At its best, automotive design is an art form on par with the finest sculpture. The all-new Toyota Venza attests to that notion.
Aesthetically pleasing from any angle, the second generation of the midsize Venza notably manages not to sacrifice function for form. There’s room for four adults and their belongings. Materials are also remarkably upscale, and the list of niceties on the top-of-the-line Limited we drove included a head-up display, wireless phone charger and slick oversized sunroof that goes from clear to opaque at the touch of a button.
The new Venza is only offered as a hybrid powertrain that combines a 2.5-liter gasoline four-cylinder with an electric motor. Combined output is 219 horsepower, enough to give it decent performance while still returning the excellent fuel economy of a much smaller vehicle.
Indeed, here is a crossover that’s a bit like a rolling—and practical—sculpture.
STRENGTHS
- All-wheel-drive hybrid powertrain
- A full suite of advanced safety features is standard across the lineup.
WEAKNESSES
- Not suitable for trailer towing
- The large infotainment touch screen looks great, but using it can be frustrating.
BOTTOM LINE
- While it may not be exactly a work of art, it’s still an artful crossover that turns heads.
PRICING
- Base Price: $32,470
- As Tested: $41,925
SAFETY
- NHTSA: Overall: 5 Stars (out of 5)
M.P.G. (city/highway)
- 40/37 (2.5L Hybrid; AWD)
