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By Jeff Teague Jan 28 2020 - 2:42pm

Passionate Fans Respond to 2021 Toyota Venza Rumors: Show How Beloved Venza Still Is

There was an outpouring of feedback from Toyota Venza owners and fans when learning news of a potential return for the once-popular model. You will not believe what they had to say.
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One of Toyota’s discontinued models from the past is strongly rumored to be making a comeback. It is speculated within industry circles that the re-badged 2021 Venza will be making its way to dealerships by the end of this calendar year. This could be big.

I wrote about this potential new launch in my Torque News story yesterday. The part that caught me off-guard was the excitement in most of the comments from Toyota fans. They had great experiences with the Venza models they owned in the past and some were already thinking about upgrading should it come out.

What we think we know about 2021 Venza

Speculation is swirling all around the Toyota world about potential model specifications and features. What will this 2021 Venza look like? How will it be powered? Size?

I am guessing the return of the Venza will come with a crossover SUV that is bigger than a 2020 RAV4 but smaller than a 2020 Highlander. It will seat 5 passengers. We think it will come in hybrid only (same as the rumored 2021 Sienna Hybrid), as well as only being an all-wheel drive vehicle (no front-wheel drive).

Again, this is just controlled guesswork on my part. No official statement has come from Toyota yet either confirming or dispelling this news.

2014 Toyota Venza Interior Beige

I did mention that people were excited about a 2021 Venza return, as well as reminiscing about positive success stories with their Venzas of the past.

Here is what you had to say about 2021 Toyota Venza

Toyota Venza had quite an impact on the driving lives of many people. Here is what some of them had to say.
Richard said, “Jeff, thanks for the update news on 2021 Venza. I live in Connecticut. I owned a 2010 Venza FWD and 4 cyl. I really need an AWD vehicle for the snow and ice here.”

Martha had this to say. “I loved my AWD Venza. I loved the width & cargo area. My husband is 6'4" and he was comfortable in the car and did not feel claustrophobic in it. I had over 300,000 miles on it when the differential went bad. If it's a hybrid I hope it still has power to merge. I now live in SC, but travel often to MD and NY. Power to merge on high speed interstates is a must. I was heartbroken when they discontinued Venza. I would definitely purchase again.”

“My husband just turned his 2015 Venza to 310,000 miles. It is showroom condition and beautiful with no signs of slowing down. No major repairs ever. He hopes to trade for a new Venza soon. Fingers crossed. Thank you Toyota.” Admired reader Cheri.

Robert had a great story to tell. “My wife and I bought a brand new 2010 Barcelona Red AWD, V-6 with panoramic sun roof, JBL sound system and many other bells and whistles. We are still driving it, and have only 74,000 miles on it. This vehicle has been amazing and we enjoy driving it as much today as the day we left the lot with it. We have only ever had to do routine maintenance and have never had any mechanical problems. I hope the new version of this vehicle will be as dependable as the one we have. This is primarily our “family” vehicle and my 2011 Toyota Tundra is our boat towing vehicle. Another dependable Toyota vehicle that has performed flawlessly.”

“I love Toyota and I LOVE hybrids so the marriage of the Venza in Hybrid form might be just what I need to trade in my current vehicle.” Commented reader Dancinman2071.

This final comment by N2LADIES551 tells the story not only of love for the Venza, but of pure 100 percent Toyota quality and long-term reliability.

“If a Venza hybrid is made I will finally get rid of my 1997 Camry that I purchased new and was planning on holding on for my 25th year.”

Incredible story.

VIDEO YOU MIGHT ENJOY: My review of 2020 Toyota Highlander LE shows it to be loaded with features and a great value.

Time for your final 2021 Venza thoughts

To me, I’m seeing a vehicle that has larger road trip size than a 2020 RAV4 but not as large as 2020 Highlander. It should have solid rear seat legroom and cargo space as well. I think we will be happy with miles per gallon too.

Would you be interested in learning more if this rumor turns out to be accurate and the 2021 Venza Hybrid does make its way to market? Have you owned a Venza in the past and what was your experience with it?

