The Toyota Venza made a comeback in 2021, resurrecting a nameplate from Toyota’s past but with a completely new direction. The 2022 Toyota Venza, closely related to the popular RAV4 Hybrid, emerges as a sophisticated and fuel-efficient crossover SUV, arguably one of Toyota’s most compelling vehicles in their current lineup. Like a well-crafted dish where all ingredients harmonize, the Venza blends style, comfort, and hybrid technology into a package that appeals to a wide range of drivers. While it might not be the most exhilarating ride, it excels in providing a refined and practical driving experience for everyday life.
Image: Front exterior view of the stylish 2022 Toyota Venza Limited in silver, showcasing its sleek design and modern SUV appearance.
The Upsides of the 2022 Venza: Design, Features, and Fuel Efficiency
The 2022 Venza, particularly in the Limited trim, is packed with features and qualities that resonate with today’s SUV buyers. In a Toyota lineup known for sometimes polarizing designs, the Venza stands out as genuinely attractive. Its sleek lines, smooth curves, and refined front and rear fascias give it an upscale aesthetic, often drawing comparisons to Lexus models. In fact, many would argue the Venza surpasses current Lexus SUVs in visual appeal. This sophisticated design language continues inside the cabin, where flowing lines meet premium materials and soft-touch surfaces. While some switchgear maintains Toyota’s characteristic practicality over premium feel and the infotainment screen might appear slightly dated compared to the newest rivals, the overall interior ambiance in the Venza is a clear step above the RAV4 Limited, offering a more comfortable and elevated experience.
Image: Rear three-quarter view of the 2022 Toyota Venza highlighting its elegant taillight design and sculpted rear liftgate, emphasizing the vehicle’s premium styling.
Like many modern SUVs, the 2022 Venza comes well-equipped with a host of desirable features. Expect amenities like heated and ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof to brighten the cabin, seamless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration for smartphone connectivity, a convenient bird’s eye view camera system for parking assistance, a helpful head-up display projecting key driving information, and a comprehensive suite of Toyota Safety Sense features. While these features are competitive within the segment, they contribute to the Venza’s appeal as a comfortable and technologically advanced vehicle. The as-tested price for the fully loaded Venza Limited reaches $44,655, reflecting its premium features and positioning.
One of the most compelling aspects of the 2022 Toyota Venza is its exceptional fuel economy. Achieving an average of 35 MPG during a week of mixed driving is truly remarkable for a vehicle of this size and capability. This impressive efficiency underscores the advancements in Toyota’s hybrid technology. For drivers seeking to reduce their carbon footprint and fuel costs without the complexities of fully electric vehicles, the Venza offers a compelling and practical hybrid solution.
Image: Interior shot of the 2022 Toyota Venza showcasing the spacious cabin, leather seats, panoramic sunroof, and modern dashboard design, emphasizing comfort and technology.
From a driving dynamics perspective, the 2022 Venza prioritizes comfort and ease of use over sporty handling. While driving enthusiasts might find it lacking in excitement, this is precisely what Toyota’s target customer base seeks. The Venza delivers a smooth, comfortable, and predictable driving experience. It tracks confidently on highways, the steering is light and responsive for easy maneuvering, and the vehicle responds obediently to driver inputs. In essence, it embodies the quintessential Toyota driving experience: reliable, comfortable, and undemanding.
Areas for Improvement in the 2022 Venza
While the 2022 Toyota Venza excels in many areas, it’s not without its minor drawbacks. As mentioned, driving engagement isn’t a strength, so those seeking an exciting SUV should look elsewhere. However, for daily commuting and errands, the Venza performs admirably. Some interior ergonomic quirks are noticeable, such as the somewhat awkwardly placed start/stop button, appearing almost as an afterthought in a storage cubby. The wireless phone charging pad shares this location, making phone retrieval slightly cumbersome.
Image: Close-up view of the 2022 Toyota Venza’s center console highlighting the infotainment screen, climate controls, and the somewhat recessed wireless charging pad and start/stop button.
