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Real MPG of 2021 Toyota Venza: Owners Reveal All

Does 2021 Venza real-world gas mileage match up with window sticker estimates? New owners revealed surprising answers.

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40 in the city. 37 on the highway. 39 combined.

These statistics are eye-catching. Especially when researching potential purchases in the SUV and crossover segments.

The possibility for attaining anywhere close to 40 miles per gallon has probably put 2021 Toyota Venza in the running and near the top of any “my next vehicle” list.

For me, this is definitely true.

I have been driving my new 2021 Venza Limited for just a few weeks now. Funny thing – I actually evaluated a similar 2021 Venza Limited (but with the StarGaze Fixed Panoramic Roof) for a week just before I got mine. I have already fallen in love.

2021 Toyota Venza Review

2021 Toyota Venza Limited Ruby Flare Pearl profile view front end

I will be giving accounts from new owners and their fuel efficiency shortly. But first my impressions of Toyota Venza.

This car is quite comfortable. The first thing you may enjoy is the seats. These are probably the most comfortable and cozy seats I have ever encountered. Good neck, back and lumbar support. Plus, I have made good use of my heated and cooled front seats already.

2021 Toyota Venza Limited interior front seats ash color

Heated steering wheel is “handier” than I expected. Never thought I would use this feature, but it is nice.

I have read reviews from other sources about some road or wind or tire noise. I just do not feel this is a problem. Call me crazy.

For me, the car is relatively quiet, and I just do not notice these as much.

Other new owner accounts describe Venza Hybrid (and its really cool features) just as I do. The best vehicle they have ever owned. I thought I would miss my 2018 Camry more, but Venza has already replaced it in my heart.

2021 Venza MPG

2021 Toyota Venza Limited Coastal Gray profile view front end

The best way to find out how a vehicle drives in the real world is by asking the people who drive them.

This is one reason I always look at movie audience reviews versus movie critics. Movie critics seem to look for flaws in a movie and point out every single one. People like me write about the entertainment value. That is what I want.

Same thing goes for 2021 Toyota Venza.

Time to see how new owners are doing at the pump.

Robert commented. “I love the looks, the ride and the mileage (38.7 mpg in mixed city/highway).”

“So far, I’ve been impressed with an avg. of 38 MPG and that’s driving with a lead foot.” Said George.

RELATED VIDEO: 2021 Venza StarGaze Panoramic Roof: How it Works

Breanne is happy with her new purchase. “I got the XLE a month ago. I love it. I average 37 mpg.”

Al is seeing a wide range of results. “30mpg was the lowest before refilling and 50.5mpg is highest on gas refill. But do not top off. 44 was highest for miles per gallon driving in San Francisco city streets.”

Melanie is seeing less than others. “I am only getting low to mid 30s for mpg so far. Live in Colorado so it’s colder and I do have a lead foot lol.”

Another owner, Michael, commented that he achieved 51.5mpg on a recent trip with an ECO score of 81 out of 100.

Read more: How ECO score can help you get better mpg

2021 Toyota Venza Limited Ruby Flare Pearl profile view

“I have mine on ECO mode and am getting around 41 mpg.” Commented Angel.

Interesting feedback. Very interesting.

Time for your thoughts on 2021 Venza

The trick with gas mileage results is that so much about the final figure you see depends on a great many factors.

Weather conditions, temperature, tire pressure, weight you have inside your car, how fast you accelerate, your highway cruising speed, and how much you coast can all affect that all-important mpg number.

I admit I have more of a lead foot than others. I need to use some of my own advice and look at the factors I just wrote about. I am getting in the low 30’s for mpg. Up to 36mpg if I really try.

But I know I can do better. I have all these personal accounts that give me hope for gain.

Do you own a 2021 Venza, and if so, what is your experience with fuel? Do you have any tips that you have used to get optimal gas mileage?

I will use your suggestions for future stories, so I appreciate your feedback.

Thanks for reading everyone. See you next story when I tell you the most difficult Toyota to get these days.

