“At the current time I'm extremely happy with the 2022 Venza. Even though it is the base LE model it comes with a lot of standard features that would have only been found in higher trim levels in vehicle I have previously purchased. Averaging 42 miles per gallon.”
2021 Toyota Venza: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change is the Venza itself: it returns for 2021 as an all-new-generation, hybrid-only two-row crossover with standard electronic all-wheel drive. It has a new body, cabin, chassis, technology package, and safety suite.
About the 2021 Toyota Venza
2nd generation Venza in the U.S. relaunch, first year (all-new for 2021).
Toyota positions the Venza as a stylish, premium-leaning midsize crossover for shoppers who want better fuel economy than many two-row SUVs without giving up comfort or all-weather confidence. It is meant to blend sedan-like smoothness with crossover usefulness, sitting between the more overtly practical RAV4 Hybrid and the larger Highlander. The core appeal is a quiet cabin, standard hybrid AWD, easy daily usability, and near-luxury ambiance without moving to a luxury brand.
Toyota positions the 2021 Venza as a quiet, upscale crossover, with even the LE carrying an 8-inch touchscreen, smartphone integration, wireless phone charging, and a hands-free power liftgate. The XLE adds heated front seats and parking sensors with automatic braking, while the Limited brings a 12.3-inch touchscreen, ventilated front seats, premium audio, and a surround-view camera.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
The returning Venza uses a 2.5-liter hybrid system with 219 total horsepower across the lineup. Electronic all-wheel drive is standard on every trim.
Styling
The 2021 relaunch brings a completely new body and cabin with sleeker exterior styling and a more upscale interior direction.
Safety
Toyota’s Safety Sense 2.0 driver-assist suite is standard on every trim.
Tech
Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, wireless phone charging, and a hands-free power liftgate are standard across the lineup.
Structural
The Venza returns on Toyota’s TNGA-K platform with a new chassis and a two-row crossover layout.
2021 Toyota Venza specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 2.5 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, ECVT w/Sequential Mode | Automatic, ECVT w/Sequential Mode | Automatic, ECVT w/Sequential Mode |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid |
| MPG City | 40 mpg | 40 mpg | 40 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 37 mpg | 37 mpg | 37 mpg |
| Horsepower | 219 hp | 219 hp | 219 hp |
| Torque | 163 lb-ft | 163 lb-ft | 163 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 28.8 cu-ft | 28.8 cu-ft | 28.8 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 37.8 in | 37.8 in | 37.8 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | |||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | |||
| Automatic High Beams | |||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||
| Park Assist | |||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | |||
| Rear View Camera | |||
| 360 Camera | |||
| Alloy Wheels | |||
| LED Headlights | |||
| Panorama Moon Roof | |||
| Rear Spoiler | |||
| Roof Rails | |||
| LCD Instrument Cluster | |||
| Navigation System | |||
| Premium Audio | |||
| Satellite Radio | |||
| Smartphone Interface | |||
| Subwoofer | |||
| Touch Screen Monitor | |||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | |||
| Dual Power Front Seats | |||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||
| Heated Front Seats | |||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | |||
| Memory Driver's Seat | |||
| Power Driver Seat | |||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||
| Ventilated Front Seats | |||
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2021 Toyota Venza a new generation?
Yes. The 2021 Venza marks the model’s return after a multi-year break and starts a new generation with a new body, cabin, chassis, and hybrid-only layout.
Is every 2021 Toyota Venza a hybrid with AWD?
Yes. Every 2021 Venza has a 2.5-liter hybrid system producing 219 total horsepower and standard electronic all-wheel drive.
Which trims does the 2021 Toyota Venza have?
The 2021 Venza lineup consists of LE, XLE, and Limited. LE is already well equipped, XLE adds comfort and parking-assistance features, and Limited has the most upscale cabin and camera technology.
Does the 2021 Toyota Venza have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
Yes. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across the 2021 Venza lineup, along with wireless phone charging.
What does the 2021 Venza Limited add?
The Limited adds the Venza’s most premium equipment, including a 12.3-inch touchscreen, nine-speaker JBL audio, heated and ventilated front seats, a camera-based rearview mirror, and a surround-view camera.
2021 Toyota Venza Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2021 Toyota Venza.
4.3
2021 Toyota Venza
(620 reviews)
“Its a nice vehicle, it has good power, gas mileage could be better considering its a hybrid. The display is huge and I love it.”
“Much more luxurious than thought, closer to a Lexus than a Toyota in my opinion very roomy and comfortable”
Sources
- pressroom.toyota.com — Toyota Breaks The Sameness Barrier With All New 2021 Venza Crossover
- pressroom.toyota.com — Elevated Driving Experience Comes Standard In The All New 2021 Venza
- pressroom.toyota.com — Discover The Possibilities With Toyotas All New 2021 Venza Campaign
- engage.toyota.com — Static / Sourcebooks / 2021 venza en SourceBook
- engage.toyota.com — Static / Ebrochures / 2021 venza eBrochure
- pressroom.toyota.com — Whats New For 2022