Since 2007, there have been just two Toyota Venza generations, with the first one running until 2015. Arriving with a choice of four- or six-cylinder power, the first-gen Venza came with a choice of front- or all-wheel-drive layouts. Initially riding on the period Camry platform, the early Venza was updated in 2012 with a minor exterior refresh and added cabin content. After a hiatus from the 2016 through 2020 model years in America, the second-generation Venza returned in 2020.
These new Venza models were strictly hybrid-powered with AWD and a 39-mpg combined fuel economy rating. Wearing sleek new sheetmetal, the current and final Venza is effectively a rebadged Japanese-market Harrier. After a shorter stint than the first go-round, Toyota has officially discontinued the Venza following the 2024 model year due to a variety of factors, including poor sales as we'll cover in this review of the Toyota Venza generations.
The current second-generation Toyota Venza arrived in 2020 with sleeker styling and a smaller footprint than the earlier Venza model years. Based on the Harrier in Toyota's home market, the new Venza exuded a Lexus vibe and came only with a 2.5L hybrid four-cylinder powertrain good for a fuel efficiency rating of 39 mpg combined.
On the highway, the Venza feels considerably quieter than its [RAV4] sibling. We'd never call it sporty, but thanks to MacPherson front and multi-link rear suspension, the Venza hugs the road admirably using a combination of on-demand all-wheel-drive and Active Cornering Assist, which uses stability control to reduce understeer. This suspension setup also helps the Venza ride smoothly over rough roads without bouncing around or disrupting the peace.
Notably more luxurious than the original models, these new Venzas came standard with features like climatized front seats and a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen. There were even options like an electrochromic panoramic moonroof and head-up display. But, after nearly hitting 62,000 units sold in 2021, Venza sales quickly slid to less than 30,000 by 2023. And so, after 2024, the Venza is no longer in production.
Engine | Transmission | Drivetrain |
---|---|---|
2.5L Inline-4 Hybrid | CVT | AWD |
The crossover has been carried over to the new year with no changes.
Toyota Venza model years 2013 through 2015 marked the end of first-generation production after a mild facelift in 2013 failed to turn the sales ship around. Changes included a restyled upper and lower front grille, new fog lamps, and redesigned taillamps. Powertrains carried over unchanged, but a new Entune multimedia system was added to the list of optional features.
Also new were the Attitude Black, Cypress Pearl, and Cosmic Gray Mica exterior finishes, and a fresh 19-inch wheel design. Ultimately, however, Toyota dropped the Venza from its lineup due to "customer preference, competitiveness within the segment, and deteriorating sales."
Engine | Transmission | Drivetrain |
---|---|---|
2.7L Inline-4 | 6-Speed Automatic | FWD, AWD |
3.5L V6 | 6-Speed Automatic | FWD, AWD |
When the Toyota Venza was unveiled in 2007, it left some unsure what they were looking at. The same length as a Camry but taller and the same height as a Highlander but shorter, the new Venza was something of an in-betweener. Out of the gate, it came with a choice of a 182-horse inline-four engine or a V6 making 268 hp. Both paired with a six-speed automatic and both offered FWD or AWD configurations.
The all-new Venza was developed as a vehicle that combines the styling, comfort and fun-to-drive performance elements of a five-passenger sedan with the surprising utility of an SUV.
- Tony Wearing, Managing Director, Toyota Canada Inc. (2008)
Of all the Toyota Venza models from first-gen production, 2009 was the sales high water mark with 54,410 units moved. On paper, it appeared to be a winner with standard 19-inch wheels and dual-zone automatic climate control plus the option for luxuries like leather upholstery and a panoramic moonroof. However, Toyota was never able to turn the Venza into a long-term success story.
Engine | Transmission | Drivetrain |
---|---|---|
2.7L Inline-4 | 6-Speed Automatic | FWD, AWD |
3.5L V6 | 6-Speed Automatic | FWD, AWD |
One of the most popular cars on sale in the USA today has come a long way over five generations and three decades. Here's what's changed.