Mark Glover’s AutoGlo car reviews also can be seen in the Northern & Central California Cruisin’ News magazine published monthly out of Folsom, California.
Sacramento, California -- Drive enough crossover sport-utility vehicles -- and believe me, I have driven plenty of them over the past few years -- and you start to look for the unique ... something to make them stand out in the ever-growing crowd.
The recently tested 2021 Toyota Venza Limited all but jumped out of the pack to get my attention. Toyota accurately markets the new-for-2021 version of the Venza as a midsize crossover that "breaks the sameness barrier."
A long hoodline sweeps smoothly into an aerodynamic back end, with tight window sculpting that makes the Venza appear to be riding closer to the ground than it actually is. Nineteen-inch, multi-spoke wheels enhance the look, and for once, the grille is not over-the-top super large.
Inside, there is ample room for five folks ... and more that's unique.
The eye-popper is on the tester was the Star Gaze fixed panoramic glass roof. The "electrochromic glass technology" enables you to switch from transparent to frosted modes with the push of a button. In other words, you can have bright sunshine in the clear mode, or a more cozy cabin with less direct sunlight in frosted mode.
It's very clever, but note, it's a $1,400 option.
The interior is rounded out by an impressive grouping of comfort, convenience and safety features.
Arguably more impressive than all that is the new-generation Toyota Hybrid System that combines a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine with three electric motors. The sophisticated combo can generate up to 219 horsepower, with impressive fuel mileage numbers of 40 miles per gallon in the city and 37 mpg on the highway.
The hybrid system is not wimpy or halting. I found it satisfyingly responsive and powerful enough to make me feel secure in all driving situations. Drivers also have four operational options -- EV, ECO, NORMAL and SPORT.
Frankly, this Venza reminded more of a high-end Lexus than anything else. If you had dropped me blindfolded into the vehicle, I would have guessed "Lexus" in a heartbeat, the kind of luxo vehicle meant to be savored as a daily driver instead of an off-road warrior.
Yet the price on the tester -- even with the Star Gaze option -- was $43,100, or about $7,000 less than I would have guessed.
Kudos to Toyota for this exceptional 2021 Venza rollout.
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