The 2022 Toyota Venza marks the return of a nameplate synonymous with innovation and style, re-emerging as a sophisticated, hybrid-exclusive SUV. Sharing its foundation with the ever-popular RAV4 Hybrid, the Venza elevates the driving experience with a focus on fuel efficiency, a plush interior, and eye-catching aesthetics. For drivers seeking a blend of practicality and premium features without the hefty price tag, the 2022 Toyota Venza presents a compelling option in the competitive SUV market. Let’s delve into a detailed review of what makes this vehicle stand out.
Exterior Elegance: Design and Style that Turns Heads
In a segment often crowded with mundane designs, the 2022 Toyota Venza distinguishes itself with an undeniably attractive exterior. Toyota has crafted a vehicle that is both modern and elegant, boasting smooth, flowing lines and a refined silhouette. The tapered rear end and sculpted body panels give it an upscale presence, often drawing comparisons to Lexus SUVs. In fact, many would argue the Venza surpasses current Lexus SUV designs in sheer visual appeal. The Venza’s exterior is a testament to Toyota’s evolving design language, proving that practicality and beauty can coexist harmoniously.
Interior Comfort and Features: A Step Above Expectations
Stepping inside the 2022 Toyota Venza reveals an interior that complements its striking exterior. The cabin is designed with comfort and quality in mind, featuring sweeping lines, soft-touch materials, and available premium leather upholstery. While some switchgear may reflect Toyota’s pragmatic approach and the infotainment screen might appear slightly dated to some, the overall build quality is demonstrably superior to the RAV4 Limited. Passengers are treated to a comfortable and well-appointed space, making both short commutes and long journeys a pleasure. The Venza is generously equipped, especially in the Limited trim, with features that enhance convenience and luxury. Expect amenities such as heated and cooled front seats, a panoramic sunroof to brighten the cabin, seamless Apple CarPlay integration for smartphone connectivity, a helpful bird’s eye view camera for maneuvering in tight spots, and a head-up display to keep essential information in your line of sight. Toyota also prioritizes safety, loading the Venza with a comprehensive suite of safety features, ensuring peace of mind for drivers and passengers alike. The as-tested price for the fully-loaded 2022 Toyota Venza Limited comes in at $44,655, representing a strong value proposition considering the level of features and refinement offered.
Hybrid Performance and Fuel Efficiency: The Undisputed Champion
One of the most compelling aspects of the 2022 Toyota Venza is its exceptional fuel economy. Achieving an average of 35 MPG during a week of mixed driving conditions is a remarkable feat for a vehicle of this size. This impressive efficiency is a direct result of Toyota’s advanced hybrid technology, which seamlessly blends gasoline and electric power to maximize fuel savings. For drivers who are intrigued by electric vehicles but not yet ready to commit to charging infrastructure, the Venza offers a perfect compromise. It delivers significant fuel savings without the range anxiety or lifestyle adjustments associated with fully electric cars. The hybrid powertrain provides adequate power for daily driving needs, striking a balance between efficiency and performance.
Driving Experience: Comfort Prioritized Over Thrills
While the 2022 Toyota Venza excels in many areas, driving enthusiasts may find its on-road demeanor somewhat subdued. The Venza is not designed to deliver exhilarating performance or sporty handling. Instead, Toyota has prioritized comfort, ease of driving, and a relaxed experience behind the wheel – qualities that resonate strongly with their target demographic. For the average driver seeking comfortable and reliable transportation, the Venza hits the mark perfectly. It tracks straight and true on the highway, the steering is light and responsive, and overall, the driving experience is smooth and predictable. In essence, it embodies the quintessential Toyota driving experience: dependable and undemanding.
Minor Drawbacks: Points to Consider Before Purchase
Despite its numerous strengths, the 2022 Toyota Venza is not without minor shortcomings. One notable ergonomic quirk is the placement of the start/stop button, which feels like an afterthought in a somewhat awkwardly located storage cubby. The wireless phone charging pad shares this space, making it a bit cumbersome to access your phone. In terms of performance, the Venza’s acceleration is adequate but not particularly brisk, taking a little over eight seconds to reach 60 MPH from a standstill. While this is quicker than some competitors like the VW Tiguan, the RAV4 Hybrid, sharing the same powertrain, is slightly faster. Compared to the RAV4, the Venza offers less rear passenger and cargo space. While the rear seats are still comfortable for adults, and the cargo area is sufficient for most needs, it is worth noting the Venza is not as spacious as its stablemate. The sloping roofline, contributing to its stylish exterior, does slightly compromise cargo volume. Finally, the 2022 Toyota Venza commands a slightly higher price than a comparably equipped RAV4 Hybrid Limited, reflecting its more upscale positioning. The Honda CR-V Touring Hybrid, for example, comes in at a lower price point, offering a more budget-friendly alternative, although with a less refined interior and slightly lower fuel economy. Another area for potential improvement across the Toyota lineup, including the Venza, is the digital instrument cluster, which can appear overly busy and cluttered with information. A simpler, more streamlined design would enhance the driver’s visual experience. Additionally, the fuel gauge and range estimation in the Venza were observed to be somewhat inaccurate during testing, underestimating the vehicle’s actual driving range. Lastly, Toyota’s radar cruise control system can be overly cautious, sometimes applying the brakes more abruptly than necessary and maintaining a slightly slower speed than the set value. A minor, and likely isolated, incident of unexpected automatic emergency braking was also noted during testing.
Is the 2022 Toyota Venza the Best Toyota in the Lineup?
Despite these minor critiques, the 2022 Toyota Venza emerges as a standout model in Toyota’s current lineup. It successfully blends attractive styling, a comfortable and well-appointed interior, and class-leading fuel economy. For buyers who prioritize these qualities and do not require maximum cargo capacity, the Venza presents a compelling alternative to the RAV4 Hybrid. In a market saturated with hybrid SUVs, the 2022 Toyota Venza distinguishes itself with its refined execution and exceptional fuel efficiency, a testament to Toyota’s hybrid expertise. While there are always areas for improvement, the Venza excels in delivering the core values that modern car buyers seek.
2022 Toyota Venza Limited
As-tested price: $44,655
Pros:
- Stylish inside and out
- Exceptional fuel economy
Cons:
- Less cargo space than RAV4 Hybrid
Verdict: The 2022 Toyota Venza is an unexpectedly impressive vehicle from Toyota, offering a compelling blend of style, efficiency, and comfort for today’s drivers. Visit Miller Toyota today to experience the 2022 Toyota Venza for yourself and discover why it might be the perfect SUV for your needs.
