Trims, Powertrain and Fuel Economy

The Venza is a midsized gas-electric crossover sold in LE, XLE, Nightshade, and Limited trim levels. The hybrid powertrain consists of a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors, with another motor on the rear axle. Together, they produce a combined system output of 219 horsepower. All-wheel drive is the rule, and according to the EPA, all trims pull off a segment-best 40 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway.

Premium Amenities

The LE’s main features are wireless phone charging, a hands-free liftgate, proximity keyless entry (Smart Key), dual-zone automatic climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, push-button start, ambient interior lighting, a 7-inch multi-information display, five USB ports (four charging and one data), and a 60/40-split second-row seat with a fold-down center armrest and cupholders. Rear privacy glass and a cargo-area tonneau cover keep valuables out of sight, and the heated exterior mirrors are equipped with driver’s-side auto-dimming, turn-signal indicators, and puddle lamps.

The XLE is enhanced with LED fog lights, low-profile roof rails, an auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink, position memory for the steering wheel, synthetic-leather upholstery, heated front seats, touch-capacitive center stack controls, and wood interior décor. The freshly introduced Nightshade is based on the XLE, but it’s differentiated by black exterior accents and eligibility for the Star Gaze panoramic fixed-glass roof (this option will delete the low-profile roof rails). The Limited gets the full luxury treatment with rain-sensing wipers, a 12.3-inch multi-information display, a head-up display, a digital rearview mirror, a heated steering wheel, perforated synthetic-leather upholstery, and ventilated front seats with passenger power adjustments. Like the Nightshade Edition, the Limited also qualifies for the Star Gaze roof.

Active Safety Technologies

Every trim comes with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ (this suite unites a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert with steering assist, lane tracing assist, automatic high beams, full-speed dynamic radar cruise control, and road sign assist), plus blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. The XLE, Nightshade, and Limited add front and rear parking sensors with reverse automatic braking, but only the Limited has a panoramic view monitor.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The LE gets a contemporary multimedia system with an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, SiriusXM satellite radio, Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio streaming, and a six-speaker sound system. The XLE, Nightshade, and Limited upgrade to a 12.3-inch touchscreen. The Limited also gets an upscale JBL sound system with nine speakers, which is optional for the XLE. Drive Connect, which is available across the board via subscription, bundles cloud navigation with Google Points of Interest, advanced voice recognition (Intelligent Assistant), and destination assist.