FRUSTRATINGLY GOOD - 2021 TOYOTA VENZA POV DRIVING REVIEW

EV Channels Review

The 2021 Toyota Venza Hybrid Limited is presented as a "frustratingly good" vehicle. While the reviewer acknowledges its comfortable, quiet ride and competent driver assistance systems, making it a good choice for long commutes where the driver can "zone out," significant frustrations arise from its infotainment system and drivetrain calibration. The UI is described as "infuriatingly terrible," with unintuitive controls and outdated software. The hybrid powertrain, while offering decent power at sea level, struggles significantly with elevation changes, leading to overheating and a peculiar "police siren"-like electrical noise that is highly distracting. Despite these drawbacks, the reviewer praises the chassis dynamics, noting its composed handling and surprising sportiness for its intended purpose, and finds the brake pedal blending to be excellent, a rarity in Toyota hybrids. Ultimately, the Venza is seen as a reliable, if unexciting, car that gets the job done, but its integration of features and peculiar hybrid behavior detract from its overall appeal.