Yahoo Autos 2021 Toyota Venza debuts as a hybrid-only high-fashion crossover
The Toyota Venza is back, but it’s not the same Venture Monza vehicle it was when Toyota discontinued the car-like crossover after the 2015 model year. Instead, the 2021 Toyota Venza is much more SUV-like, and it’s only going to be sold in hybrid form. Measuring in at 186.6 inches in total length, the new Venza aligns itself with mid-size two-row crossovers like the Ford Edge, Honda Passport and Chevy Blazer. Though, it is on the shorter side (by about half of a foot) when compared to all of its future competitors.
Toyota has chosen to go with a highly stylized and sharp design for the Venza, mirroring the approach of others in this segment. There’s some Highlander in there, but the aggression has been turned up a few notches. The Venza shares plenty with other Toyotas, as it rides on the TNGA-K platform that underpins vehicles like the new Highlander and RAV4. We’ve had excellent experiences with new TNGA vehicles from a driving dynamics perspective, so we’re similarly hopeful about the Venza.
There is just one powertrain option available for the 2021 Venza, but it’s an intriguing setup. A 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder works in concert with three electric motors for a total system output of 219 horsepower. The setup and power figure is exactly the same as the RAV4 Hybrid. That crossover is able to complete the sprint to 60 mph in 7.8 seconds and achieves 40 mpg combined. Toyota didn’t supply an acceleration time for the Venza, but they’ve projected a 40 mpg combined rating for the base LE trim. Assuming the estimate is correct, that’s an impressive feat for the larger vehicle.
Toyota says it has no current plans to make a PHEV “Prime” version of the Venza. The car is entering as a hybrid-only because Toyota thinks that the hybrid market is underserved for this class. We don’t expect to see a gas-only variant at this point.
There’s no driveshaft to the rear wheels to supply all-wheel drive. Instead, Toyota plants one of the electric motors out back to power the rear wheels when needed. Torque distribution will vary, going from 100:0 front-to-rear to 20:80. Front wheel slip is minimized in quick takeoffs, and Toyota has even built in a mild brake torque vectoring effect for increased agility. Toyota calls it Active Cornering Assist and says it “engages the stability control to reduce understeer in certain cornering situations.”
The battery pack is placed under the rear seats so as not to intrude on interior space. Toyota says the Venza has 36.3 cubic-feet of room behind the second row. That puts it right in the middle of the pack when compared to its contemporaries, with the Honda Passport leading the way. Rear seat legroom is slightly disappointing, though. At 37.8 inches, the Venza is smaller than anything else in its class.
