{"id":3118,"date":"2020-06-03T00:19:07","date_gmt":"2020-06-03T04:19:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/articles.carcostcanada.com\/?p=3118"},"modified":"2025-03-07T09:27:53","modified_gmt":"2025-03-07T14:27:53","slug":"toyota-venza-comes-back-from-six-year-hiatus-with-hybrid-electric-power","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/articles.carcostcanada.com\/toyota-venza-comes-back-from-six-year-hiatus-with-hybrid-electric-power\/","title":{"rendered":"Toyota Venza comes back from six-year hiatus with hybrid electric power"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"2021
Toyota will bring back its Venza nameplate for 2021, but it will be a taller more SUV-like crossover than the previous version.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Sometimes automakers make choices that don\u2019t seem to make much sense at the time, but for reasons we outsiders will never know, vehicles get cancelled that really should have lived on. <\/span><\/p>\n

The 2009\u20132015 Venza was one such vehicle, a five-occupant mid-size crossover SUV that, while a bit more wagon-like than utility, due to Toyota already offering its rugged, truck-based, off-road capable five-passenger 4Runner, nevertheless filled an important void in the brand\u2019s North American lineups. <\/span><\/p>\n

Thanks to fairly good initial sales, Toyota would\u2019ve arguably found more traction if it had chosen to bring back a redesign after four to five or years or so, rather than cancel it after six. At least the Japanese brand has a recognizable nameplate to fall back on now that it\u2019s ready to reenter one of the more profitable auto segments. The new Toyota Venza will therefore launch in Canada as a 2021 model, starting this summer.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

While standard with all-wheel drive, more unexpectedly is the announcement of a standard hybrid drivetrain. This follows Toyota\u2019s commitment to electrify its entire lineup by 2025, and therefore the new Venza will be joined by a wholly redesigned 2021 Sienna that will only be available with a hybrid electric drivetrain as well. <\/span><\/p>\n

\"2009
The original 2009-2016 Venza was ahead of its time.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Additional Toyota vehicles sold with the automaker\u2019s full hybrid drive system include the now legendary Prius<\/a>, also with available with new AWD-e four-season capability, plus the new Corolla Hybrid<\/a>, the Camry Hybrid<\/a>, the RAV4 Hybrid<\/a>, and the Highlander Hybrid<\/a>, while the Prius Prime<\/a> offers plug-in, 100 percent electric (EV) motive power for short distances at city as well as highway speeds, plus last but not least is the Mirai hydrogen fuel-cell-powered EV. <\/span><\/p>\n

Since the first-generation Venza was discontinued, Toyota hasn\u2019t offered a two-row, five-passenger crossover SUV in the mid-size class. As noted the iconic 4Runner remains a 4×4-capable off-roader competing more directly with Jeep\u2019s Wrangler and soon Ford\u2019s new Bronco, so it won\u2019t attract the same kind of soft-roader clientele. Ford in mind, its Edge will be one of the Venza\u2019s direct competitors, while the even more popular three-row Explorer will continue to duke it out against Toyota\u2019s recently redesigned Highlander. Of note, the Edge was the best-selling mid-size SUV in calendar year 2019 thanks to 19,965 sales, compared to the Highlander that only found 13,811 new Canadian owners. What\u2019s more, Ford sold 29,632 Edge and Explorer models collectively last year, and that impressive sales lead doesn\u2019t even factor in that 2019 was a terrible year for the Explorer due to Ford\u2019s slow rollout of the all-new 2020 version. Ford claimed that production issues were at fault, but either way year-over-year Explorer sales were down 47 percent plunge in Canada during 2019, so we can expect the disparity in Ford\u2019s mid-size SUV sales lead to grow even more in 2020 (overall sale will be down, however, due to COVID-19). <\/span><\/p>\n

\"2021
The 2021 Toyota Harrier looks very similar to the new Venza.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