Thanks for reading everyone. It is going to be a fun and exciting news season covering Toyota here at Torque News. Please bookmark Torque News Toyota to keep as up-to-date as possible.

See you next story when I give my Top 3 reasons to consider the 2020 Highlander LE.

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Comments

John White wrote on January 29, 2020 - 8:15am
Own a 2009 model., 175,000+ miles, great road car. Have replaced the oil pressure pump and starter. Roof leaks (If I can purchase the new one w/o the roof I will - $ 4,000 repair quote to replace the seal - ridiculous). Also own a 2018 Highlander for the wife. Will probably go with the new version if pleased.
Michael Rupiper wrote on January 29, 2020 - 10:37am
My 2011 fwd Venza has 100k miles, nothing but routine maintenance. So pleased if they bring back Venza, perfect size between RAV and Highlander.
Nicole wrote on January 29, 2020 - 5:12pm
Currently driving a 2010 Venza full loaded with upgrades and V6. Nearing 80k miles. Routine maintenance and replacing the rear hatch struts last year ($500) are the only costs so far. Waiting for the 2021 Sienna for additional seating with kids and dogs but excited to hear the Venza is returning.
Trent wrote on January 29, 2020 - 11:59pm
Spent $5000 on transmission at 95k miles on a 2010 venza 4 cylinder. No Thanks on Venza.
Lizzy wrote on January 30, 2020 - 11:09am
How? What are you doing to your car! I have the same year, 4 cyl almost 100k miles...nothing wrong with my car. It's your driving.
Lam wrote on January 30, 2020 - 11:26am
Have 2013 Venza V6 with 74,000 miles, no problem just regular oil changes...love it... I will drive it to the grave... Then trade in for another V6 Venza, not hybrid though...
Billy Bib Shapiro wrote on January 30, 2020 - 3:21pm
You got most of it correct. It will actually be a shade larger than the Highlander. It will be Hybrid only and should see 35 - 40 MPG. More than likely it will be a 7 seater. I have already seen the car, unfunbushed, but none-the-less real body and interior.
Billy Bib Shapiro wrote on February 5, 2020 - 3:44pm
It'll be smaller than the Highlander. Between a RAV and a Highlander. I doubt you've seen the vehicle, because that would mean you either work in vehicle design for Toyota, or went to an internal meeting. In both cases, you'd know you can be fired for talking about it.
Edward B wrote on January 31, 2020 - 1:49pm
I owned the Venza during the first year of production. I did enjoy it but the driving dynamics were bland and the sound system was poor. In hindsight I should have opted for the upgraded sound system. My suspect with that the new tgnk platform, hybrid and AWD it would be a compelling option in 2021. As for me, looking to buy the 2020 AWD Highlander Hybrid in the fall.
Paul wrote on February 1, 2020 - 12:11pm
I’ve had 2 Venza’s. my current 2013 4cyl “limited” is the best vehicle I’ve ever owned. Best car ever imo. I have a very keen expectation the 2021 Venza Hybrid is going to be a Calty Studios reconfigured Fortuner. I’m guessing it will sport some variation of more aggressive front with cabin alterations like a better console and a sportier dash. Just a guess but logically, The Fortuner is a very popular world car that fits really nicely between Rav and Highlander
Ralph Mason wrote on February 2, 2020 - 11:44pm
I purchased a 2009 Venza when they first came out. Now ten years later I have 125 thousand miles on it. It is a V6 AWD and other than regular maintenance, I have replaced one wheel bearing. That's it, nothing else ever caused a problem. Last time I had it on the hoist, my mechanic said it could easily go another ten years. Yes I would buy another one.
Stan Wrubleski wrote on February 14, 2020 - 10:10am
I own a 2017 Highlander. Great SUV, but looking for a 5-seater and tired of SUVs. Anxiously, awaiting the new Venza.
Bob Brossoie wrote on February 24, 2020 - 9:56am
Just learned that the Venza may return for the 2021 model year. Great news! I bought the first 2009 Venza delivered to the dealer in Raleigh on 12/2008 and planned to buy another only to find out that it had been discontinued. I’m already planning on buying the 2021 when available. The 2009 Venza is the best car I ever owned. One repair to replace the ABS brake cable. Otherwise just scheduled maintenance. Currently at 108K miles. Looking forward to the 2021 Venza.
