacks a towing rating, unlike some competitors that can tow up to 5,000 pounds. This could affect Venza's appeal to buyers requiring more utility from their SUVs. Additionally, the absence of a plug-in hybrid or electric variant might dissuade eco-conscious buyers looking to minimize their carbon footprint.

Interior Design and Features

The 2024 Toyota Venza displays a stylish and contemporary interior that contends with some luxury brands in terms of finesse and design. The cabin is roomy and cozy, providing generous headroom and legroom for passengers in both the front and rear. The seats are comfortable and well-padded, with options for leather upholstery, heated front seats, heated rear seats, and a power-adjustable driver's seat with memory settings. The cargo area is satisfactory but not extraordinary, offering 28.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 55.1 cubic feet when they're folded down. However, some competitors, like the Honda Passport (41.2/77.9 cubic feet) and the Subaru Outback (32.5/75.7 cubic feet), provide more cargo space.

The 2024 Toyota Venza comes with a range of state-of-the-art technology features that augment its convenience, safety, and entertainment qualities. The standout feature is the optional Star Gaze panoramic roof, a first for Toyota. This unique feature permits the driver to alternate the glass roof from opaque to transparent with a simple touch, setting a different ambiance for the cabin based on the weather and the time of day. When the roof is opaque, it limits UV rays and heat accumulation within the vehicle; when transparent, it allows natural light to enter and offers a breathtaking view of the sky.

A standout feature to consider is the expansive 12.3-inch touchscreen display, paired with a JBL sound system. It offers vivid graphics and superior audio for multiple functions, including navigation, climate control, audio streaming, and phone calls. You can personalize the touchscreen to display different screens based on your preference. For example, a split-screen mode can display two functions simultaneously. Furthermore, the touchscreen supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing you to access your smartphone apps and features on the display. The Venza also accommodates five USB ports, inclusive of two USB-C ports, and offers an optional wireless charging pad for compatible devices.

The Venza comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5+ to prevent or lessen the severity of collisions. These features include:

Pre-collision system with Pedestrian Detection: Capable of detecting vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists in front of the vehicle, applying brakes if necessary.
Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist: Alerts the driver when they are drifting out of their lane and gently guides them back.
Lane Tracing Assist: Helps to keep the vehicle centered in its lane when using adaptive cruise control.
Road Sign Assist: Recognizes and displays speed limit signs and other road signs on the instrument cluster.
Dynamic Radar Cruise Control at full-speed range, capable of adjusting your vehicle's speed to maintain a safe distance from the car in front
Automatic High Beams, capable of switching between high and low beams based on traffic conditions

Additional safety and convenience features include:

A digital rearview mirror with HomeLink offers a clear, wide view of the area behind your car via a camera.
A blind-spot monitor coupled with a rear cross-traffic alert warning driver of vehicles hidden in blind spots or approaching from behind during reverse.
Front and rear parking assist integrated with automatic braking, designed to help drivers park safely and prevent collisions.
A head-up display projects crucial data on the windshield, like speed, navigation directions, and safety alerts.

Exterior Design and Colors

The 2024 Toyota Venza sports a refined and intricate exterior design that distinguishes it from other SUVs in its category. The Venza features a sleek profile, an audacious grille, LED headlights and taillights, chrome accents, and either 18-inch or 19-inch alloy wheels. With a low center of gravity and a wide stance, the Venza enhances its aerodynamics and stability. The Venza is available in six exterior colors: Blizzard Pearl, Coastal Gray Metallic, Ruby Flare Pearl, Titanium Glow, Blueprint, and Black.

Pricing and Trim Levels

Get to know the 2024 Toyota Venza, offered in three trim levels: LE, XLE, and Limited. The LE, the introductory model, provides an 8-inch touchscreen display, cloth upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, keyless entry and ignition, a hands-free power liftgate, and Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ as standard features. The XLE advances with additional amenities like leatherette upholstery, heated front seats, power-adjustable driver's seat with memory function, LED fog lights, a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen display, blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, and front and rear parking assist. Lastly, the Limited, the highest tier model, boasts features such as authentic leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a power-adjustable front passenger seat, a heads-up display, a digital rearview mirror with HomeLink, a stunning Star Gaze fixed panoramic roof, and an immersive JBL premium sound system.

The 2024 Toyota Venza's pricing hasn't been disclosed yet, but it's expected to align closely with the 2023 model. The starting price for last year's Toyota Venza LE trim is $32,470, which is slightly more than some of its rivals. For instance, the 2023 Honda Passport starts at $32,090, and the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid begins at a more affordable $27,650. However, the Venza outshines its competitors with more standard features, including all-wheel drive and a hybrid powertrain. The 2023 Venza's XLE trim starts at $36,000, and the high-end Limited trim begins at $39,800.