As of December 31, 2019, five two-row mid-size SUVs sold better than the Highlander in the Canadian mid-size SUV segment. The Edge was followed by Hyundai\u2019s Santa Fe (which is now available solely as a five-passenger model due to the new three-row Palisade) that found 18,929 new customers last year, whereas Jeep\u2019s Grand Cherokee attracted 18,659 new owners in 2019. Kia\u2019s Sorento (now also sold with just two rows thanks to Kia\u2019s new Telluride) also beat Highlander sales with 16,054 deliveries down the road during the same 12 months, while Chevy\u2019s all-new Blazer sold 15,210 units last year. Nissan only sold 12,000 Muranos in 2019, but when this model finally gets a redesign it will probably find more takers than the three-row Highlander too, so it\u2019s clear that the new 2021 Venza critically important for Toyota. <\/span><\/p>\n

Toyota is taking a significant risk by only offering a single hybrid drivetrain, particularly because this choice will undoubtedly make the Venza more expensive to build and sell than rivals\u2019 gasoline-powered counterparts, but it nevertheless should be well received by those wanting to save fuel and reduce pollutants. A recent spike in fuel prices may make some Canadians more open to spending more on a hybrid powertrain, but even with pump prices higher now than in recent months they remain relatively low when compared to the last couple of years. <\/span><\/p>\n

There should be no fears about Toyota hybrid reliability, mind you, as the brand initiated the entire market segment with its first-generation Prius in 1997 (in 2000 as a 2001 model here in Canada) and garnered an enviable reputation for near bulletproof dependability for all of its various hybrid-electric drivetrains. <\/span><\/p>\n

\"1999
The original 1999 Toyota Harrier looks almost identical to the Lexus RX 300 of the same era.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

No Transport Canada five-cycle fuel economy figures have been announced yet, but Toyota estimates the new 2021 Venza to manage a combined city and highway rating of 5.9 L\/100km, which will make it the most fuel-efficient vehicle in its class. Of note, the brand employs active grille shutters in order to minimize drag, aiding fuel economy at highway speeds. <\/span><\/p>\n

The original Venza shared its platform architecture with the Japanese domestic market (JDM) Toyota Harrier, amongst other Toyota\/Lexus products such as the Camry and Highlander. The Harrier was even more closely aligned with our Lexus RX (particularly the first-generation Harrier that was barely disguised when it debuted as the 1999 Lexus RX 300). Over the five-plus-year period that Toyota didn\u2019t offer the Venza in Canada, covering 2016 until today, a third-gen Harrier came and went in the JDM, but now that we have photos of both the fourth-gen Harrier and the new 2021 Venza it\u2019s easy to see the similarities between these two vehicles. <\/span><\/p>\n

Toyota will use its well-proven 2.5-litre Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder hybrid powertrain for the new 2021 Venza and upcoming 2021 Sienna, this drivetrain also powering the Camry Hybrid, RAV4 Hybrid and Highlander Hybrid (as well as the Avalon Hybrid in the U.S. market). The powertrain\u2019s combined system output is 219 horsepower, making it identical to the 2020 RAV4 Hybrid, although more powerful than the Camry Hybrid that only puts out 208 hp, and not as potent as the new 2020 Highlander Hybrid that makes a total of 240 hp. <\/span><\/p>\n

\"2015
A version of this 2015 Toyota Harrier could’ve been our Venza if Toyota had decided to keep the model in the North American markets.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The new Toyota Hybrid System II drivetrain incorporates a lighter lithium-ion battery that improves efficiency as well as performance. Like the RAV4 Hybrid and Highlander Hybrid, the Venza receives two electric motors that provide maximum torque almost immediately at takeoff. The rear motor provides motive power to the rear wheels, which Toyota calls Electronic On-Demand All-Wheel Drive. The rear-mounted motor only engages when the back wheels experience slippage, at which point the drive system can appropriate up to 80 percent of system torque to the wheels behind. This said the system defaults to front-wheel drive so as to minimize fuel usage, and only uses its rear wheels when necessary. <\/span><\/p>\n

