All you need to know about the 2023 Toyota Venza

The Toyota Venza competes in the very competitive mid-size two-row SUV market, but due to its RAV4 Hybrid-based foundation, it is less practical and cramped than the majority of other crossovers in the market. Its conventional hybrid engine is largely the same as the RAV4 Hybrid’s, a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with three electric motors. With that engine, the Venza comes standard with all-wheel drive and has better fuel efficiency than V-6-powered competitors like the Nissan Murano and Honda Passport. With an optional panoramic sunroof made of electrochromic glass that can change from translucent to opaque at the touch of a button, Venza’s cabin is likewise more impressive than that of the other two vehicles. The Venza’s shortcomings, which include lesser storage space, a buzzy engine, and an interior with less passenger capacity than the RAV4 and many other SUVs in its class, are unfortunately not offset by its sharp sheet metal or its impressive roof.

What Is New in 2023?

For 2023, the Venza gets a Nightshade edition with a darker exterior outfit than the rest of the lineup. The Nightshade variant is based on the mid-level XLE but has black wheels, front and rear bumper highlights, a black grille surround, mirror covers, and black door handles. The exterior colors are Celestial Black, Wind Chill Pearl, and Ruby Red Flare. The XLE model receives standard LED fog lights, while the remainder of the Venza range remains untouched for the 2019 model year.

Performance, Engine, and Transmission

The Venza is only available as a hybrid, with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gas engine and three electric motors producing a total of 219 horsepower. All-wheel drive is included as standard: The Venza’s rear wheels are powered by one of the electric motors, while the front wheels are spun by the gasoline engine and the other two motors. We were underwhelmed by the driving dynamics of the Venza during our test drive, and it did not provide the smooth ride that we expected. Its acceleration was likewise average at our test track, clocking it at 7.6 seconds to 60 mph, 1.5 seconds slower than the Passport.

Cargo, Interior, and Comfort

The Venza’s cabin is expected to be slightly larger than that of the smaller Toyota RAV4, but in actuality, the Venza was slightly smaller inside. Not only is there less passenger room than in the RAV4, but cargo space suffers as well, though most purchasers will find it enough. The Venza is the first Toyota to feature the Star Gaze optional electrochromic panoramic sunroof.

Connectivity and infotainment

The Venza comes standard with an 8.0-inch touchscreen that sits boldly atop the SUV’s dashboard; a bigger 12.3-inch display is available on the XLE and standard on the Limited. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa connection are all standard, as is SiriusXM satellite radio, regardless of display. Upgrading to the bigger of the two screens also unlocks in-dash navigation and adds a JBL premium sound system with nine speakers.