The 2021 Toyota Venza lasts around 250,000 miles, with some minor center console and gas tank issues reported. At $28,250 to $38,500, it’s a great value for a midsize SUV with some of the latest safety technology reported.
Is the 2021 Toyota Venza a Good Used SUV?
- Overall Rating 8/10 – 2021 is a great year for the Toyota Venza since it offers a lot of practicality paired with very low ownership costs. Owner reviews praise the efficient engine, upscale cabin, and the safety technology features.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – Interior materials are nice for a midsize SUV, the seats are very comfortable on long drives, cargo space is also great for its size.
- Reliability 9/10 – There are no widespread complaints on the 2021 Venza, in general models from 2021–2023 are all extremely reliable with low running costs.
- Performance 7/10 – Performance is okay from the standard 4-cylinder hybrid, but it’s focused on efficiency rather than being fast.
- Safety 9/10 – The 2021 Venza is safe, earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests. It comes standard with adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. Optional upgrades include a head-up display and surround-view parking camera system.
- Gas Mileage 9/10 – Fuel economy is great at up to 39 MPG, offering 565 miles of range out of the 14.5 gallon tank. Gas costs are $92 cheaper than average at $108 per month.
- Value 9/10 – The 2021 Toyota Venza is reasonably priced with slow depreciation rates, making it a great value for shoppers on a budget.
Positive Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Toyota Venza?
- Consumer Reports says the 2021 Toyota Venza is a practical midsize SUV with low running costs, and it earns high owner satisfaction scores as it ages.
- Edmunds rates the Toyota Venza at 4.3/5, enjoying the extremely quiet and comfortable ride, but doesn’t like the very low towing capacity.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the Venza a 4.6/5, praising the advanced safety technology on all models, but owners don’t like the poor off-road capabilities.
What Common Problems Does the 2021 Toyota Venza Have?
Common problems found on the 2021 Toyota Venza include issues with the center console, trouble filling the gas tank, and cracked windshields. Overall, these problems are similar to other SUVs on the market, leading to average repair costs as a Venza ages.
Issues with the center console are the most widespread complaint from 2021 Venza owners, showing up at around 5,000 miles. The center console bracket is a known weak spot, and it breaks with repeated use. Replacing the bracket costs around $30, depending on local labor rates.
Trouble filling the gas tank is another issue mentioned by some 2021 Toyota Venza owners in the first 20,000 miles. Usually, filling the tank slower solves the problem. In rare cases, there are clogged charcoal canisters, which have to be changed out. Replacing the canister costs around $250.
Cracked windshields have also been reported on the Toyota Venza at around 10,000 miles. There are some production runs of glass, which are more susceptible to cracking than others. Replacing the windshield costs around $750 if it develops a large crack from a stone chip.
There is only one recall on the 2021 Toyota Venza, which is better than other midsize SUVs from the same year. The recall covers the stability control system. Toyota will update the software on the system for free on affected models.
How Long Will the 2021 Toyota Venza Last?
A well-maintained 2021 Toyota Venza can last around 250,000 miles, which is only slightly shorter than the Toyota 4Runner. Regular annual maintenance costs are similar to other midsize SUVs on the market, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at around $440 per year.
As a used 2021 Venza reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history report, owners should be prepared to replace the battery cable ends for $35, oil pressure sensor costing $150, along with the fuel door release actuator, which costs around $400.
How Is the Technology?
The standard entertainment technology is very good, and includes an 8-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Optional upgrades include a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen and premium JBL stereo system.
Standard safety technology is excellent, and features:
- Rearview camera
- Rear cross traffic alert
- Pedestrian detection
- Lane-departure warning
- Adaptive cruise control
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Forward collision warning
- Forward automatic emergency braking
- Lane-keep assist
- Traffic-sign recognition
Optional driver assistance features include:
- Head-up display
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Surround-view parking camera system
Is the 2021 Toyota Venza a Good Value?
Yes, the 2021 Toyota Venza is a good value since it offers a lot of practicality and low running costs. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $28,250 to $38,500, making it more than a Jeep Cherokee or Subaru Ascent. When new, the price range was $32,670 to $40,000. Depreciation is better than average, only losing about 5% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Toyota Venza?
There are three main models of the Toyota Venza offered from the entry-level LE through to the more luxurious Limited. All-wheel drive is standard across all models.
