All-new for 2021, the 2022 Toyota Venza returns basically unchanged.
After a six-year sabbatical, Toyota brought back the Venza nameplate as a mid-size, 2-row, all-wheel-drive (AWD) hybrid (HEV) crossover.
Venza abandoned its wagon persona for a more SUV-like character with its rebirth.
It leaves Toyota 4Runner to do the heavy off-road lifting in the midsize segment. For those demanding that third-row seat, 4Runner and Highlander assume that role.
That leaves Venza to carry the torch for those looking for a sleeker, car-like AWD people mover with a surprising amount of cargo capacity.
Rather unique, Venza doesn’t have much direct competition.
We like Venza for its sharp styling, impressive fuel economy, up-to-date technology, AWD, and Toyota’s reputation for reliability.
Historically, Toyota uses a multi-grade marketing approach, but, at least so far, it offers Venza in only three trim levels. Those are LE, XLE, and Limited.
Thrust comes from a hybrid powertrain consisting of a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine and three electric motors.
Two electric motors rest on the front axle, with the third motor attached to the rear axle. This is the backbone of the AWD system, which can shift as much as 80% of engine torque to the rear wheels. When that extra traction isn’t needed, the system reverts to front-wheel drive (FWD).
An automatic transmission sends engine production where it needs to go. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the 2022 Toyota Venza delivers 40 mpg in the city, 37 mpg on the highway, and 39 mpg in combined driving.
2022 Toyota Venza LE (starting at $32,890)
The 2022 Toyota Venza LE starts at $32,890.
LE comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, heated power-folding outboard mirrors with integrated turn signals, and hill-start assist.
Also included are LED exterior lights (auto on-off headlights, taillights, and daytime running lights) and a hands-free power rear liftgate.
A 4.2-inch digital driver display, a leather-wrapped power-adjustable steering wheel, and dual-zone automatic climate control are also standard.
Also included are four USB ports, cloth seats, an 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, keyless entry with push-button start, and wireless phone charging.
The infotainment system is an 8-inch touchscreen, a 6-speaker audio system, Bluetooth, voice recognition, and Alexa. Satellite-radio capability, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto are also standard.
The driver aids are forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking and lane-departure warning with steering assist. Lane-tracing assist, road-sign assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert are included.
Adaptive cruise control and high-beam assist are standard.
Every Venza also comes with a 2-year or 25,000-mile free scheduled-maintenance program.
Toyota doesn’t offer any factory-installed options for the LE.
Adding the $1,215 destination fee to the LE base price brings the total to $34,105. If you put no money down and financed for 60 months at 3% interest, it works out to $613 per month. See 2022 Toyota Venza LE models for sale
2022 Toyota Venza LE includes:
- Hybrid powertrain – This consists of a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine and three electric motors. The combined output is 219 horsepower and 163 lb-ft of torque. A continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) distributes engine power. It uses pulleys and belts rather than a clutch and gears to increase mileage.
- Hands-free power liftgate – With the key fob on your person, stick your foot under the rear bumper. The liftgate automatically opens.
- Driver aids – This is a comprehensive list including forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking and lane-departure warning with steering assist. Lane-tracing assist, road-sign assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert are included.
2022 Toyota Venza XLE (starting at $36,425)
The 2022 Toyota Venza XLE starts at $36,425.
XLE adds 19-inch alloy wheels, projector LED headlights, dual-LED daytime running lights, and a 7-inch digital driver display.
Also added are an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a Homelink transceiver, faux-leather seat bolsters, heated front seats, and front-rear park assist.
For $2,050, you may add the Premium Audio with Dynamic Navigation and JBL package. Its features are a 12.3-inch touchscreen, a 9-speaker JBL audio system, navigation, and Wi-Fi hotspot capability.
Adding the $1,215 destination fee to the XLE base price totals $37,640. With no money down for 60 months at 3% interest, financing works out to $676 per month. See 2022 Toyota Venza XLE models for sale
2022 Toyota Venza XLE includes:
- Auto-dimming rearview mirror – Using photosensors, it recognizes bright headlights closing from behind. It then automatically dims the reflection of those lights.
- Homelink – This universal transceiver offers programming for your automatic garage door, as well as other functions like your home’s interior light operation.
- Front-rear park assist – Sensors on the front and rear bumpers detect when an object is close, triggering a warning.
2022 Toyota Venza Limited (starting at $40,380)
The 2022 Toyota Venza Limited starts at $40,380.
In addition to the XLE Premium Audio option package, Limited adds a digital rearview mirror, a surround-view camera, and a heated steering wheel.
Also included are ventilated front seats and a 4-way power-adjustable passenger seat.
Kicking in another $725 gains you a head-up display and rain-sensing wipers.
If you want a panoramic glass roof, it will set you back another $1,400.
Adding the $1,215 destination fee to the Limited base price equals $41,595. With no money down, financing for 60 months at 3% interest works out to $747 per month. See 2022 Toyota Venza Limited models for sale
2022 Toyota Venza Limited includes:
- Navigation – This is a GPS-based system offering turn-by-turn directions and more.
- Digital rearview mirror – Using a rear-pointed camera, this rearview mirror presents a full display of what is behind the vehicle even if the rear window is blocked.
- Surround-view camera – It provides a 360-degree bird’s-eye view around the vehicle. This is particularly valuable when parking.