Acceleration is adequate but not particularly brisk, with a 0-60 MPH time just over eight seconds. While quicker than some competitors like the VW Tiguan, the RAV4 Hybrid, sharing the same powertrain, is slightly faster. Compared to the RAV4, the Venza offers less interior space, particularly in the rear seats and cargo area. While rear passenger space remains adequate for adults, it lacks the generous dimensions of the RAV4. The Venza’s sloping roofline, contributing to its stylish exterior, does compromise cargo volume compared to its more boxy sibling. It’s still a practical SUV, but buyers prioritizing maximum cargo space might find it slightly limiting. Furthermore, the Venza commands a slightly higher price than a comparably equipped RAV4 Hybrid Limited, reflecting its more premium aspirations. The Honda CR-V Touring Hybrid, for instance, presents a more affordable alternative, albeit with a less luxurious interior and slightly lower fuel economy.
Another common Toyota trait is the busy digital instrument cluster, presenting a wealth of information that can feel overwhelming. A simpler, more streamlined display could enhance the driver’s experience. The fuel gauge and range estimation can also be inaccurate, underestimating the Venza’s driving range. With a 14.5-gallon tank and 35 MPG average, a 500-mile range is easily achievable, yet the system may predict closer to 400 miles.
Image: Driver’s perspective of the 2022 Toyota Venza’s digital instrument cluster, showing the information layout and data displayed to the driver.
Toyota’s radar cruise control system can be overly cautious, applying brakes more abruptly than necessary and maintaining a speed slightly below the set speed. In one instance, the Venza’s automatic emergency braking system engaged unnecessarily due to a perceived collision risk that was not imminent, causing unexpected braking. While likely an isolated incident, it’s worth noting.
Is the 2022 Toyota Venza Toyota’s Best Vehicle?
Despite these minor criticisms, the 2022 Toyota Venza stands out as a truly exceptional vehicle within Toyota’s current lineup. Its appealing design, refined interior, outstanding fuel economy, and comfortable driving dynamics make it a compelling choice for a wide range of buyers. Unless maximizing cargo space is a top priority, the Venza presents a more attractive and upscale alternative to the RAV4 Hybrid. While competitors offer hybrid SUVs, few can match Toyota’s hybrid fuel efficiency. While some minor improvements could be made, the Venza excels in delivering the core attributes most car buyers seek.
2022 Toyota Venza Limited: Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Stylish and upscale exterior and interior design
- Exceptional fuel economy thanks to hybrid powertrain
- Comfortable and refined ride quality
- Well-equipped with desirable technology and safety features
Cons:
- Less cargo and rear passenger space compared to RAV4
- Driving experience prioritized comfort over excitement
- Some ergonomic quirks in interior layout
- Slightly higher price point than some competitors
Verdict: The 2022 Toyota Venza is an unexpectedly strong offering from Toyota, blending style, efficiency, and a touch of luxury into a highly desirable hybrid SUV.
Image: Front three-quarter view of the 2022 Toyota Venza in a scenic outdoor setting, showcasing its modern design and suitability for everyday driving and adventures.
Image: Side profile of the 2022 Toyota Venza emphasizing its sleek silhouette, alloy wheels, and overall SUV proportions, highlighting its stylish design.
Image: Front view of the 2022 Toyota Venza parked on a paved road, focusing on the front grille, headlights, and Toyota emblem, showcasing the vehicle’s brand identity.
Image: Wide interior view of the 2022 Toyota Venza from the passenger side, showing the dashboard layout, steering wheel, and spacious front cabin area, emphasizing the vehicle’s interior design and comfort.
Image: Close-up of the 2022 Toyota Venza’s leather seats and interior trim, highlighting the premium materials and stitching details within the cabin.
Image: Detail shot of the 2022 Toyota Venza’s alloy wheel design, showcasing the wheel style and tire, adding to the vehicle’s overall aesthetic appeal.
