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The 2024 Toyota Venza is a midsize SUV that combines sleek design, premium features, and impressive fuel efficiency. It is based on the popular Toyota RAV4 Hybrid but offers a more upscale and refined experience. The Toyota Venza is only available with a hybrid powertrain, which delivers smooth performance and an estimated 39 mpg combined. The Venza also boasts a spacious, comfortable cabin with advanced technology and safety systems. Some highlights include the 12.3-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia system and the Star Gaze panoramic roof, which can switch from transparent to frosted glass at the touch of a button.

What's New for 2024?

The 2024 Toyota Venza is largely unchanged from the previous model year, which was introduced in 2021 after a hiatus. The Venza was originally launched in 2008 as a crossover between a car and an SUV but was discontinued in 2017 due to low sales. The revived Venza is a completely different vehicle, with a more modern and sophisticated look, a hybrid-only powertrain, and a higher price tag.

The only notable updates for 2024 are some minor enhancements to the standard and optional features. The base LE trim now comes with a 7.0-inch gauge cluster display, while the mid-level XLE trim adds LED fog lights and a 12.3-inch central touchscreen. The top-of-the-line Limited trim gets a power front passenger seat, a head-up display, rain-sensing wipers, and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.

How Does It Perform?

The 2024 Toyota Venza is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and three electric motors, which produce a combined output of 219 horsepower. The power is sent to all four wheels through an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT). The Venza can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in about 7.1 seconds, decent but not very quick for its class. The Venza's main strength is its fuel economy, which is estimated at 40 mpg city, 37 mpg highway, and 39 mpg combined. These are excellent numbers for a midsize SUV and even better than some compact hybrids.

The Venza's ride quality is smooth and comfortable, thanks to its well-tuned suspension and sound insulation. The steering is light and responsive, and the brakes are strong and regenerative. However, the Venza is not very agile or sporty, and it can feel sluggish and noisy when pushed hard. Unlike some of its rivals, the Venza is also not rated for towing.

How Is the Interior?

The 2024 Toyota Venza has a spacious and luxurious interior, with room for five passengers and plenty of cargo. The front seats are supportive and adjustable, while the rear seats are roomy and reclining. The Venza offers 28.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 55.1 cubic feet with them folded down. These are respectable figures but not as generous as other midsize SUVs or the 2024 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid.

The Venza's cabin is well-appointed with high-quality materials and soft-touch surfaces. The dashboard is sleek and minimalist, with a large touchscreen dominating the center console. The Venza comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, SiriusXM satellite radio, six speakers, and four USB ports. The XLE and Limited trims upgrade to a 12.3-inch touchscreen with navigation, a JBL premium sound system with nine speakers, a wireless charging pad, and ambient lighting.

The Venza also offers many advanced safety and driver assistance features as part of the Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 package. These include:

• Pre-collision system with pedestrian detection
• Lane departure alert with steering assist
• Lane tracing assist
• Road sign assist
• Full-speed range dynamic radar cruise control
• Automatic high beams
• Blind spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert
• Rearview camera

The Limited trim adds more features, such as:

• Front and rear parking assist with automatic braking
• Bird's eye view camera with perimeter scan
• Digital rearview mirror

What Is the Star Gaze Panoramic Roof?

One of the most unique features of the 2024 Toyota Venza is the Star Gaze panoramic roof, which is available as an option on the Limited trim. This large glass roof spans over both rows of seats, giving passengers a clear view of the sky above. The roof can also switch from transparent to frosted mode at the touch of a button on the overhead console. In frosted mode, the glass becomes opaque and reduces the amount of light and heat entering the cabin. This feature is especially useful in sunny or hot days or when privacy is desired.

The Star Gaze panoramic roof also has a power sunshade that can be opened or closed independently of the glass mode. Unlike some conventional sunroofs, the roof does not open or tilt. The Star Gaze panoramic roof adds $1,400 to the price of the Venza Limited.

How Much Does It Cost?

The 2024 Toyota Venza has a starting price of $33,645 for the LE trim. The XLE trim starts at $37,175, while the Limited trim starts at $40,975. These prices include a destination charge of $1,175. The Venza is more expensive than the RAV4 Hybrid, which starts at $29,675 but less expensive than some luxury SUVs with similar features and performance.

The Venza also offers some optional packages and accessories that can increase the price. For example, the XLE Convenience Package adds a height-adjustable power liftgate and a moonroof for $1,365. The XLE Weather Package adds a heated steering wheel, rain-sensing wipers, and a de-icer function for $815. The Limited Advanced Technology Package adds a head-up display and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster for $725.

Is It Worth Buying?

The 2024 Toyota Venza is a hybrid SUV that offers style and substance. It has a sleek, sophisticated design, a premium and spacious interior, and efficient and smooth powertrain. It also has many advanced technology and safety features, including the unique Star Gaze panoramic roof.

The Toyota Venza is worth buying if you are looking for a midsize SUV that stands out from the crowd with its hybrid-only powertrain, upscale features, and impressive fuel economy. It is also a good alternative to some small luxury SUVs that may cost more or offer less. The Toyota Venza is not for everyone, however, and you may want to consider other options if you need more cargo space, towing capacity, or performance. @via Toyota.