I’m Now A Hybrid Fan, Thanks to the 2022 Toyota Venza Limited Hybrid SUV
Elegant, comfortable and fuel efficient. What’s not to love?
Traveling from Denver through the wide-open landscapes of Wyoming, my 12-year-old grandson, Marshall, and I had the road to ourselves. Cattle grazed across ample farmland beneath a seemingly endless expanse of sunny skies. Living in New York City, I welcomed the solitude. Being Marshall’s first trip to Colorado and Wyoming, he soaked in this unfamiliar landscape. Exclamations of “wow” and “cool” emerged as he scanned the horizon.
We rode in blissful comfort in a 2022 Toyota Venza Limited. A beauty in a Ruby Flare Pearl paint job. And more important than looks, she showcased her efficiency as she skillfully shifted from using fuel to coasting on battery power. If only I could manage that level of efficiency! We rode for miles and miles before stopping for gas. Hybrid features made that possible. And, with the high cost of fuel, that’s a big plus.
Read More: Compare the 2022 Toyota Venza Limited to the Honda CRV Hybrid.
Ready to ride in the 2022 Toyota Venza Hybrid Limited! Photo: Terri Marshall
The 2022 Toyota Venza was my Introduction to Hybrids
If you’re unfamiliar with how hybrids work like I was, here’s a basic breakdown for the Venza. The new-generation Toyota Hybrid System in the Venza combines a high-efficiency 2.5-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine with three electric motors in a highly compact system.
The electric motors and the gasoline engine operate the vehicle together. Unlike all-electric vehicles or plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), this hybrid doesn’t use electric charging stations. Electricity comes from a high-voltage battery pack replenished by capturing energy during deceleration. This hybrid also uses the gas engine to charge and maintain the battery.
The dashboard illustrates which power source is being used. The white section labeled PWR meant fuel powered our journey. Next, green indicated we shifted into eco mode running on the batteries. Finally, my favorite, blue, indicated the battery was charging as we drove. Brilliant!
Related: The Plug-in Hybrid Electric Car Debate In My House
Keeping track of the power mode. Photo: Terri Marshall
The Venza’s SUV Features Are Just What We Needed
As an SUV fan, I typically embrace most SUV features. This held true for the Toyota Venza Limited. First, I love the height of an SUV versus that of a sedan; it’s easier to get in and out of, and to get your things in and out of. Second, plentiful windows and the height add up to good visibility and the Toyota Venza was no exception. Preferring cargo space over a standard trunk, the Venza offers that as well.
With 36.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, we felt the storage was good for our needs. However, compared to other SUVs this size, the cargo space of the Venza is smaller. Finally, having a sunroof makes me happy. And the Venza’s panoramic sunroof let plenty of sunshine in, though if it’s too sunny, you can touch a button that instantly ‘frosts’ the panel to block out direct rays but lets in light.
Related: A Car That Sparks Joy: Toyota Venza
Safety is What Matters Most When Traveling with Loved Ones
The Toyota Venza received a 5-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Top safety features included a backup camera with dynamic gridlines and rear camera washer. A bird’s eye view camera with perimeter scan made parking a breeze. And, of course, blind-spot monitors, lane departure warnings and steering assist help with all the driving.
Finally, the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 with pre-collision system and pedestrian detection helped keep us and others safe, a great thing to have when you’re driving on unfamiliar roads. Safety always matters, but when a grandkid’s in the car with me, it’s crucial.
Read More: 9 Tips for Road Trip Safety
12.2 Inch Touchscreen Photo: Terri Marshall
What We Loved
- Heads-up display with speedometer readings
- Apple Car Play
- USB media port and three USB charge ports
- Hands-free Bluetooth
- Drive mode options: EV, ECO, Normal & Sport
- Star Gaze Panoramic sunroof with frost feature
- Comfortable & stylish interior
- Attractive exterior that received plenty of comments from curious onlookers
- Excellent gas mileage thanks to the hybrid motor
Panoramic sunroof & spacious comfortable interior. Photo: Terri Marshall
Who This Car is For
- Couples
- Singles
- Small families with two or fewer kids
- Eco-focused drivers
- Grandparents who love to road trip with the grandkids!
What You Need to Know
- The manufacturer’s suggested retail price is $40,380
- The model I drove with optional equipment totaled $44,515.00
- Estimated fuel economy is 40 city/37 highway but we averaged 42 MPG!
Toyota Venza multimedia screen. Photo: Terri Marshall
The Bottom Line
If road trips rank among your favorite things to do, the 2022 Toyota Venza Limited makes a good choice. For our drive from the Colorado Rockies through Wyoming, she served us well. Of course, I became a big fan of this hybrid model because it kept my fuel cost down. I don’t know about you, but I’d much rather spend my money buying my grandson souvenirs than filling up a vehicle with expensive gasoline!
Disclosure: The 2022 Toyota Venza Limited was provided for this test drive. All opinions are my own.