Stanley Wrubleski wrote on March 9, 2020 - 11:30am
Plan to replace my 2017 Highlander with a new Venza. Would like a dash shelf like Toyota SUVs. Have no use for AWD and would probably not buy the Venza if forced into AWD.
Patricia Colaizzi wrote on March 20, 2020 - 6:23pm
I owned a few Venzas with my last one being a 2015. I LOVED that vehicle, it was a beautiful spacious, excellent performing vehicle with all wheel drive. I was upset that they quit making them. I’ll be a proud owner of a beautiful 2021 model.
Rita Henderson wrote on March 26, 2020 - 9:31pm
I bought a 2009 Venza when they first came out. It was a LE model. I kept it 5 years and traded it in on a brand new 2014 Limited ( Blizzard Pearl). After 5 years I made the biggest mistake of my life and traded it in for a Infinity QX70. I missed my Venza so much. I traded the Infinity in on a brand new 2019 Outback. I just was not happy with any other car after driving the Venza. I got rid of the Outback and actually went back 5 years and purchased a 2015 Venza XLE (couldn’t locate a limited in my area). I’m so happy I got a Venza back. This is my 3rd one. I’m praying they come out again because I plan on buying a brand new 2021 (if they do)..can’t wait!! I’ve owned many new cars in my lifetime and I believe the Venza is by far the best car I’ve ever owned.
Pal.G Pearson wrote on March 28, 2020 - 8:13pm
I had to buy a new or used vehicle due to an accident I had at the end of 2018. This gave me sometime to really look for something nice in my price range.As I continue to test drive many SUV.s,one night I was at the dealership and it was two vehicles I picked out to Test drive..Toyota Venza and a Ford Flex. Lucky for me the Toyota Venza AWD was parked the closes. So l test drove it 1st, l was so impressed with the way it drive and features it had., my buddy went on the test drive with me , and After the drive, he stated to me that this was the Best vehicle we tested all day .It was last in the evening/night.I asked the Sales person that I'm going to go home and read and look up reviews on the Toyota Venza AWD and Return the Next day with my decision. After reading all the great reviews. I bought the Toyota Venza AWD 2012 the Very next day. After doing more research I found out the the Toyota Venza had been discontinued, cause l was so looking forward to getting another one in a few years after enjoying this one. Why get a Lexus vehicle, when you can have ALL the luxury and dependability with a Toyota, same company that make Lexus. In 2019 and 2020 I attended the Auto show, and talked to a head executive with Toyota., and expressed to him that I LOVE MY TOYOTA VENZA. and would love to see Toyota bring back the Venza..He expressed that I wasn't alone, he stated that many Toyota Venza owners have the same feeling and want. All this to say... I really hope they bring back the Venza, with All the New and up to date tec.that the New Lexus have..example:: heads up display, 360 cam, remote cover for the panoramic sun roof, auto breaking, Apple and Android car play, 8 speed automatic, and more personal interior options/ color,and sound system ect. Break caliper color options..I'm sorry I can go on and on..Maybe Toyota should have Venza owners Help design the New Venza, cause we are the Ones that are going to driving them...RIGHT.??? Thx TOYOTA
J. Bush wrote on May 30, 2020 - 12:34am
I have a first gen 2009 Limited with AWD and 268HP V6. Fully loaded, GPS, bluetooth, boston acoustics premium sound. just flipped over 100k and the ONLY money I have spent is a battery and normal stuff, oil, fluids and tires. It is a great car, runs smoother than it ever has and still gets 16-18 with AWD! No rust, no issues, but I would take a hard look at a new Venza for sure!
Gretchen Griffin wrote on June 10, 2020 - 6:29pm
I loved my 2009 Venza and reluctantly gave it to my daughter when it was time to have a new Car as a Realtor. My client (big, tall, men and women) always remarked on the space in the rear seats. It was a winner! When I couldn’t get a new Venza in 2017. I settled for a Highlander.. nice but difficult to exit because of height. I never thought I’d buy another car at my age but I will be first in line when the Venza returns. I’m excited!