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Comments

gilton bolanos (not verified)    February 2, 2021 - 4:00PM

I have owned a 2021 Toyota Venza for a few months and my vehicle has never taken more than 11 gallons and that was from 9 miles left on the speedometer so the maximum range on my infotainment have never been more then 473, I am also a member of the 2021 venza group and none of the members have ever gotten a range greater then 478, I do get 37.5 MPG

Harrison bitte… (not verified)    February 3, 2021 - 2:46PM

In reply to by gilton bolanos (not verified)

Same issue here. Got a venza in October and I've driven it til the gas light comes on and the most I can fill is 11.5 gallons. Usually it's closer 10 when I still have about 70 miles to empty. Kind feels like the issue the 2020 RAV4 were having. But haven't heard many ppl complain about it yet. Also in the last two months now that it's much cooler can't get better than 36 mpg.

Larry (not verified)    April 29, 2021 - 11:51AM

In reply to by Harrison bitte… (not verified)

Also have this problem

Toyota advertises the Venza as having a 14.5 gallon fuel tank and depending on mpg you can travel 536 to 580 miles per tank (Highway vs City).

Per the Toyota manual the fuel light will come on with approximately 2.2 gallons left in the tank. In my Venza that occurs at 47 miles to empty (DTE). I consistently drive it down to 8 DTE and when I fill up It never takes more than 11.7 gallons. Toyota claims the difference is a reserve in order to prevent the driver from running out of gas and damaging the hybrid system. This reserve is not mentioned in any documentation, website, etc… and is not disclosed by any sales people I’ve ever talked to about the 2021 Venza.

The Venza MPG was one of the reasons I purchased this vehicle. Another was the miles per tank. Toyota cannot tell me how much of that reserve 3 gallons can be used. I’m just told that if I run out of fuel and damage the hybrid system it most likely will not be covered under warranty.

If you’re buying this vehicle because you like the 535 to 580 miles per tank - it may be possible but you will have to ignore what your gas gauge, fuel light, and DTE is telling you and you do so at your own risk.

Buyer beware

Gil (not verified)    February 8, 2021 - 11:35AM

My issue is mpg. Only getting 33-35 max. With all around driving and varying temps. Had a Camry(non-hybrid) loaner from the dealer and was getting 50 mpg on the hiway. Had another Avalon loaner(4 cyl, awd) and got 33mpg hiway at very hi speeds. I put the cruise on 62mph and got 46mpg. The best I got in the Venza is 40mpg on the same route and cruise on 62mph. Disappointing!
Also needs more cubbies or storage space!

Mohammad (not verified)    February 21, 2021 - 11:20PM

I have owned my Venza LE for about 2 month now. I mostly drive to and from work. About 8 miles/day. I am getting an average of 29.5 mpg
I have it on Eco mode and try to drive mostly on EV (speed limits are around 20 at my school).
Why am I getting such a low mpg? Should I talk to Toyota?

Dennis Rech (not verified)    March 30, 2021 - 2:39PM

In reply to by Mohammad (not verified)

The issue is cold starts. Every time that an engine is started from cold, its temperature needs to be raised from ambient to 190 degrees. If it is 20 degrees out, you have to supply enough fuel to raise the temperature of 1000 pounds of metal 170 degrees. That is over a pint a start or a quart a day or gallons per tank. It is easy to lose 25 to 30% of your fuel mileage with short trips.

Wally (not verified)    February 23, 2021 - 12:29AM

Venza limited, swapped out tires for winter rated ones at purchase. Highest mpg was 49.8 on 40 mile mainly rural route, lowest was 30 when very cold, snowy. Averaged about 38.5 in autumn and about 32.5 in cold winter. Tires reduce the mpg but really great in snow. Commonly coax additional 2 gallons + after pump initially clicks off. Irritating issue, Toyota needs to fix this problem. Other than that, my wife loves this car (she previously had a Lexus Rx400h hybrid which this mostly greatly exceeds). Stereo is great, as are heated/ventilated seats and fast heating steering wheel.

Alan (not verified)    March 7, 2021 - 11:42AM

I have only had a new XLE Venza for a couple weeks and definitely getting at best 33mpg...on eco mode. About 50/50 city/highway.

