Close X
Wednesday, December 4, 2024
ADVT 
Auto

2022 Toyota Venza

Benjamin Yong Darpan, 23 Sep, 2022
  • 2022 Toyota Venza

Electrified comeback

In a bold but not unexpected move for Toyota, the Japanese manufacturer brought the Venza back for a second generation in 2020 with a major twist: the former station wagon slash minivan is now exclusively sold as a hybrid. Oh, and it now looks like a proper crossover as well.

“Toyota Venza reinvents the segment for the modern age with a perfect blend of smart, stylish design, a refined interior thoughtfully appointed with premium materials, and cutting-edge entertainment and connectivity technology,” says Cyril Dimitris, Toyota Canada vice president, in a media release.

The model was actually discontinued in 2015 due to poor sales and the future of the vehicle seemed grim at the time. Perhaps that was reason enough for the brand to shake things up the second go-round. 

First lets address the aforementioned appearance. Yes, the predecessor really was in a unique class blending a couple of form factors. Now though the aesthetic is more mainstream, whether that’s a good or bad thing is up to the buyer to decide. Built upon the TNGA-K platform, the slim LED headlamps and full-width LED taillight bar, sloping roof and large 19-inch multi-spoke “super chrome” two-tone alloy wheels on the Limited grade Darpan evaluated make for quite a handsome product, actually. At 4,740 millimetres long the size is just right. Not too big or small.

Also found on the Limited trim is the Star Gaze fixed panoramic glass roof. A tap of a button switches the electrochromic glass from clear to opaque and vice versa, bathing the cabin in varying amounts of natural light. The display audio infotainment system remains a contentious topic for consumers — I personally find the knob-less 12.3-inch touchscreen a nuisance to tune radio stations, for example, which is a shame because there’s a 1200-watt, nine-speaker JBL stereo wanting to be enjoyed. 

Toyota has gotten pretty good at the partially-electrified powertrain game having perfected it for over two decades now. The 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and three electric motor setup, mated to an automatic CVT transmission, in the Venza is the same one used in the uber-popular RAV4 Hybrid and outputs 219 net horsepower and 163 lb-ft of torque. And while there is a pure EV driving mode available, the range is miniscule and is only meant for short in-city trips.

Not exactly a performance SUV, the vehicle nonetheless feels zippy enough during acceleration thanks to the electric motor boost. In addition, the aforementioned TNGA-K, utilizing a lot of high-strength steel, combined with the front strut and rear multi-link suspension provide a quiet, stable ride and fairly agile handling experience. 

The company says behind the scenes, Active Cornering Assist (part of the electronically-controlled brake system) engages onboard stability control to reduce understeer during certain cornering situations. A differential torque pre-load function enhances traction and steering control on slippery surfaces as well.

As with all models in the lineup, a robust driver assistance package is standard as part of the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite bundling radar cruise control, lane departure alert, automatic high beams and many more. 

Highlights (as tested)

MSRP: $48,550 

Motor: 2.5-litre four cylinder + three electric motors

Horsepower: 219 @ 5,700 rpm

Torque (lb-ft): 163 @ 5,200 rpm

Gearbox: CVT

Layout: front engine, all-wheel drive

Fuel economy: 8.0 L/100 km mixed city/highway (observed)

MORE Auto ARTICLES

2022 Mercedes-AMG E 53 Coupe

2022 Mercedes-AMG E 53 Coupe

Though the fifth generation E-Class is now getting a little long in the tooth, a replacement is coming soon. To tide enthusiasts over, however, Mercedes-AMG revealed a face-lifted E 53 last year highlighting fresh styling, a revised cabin and the introduction of the company’s high tech Mercdes-Benz User eXperience (MBUX) infotainment system.

Mazda3 Sedan GT

Mazda3 Sedan GT

Though the Sport hatchback variant is arguably the better looking of the pair, the four door is a sleekly-shaped vehicle showcasing swoopy, fluid bodylines that are a product of the Hiroshima automaker’s Kodo “Soul of Motion” Design language. 

Toyota Camry Hybrid 2022

Toyota Camry Hybrid 2022

Even the interior is quite Lexus-like, as the grade-topping XSE comes with all the bells and whistles like the much-improved Toyota Audio Plus infotainment system utilizing a nine-inch display, beautiful heated leather steering wheel and wireless charging.

2022 Genesis GV70

2022 Genesis GV70

Those who prefer maximum performance aesthetics may choose the available Sport Package that bundles dark chrome accents, painted diffusers, up-to 21-inch special alloy wheels, circular instead of vertical dual exhaust tips, exclusive steering wheel and optional carbon fibre overlays.

2022 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

2022 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

A longer and taller cargo area (up to 1,690 litres of space available when rear bench is folded) can accommodate some mighty large items — I was able to squeeze in a patio table and a full-size Ikea bookshelf on two separate occasions. 

Mercedes-Benz S580 4MATIC

Mercedes-Benz S580 4MATIC

Though boasting a long wheelbase form factor for maximum space and stability, the car doesn’t look nor handle like the limo one might expect. Cue the short front overhang, wide track, large diameter flush-mounted wheels and optional rear-wheel steering that significantly reduces turning radius.