Speaking of fuel savings, the Venza includes an Eco mode that \u201cchanges the throttle and environmental logic\u201d to enhance overall efficiencies, states Toyota in a press release, while Normal and Sport modes (the former \u201cideal for everyday driving\u201d and the latter sharpening \u201cthrottle response\u201d) also come standard, whereas an EV mode allows limited use of full electric motive power at \u201clow speeds for short distances,\u201d just like Toyota provides with its other non-plug-in hybrid models. <\/span><\/p>\n

\"2021
The new 2021 Venza offers slick, premium styling.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Toyota claims the new 2021 Venza\u2019s regenerative braking system, which captures otherwise lost electricity caused by kinetic brake friction and then reroutes it to the model\u2019s electrical system, provides better control than in previous hybrid generations, and in fact can be used for \u201cdownshifting\u201d via the sequential gear lever\u2019s manual shift mode. Each downshift increases the regenerative system\u2019s braking force in steps, which \u201cfosters greater control when driving in hilly areas,\u201d says Toyota, while the hybrid system also benefits ride comfort by \u201cfinely controlling the drive torque to suppress pitch under acceleration and deceleration.\u201d Toyota calls this differential torque pre-load, and it\u2019s particularly useful when taking off from a corner or managing curves on both normal and slippery road surfaces. This feature also aids steering performance at higher speeds, plus it improves straight-line stability and controllability on rougher road surfaces. Additionally, Toyota incorporates new Active Cornering Assist (ACA) electronic brake vectoring into the Venza so as to minimize understeer and thus improve handling yet further. <\/span><\/p>\n

The new 2021 Venza is built on the Toyota New Global Architecture K (TNGA-K) platform that also underpins the 2018\u2013present Camry<\/a>, 2019\u2013present Avalon<\/a>, 2019\u2013present RAV4<\/a>, 2020 Highlander<\/a>, and the redesigned 2021 Sienna, not to mention the 2019\u2013present Lexus ES<\/a> and upcoming Lexus NX<\/a> and RX<\/a> replacements. In a press release Toyota states that the TNGA-K architecture helps the Venza deliver an \u201cintuitive driving experience\u201d with \u201cgreater driving refinement,\u201d including \u201ccomfortable urban and highway performance\u201d and \u201cpredictable handling, plus low noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH).\u201d The new Venza features extensive high-strength steel for a more rigid body structure that helps improve its front strut and rear multi-link suspension\u2019s ride quality and handling, plus its overall safety. <\/span><\/p>\n

\"2021
Toyota will offer a fully digital gauge cluster in top trims.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The new base Venza LE rides on an 18-inch set of multi-spoke two-tone alloy wheels, whereas XLE and Limited trims arrive standard with a set of 19-inch multi-spoke super chrome finished alloys. <\/span><\/p>\n

Inside the cabin, the near top-line Venza XLE and the fully-loaded Limited model get advanced touch-sensitive capacitive controls on their centre stack instead of the LE\u2019s physical buttons, although you\u2019ll probably notice the big 12.3-inch centre infotainment touchscreen first. This said even the base model\u2019s 8.0-inch centre display is big for an entry-level model. <\/span><\/p>\n

The Venza\u2019s larger upgraded infotainment system receives a 1,200-watt, 12-channel, nine-speaker (with sub) JBL audio system that Toyota claims to be \u201csonically gorgeous,\u201d plus embedded navigation with Destination Assist comes standard too. The new nav system features switchable driver or front passenger operation, while both systems include smartphone integration from Apple CarPlay, which comes complete with its Siri voice control system, as well as Android Auto with its Google Assistant, while Bluetooth wireless connectivity is also included. <\/span><\/p>\n