Ron Miller (not verified)    March 15, 2021 - 1:45AM

I bought the 2021 Venza about 3 months ago and am puzzled by some of the imprecise math involved in reporting gas mileage. During a drive of approximately 350 miles from Athens GA to the Great Smokies, then backtracking to Roswell, GA, and later a return to to Athens, I got 44.1 mpg, This was true despite several ascents daily of up to 3,000 feet above sea level. In the temperate weather of 60-70 degrees, I drove mostly 65-70 mph highway speeds but for an hour or two at 40-50 mph. If we compute the 44.1 mpg after a 12 gallon fill-up of the 14.5 gallon tank, my predictable range would be 529 miles. In this instance, I am referring to the MILEAGE PER TANK instead of PER FILL-UP because the two measures are not the same. If the tank were completely depleted, in fact, and the fuel monitor reading empty, the projected range would be a whopping 639 miles. In other words, the fuel monitor presumes 0-2.5 gallons held in reserve even when the gauge itself reads empty. This is a safety feature designed to protect drivers from running out of gas.

Many peeved owners refuse to acknowledge that the car allows from 66 to 132 drivable miles even when the fuel gauge reads empty. The problem lies less in Toyota's deception than the purchaser's most literal miscalculation..

Marlon Smith (not verified)    September 20, 2021 - 1:30AM

In reply to by Ron Miller (not verified)

Mr. Miller, that is a hybrid model you drive correct? It wasn’t clearly stated.

This is the model we picked out too. 2021 Toyota Venza XLE Hybrid. Our best so far after just 340 miles is 36.2 mpg - a mix 80 percent city and 20 percent highway, but its still breaking in. It’s bound to do much better.

Beverly (not verified)    May 17, 2022 - 12:21AM

In reply to by Ron Miller (not verified)

I completely agree. I have a 2022 Toyota Venza XLE. I have only driven it about 1000 miles; but, I have calculated the mileage based on the miles driven to the gallons added to the tank. I am consistently getting 44.5 miles per gallon. I drive mixed highway and city to and from work daily. I have filled up when there is about 100 estimated miles left. I usually can put in about 9.1 gallons. I don't care about that. What I care about is protecting the hybrid system and my actual mpg. I am over the moon with these numbers. I am coming from a Honda Odyssey which is an awesome vehicle if you need it. I no longer do. I test drove a hybrid Camry which I loved. But, I wanted the best of both worlds and the Venza fit the bill. The RAV4 was too noisy. The Venza drives like a dream and has awesome gas mileage. It is too early for me to go completely electric so the Venza is the happy medium for me. So what if I stop for gas a little more often just to protect my hybrid system. I would also be sure not to leave candles burning in my house while I'm not home. It's just common sense people.

John Reitz (not verified)    April 21, 2021 - 8:31PM

Some of you really need learn how to properly figure gas mileage.........use some sense.
Also, why on earth would anyone buy such a vehicle, tell everyone they have a "lead foot" then complain about gas mileage?
This version is a pretty remarkable achievement for Toyota. It appears some of them are being wasted on numbskulls.

Xau Dzai (not verified)    February 20, 2022 - 5:47PM

In reply to by John Reitz (not verified)

The only reason I bought a 2022 Venza Limited instead of honda CRV hybrid is the range and MPG. I drive 50/50 Highway/City, it turn out that my son 2016 Honda Accord have same gas tank size and have better gas mileage and range than this "remarkable false advertisement".

Gilton Bolanos (not verified)    April 21, 2021 - 9:32PM

Led foot? Have you even read the main complain? It’s not about mpg most of us including myself get great mpg, it’s about Toyota advertise fuel tank size. I realize that it has a reserve of a few tanks however Toyota advertise a range of over 500 miles and most of us don’t get that range, we would probably get that range in case of emergency and we used the reserve in that case Toyota should be clear on that.

