DecodedCars2021 Toyota Venza
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2021 models.
- Class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV
- Engines
- 2.5L 4-cyl
- Horsepower
- 176 hp
- Drivetrain
- All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Hybrid
- MPG (best)
- 39 combined · 40 city / 37 hwy
- Length
- 186.6 in
- Curb weight
- 3,847 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 2 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 39 MPG combined — 63% better than the average 2021 small SUV (23.9 MPG).
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
Watch out for
- Modest powerUp to 176 hp, versus about 270 hp for similar 2021 models.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 27 similar 2021 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2021 Toyota Venza is a small SUV offered with a 2.5L 4-cyl engine, including a hybrid version and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 187 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 106-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,847 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 39 MPG combined (40 city / 37 highway), 63% better than the 2021 small SUV average of 23.9 MPG, for an estimated $1,700 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 188 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the visibility/wiper.
What changed for 2021
- New body dimensions: 2.4 in shorter, wheelbase −3.5 in — most likely a redesign or new generation
- New hybrid version
- Engine added: 2.5L 4-cyl
- Engines dropped: 2.7L 4-cyl and 3.5L 6-cyl
- Best combined MPG up from 23 to 39
Compared with 2015; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2015 Venza →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Built in: Toyota City, Aichi
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 1 2021 Venza configuration; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV | 186.6 in | 72.8 in | 65.7 in | 105.9 in | 63 / 63.8 in | 3,847 lb | 56/44 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Venza AWD Hybrid | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 40 / 37 / 39 | +63% | $1,700 | 227 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2021 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2021 Toyota Venza.
Similar 2021 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Toyota Venza (this car) | 39 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2021 Toyota RAV4 | 40 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime | 38 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2021 Honda CR-V | 38 MPG | ★★★★★ | 5 |
| 2021 Toyota 4Runner | 17 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2021 Subaru Forester | 29 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2021 Mazda CX-5 | 28 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
Recalls (2)
Electronic Stability Control (Esc) › Control Module › Software · Apr 13, 2022
NHTSA campaign 22V239000 · 458,110 vehicles
- Problem
- Toyota Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022 Lexus LX 600, Lexus NX 350h, Lexus NX 450h+, Toytoa RAV4 Hybrid, 2021-2022 Lexus LS 500h, Toyota Mirai, RAV4 PRIME, Sienna, Venza, and 2020-2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vehicles. The Skid Control ECU software may not turn on the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system when the vehicle is restarted after the driver has disabled the VSC system. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."
- Risk
- Driving with a deactivated stability control system increases the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will update the Skid Control ECU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 27, 2022. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 22TA03. Lexus' number for this recall is 22LA01.
Exterior Lighting › Hazard Flashing Warning Lights · Jan 26, 2022
NHTSA campaign 22V033000 · 41,544 vehicles
- Problem
- Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2021 Venza Hybrid vehicles. Water may enter the rear turn signal LED lights, allowing condensation to form on the circuit board, and causing a short circuit. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
- Risk
- A short circuit can cause dimming or failure of the rear turn signals and hazard lights, reducing the vehicle's visibility to other drivers and increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace both rear turn signal LED bulbs and replace the rear turn signal light assembly as necessary, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters, informing owners of the safety risk, were mailed March 18, 2022. Remedy parts are expected to be available by June 30, 2022. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 22TB01/22TA01.
Not every 2021 Toyota Venza is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2021 Toyota Venza buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Visibility/Wiper — 74 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
- Exterior Lighting — 15 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
- Electrical System — 15 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 5,500 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2021 Toyota Venza. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Venza years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Venza | 39 | 186.6 in | Not rated | 3 | 25 |
| 2023 Venza | 39 | 186.6 in | Not rated | 3 | 21 |
| 2022 Venza | 39 | 186.6 in | Not rated | 1 | 42 |
| 2015 Venza | 23 | 189 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 28 |
| 2014 Venza | 23 | 189 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 25 |
| 2013 Venza | 23 | 189 in | Not rated | 4 | 42 |
| 2012 Venza | 23 | 189 in | Not rated | 4 | 20 |
| 2011 Venza | 23 | 189 in | Not rated | 6 | 43 |
| 2010 Venza | 24 | 189 in | Not rated | 9 | 43 |
| 2009 Venza | 24 | 189 in | Not rated | 8 | 76 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Toyota. How we calculate this →