The Toyota Venza is a great alternative to most crossovers. It sports a wagon-like styling, but it still stands apart when compared to wagons or crossovers. The confident V6 engine makes it highly competitive. Further, the large 6.1-inch infotainment system and the host of advanced technology features make the car an ideal option.
The Toyota Venza also has a great reliability rating. J.D. Power rated the 2015 Venza at 82 out of 100. According to the independent car rating organization, the car has a reliability and quality score of 85, a resale value rating of 82, and a driving experience rating of 77 out of 100.
Available Venza Models
The Venza is available in three models:
LE
This is the base trim. It features a powerful standard four-cylinder engine and also offers 19-inch wheels, fog lights, automatic headlights, heated exterior mirrors, a rear spoiler, and cruise control. The driver’s seat provides eight-way adjustability and power lumbar support. The steering wheel tilts and telescopes for the comfort of the driver. Other standard features include:
- Auto-dimming rearview mirror
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Reclining rear seat backs
- 60/40-split folding rear seats
The car offers advanced connectivity with electronic features such as CD player, a 6.1-inch infotainment display, Bluetooth, auxiliary audio jack, HD and Satellite Radios, USB/iPod connectivity, and a six-speaker sound system. The speaker system comes with voice controls, so you can keep your eyes on the road.
XLE
The Venza XLE adds luxury features on top of what the LE has to offer. The additional features include:
- Leather upholstery
- Driver seat memory functions
- Keyless entry and ignition
- Power-folding mirrors
- Four-way power-adjustable passenger seat
- Heated front seats
- Advanced trip computer with navigation system
- Smartphone integration
The car can either sport a four-cylinder or V6 engine under its hood. When fitted with the V6 engine, it boasts 20-inch wheels, a towing preparation package, and two exhaust dual tips. The XLE is step up for someone who wants a more comfortable crossover. The car features a panoramic sunroof if you pick the Premium Package.
The Limited
This is the top trim, and it focuses on power. It runs only on the all-wheel drivetrain with a V6 power engine. It builds on the features of the XLE, and it adds automatic high beams, xenon lights, front and rear parking sensors, and a 13-speaker audio system.
Highlights of the Toyota Venza
After 2015, Toyota did not upgrade the Venza again until 2020. Over these years, the car remained unchanged but still offered great value for a mid-range car with a roomy cabin. The most important highlight of the 2015 model is the 6.1-inch infotainment touchscreen. On the LE, the touchscreen offers basic controls. More controls come with the XLE and Limited models.
These advanced features include navigation, split-screen functionality, and mobile-app functionality. Further, all models with the V6 engine are eligible for the towing package. The simple equipment roaster on the base model limits the packages it is eligible for. The base model now only features a four-cylinder engine. The XLE can only take a single package. Across all models, a rearview camera is standard.
How Does the Toyota Venza Perform?
The base 2.7L four-cylinder engine is available in the LE and XLE. It generates 181 horsepower and 182 pound-feet of torque. This engine pairs with a six-speed automatic transmission and a standard front-wheel drive system. You can choose the optional all-wheel drivetrain.
The standard engine with standard drivetrain has an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 23 mpg combined, 20 mpg city, and 26 mpg highway. With the all-wheel drivetrain, the engine has a fuel economy of 22 mpg combined, 20 mpg city, and 26 mpg highway.
A 3.5L V6 engine is optional on the XLE and standard on the Limited. This engine generates 268 horsepower and 246 pound-feet of torque. It pairs with a six-speed automatic transmission. An all-wheel drivetrain is optional in the XLE and standard in the Limited. This more powerful engine has a fuel economy of 22 mpg combined, 19 mpg city, and 26 mpg highway with the front-wheel drivetrain. With AWD, the engine offers an estimated fuel economy of 21 mpg combined, 18 mpg city, and 25 mpg highway.
The Venza with the standard four-cylinder engine accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 9.3 seconds. This competes with the four-cylinder Subaru Outback and is faster than the four-cylinder Kia Sorento. The V6 engine is more powerful and faster and can accelerate to 60 mph at 7.1 seconds with the FWD. The car only needs 6.9 seconds to accelerate to 60 mph with the AWD. Further, the car can tow up to 3,500 pounds with the V6 engine.
How Safe Is the Toyota Venza?
The latest Toyota Venza has more advanced safety features. However, even the earlier models from 2015 still have great safety features. They include:
- Front side airbags
- Antilock brakes
- Driver knee airbag
- Full-length side curtain airbags
- Traction and stability control
- Rearview camera
- Hill start assist
- Optional parking sensors
The 2015 Venza doesn’t have features such as blind spot monitoring, forward collision mitigation, and rear cross-traffic alert. However, these features do not make it less safe. The newer model includes these modern safety features.
The NHTSA gave the 2015 Venza an overall safety rating of five out of five stars. The rating includes four out of five stars for frontal crash, five stars for side crash, and four stars for rollover.
The IIHS gave the 2015 Venza an overall safety rating of Good (the best possible rating). The car’s performance was exemplary for frontal and side crash safety, roof strength, and head and seat restraints.
Interior Quality
The Venza has a roomy cabin. Its daring dashboard design makes it appear luxurious, and there is enough room for a large console bin below the dashboard. The front seat passenger and driver can also access sizable cup holders and other smaller bins to hold different items. Although the plastic materials and the faux wood inserts are not too durable, they still look impressive. The Limited trim, however, features leather upholstery that is pleasing.
The 6.1-inch touchscreen infotainment is easy to use. It comes with simple AM/FM radio presets. With optional smartphone integration, you’re able to browse the web, stream music, and even search for directions.
Its wide doors make the Venza convenient for large-bodied and taller users. Both the front and rear seats are comfortable with enough head and legroom for passengers of all heights. Behind the rear seat is a sizable cargo area at 36.2 cubic feet. If you fold down the rear seat, the cargo space increases to 70.2 cubic feet.
U.S. News and World Report ranks the 2015 Toyota Venza 12th among the most affordable midsize SUVs. It competes with models such as the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Mazda CX-9. Overall, it is a great model for those seeking a mid-range crossover.
