The 2022 Toyota Venza marks the return of a nameplate with a completely new identity. Revived as a stylish, hybrid-only SUV, the 2022 Venza shares its underpinnings with the RAV4 Hybrid but distinguishes itself with a more premium feel and a focus on design and fuel efficiency. Is the 2022 Toyota Venza the right choice for you? Let’s delve into what makes this hybrid SUV stand out in a crowded market.
What Makes the 2022 Venza Appealing?
The 2022 Venza immediately grabs attention with its sophisticated and upscale design. Moving away from the boxier SUV shapes, the Venza boasts smooth lines, a sloping roofline, and a refined aesthetic that could easily be mistaken for a Lexus. In fact, many argue the 2022 Toyota Venza surpasses current Lexus SUVs in visual appeal. This stylish exterior is matched by a surprisingly premium interior, especially in the Limited trim. Soft-touch materials, quality leather, and a well-laid-out cabin create a comfortable and inviting environment for both driver and passengers.
Beyond aesthetics, the 2022 Venza excels in fuel economy. As a hybrid-only model, it delivers exceptional MPG figures, averaging around 35 MPG in real-world driving conditions. This impressive fuel efficiency makes the 2022 Venza a practical choice for daily commutes and long road trips, especially for those hesitant to fully commit to a fully electric vehicle. The Venza offers a seamless hybrid experience without the need for charging infrastructure, providing a familiar and convenient ownership experience.
The 2022 Toyota Venza Limited trim comes loaded with features that enhance comfort and convenience. Expect to find heated and cooled seats, a panoramic sunroof, smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a helpful bird’s eye view camera system, and a head-up display. A comprehensive suite of Toyota Safety Sense features is also standard, providing peace of mind with advanced driver-assistance technologies. While these features are common in the segment, they contribute to the Venza’s overall appeal and value proposition.
Areas for Improvement in the 2022 Venza
While the 2022 Venza shines in many areas, it’s not without its drawbacks. One common critique is its driving dynamics. The Venza prioritizes comfort and fuel efficiency over sporty handling. Drivers seeking an engaging or exciting driving experience may find the Venza lacking. However, for the typical SUV buyer focused on comfortable and reliable transportation, the Venza’s driving characteristics are perfectly adequate. The steering is light and responsive, and the ride is smooth and composed, making it easy to maneuver in city traffic and cruise on the highway.
Inside the cabin, some ergonomic quirks exist. The placement of the engine start/stop button and the wireless phone charging pad in a deep cubby can be inconvenient to access. This design choice seems like an afterthought and could be improved for better usability. Additionally, while the interior is generally upscale, some switchgear and the infotainment screen design feel somewhat dated compared to newer competitors.
Performance-wise, the 2022 Venza’s acceleration is adequate but not exhilarating. Its 0-60 mph time is around 8 seconds, which is sufficient for everyday driving but not particularly quick. Furthermore, despite its size, the Venza offers less rear passenger and cargo space compared to the RAV4 Hybrid. The sloping roofline, while stylish, does compromise cargo volume. While still practical for most needs, families requiring maximum space might find the RAV4 Hybrid or other competitors more accommodating.
Another minor point of contention is the busy digital instrument cluster. The information display can feel cluttered with excessive data and figures, which might be overwhelming for some drivers. A simpler, more streamlined design could enhance readability and user-friendliness. Lastly, some drivers have noted that Toyota’s radar cruise control can be overly sensitive, leading to abrupt braking in certain situations.
Is the 2022 Toyota Venza the Right SUV for You?
Despite these minor drawbacks, the 2022 Toyota Venza stands out as a compelling option in the hybrid SUV segment. Its combination of stylish design, premium interior ambiance, exceptional fuel economy, and Toyota’s renowned reliability makes it a strong contender. If you prioritize fuel efficiency, comfort, and a touch of luxury in your SUV, and don’t require maximum cargo space or thrilling performance, the 2022 Toyota Venza deserves serious consideration. It effectively blends practicality with a touch of sophistication, making it arguably one of Toyota’s most well-rounded and appealing vehicles currently available.
Collage of various exterior and interior shots of the 2022 Toyota Venza showcasing its overall design and features
Front three-quarter angle of the 2022 Toyota Venza highlighting its grille and headlight design
Interior view of the 2022 Toyota Venza's cabin showcasing the seats, steering wheel, and dashboard layout
Close-up of the 2022 Toyota Venza's interior details, focusing on the leather seats and stitching
2022 Toyota Venza Limited: Key Highlights
- Starting Price (as tested): $44,655
- Pros: Attractive and upscale design, exceptional fuel economy, comfortable and well-equipped interior.
- Cons: Less cargo space than RAV4 Hybrid, uninspiring driving dynamics.
- Verdict: A stylish and efficient hybrid SUV that excels in comfort and fuel economy, making it a top choice for many buyers.
