2021 Toyota Venza: Attractive Styling, Great Fuel Economy

Toyota first introduced the Venza as a crossover SUV in the late 2000s/early 2010s. It was somewhat dismissed by critics (and the buying public) as just a wagon version of the Camry, Toyota's wildly popular sedan. But for 2021, the Venza is back as a new, mid-size hybrid crossover. 

Under the hood, the Venza has a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 219 horsepower and an electric motor, linked to an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission and all-wheel drive. 

Fuel economy is rated at 40 mpg city, 37 highway. 

The new Venza offers sweeping exterior lines and dimensions, clearly distancing itself style-wise from its nearest relative, the RAV4. The interior features a Qi wireless phone charger, four USB charging ports and a standard eight-inch multimedia touchscreen with Bluetooth connectivity and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto/Amazon Alexa compatibility. 

In fact, the styling of this version of the Venza looks in many ways, on the exterior and interior, like that of its luxury relative, the Lexus RX350.

The Venza offers a maximum cargo space of 55.1 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down.

Three trim levels are offered: LE, Limited and XLE. 

Pricing for the Venza starts at around $33,000 and ranges to around $41,000. 

If a small crossover with attractive styling and great fuel efficiency is your target, you might want to take aim at the Toyota Venza.