The Toyota Venza is a car made for the American market.
It was originally designed at the Calty Design Studio in Newport Beach and
introduced at the auto show in
2008. The new version is totally new and
perhaps few people knows about the change. It was going to be presented to the
world at the New York auto show last year, but with all events canceled due to
the pandemic the Venza did not get it's minute of glory.
I really like the new look. And the fact that there is a
hybrid even better. The 2021 Venza
offers ample room for five in a highly maneuverable package. Is quite roomy
inside. The ride is good. Sort of in the middle. Not a Sportscar, but typical of all Toyota's it offers a comfortable
ride in all sort of situations.
Tech is the "word"
today and the Venza has plenty Most of
it through the 12.3-inch touchscreen display . The audio
system on the deluxe version has nine JBL speakers and above quality levels of
luxury cars a decade ago.. It also has a
7-inch multi-information display (MID), digital rear-view mirror, and
10-inch color Head-Up Display. The whole roof is open now with a Star GazeTM fixed
panoramic glass roof. All in all a complete package with a unique look and the
Toyota reliability.
Something important for the
family is the inclusion of the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0. I consider this one of
the best in today's cars assisted driving systems. The
"pre-collision" with
pedestrian and bicyclist detection is a huge plus.
I drove the Hybrid version
and I prefer it because if you drive it
correctly (meaning not at 80 mph on the freeway) it can deliver almost 40 mpg.
Power comes the combination of a 2.5 liter four cylinder gasoline engine and an electric motor . This
hybrid system optimizes the level of electric motor assistance and gas
engine RPM without the engine running at high revs. Engine speed is
synchronized with vehicle speed, yielding effortless and quiet acceleration.
Venza’s hybrid system adopts a newly-developed lithium-ion battery to enhance
performance and size and weight. Additionally, EV mode allows electric-only
driving at low speeds for short distances, like in parking lots or stop and go
traffic.
Venza’s
Predictive Efficient Drive (PED) uses the navigation system operation to
analyze driving habits and memorize road and traffic conditions to help
optimize hybrid battery charging. When the driver selects PED, the system
learns repeating routes and is designed to predict when and where the vehicle
is likely to slow down or stop. Then, through optimum accelerator pedal release
timing guidance, it can help reduce energy consumption.
PED
can help optimize battery charging and discharge ahead of hills or traffic
congestion. When approaching a downhill section, for example, the system is
designed to apply additional engine braking force to more efficiently charge
the hybrid battery after the accelerator pedal is released.
Something
else that I like is that the Venza is an AWD (all wheel drive). Toyota's Electronic On-Demand AWD employs a separate
rear-mounted electric motor to power the rear wheels when needed. This
is a complex setting, but I have to admit I did not feel or sense anything. All
work smoothly and effortless to provide good grip on the ground. I tested the Venza in the snow, I did manage
to get to Big Bear driving while snowing without issues.