Toyota Venza LE is the entry-level model, which has:
- Cloth upholstery
- Power-adjustable driver’s seat
- 8-inch touchscreen
- Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility
- Wireless device charging
- Six-speaker stereo system
- Satellite radio
- HD Radio
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Four USB ports
- Wi-Fi hotspot
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Push-button start
- Rearview camera
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Forward collision warning
- Pedestrian detection
- Forward automatic emergency braking
- Lane departure warning
- Lane-keep assist
- Adaptive cruise control
- Traffic sign recognition
- Part of Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite
Toyota Venza XLE is a step up, adding:
- Heated front seats
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Available synthetic leather upholstery
- Optional power-adjustable passenger seat
- Available ventilated front seats
- Optional heated steering wheel
- 3-inch touchscreen available
- Optional navigation system
- Available nine-speaker JBL audio system
Toyota Venza Limited is the flagship model with:
- Comprehensive feature set
- Available head-up display
- Exclusive option for a panoramic glass roof
- Includes all features from LE and XLE
- Enhanced interior and exterior detailing
- Advanced infotainment and audio options
- Enhanced driver assistance features
- Premium material finishes
- Luxury-focused design elements
- Advanced lighting and visibility features
What Engines Come In the Toyota Venza?
The 2021 Toyota Venza comes exclusively with a hybrid powertrain, consisting of a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine combined with three electric motors. This setup delivers a total system output of 219 horsepower. The Venza’s hybrid engine is paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), which contributes to its smooth and efficient performance. The combined fuel economy for this hybrid system is an impressive 39 miles per gallon (MPG), making it a highly economical choice in its class. In terms of acceleration, the 2021 Venza can achieve 0-60 mph in 7.6 seconds.
What Colors Does the Toyota Venza Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Toyota Venza?
The 2021 Toyota Venza stands out for its comfort, offering a driving experience that combines luxury with practicality. The interior of the Venza is designed with a focus on passenger comfort, featuring ergonomic seats that provide excellent support and cushioning. This is particularly beneficial during long drives, where comfort is paramount. The front seats, often equipped with heating and ventilation options, cater to a variety of climates and personal preferences, providing a pleasant ride regardless of the weather outside. The rear seats are equally comfortable, offering ample legroom and headspace, making the Venza an ideal choice for families or groups traveling together.
In terms of ride quality, the 2021 Venza showcases Toyota’s commitment to smooth and serene driving. The suspension is tuned to absorb bumps and road irregularities, effectively, creating a ride that feels composed and stable. This is complemented by the vehicle’s noise insulation, which minimizes road and wind noise, contributing to a tranquil cabin environment. The Venza’s hybrid powertrain further enhances the driving experience by delivering smooth acceleration and transitions, adding to the overall sense of comfort.
The combination of thoughtful interior design, ergonomic seating, and a well-tuned suspension system positions the 2021 Toyota Venza as a top contender in its class for comfort. It adeptly balances the needs of both the driver and passengers, making it an excellent choice for daily commutes, family road trips, or simply enjoying a leisurely drive. The Venza’s ability to provide a relaxing and comfortable environment makes it a compelling option for those who prioritize comfort in their vehicle choice.
How Much Storage Space Does the Toyota Venza Have?
The 2021 Toyota Venza offers a well-designed storage space that is both practical and versatile, catering to the needs of families and adventurers alike. The vehicle boasts a spacious cargo area of 28.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats. This space is more than adequate for daily use and excels in accommodating a variety of items. For example, it can easily hold multiple large suitcases, making it ideal for airport runs or family vacations. Additionally, the Venza can handle bulkier objects like a couple of medium-sized bicycles or a substantial amount of camping gear, which is perfect for weekend getaways or outdoor excursions.
Apart from the main cargo area, the 2021 Venza also features several smaller storage solutions that enhance its practicality. The vehicle includes multiple compartments and pockets designed to hold smaller items securely. In the front, the Venza offers a glovebox, a center console bin, and door pockets, providing convenient spots for items like wallets, smartphones, and water bottles. In the back, passengers have access to seat-back pockets and cup holders, adding to overall comfort and convenience during travel. These smaller storage spaces are thoughtfully integrated, making sure that everything from essential documents to snacks is within easy reach.
Overall, the 2021 Toyota Venza strikes a balance between offering a roomy cargo area and various smaller compartments, making it a versatile choice for different storage needs. Whether it’s accommodating large luggage for a family trip or organizing everyday items, the Venza manages to deliver a well-rounded storage experience.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The second generation of the Toyota Venza was introduced in 2021, after being out of production since 2015.
2021: All-new hybrid midsize SUV offered by Toyota with updated styling and technology.
2022: No major changes from earlier years.
2023: Updated 12.3-inch touchscreen, new nightshade edition with black accents, and an updated stereo system.
How Does the Toyota Venza Compare to the Competition?
The 2021 Toyota Venza is a nice midsize SUV since it offers a lot of advanced technology paired with a practical cabin, making it a great choice for shoppers.
The Toyota RAV4 is a smaller SUV offered by Toyota which costs around $3,500 less. Fuel economy is better in the Toyota RAV4, while the Toyota Venza offers more passenger room. We recommend the Toyota RAV4 for most people since it seats the same number of people, and is cheaper.
The Hyundai Tucson is another SUV which costs about $3,000 less. Interior materials are better in the Hyundai Tucson, while the Toyota Venza offers more space throughout the cabin. We recommend the Toyota Venza since it lasts longer and has lower ownership costs as it ages.
