2023 Toyota Venza

My favorite car to date

Thursday, August 12, 2021

We wanted a new car with all the latest safety updates, and I really wanted to get a hybrid for the first time. A comfortable and quiet ride was a priority, as we were coming from a Lexus RX350. Knowing that Toyota has one of the most refined hybrid systems, as well as a good reputation for reliability, we concentrated on their offerings. The Highlander was nice, but too big for our empty nest needs. The RAV4 was not refined enough and too truckish for our tastes. The Venza Limited that we ended up with was a perfect match. Both the exterior styling and interior fit and finish give off a premium upscale feel. This car is very comfortable to ride in and great for long trips. The seats are the most comfortable we've experienced. Although the passenger seat does not have a height adjustment, we find it fine the way it is and don't miss that adjustment at all. It's ride and quietness are comparable to our Lexus. The tech is incredible. Now having used the heads-up display, I can't see buying a car without it. It has a great sounding audio system.. The Star Gaze panoramic roof gives a nice soft lighting to the interior when in opaque mode. I love the hybrid system, which gives more than enough power for expressway merging. So far I've averaged 41.3 mpg overall. This car is fun to drive and the adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assist work great. This is the first car I've owned where I look forward to every opportunity I get to drive it. We would not hesitate to buy this car again.

Best car I have owned!

Tuesday, August 17, 2021

I traded in my 2010 Lexus RX350 for my new 2021 Toyota Venza XLE with the added SofTex package a few months ago. I was torn between the 2021 Lexus NX hybrid and the 2021 Toyota Venza. I decided to go with the Toyota Venza for the standard hybrid powertrain and AWD, higher gas mileage and lower overall cost. I felt that the 2021 Lexus NX hybrid interior was outdated for the price. The Venza is by far my favorite car I have owned! I decided to go with the XLE SofTex package because I wanted to still have the knob controls for the AC and volume functions, as well as ventilated seats and a heated steering wheel. The SofTex material is so soft, and I've even had friends assume it is real leather. Even though this car is a 4 cylinder, it does not feel underpowered at all and it zips around town with no issues. The turning radius is superb, and I haven't had any issue driving and parking downtown (the backup camera and parking sensors are a lifesaver). I am 5'2, and I am able to adjust the height of the seat perfectly to see out. Since I have small feet, I like how the gas accelerator pedal is hinged from the floor so my feet don't slip out from under the pedal. The regenerative breaks do take awhile to get used to, but I'm to the point now where it feels weird driving a car with normal brakes. You can feel the engine turn on and disengage periodically when you are driving the car, but it's not extremely noticeable. I did notice some annoying wind and road noise when I first got my Venza, but I'm used to it now and don't notice it much anymore. I usually have the music volume up anyway! The quality and driving experience of the car (especially the interior) mimics that of a Lexus. I was a little nervous buying the first model year of a newly redesigned car, but I haven't had any quality or design issues at all. I do not regret trading in my older Lexus for this vehicle.

My best car so far.

Thursday, July 08, 2021

Let me start by saying that I had two of rav4 before this one. My last one was hybrid and they were great cars but this one is completely different story the luxury on this car is amazing technology is amazing I have the limited with all the toys the stargaze roof the automatic wipers nice stereo with nine speakers car is pleasure to drive so far I do about 41 mi to the gallon that is upgrade from the rav4 that I had because the RAV4 was doing only 30 miles to the gallon. So far after 2500 miles and pretty happy with the car and don't understand all the other reviews they're talking about the gas tank my is fine.