Marlon Smith (not verified)    September 17, 2021 - 8:17PM

Remember this fact -
All new cars require a break it period on the engine, because everything is tight from the factory oil needs to find it’s way through the entire assembly. That’s why they say to take it easy in the first 250 to 500 miles on a new car. All that being said, you can’t expect better mileage in the first tank of gas it just won’t happen. We tried these cards in the real world when they drive them to certify them with those type of mileages they do it on a track guess what, most wind resistance Is minimized. So run through about 2 1/2 to 3 full tanks of gas then go out and set your figures for your new 3021 or 2022 model Venza, try not to be a lead foot is a big plus. Yes we’re on our first tank on our 2021 Venza LX hybrid and her saying 35.5 combined city predominantly. I’ve had it three weeks still running tire molds stubble off it’s That few of miles.
Next week we’re taking it for a cruise out to Santa Fe, New Mexico for a week get away, then return back (greater S.B. coast area), and I’ll let you know how it goes. Love to hear your comments.
It should be a true test of our Venza. I know yes, The bottom line is: my wife loves the car.

Marlon Smith (not verified)    September 20, 2021 - 1:08AM

Corrected copy: M. Smith from lines above

The manufacturer test their carefully engineered test tract cars in the most idealistic conditions, but we do not. That’s why in the real world, when we set out on our drives, which never measure up and fall short on MPG. We can though definitely stack things in our favor, by first running through 2 1/2 to 3 full tanks of gas, and then go out and set your figures for your new 2021 or 2022 model Venza, and .... the

Marlon Smith (not verified)    September 24, 2021 - 8:50AM

We made it here Santa Fe, New Mexico from coastal Ventura area of California. Using just 21.87 gallons of mid-grade - tier I also known as unleaded plus. Our Highway average was 41.7 miles per gallon in our new 2021 Toyota Venza XLE hybrid. How are you 74 mph over a 16 hours 10 minutes - all in one day drive. Extremely comfortable ride I was like I was riding every $75,000 class luxury car. Toyota has done it they made the ultimate driving machine in my book. I can only say, Bravo-Zulu; Or a job well done.
I am extremely satisfied with this purchase.

Dawn S (not verified)    September 29, 2021 - 2:51PM

I have had my Venza limited for 3 months and am getting 47-48 MPG overall with it in ECO mode. I drive mostly to and from work-21 miles each day. This is part highway and part city driving. I easily get 500 miles out of each tank. Love this car!

Paul (not verified)    September 30, 2021 - 3:07AM

In reply to by Dawn S (not verified)

Dawn I too drive solely in ECO mode primarily. . I try to get up to speed and then feather accelerator pedal to keep the EV light on as much as I can and actually gain speed.. You can propel the car up to about 60 mph with EV light on and a slight grade down. The EV will give you slight acceleration at almost any speed but just slight. Heads up display on Limited also helps me I too am getting more than 46 MPH according to vehicle computer. Most driving is on suburban roads of 35 MPH speed limits I would say. This is the best vehicle I have ever owned. The electronics are very user friendly. I looked long and hard to find a Rav 4 Prime and finally found a dealer with both a Prime and Venza's to test drive. After driving both the choice was very clear, the Venza was the better, more plush and quiter, Now at about 1000 miles I enjoy driving it immensely.

Paul Ruppel (not verified)    September 30, 2021 - 3:18AM

In reply to by Dawn S (not verified)

Dawn, I too am getting milage far above quoted using car computer i'm averaging 46.5 MPG. I drive solely in ECO mode and try to keep EV litght on as much as possible. You can get slight acceleration from the battery when EV light is on and keep speed on level ground. I accelerate beyond the speed limit slightly and let off acel pedal momentarily then keep it on gauge no higher than ECO on gauge. I anticipate traffic flow and do a lot of coasting also. . What a great car, I am totally satisfied with the vehicle in every aspect. It has plenty of power for all phases of driving and very smooth integration of ICE engine combined with Electric. No cord charging required. I never though a Hybrid would respond like this one does. Car had luxury of far pricier vehicles.

Marlon Smith (not verified)    October 1, 2021 - 11:20AM

Fellow Venza followers, I have some good news to report from our recent trip to Santa Fe/Edgewood, New Mexico areas, and now back to Phoenix (Sun City), Arizona. I posted the following on less than complete tank restart trips, which were approximately 275 to 325 miles each.

