Why This Used Toyota Hybrid Still Outshines New Cars In 2025
Whether you're buying a new or used vehicle from Toyota, you'll know that given any model, it'll age nicely over the years. Buying used brings in many bonuses, such as more affordable pricing, a large part of depreciation being out of the way, and manufacturers figuring out the problems early on and ironing out the kinks. There are plenty of other reasons why buying a used vehicle is the way to go, but Toyota makes a compelling case why purchasing one of their used models is just as smart as buying one new.
In the last fifteen years, Toyota has been on a rampage of designing and engineering an extensive catalog of hybrid vehicles (HEVs). Unlike other car brands, which are switching their platform to fully electric, Toyota decided to focus more on gas-powered engines, which use some juice from a small battery. Hybrids are a great buy in 2025 because they are typically more efficient than their counterparts (ICE) while still being affordable. When you narrow it down to Toyota, this is even more true, with this Japanese car brand offering some of the most affordable fuel-efficient hybrids, both new and used.
In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from Toyota and other authoritative sources, including J.D. Power, Consumer Reports, FuelEconomy.gov, and KellyBlueBook.
Red Toyota Venza LE front-quarter
Toyota Venza Price And Trims Detailed
The 2024 Toyota Venza blends hybrid efficiency with all-wheel drive and a premium interior, making it a top hybrid SUV - but it'll be gone soon.
The Venza Has Been Discontinued, But Is Worth Buying Used
2021 Toyota Venza XLE
The 2021 Toyota Venza was one of the more underrated hybrids in Toyota's lineup, but still deserves some extra praise. Toyota announced last year that the Venza would be discontinued after 2024, due to the overall popularity of the RAV4 Hybrid, along with making way for the new Toyota Crown Signia. While the Venza might've given space to another underrated hybrid, it still seems like a solid deal in 2025 to purchase a used 2021 Toyota Venza.
The First Year To Come Standard With A Hybrid Powertrain
Toyota
The Toyota Venza has been in production since 2009, but it wasn't until 2021 that the Japanese car brand slapped a hybrid powertrain onto it. Unlike other Toyota models, the Venza is an exclusive hybrid SUV. The midsize crossover hybrid utilizes a 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine, producing 219 horsepower and 163 pound-feet of torque. Toyota just started implementing some impressive performance behind their hybrid powertrains, so it wasn't expected that the 2021 Venza didn't come with some get-up. You can expect a 0-60 mph sprint in just 7.1 seconds. Lastly, the 2021 Venza came standard with an electronically continuously variable transmission (ECVT) and an all-wheel drive system.
2021 Toyota Venza Performance Specifications
Powertrain | 2.5-Liter Four-Cylinder Hybrid Engine |
Horsepower | 219 HP |
Torque | 163 LB-FT |
0-60 MPH | Estimated 7.1 Seconds |
Transmission | ECVT |
Driveline | All-Wheel Drive |
A Fuel Economy That's Competitive In 2025
Toyota
There are countless areas that may become faulty or lacking over the years on a used model. Hybrid technology and fuel efficiency are still improving, and it isn't out of pocket for older models to offer less than newer models. This may be the case for some, but the 2021 Toyota Venza still demonstrates some impressive fuel economy and range. You get an overall driving range of 566 miles on this hybrid SUV. For its fuel economy, you get 40 MPG in the city, 37 MPG on the highway, and a combined MPG of 39.
To put it into further perspective, the 2025 all-wheel drive Honda CR-V Hybrid offers a combined MPG of 37 and an overall driving range of 518. If you take a look at its in-house competition, the RAV4 Hybrid, you can expect exact stats with the up-to-date RAV4 Hybrid offering 39 MPG and 566 miles. This is because both Toyota hybrids share the same powertrain but different setups. For now, the 2021 Toyota Venza looks to keep up with future competition, making it a perfect hybrid to look at in terms of efficiency.
2021 Toyota Venza Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (City) | 40 MPG |
Fuel Economy (Highway) | 37 MPG |
Fuel Economy (Combined) | 39 MPG |
Range | 566 Miles |
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Toyota Offers Three Trims On The Venza
Toyota
Toyota makes the 2021 Venza simple by offering just three trims. The 2021 Venza LE was the base trim, with a starting price of $32,670. This trim showcased many standard features, such as hill start assist, 18-inch two-tone alloy wheels, leather-trimmed steering wheel, and more. The middle trim, the XLE, is built off the base trim with some added bonuses.
The additional features included 19-inch super chrome alloy wheels, low-profile silver roof rails, fabric-trimmed seats with SofTex-trimmed bolsters, and an available heated steering wheel. The last and most expensive trim, the Limited, came with an MSRP of $40,000, equipped with all the bells and whistles. This included a larger cabin screen, a bird's eye view camera, perforated SofTex-trimmed seats with front heated seating, and more.
