If you’re not quite convinced to make a $40,000 bet on electric, the 2024 Toyota Venza Limited crossover is a safe choice that’s still eco-friendly to help ease a guilty conscious.
Venza is offered os LE, XLE and Limited trims, but only as a hybrid with EV, ECO, Normal and Sport drive modes. My tester was the Limited model, with a 39 mile per gallon combined EPA rating and 480-mile range on a full tank.
Adding to its likability, Venza seats up to five adults and comes with electronic on-demand all-wheel drive, making it a versatile Northwest performer in any season.
The Toyota HEV System in the Venza combines a high-efficiency 2.5-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine with three electric motors and a lithium-ion battery. The gas engine employs variable valve timing-intelligent system by electric motor on the intake and exhaust camshafts. A variable cooling system (electric water pump and electric thermostat) and a fully variable oil pump further help improve engine efficiency.
Regenerative braking captures the energy of the turning wheels as the vehicle slows, sending it to the hybrid battery. To foster greater control when driving in hilly areas, the driver can use a sequential shifting feature to “downshift” to increase regenerative braking in steps.
Toyota’s proven hybrid tech seamlessly delivers 219 total system horsepower for lively performance. As with all Toyota hybrids, the feeling of everyday acceleration and responsiveness is heightened by the way the electric motor boosts low-speed torque. The hybrid system optimizes the level of electric motor assistance and gas engine RPM without the engine running at high revs. Engine speed is synchronized with vehicle speed, yielding effortless and quiet acceleration.
The Venza’s undeniably eye-catching design combines with a fashionable, quiet cabin for a package that makes an impression. Its stunning alloy wheels, LED projector headlights, and continuous, thin rear LED taillights give Venza a strikingly modern look. It comes equipped with 19-inch metallic-finished, alloy wheels and a “Blueprint” coat of enamel.
Inside the Venza cabin, outside noise and vibrations are kept to a minimum. Features include heated and ventilated SofTex trimmed seats, JBL sound system with nine speakers, subwoofer and amp, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, one USB media port, four USB charge ports, digital rearview mirror and a panoramic glass roof that changes from transparent to frosted with the push of a button.
Venza offers 28.8 cu. ft. of carrying space behind the second row and 55.1 cu. ft. total with the rear seat back folded. When not in use, the standard tonneau cover can be stored in a space beneath the cargo area deck.
Limited comes standard with a 10-inch color head-up display which projects vital information at eye-level including speed, hybrid system indicator and safety functions. A backup camera features projected-path and dynamic gridlines for easy, confident movement in reverse.
Venza also comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, a suite of active safety systems that includes pre-collision with pedestrian detection, emergency steering assist, full-range dynamic radar cruise control, lane departure alert, lane tracing assist, automatic high beams, road sign assist, and rear seat reminder.
Other standard safety features include blind spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, and front and rear parking assist with automatic braking.
Base Price: $44,455
Price As Driven: $46,169
Destination charge is included in base price. Vehicles are provided by the manufacturer. List price may vary at local dealerships.
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