Toyota Venza

Name: 2012 Toyota Venza
Brand: Toyota

EPA MPG: 21 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

EPA MPG: 21 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

RECALL ALERT: There are 4 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 4 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

RECALL ALERT: There are 4 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 4 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Reliability Details

Owner Satisfaction Details

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Road Test

While the Venza looks like a tall hatchback or an oddly proportioned station wagon, it's related to the previous-generation Toyota Highlander SUV. Targeted at former SUV drivers who want something less utilitarian for their daily drive, the Venza winds up being less pleasant to drive than the bigger and more-refined Highlander. Giant 20-inch wheels hurt the ride, and handling is nothing special, despite the Venza's lower ride height. The sloping roof inhibits cargo volume and the view out of the rear window.

2012 SUVs Reliability

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Toyota Venza

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Toyota vs. Other New Car Brands

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Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction Owner Satisfaction

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Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

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Toyota vs. Other New Car Brands

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Toyota vs. Other New Car Brands

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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2012 Midsized SUVs Ratings

2012 Toyota Venza

$7,550 - $10,575

EPA MPG 21 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Chevrolet Equinox

$4,525 - $5,250

EPA MPG 20 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Ford Edge

$5,600 - $7,300

EPA MPG 24 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 GMC Terrain

$5,150 - $5,800

EPA MPG 23 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Honda Crosstour

$6,875 - $9,025

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee

$6,400 - $14,875

EPA MPG 15 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Jeep Wrangler

$9,825 - $13,100

EPA MPG 18 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Mazda CX-7

$4,550 - $6,375

EPA MPG 20 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Nissan Murano

$5,075 - $6,350

EPA MPG 20 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Subaru Outback

$6,225 - $7,050

EPA MPG 25 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Volkswagen Touareg

$6,700 - $9,650

EPA MPG 22 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

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Features & Specs

4-door SUV

2 front, 3 rear

AWD, Front

2.7-liter 4 (181 hp)
3.5-liter V6 (268 hp)

6-speed automatic

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties

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Model History

2021-2024

2021 Redesign Year

The Venza name returns for 2021, applied to an all-new hybrid SUV that relies on the RAV4 Hybrid powertrain. It's a pleasant-enough vehicle, but other than an excellent 37-mpg overall, it doesn't stand out in the midsized segment. The 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and electric drive, shared with the RAV4 Hybrid, yield a combined output of 219-hp. All-wheel drive is standard. We found that the Venza rides comfortably and handles soundly, but tire and engine noise can be pronounced. The controls are very distracting. High-end Limited versions are available with a dimmable, electrochromic glass roof. All Venzas come standard with Toyota's Safety Sense 2.0, an extensive suite of advanced safety and driver assist features. Updates for 2022 include rear-seat seatbelt pretensioners and force limiters. 2024 is the final year for the Venza, replaced by the Crown Insignia hybrid SUV.

2009-2020

2009 Redesign Year

Difficult to classify, the Venza straddles the station wagon and SUV worlds. Some say it's an SUV for people who've grown out of SUVs. Assets include easy cabin access, a quiet interior, and a roomy rear seat. The rear hatch and large load floor aid cargo flexibility. The refined 3.5-liter V6 engine provides plenty of power and a respectable 20 mpg overall. A four-cylinder is also available, but we'd stick with the V6. Handling is secure, but the steering is short on feedback, hurting agility. The stiff, jittery ride is un-Toyota-like, and quasi-sporty styling impairs the outward view. A rear camera helps when reversing, but its dashboard screen is very small. Large front wheelwells compromise driver foot room. Updates for 2013 included more modern infotainment, changed exterior styling, and slightly improved interior finish. The Venza was discontinued after 2015.