Overview

What's New for 2022

The 2022 Toyota Venza is available in three trim levels: LE, XLE, and Limited. All-wheel drive is standard, as is a very fuel-efficient and refined hybrid powertrain. The Limited is the popular trim, but our pick is the XLE. We'll explain why.

LE

The LE comes well-equipped at $34,105 (including $1,215 destination fee). Push-button start is standard along with dual-zone climate controls, three selectable drive modes, and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system (which features Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Amazon Alexa). The Venza LE also comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic LED headlights and taillights, cloth seats with a power-adjustable driver's seat, a 60/40-split folding rear bench with a center folding armrest, a smart-key system, wireless device charging, and a comprehensive suite of driver safety features. Those features include blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure alert, pre-collision detection, and radar cruise control.

XLE

Priced at $37,640, the XLE is the better value as it includes several more desirable features for not much more money. Upgrades such as front and rear parking sensors, passive keyless entry, 19-inch aluminum wheels, roof rails, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, heated imitation leather seats with memory settings, dashboard ambient lighting, and wood-grain-style trim are included.

Limited

The Limited price climbs to $41,595, making it one of the more expensive midsize crossovers. This trim adds a massive 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen paired to a nine-speaker JBL audio system, a digital rearview mirror, surround-view camera, heated steering wheel, touch-sensitive climate controls, heated and ventilated front seats, and puddle lights with the Venza logo.

With an overall length of 186.6 inches and 73 inches wide, the Toyota Venza is one of the smallest crossovers in the midsize class. Most of its rivals, including the Chevrolet Blazer, offer more interior space. However, the Venza will easily carry a family of four, offering plenty of rear head- and legroom for lanky teenagers and enough cargo space for strollers and other gear. Its seats are comfortable even after many hours on the road, and its available 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen is one of the largest in the industry. We also really like the Star Gaze, which is Toyota's electrochromic panoramic sunroof. Available only in the Limited model, this glass sunroof goes from completely see-through to opaque at the push of a button.

There are SUVs in this class with significantly more cargo space, including the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport and Honda Passport, but the Venza's 28.8 cubic feet will be sufficient for most. Fold down its rear seats and usable space expands to 55.1 cubes.

Crossovers don't get much safer than the 2022 Toyota Venza. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gives it a five-star safety rating, the organization's highest, and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) chose it as a Top Safety Pick.

The Venza comes with one of the industry's longest lists of driver aids and safety systems. This includes standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control.

With its class-leading fuel economy, strong performance, and luxurious feel, the 2022 Toyota Venza provides a great combination of refinement and practicality. It's far from the biggest midsize crossover, but its smaller dimensions keep the Venza maneuverable and easy to park. If you need more room, there's always Toyota's three-row Highlander, which is available as a hybrid, or equally competent vehicles such as the Ford Edge or Subaru Ascent, which includes all-wheel drive. If you're looking for something slightly less expensive, the Honda Passport is a sporty alternative with a lower base price.

Toyota Venza vs. Ford Edge

Toyota Venza vs. Honda Passport

Toyota Venza vs. Subaru Ascent

Toyota Venza vs. Toyota Highlander