Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation
Toyota North America recently signed an agreement with LG Energy Solution to enter a long-term battery supply partnership to deliver lithium-ion battery modules to the United States for battery-powered electric vehicles produced locally by the Japanese automaker. But that doesn't mean it's abandoning its HEVs just yet.
Toyota is universally seen as the most prominent expert in terms of traditional hybrid vehicles. That view is fully supported in America, for example, where the company has no less than 26 electrified vehicle options between the Lexus and Toyota brands, "the most among any automaker." The family ranges from posh models like the 2024 Lexus RX plug-in hybrid to the affordable $28k Corolla Cross Hybrid.
However, maybe the compact crossover is too small for your family's needs. No worries, as Toyota has other options – like the $40,620 Highlander Hybrid or the 2024 Grand Highlander Hybrid, which starts at $44,670. Alas, maybe that's not the sweet spot either, as both Highlanders offer three rows of seats, and perhaps you don't need more than five.
Then, of course, the remaining alternative is the subtle 2024 Venza, which kicks off at just $34,920 with hybrid power. Considered by the company as a "tech-infused premium CUV with standard hybrid powertrain with a manufacturer-estimated 39 combined mpg rating," the sibling of the Japanese market XA80 Harrier has been around since the 2021 model year.
Since it's so new and given that the last time we saw it updated, it also gained access to the Nightshade family, Toyota has yet to bother upgrading the 2024 Venza much. Instead, the company thinks it's enough to have standard electronic on-demand AWD, an optional 12.3-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia system, and the Star Gaze panoramic roof, plus the "dramatic" Venza Nightshade featured with dark 19-inch wheels and black touches on the grille and badges.
The 2024 Venza is available in LE, XLE, and Limited trims – starting from $34,920, $39,130, and $43,065, respectively. Meanwhile, the Nightshade Edition kicks off at $40,255, which compares very favorably for the 2024 Venza with the 2024 Grand Highlander Hybrid, for example, which ranges from $44,670 to $58,125. As a note, the Venza Nightshade edition is based on the XLE grade and features three available exterior colors (Celestial Black, Wind Chill Pearl, or Ruby Flare Red) contrasted by blackout trim "for a distinctive presence."
Produced on the Toyota New Global Architecture K (TNGA-K) platform, the company says the Venza "delivers the best of both worlds: sedan-like driving comfort and CUV versatility (plus) ample room for five in a highly maneuverable package." The tech-focused features include the 12.3-inch full digital instrument cluster, digital rear-view mirror, and 10-inch color Head-Up Display, plus the 12.3-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia display with an optional JBL Premium Audio system.
The 2.5-liter HEV system provides a combined rating of 219 horsepower, and the 2024 Venza is a true all-rounder with its high 40/37 estimated mpg ratings plus the standard Electronic On-Demand All-Wheel Drive featuring a separate rear electric motor – torque distribution can thus vary from 100% front to 20:80 on slippery surfaces.
Toyota also claims the 2024 Venza is more spacious than it meets the eye. It "doesn’t take up a lot of space outside" but still caters to owners who need generous space inside - 28.8 cu. ft. of carrying space behind the second row and 55.1 cu. ft. total with the rear seats folded away. That's not bad, right?
However, maybe the compact crossover is too small for your family's needs. No worries, as Toyota has other options – like the $40,620 Highlander Hybrid or the 2024 Grand Highlander Hybrid, which starts at $44,670. Alas, maybe that's not the sweet spot either, as both Highlanders offer three rows of seats, and perhaps you don't need more than five.
Then, of course, the remaining alternative is the subtle 2024 Venza, which kicks off at just $34,920 with hybrid power. Considered by the company as a "tech-infused premium CUV with standard hybrid powertrain with a manufacturer-estimated 39 combined mpg rating," the sibling of the Japanese market XA80 Harrier has been around since the 2021 model year.
Since it's so new and given that the last time we saw it updated, it also gained access to the Nightshade family, Toyota has yet to bother upgrading the 2024 Venza much. Instead, the company thinks it's enough to have standard electronic on-demand AWD, an optional 12.3-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia system, and the Star Gaze panoramic roof, plus the "dramatic" Venza Nightshade featured with dark 19-inch wheels and black touches on the grille and badges.
The 2024 Venza is available in LE, XLE, and Limited trims – starting from $34,920, $39,130, and $43,065, respectively. Meanwhile, the Nightshade Edition kicks off at $40,255, which compares very favorably for the 2024 Venza with the 2024 Grand Highlander Hybrid, for example, which ranges from $44,670 to $58,125. As a note, the Venza Nightshade edition is based on the XLE grade and features three available exterior colors (Celestial Black, Wind Chill Pearl, or Ruby Flare Red) contrasted by blackout trim "for a distinctive presence."
Produced on the Toyota New Global Architecture K (TNGA-K) platform, the company says the Venza "delivers the best of both worlds: sedan-like driving comfort and CUV versatility (plus) ample room for five in a highly maneuverable package." The tech-focused features include the 12.3-inch full digital instrument cluster, digital rear-view mirror, and 10-inch color Head-Up Display, plus the 12.3-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia display with an optional JBL Premium Audio system.
The 2.5-liter HEV system provides a combined rating of 219 horsepower, and the 2024 Venza is a true all-rounder with its high 40/37 estimated mpg ratings plus the standard Electronic On-Demand All-Wheel Drive featuring a separate rear electric motor – torque distribution can thus vary from 100% front to 20:80 on slippery surfaces.
Toyota also claims the 2024 Venza is more spacious than it meets the eye. It "doesn’t take up a lot of space outside" but still caters to owners who need generous space inside - 28.8 cu. ft. of carrying space behind the second row and 55.1 cu. ft. total with the rear seats folded away. That's not bad, right?
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