MSRP: $44,300
7.5 /10
Rating
Pros
- Sleek styling with blacked-out accents
- Strong hybrid fuel efficiency (40 mpg)
- Top-tier safety ratings and tech
Cons
- Cargo space limited by roofline
- Infotainment lacks intuitive interface
- Modest acceleration versus rivals
Toyota Venza review with Vyocar
Overview
Sleek meets sensible in the 2023 Toyota Venza Nightshade, a two-row crossover that swaps flashy aggression for a stylish, tech-rich vibe. The gas-electric hybrid powertrain (shared with the Toyota Prius) delivers smooth 219-horsepower punch and competitive EPA ratings, though its cargo area shrinks under that sloping roofline. The Nightshade Edition sharpens the design with blacked-out accents, but rivals like the Subaru Outback offer more passenger space. Inside, the upgraded 12.3-inch touchscreen modernizes the cabin, though Toyota’s infotainment software still feels a step behind Honda’s intuitive systems. Think of it as a luxurious cousin to the Lexus UX 250h Premium—minus the premium price tag—with all-wheel drive standard and emphasis on daily comfort over sporty thrills. Just don’t expect V6-powered gusto like the Nissan Murano; this is about practicality with a sleek profile.
What’s New in 2023?
Refresh defines the 2023 Venza, though most model bones remain unchanged from last year. The Nightshade Edition swaps chrome for blacked-out accents on the grille, wheels, and mirror caps, giving it a darker vibe than the Toyota RAV4 rugged tweaks. Three new exterior colors—Ruby Red Flare, Wind Chill Pearl, and Celestial Black—add flair, but skip the Camry TRD’s sporty aggression. Inside, the 12.3-inch touchscreen is now standard, fixing last year’s mid-range trim frustration. Toyota’s multimedia system still lacks the polish of Honda’s setup, but wireless Apple CarPlay helps. The hybrid powertrain carries over, so EPA ratings stay strong, even if acceleration feels more “chill commute” than “weekend thrill.”
Pricing, Trim Levels, and Best Choice
Powertrain, Transmission, and Driving Dynamics
Smooth defines the 2.5-liter four-cylinder and electric motors, pushing 219 horsepower through a hybrid powertrain that prioritizes commuting calm over excitement. Real-world testing confirms the 7.6-second 0-60 mph claim—quicker than the Toyota Prius but trailing V6 rivals like the Honda Passport. The all-wheel drive setup sends power to rear wheels when needed, and handling stays tidy in turns, though it lacks the Jeep Grand Cherokee’s rugged edge. Lag-free acceleration works for town errands, but sporty looks don’t hide its SUV heft.
Fuel Efficiency and Real World Testing
Hybrid hype meets reality here: the Venza nails an EPA-estimated 40 mpg combined, but real-world testing tells a fuller story. On a 115-mile route mixing city stops and 75-mph highway runs, we observed 37 mpg—still impressive for a mid-size SUV, though short of the Toyota Prius’s sipper habits. It obliterates gas-only SUVs like the Ford Edge (22 mpg) and Honda Passport (20 mpg), but don’t expect Prius-level efficiency. The RAV4 Hybrid Woodland Edition nearly matches it, proving smaller isn’t always thriftier. Highway dips to 35 mpg at speed? Blame physics, not the powertrain. For a two-row family hauler, it’s a fuel economy win—just keep expectations grounded.
Interior and Comfort
Serene but not perfect: the Venza’s cabin mixes insulated quietness with a 12.3-inch screen and dual-zone climate controls, though touch-sensitive buttons frustrate mid-drive adjustments. Ventilated seats (standard on higher trims) and supportive cushions ace long highway hauls, while the 360-degree camera aids parking despite thick pillars hurting visibility. Rear space feels tighter than a Subaru Outback’s, but passengers get reclining seatbacks and ample airflow via rear vents. It’s no Lexus NX 300 F Sport lounge, yet midsize practicality shines—just don’t expect the Lexus UX 250h Premium’s plush materials at this price.
Cargo & Practicality
Tradeoffs define the Venza’s cargo game: 36.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats (less than the Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid’s 20.6) shrinks under that sleek roofline, but the 60/40-split bench folds flat for bulkier items. The hands-free tailgate eases access, though the liftover height demands a lift for heavy gear. Inside, storage bins and an overhead sunglasses holder handle small drivers’ needs, while rear-facing child seats fit via anchors—if you don’t mind installing them around the sloping roof. Towing? Just 1,500 pounds—half the Toyota Land Cruiser’s grit. For midsize runs, it’s usable; for Costco sprees, pack light.
Tech & Connectivity
Modern tech meets mixed execution: the Venza’s 12.3-inch touchscreen boasts wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, but its native navigation feels dated next to phone-based apps. The panoramic sunroof uses electrochromic glass to dim sun glare—no manual shade—though it’s slower than a Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road’s crawl ratio. USB-C ports and a wireless charger (optional) handle devices, but on-screen climate controls lack physical buttons for quick tweaks. Lane centering and adaptive cruise work smoothly, yet the driver aids menu buries key settings. Love the cabin’s clean look? Sure. Love intuitive systems? Stick to your phone’s maps.
Safety
Confidence comes standard: the Venza packs Toyota’s Safety Sense 3.0 suite, including Pre-Collision braking with pedestrian/bicycle detection and adaptive cruise that holds pace smoothly. IIHS gives it a Top Safety Pick+ nod, and NHTSA awards 5 stars, though its lane-centering nudges feel fussier than the Lexus RX 450h+’s calm guidance. The front-mounted radar and cameras spot risks early, but emergency steering assist sometimes overreacts to faded lane markers. While it lacks the Toyota Crown Hybrid advanced driver monitoring, the basics—blind-spot alerts, automatic high beams—are rock-solid. Just don’t expect superhero damage mitigation; this is sensible safety, not sci-fi.
Warranty and Maintenance Plan
Reliable but not revolutionary: Toyota’s warranty includes three years/36,000 miles of complimentary maintenance and a five-year/60,000-mile limited coverage plan—typical for mainstream brands. The hybrid components get a ten-year/150,000-mile guarantee, beating the Toyota Prius Prime’s powertrain terms. But rivals like Hyundai offer longer coverage (think five years bumper-to-bumper). Scheduled service intervals align with two oil changes yearly, though the Venza’s hybrid components need less time under the hood. Solid? Yes. Standout? Not quite.
Vyocar Bottom line
I think the 2023 Toyota Venza Nightshade nails the “stylish hybrid” brief with its sleek looks, serene cabin, and impressive 40 mpg—perfect for eco-minded commuters who want to stand out. But it’s a tradeoff: the sloping roofline eats cargo space, acceleration is merely adequate, and Toyota’s infotainment still trails Honda’s user-friendly systems. If you prioritize daily comfort over sportiness or family hauling, it’s a compelling pick, though rivals like the Subaru Outback or Lexus hybrids offer more versatility or polish for similar cash.
