Saturday, September 13, 2025

The 4-Year-Old Toyota Hybrid SUV You Can't Miss

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The 2021 Toyota Venza Hybrid: A Hidden Gem in the Used Car Market

When shopping for a car, especially a hybrid, many of the best deals can be found in the used market. Over the past five years, hybrids have become increasingly popular due to their efficiency and additional benefits that traditional gasoline vehicles often lack. Brands like Toyota, Hyundai, Kia, and Honda have been leading the charge in both hybrid and conventional markets, offering buyers reliable and well-constructed options.

For those looking for a dependable hybrid SUV, the 2021 Toyota Venza stands out as a particularly well-rounded choice. Although it was discontinued in 2024, this model is still a solid option for buyers seeking reliability and value. Despite not receiving as much attention as other models like the Crown Signia, the Venza remains one of Toyota’s most impressive offerings.

Affordable Pricing for a Used Hybrid SUV

The 2021 Toyota Venza started its life in the sub-$35,000 range, and by 2025, the base model averages around $24,680 on the used market. Toyota offered the Venza in three trims, with the top version priced at roughly $27,329. While the model has lost some value over four years, it still holds up remarkably well. Toyota is known for its strong resale value, meaning its cars depreciate slower than many competitors.

A Hybrid SUV with Timeless Features

Among hybrid SUVs from the past five years, the 2021 Toyota Venza is considered a hidden gem. It captures the brand’s best qualities in a sleek, underrated package. After a long break, Toyota reintroduced the Venza in 2021 as a hybrid-only SUV, giving it a clear identity in a competitive market.

What makes the Venza stand out today are its timeless features, strong fuel economy, and approachable pricing. Combined with Toyota’s trademark reliability, the Venza offers one of the smartest used buys available.

Spacious and Comfortable Interior

Step inside the 2021 Toyota Venza, and you’ll find a cabin that balances comfort with plenty of usable space. It’s designed to keep both passengers and cargo happy. Front occupants enjoy 38.6 inches of headroom and 40.9 inches of legroom, while rear passengers get 39 inches of headroom and 37.8 inches of legroom.

The Venza makes the most of its midsize SUV footprint with 98.3 cubic feet of passenger space and 127.1 cubic feet overall. That means plenty of room to stretch out, no matter where you’re sitting. With 28.8 cubic feet of storage behind the rear seats and 55.1 cubic feet when the back row is folded flat, it’s perfect for weekend trips or grocery runs.

Features That Don’t Feel Outdated

Toyota gave the Venza a little extra polish compared to its sibling, the RAV4. It was designed to feel sleeker, more refined, and packed with comfort-focused touches. Some standout features include an eight-way power driver’s seat, heated and ventilated front seats, and the eye-catching fixed Star Gaze panoramic roof. This roof isn’t just for looks—it uses electrochromic glass that switches from clear to frosted in a second.

Other thoughtful details include a seat that adjusts for easier entry and exit, plus a cabin engineered to stay whisper-quiet thanks to added insulation, smart mechanical tuning, and even a silencer pad under the floor.

Tech That Remains Relevant

The 2021 Venza didn’t skimp on screens. It came standard with a 4.2-inch color gauge display and an eight-inch multimedia screen, both of which could be upgraded to larger versions—seven inches for the gauges and a generous 12.3-inch touchscreen in the center. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth were included right out of the box, with an available 10-inch head-up display for a more high-tech feel.

On the audio side, Toyota fitted the base model with a six-speaker setup, but stepping up to the optional eight-speaker JBL system brought a rear subwoofer and a powerful 1,200-watt amp.

Safety and Reliability

Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 comes standard, featuring a Pre-Collision System with Daytime/Low-Light Vehicle and Pedestrian Detection, Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Automatic High Beams, Lane Tracing Assist, and Road Sign Assist.

J.D. Power gave the Venza an 81/100 for reliability, showing it holds up well over time. Its resale value is equally impressive, earning an 84/100, thanks to Toyota’s knack for retaining vehicle value.

Performance and Efficiency

The 2021 Venza is driven by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine producing 219 horsepower and 163 pound-feet of torque. Power is sent to all four wheels as standard, paired with a smooth automatic transmission.

In terms of fuel economy, the Venza delivers 40 MPG in the city, 37 MPG on the highway, and 39 MPG combined. Its maximum driving range stretches up to 566 miles on a single tank, making it ideal for longer drives.

Why the Venza Deserved to Stick Around

The 2021 Toyota Venza hits all the right notes for a used hybrid SUV. With prices in the mid-$20,000 range, it still offers stylish, relevant features, a dependable powertrain, and impressive fuel economy. Even though Toyota discontinued it, the Venza isn’t gone for good. You can still find one on the used market and see why it remains a smart buy four years later.

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