2023 Toyota Venza Review: Want a more luxurious RAV4 Hybrid? This is it. https://youtu.be/yonAdhAMrng
It's a luxurious alternative to compact SUVs and a more efficient alternative to midsizers.
Pros: More luxurious than mechanically identical RAV4 Hybrid; excellent fuel economy for an SUV; Lexus-like looks and quality.
Cons: Less spacious and versatile than mechanically identical RAV4 Hybrid; wonky touch controls; a bit slow.
While the RAV4 got more rugged and SUV-like for its current generation, the 2023 Toyota Venza is for those who’d rather have their compact SUV be more refined and luxurious. It doesn’t need to take them camping or at least look like it could. It has a refined look outside and a luxurious interior with prominently featured technology. Mechanically, however, the Venza is nearly identical to the RAV4 Hybrid. And yes, specifically the hybrid, as every Venza is a hybrid. They’re all all-wheel-drive too. Considering the hybrid is the RAV4’s better powertrain option, there’s certainly no problem there.
What about the Venza’s positioning in the greater compact SUV segment? Well, it definitely has a higher price, as its base LE starts well in the 30s, with the range-topping Limited cresting $40,000. It is more luxurious, however, and despite its “compact” size, has a more upmarket look and feel indicative of some midsize SUVs like a Chevy Blazer, Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento. As such, you can think of the Venza as a more efficient alternative to those, or as a more luxurious and refined alternative to the RAV4 Hybrid and other compact SUVs.
What's new for 2023?
The Venza’s standard suite of driver assistance and safety technologies is upgraded with improved vehicle, pedestrian and bicycle detection. It also adds emergency steering assistance. Feature updates include all trim levels getting an upgrade to Toyota’s latest infotainment system, while the XLE further gets the 12.3-inch touchscreen standard. There are also new USB ports, an upgraded wireless charging pad, and extra standard equipment for the Limited: a head-up display, an eight-way passenger seat and automatic wipers. Finally, there’s a new trim level for 2023: the Nightshade Edition (pictured above), which adds lots of black trim, 19-inch gloss-black wheels and LED foglights. It is available in Celestial Black, Wind Chill Pearl (a new color for ’23) and Ruby Flare Pearl.
What are the Venza interior and in-car technology like?
Similar to its exterior styling, the Venza’s interior design is a key area where it differentiates itself from the RAV4. Instead of a blocky, off-road look, the Venza features a sharp, modern and highly styled interior. It’s entering Lexus territory in its highest trim. Distinctive color schemes, contrast dash/seat stitching, and prominent technology help bring the design together. Functionally, the XLE and Limited are hamstrung versus the LE, though. Both the mid-grade and top trim have touch-capacitive controls for the audio and climate systems,
It's a luxurious alternative to compact SUVs and a more efficient alternative to midsizers.
Pros: More luxurious than mechanically identical RAV4 Hybrid; excellent fuel economy for an SUV; Lexus-like looks and quality.
Cons: Less spacious and versatile than mechanically identical RAV4 Hybrid; wonky touch controls; a bit slow.
While the RAV4 got more rugged and SUV-like for its current generation, the 2023 Toyota Venza is for those who’d rather have their compact SUV be more refined and luxurious. It doesn’t need to take them camping or at least look like it could. It has a refined look outside and a luxurious interior with prominently featured technology. Mechanically, however, the Venza is nearly identical to the RAV4 Hybrid. And yes, specifically the hybrid, as every Venza is a hybrid. They’re all all-wheel-drive too. Considering the hybrid is the RAV4’s better powertrain option, there’s certainly no problem there.
What about the Venza’s positioning in the greater compact SUV segment? Well, it definitely has a higher price, as its base LE starts well in the 30s, with the range-topping Limited cresting $40,000. It is more luxurious, however, and despite its “compact” size, has a more upmarket look and feel indicative of some midsize SUVs like a Chevy Blazer, Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento. As such, you can think of the Venza as a more efficient alternative to those, or as a more luxurious and refined alternative to the RAV4 Hybrid and other compact SUVs.
What's new for 2023?
The Venza’s standard suite of driver assistance and safety technologies is upgraded with improved vehicle, pedestrian and bicycle detection. It also adds emergency steering assistance. Feature updates include all trim levels getting an upgrade to Toyota’s latest infotainment system, while the XLE further gets the 12.3-inch touchscreen standard. There are also new USB ports, an upgraded wireless charging pad, and extra standard equipment for the Limited: a head-up display, an eight-way passenger seat and automatic wipers. Finally, there’s a new trim level for 2023: the Nightshade Edition (pictured above), which adds lots of black trim, 19-inch gloss-black wheels and LED foglights. It is available in Celestial Black, Wind Chill Pearl (a new color for ’23) and Ruby Flare Pearl.
What are the Venza interior and in-car technology like?
Similar to its exterior styling, the Venza’s interior design is a key area where it differentiates itself from the RAV4. Instead of a blocky, off-road look, the Venza features a sharp, modern and highly styled interior. It’s entering Lexus territory in its highest trim. Distinctive color schemes, contrast dash/seat stitching, and prominent technology help bring the design together. Functionally, the XLE and Limited are hamstrung versus the LE, though. Both the mid-grade and top trim have touch-capacitive controls for the audio and climate systems,
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