2021 Toyota Venza Original MSRP
LE | $32,670 |
XLE | $36,000 |
Limited | $40,000 |
Technology That'll Last Another Five-Plus Years
Toyota
One of the possible downsides to owning a used vehicle is the potential of the technology being out-of-date. The good thing with Toyota, especially seen on the 2021 Venza, is that Toyota's technology looks to stay modern for at least ten years. Depending on the grade, the Venza comes equipped with either an 8-inch audio plus touchscreen or the upgraded 12.3-inch touchscreen. Other standard features include Apple Carplay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility.
For the audiophiles, the base trim utilizes the standard six-speaker sound system, which can be upgraded to the JBL Premium Audio System, which uses nine speakers, a rear subwoofer, and a 1,200-watt amp. A unique feature of the 2021 Venza is the 4.2-inch or 7-inch color MID. This hybrid system indicator shows the driver system output and regeneration status over eco-driving. Other screens include the 10-inch color head-up display, which projects various information such as hybrid system indicators, safety functions, and speedometers. There is much to dive into regarding the technology of the 2021 Venza, but most look to still be cool in the coming years.
Safety System With Several Driver Aids
Toyota
The 2021 Venza comes with some impressive standard features, but one of the show-stoppers is the assortment of driver aids. The Venza comes standard with Toyota's Safety Sense 2.0. This system houses driving aids such as a pre-collision system, lane departure warnings with steering assist, lane tracing assist, and more. Toyota put much effort into the Safety Sense System to eliminate the threat of future collisions. The Japanese car brand was excited for the 2021 Venza to represent Toyota's next milestone of safety advancement with its innovative technology.
Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 (TSS 2.0)
- Pre-Collision System (PCS): Integrated forward-facing camera and radar system designed to avoid frontal collision.
- Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC):.
- Lane Departure Warning w/ Steering Assist (LDA w/SA): Detects lane departure when traveling on straight roads through the forward-facing camera. In addition, the electronic power steering pump offers a small corrective steering outputs if nearby vehicles drift into the driver's lane.
- Automatic High Beams (AHB): Help the driver see more clearly at night while reducing glare from other drivers.
- Lane Tracing Assist (LTA): Uses the forward-facing camera to monitor lane markings, as well as vehicles in front, and designed to automatically make constant steering inputs to help vehicle stay centered.
- Road Sign Assist (RSA): Offers information on certain traffic signs and displays on the cabin's vehicle's multi-information display (example: Speed Limit, Stop, Yield, and Do Not Enter signs).
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Reliability Is The Venza's Strongest Suit
Toyota
Various car brands are known for their unique characteristics, and when it comes to Toyota, one of its boldest traits is reliability. It shouldn't come as a surprise that the Toyota Venza represents Toyota's iconic reliability. Even after debuting with its new hybrid powertrain, the 2021 Venza demonstrated that it was dependable and stays true to today.
J.D. Power Gave It An 81 Out Of 100
J.D. Power rated the 2021 Toyota Venza reliability 81 out of 100. This rating covers the level of defects, malfunctions, and design flaws. Other ratings included the driving experience, which came out at 82 out of 100, and the resale value, which scored 84 out of 100. With all the ratings put together, the 2021 Toyota Venza received an overall score of 81 out of 100.
J.D. Power Ratings On 2021 Toyota Venza
- Quality And Reliability: 81/100
- Driving Experience: 82/100
- Resale Value: 84/100
- Overall Score: 81/100
Consumer Reports Claims It Offers Even More Reliability
Toyota
A handful of reputable car reviewers take hundreds of cars into account, break them down, and give consumers the most credible data on various cars. J.D. Power sits towards the top in terms of reputation, but another company that offers the same credibility, if not more, rated the 2021 Toyota Venza even higher in terms of reliability.
Consumer Reports gave the 2021 Venza a 92 out of 100 reliability score. This might look great initially, but it should be noted that Consumer Reports is a hard grader when it comes to reliability, and anything above 70 is excellent. So, with the 2021 Venza receiving both a B and A letter grades, it's apparent that it offers tank-like reliability.
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A Used 2021 Venza Starts At $24,936
Toyota
Toyota listed the 2021 Venza at $32,000 to $40,000 but has dipped down in price over the years. For the base trim, the LE, you can expect it to be in the price range of $24,936. If you want all the added tech and additional convenient features, the highest trim, the Limited, isn't out of reach, with a price range of $28,812.
The 2021 Venza and the other years, while being a hybrid (2021-2024), are possibly the most underrated hybrid on Toyota's lineup. This is mainly due to it not being the right time and competing against some competitive and sought-after models in Toyota's lineup. At the end of the day, the Venza delivers excellent fuel economy, convenient technology, and a large quantity of standard features.