\"2021
A large 12.9-inch infotainment touchscreen will make the Venza ultra advanced.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Advanced technologies in mind, the Venza will make a fully digital instrument cluster available in upper trims, not to mention a 10-inch colour head-up display that will project key information, like vehicle speed, the hybrid system\u2019s details, and TSS 2.0 safety and driver assist functions, onto the windscreen ahead of the driver, while an electronic rearview mirror with an auto-dimming function plus a HomeLink garage door opener will provide a clearer rear view, which will be especially helpful when rear passengers and\/or luggage is interrupting rearward vision. The electronic rearview mirror only needs the flick of a switch to go from conventional to digital operation. <\/span><\/p>\n

When moving up to Limited trim, parking lot safety is further improved via a 360-degree bird\u2019s-eye view from a surround camera system that Toyota calls its Panoramic View Monitor. The standard camera gets \u201cprojected path\u201d active guidelines as well as an available \u201crear camera cleaning system [that] sprays washer fluid to clear away water droplets, mud, snow, and snow-melting road treatments from the lens,\u201d says Toyota. <\/span><\/p>\n

Wireless phone charging is another area Toyota leads most rivals, so it\u2019s no surprise the Venza makes this handy feature available, while additional options include ventilated front seats, proximity Smart Key for all four doors plus the tailgate (the latter also providing hands-free powered operation), plus more. <\/span><\/p>\n

\"2021
Upper trims receive touch-capacitive controls on the centre stack.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

More in mind, new \u201cStar Gaze\u201d is a fixed electrochromic panoramic glass roof that can instantly switch between transparent and frosted modes by flicking a switch on the overhead console. Toyota claims the frosted mode \u201cbrightens the interior while reducing direct sunlight, giving the cabin an even more open, airy, and inviting feeling.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

What\u2019s more, each Venza trim comes standard with Toyota\u2019s TSS 2.0 suite of advanced safety and driver assistance features such as pre-collision system and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, blind spot monitoring, lane departure assist, rear cross-traffic alert, lane tracing assist, automatic high beams, and full-speed adaptive cruise control. <\/span><\/p>\n

As for interior roominess, we can expect the Venza\u2019s passenger compartment to be similar in size to the first and second row of the new Highlander that as noted earlier shares underpinnings, which should make it more accommodating than the current RAV4. It\u2019s possible to carry up to 1,027 litres (36.2 cubic feet) of cargo behind the rear seats, which is oddly 32 litres (1.1 cu ft) less than what you\u2019ll find in a compact RAV4, that model good for 1,059 litres (37.4 cu ft) of dedicated cargo space, while the Highlander provides 1,010 litres (35.6 cu ft) more space when its third row laid flat. <\/span><\/p>\n

Pricing for the 2021 Venza will be announced closer its summer arrival date. <\/span><\/p>\n

Story credits: Trevor Hofmann <\/span><\/p>\n

Photo credits: Toyota<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Sometimes automakers make choices that don\u2019t seem to make much sense at the time, but for reasons we outsiders will never know, vehicles get cancelled that really should have lived on. The 2009\u20132015 Venza was one such vehicle, a five-occupant mid-size crossover SUV that, while a bit more wagon-like than utility, due to Toyota already […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":3122,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-container-style":"default","site-container-layout":"default","site-sidebar-layout":"default","disable-article-header":"default","disable-site-header":"default","disable-site-footer":"default","disable-content-area-spacing":"default","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[350,550,234,549,551,40,34,36,37,180,179,62,137,207,181,548],"class_list":["post-3118","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-carcostcanada","tag-350","tag-550","tag-electric","tag-five","tag-harrier","tag-hev","tag-hybrid","tag-mid-size","tag-midsize","tag-occupant","tag-passenger","tag-sport","tag-suv","tag-toyota","tag-utility","tag-venza"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/articles.carcostcanada.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3118","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/articles.carcostcanada.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/articles.carcostcanada.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/articles.carcostcanada.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/articles.carcostcanada.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3118"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/articles.carcostcanada.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3118\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3132,"href":"https:\/\/articles.carcostcanada.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3118\/revisions\/3132"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/articles.carcostcanada.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3122"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/articles.carcostcanada.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3118"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/articles.carcostcanada.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3118"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/articles.carcostcanada.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3118"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}