Stage set - These were captured on roads, that approximately 75 mile an hour speed limits with infrastructure construction speed restrictions to 55 mile an hour on roughly 10% of the time. Roughly 50% Desert With Hillcountry and 50% mountainous up to 7,700 feet of elevation In the white mountains around Pinetop/Lakeside Arizona. In Moriarty New Mexico we were off/road for 26 miles hilly and steep dirt and gravel roads, just tending to visits with family, and checking out some properties. We drove everywhere to test this thing out. Nine days later, here’s our anxiously awaiting results:

The average of 1975 miles is now official brought in at 42.7 miles per gallon overall. It was performed in 70% ECO mode, 20% ‘normal’ mode and 5% ‘sport’ mode and believe me all these were useful settings at the time requested.

The best recorded of these trials came in at 55.7 miles per gallon all the others range from 46.1 to 39.9 mpg.
So do I love the car, I help pick out for my wife - a resounding answer of yes, this is the best automotive purchase of our lives so far. She just retired at age 65, and I just turned 63. That said, we won’t be making too many more of such choices down the line, so we’re glad we made this one.
Just one more thing, I’ve been driving a 2017 Prius hatchback and a place 74,000 miles on it so far. That makes me a pretty experienced hybrid driver. Your response is welcomed, thanks.
MW Smith.

Marlon Smith (not verified)    October 4, 2021 - 6:04AM

Sun City AZ to Central Coast Ven. County yesterday was telling our 2021 Venza performed flawlessly. Averaging 73.5 MPH, 40.3 mpg using 75% normal mode and 25% ECO mode. Roughly 10 and three quarter gallons of Shell 87 octane.
Pleasure to drive it and lower cost per mile Champion. Truly a refined ECO class automobile.

David Hungerford (not verified)    October 20, 2021 - 2:24PM

Purchased a gently used (6300 miles) 2021 Venza LE last week. I am a mileage “junkie” - always eco mode, careful with acceleration and stops. No highway trips yet, but I am averaging +52 mpg. Not quite the +60 that I got on my Prius with the same driving habits but I am thrilled.

Marlon Smith (not verified)    October 21, 2021 - 12:24AM

Making a second trip to Santa Fe, New Mexico sometime in the next couple weeks. Newborn grandson coming into the world.
Hope to get the best stats on the trip out and the trip back to our home along with central coast of CA. Stay tuned more to come.
P .S. - Yes love this SUV - No regrets

Lyllyan Harmston (not verified)    December 18, 2021 - 2:53PM

I am a 6 wk owner of 2021 Venza and live in Central Washington State. it is December 18, 2021 and my gas mileage has gone from 40 to between 29 - 32mpg... it is cold here now ... I don't think I have a lead foot? Does weather really the result of my poor mpg? I know my 2015 gas powered Rav 4 had weather related gas mileage. Yes I also agree with another person that this Venza is "lacking" in pockets of storage!

DON KOZAK (not verified)    February 12, 2022 - 3:48PM

I have had my 2021 Venza for 10 months now and I have yet to get close to 39 mpg. I am usually getting 33-35 mpg which is not close to what I am supposed to get. This was mpg was in warm weather months too. Very dissappointed!. My old Camry XLE Hybrid would consistently get 44-47 mpg during the warm weather months. I am very disappointed in the Venza mpg and I have my early maintenance next week and they will get a ear full;

Paul Costa (not verified)    March 28, 2022 - 4:33PM

I have 11 month old Venza and usually get 38.5 hwy and 42+ city. As a former Prius owner(2), I always use eco mode and accelerate slowly. Also, being mindful of visual stops ahead and coasting to the stopping area, often prevents another stop and go situation that eats gas.

Kashif Khan (not verified)    April 5, 2022 - 2:30AM

I have a 2022 Venza bought in Feb. HAs close to 3500 miles. I am getting 32-33 mpg. When I fill it up takes no more than 10-11 gallons. I have taken it to Toyota twice and they don't seem to know the problem. I am getting 430-460 for full tank. Last week light came on and it only took 7 gallons of gas which tells me there was already gas in the tank. I spent so much money on this car, but not getting the advertised mileage.