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What do our experts think of the 2022 Toyota Venza? We look at powertrain, interior options, trim levels and more. Find out our thoughts here.
What’s New For The 2022 Toyota Venza?
Reviving a nameplate on hiatus since 2015, the 2022 Toyota Venza is now a hybrid-only midsize SUV that slots between the RAV4 and Highlander in the automakers’ SUV lineup. It was all new last year, a return we highlighted here, making headlines for the standard hybrid and AWD powertrain combined with Lexus-esque styling, which earned it a spot on this list of best hybrid SUVs. There are no major changes for 2022, which is fine because the Venza is already impressive with an available 12” infotainment interface, high-tech panoramic roof and heavy dose of driver aids that includes standard Dynamic Radar Cruise Control.
2022 Toyota Venza – pressroom.toyota.com | Shop 2022 Toyota Venza on Carsforsale.com
The Breakdown
Looks like a Lexus
Slick electrochromic roof
Hybrid efficiency
Best features require Limited
Capacitive controls can irritate
Internal RAV4 Hybrid competition
Another competent Toyota hybrid SUV
2022 Venza Specs
- 219 horsepower from base engine
- 163 lb-ft of torque from base engine
- 3 available trims
- 28.8 cu-ft of cargo capacity
- 55.1 cu-ft of cargo capacity with seats down
- Color heads-up display (HUD) of 7200 lbs
- IIHS Top Safety Pick+ and NHTSA 5-star rating
- 10-year/150,000-mile hybrid battery coverage
2022 Toyota Venza Powertrain
Toyota keeps things simple and efficient with the 2022 Venza that can only be had with a hybrid powertrain. The setup combines a gas-powered 2.5L four-cylinder engine with two battery-powered electric motors, one up front and one out back. This enables full-time AWD and combines for a total system 219 horsepower. A continuously variable transmission routes the power to the front wheels, unless the automatic AWD system calls for power to the rears.
This is in contrast to a vehicle like the hybrid Chrysler Pacifica, that we review here, which requires plugging in to charge the battery. You can read up on the differences in hybrid systems here.
Four-corner independent suspension and active cornering assist promise competent handling but the 2022 Toyota Venza is clearly designed for sedate and cushy driving. Toyota has recently announced their dedicated bZ series of electric vehicles. The first offering, the bZ4X, appears to be the same size as the Venza, so it seems unlikely we’ll see a 100% electric-powered Venza anytime soon.
2022 Toyota Venza Fuel Economy & MPG
Strong fuel economy figures of 40 mpg in the city and 37 on the highway are the same across the Venza lineup and not bad for an AWD SUV. Interestingly, the RAV4 Hybrid stablemate slightly bests each of those estimates for less money and with more cargo space. A big benefit, especially today, is that the Venza runs on regular 87-octane gas.
Interior, Comfort, & Cargo Space
One of the downsides to the sleek, raked look of the 2022 Venza is how that rear roofline cuts into available cargo space. It will swallow 55 cubic feet of your stuff with the rear seat folded, but a Ford Edge far surpasses that figure with 73 cubic feet of room. However, this two-seat-only SUV is a comfortable place to travel with available SofTex – Toyota-speak for faux-leather – upholstered seats that can be fully climatized up front.
Rear seat passengers will find an ample 38-inches of legroom and when no one is back there, the bench folds in a flat 60/40 configuration for cargo flexibility. Plenty of standard amenities like LED cabin lighting and dual-zone automatic climate control offer an upmarket vibe, while the Star Gaze electrochromic fixed panoramic glass roof is a truly fancy option. With the flip of a switch, the glass can transform from opaque to transparent and sports a power-operated sunshade.
Entertainment & Technology
Base Venza models come with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, while a 12-inch version is available on the XLE and included on the Limited, besting the Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid by two inches. Across the board, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Amazon Alexa are integrated along with a 3-month Wi-Fi hotspot subscription.
Toyota dials up the connectivity with 1-year free trials of Safety Connect, with automatic collision notification, and Remote Connect that allows engine start and door lock control via smart phone or watch. A high-end JBL 9-speaker audio system, navigation and HUD are available on the top two trim levels.
Safety Features
The 2022 Venza earns top marks from both the IIHS and NHTSA, thanks in part to eight standard airbags and Toyota Safety Sense 2.0. This suite of driver aids includes forward collision warning with automated emergency braking, lane departure alert with steering assist and blind spot monitoring with rear cross traffic alert. All of which is standard equipment. Additional available enhancements like rain-sensing wipers and reverse sonar with automatic braking further bolster the Venza’s safety credentials.
2022 Toyota Venza Trims & Pricing
LE – $34,105
The entry-level Venza, LE trim is equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels, a hands-free tailgate with programmable height and LED lighting front to rear. Black or gray fabric covers the seats with leather wrapping the steering wheel and shift knob. A power-operated driver’s seat is included, as is dual-zone automatic climate control. There are no packages available here, but Apple and Android integration are included, controlled via the 8-inch infotainment touchscreen.
XLE – $37,640
XLE trim is dressed up with 19-inch wheels and roof rails, plus it has a passive keyless entry system. The gauge cluster features a 7-inch digital display screen, an auto-dimming rearview mirror is on hand and the SofTex synthetic leather fabric can be optioned in Black, Gray or a handsome Black and Java brown scheme. Front and rear parking sonar is included on the XLE and the $2,050 Premium package adds the 12-inch infotainment screen and high-end JBL audio system.
Limited – $41,595
Outside, Venza Limited sports LED fog lamps and gloss black trim, but it’s the capacitive center stack controls, digital rearview mirror and climatized front seats that really set this model apart. Navigation, the 9-speaker JBL stereo and larger 12-inch touchscreen are on tap, as is a bird’s eye view exterior camera system. You can tack on a HUD and rain-sensing wipers with the $725 advanced technology package, while the Star Gaze panoramic roof will run you $1,400 and is only available on this model.
Warranties
Toyota offers a solid overall warranty with ample hybrid coverage that includes two years of complimentary factory-schedule maintenance. It covers the basic vehicle for 3 years or 36,000 miles and the powertrain for 5 years or 60,000 miles. Hybrid components are under an 8-year/100,000-mile term, while the hybrid battery is under warranty for 10 years or 150,000 miles.
What we think
2022 Toyota Venza – pressroom.toyota.com | Shop 2022 Toyota Venza on Carsforsale.com
On the whole, the 2022 Toyota Venza is a solid hybrid SUV with impressive fuel economy, considering it is an AWD-only vehicle. The styling is Lexus-leaning and it offers some slick features like the trick glass roof and touch capacitive controls. Additionally, considering you can get into one for about $34,000, the classic Toyota value proposition is in effect.
However, the automakers’ SUV range is fairly saturated and one could argue the RAV4 Hybrid is an even better value, albeit without the high-end styling. For the money, I think the mid-level 2022 Toyota Venza XLE is the sweet spot with 19-inch rims, leatherette upholstery and the option for upgraded tech.
