Updated post:
Purchased new 2022 Venza XLE in Coastal Gray with Roof Rails and Carpet Pkg as only accessories. Boulder Grey interior Softex with std 8 inch infotainment....glad I got nobs....don't like the 13 in touch screen capacitve larger screen. MSRP was $38,209....and purchased at $500 discount off. Some dealers are now charging $2-4K over MSRP now...not fair....perhaps our government who wants Hybrid and EV vehicles everywhere should get involved.... capitalism at it's worst for the consumer. The 2022 Toyota Venza....A crossover vehicle for sure....but WOW ! It's so cool ! My sexist comment for the review is...........I don't care if SUV's are typically seen and spoken to be a woman's vehicle. I drive the number one selling vehicle...an F150...but I got to tell you....this Venza ...it rocks !... I'll gladly run out and be seen... drive myself....my wife...my family...anywhere in this marveled mobile 4 wheeled sleek tech beauty of a crossover.
Would make a great Uber/Lift premium ride.
There is initially alot to set up regarding the software screens...but your dealer will walk you to scroll thru it. We put all electronics options for safety set to on... Set our phone....loaded Android Auto and done.
Reviews are correct about driving...the steering ...it's somewhat tempid....lacking a little feel through the steering wheel. I have driven other electrical steering assist vehicles and thus is no different. It's a new modern feel you have to embrace. The steering wheel has a good pull with quick turing action response and seemed better feel at higher speeds with a heavier pull. It's overall better feel than the old Venza model. Just gotta get use to the effortless steering and that great leather steering wheel and all it's intuitive button smart controls. It Has surprising standing start acceleration....0-60 in seven+ seconds is fantastic!...but stomping on it is like the old front wheel drive cars....pulls to the left sometimes so gotta right your ship. There is some engine hybid growl noise under firm acceleration...but hey...it's got "All That Jazz" ...A gas engine system, hybrid motors, tranny CVT system...transaxles...side axles......maybe the next gen is less noise....but its tolerable. Wish the speed rush gas/hybrid noise was accompanied by exhaust note. Perhaps a new Cat Back Cherry Bomb exhaust would do well to offset a raging SUV noise to compete with those Fast n Furious loud cars on the roads that I can race and beat off the line to 50 mph.....not. Open up the hood....yep...its all there...looks like engineering to go to Mars.... I'm not working on it...thats why we bought added $1500 Warranty to take this ship to 75K mikes. Haven't tried the Drive modes except Eco...best for MPG and AWD in snow and ice on roads. Down the road, the Venza seems quiet enough....at times ...too quiet.... don't believe it needs more sound deadening insulation. At faster freeway speeds the road noise on concrete type roads is terribly loud! On regular asphalt it's good. Didn't breally notice greater wind noise at freeway speeds... those shit noisy Ecopia tires got to go !!
The CVT tranny is ok.... I'm fine with a normal no thump shifting of gears. The manual shifting works surprising well... amazing that they got simulated gear shifting out of a CVT transmission. Checking use of other driving modes...there is noticeable difference. Eco had slow starts off the line and is less responsive going but good for best economy in the stop and go city. Normal is what we used on the freeways and worked well to drive and pass vehicles. Sport is quicker response with noticeable higher rpms, however, maybe a little better mid range torque experienced but didn't notice any faster acceleration when passing cars. We checked O-60 and was on target specs....passing time 60-80 mph was run at mountain grade and seemed effective enough with a time if about 5 seconds. Sitting at about 200 mostly city miles driving only. Currently getting about 35-36 mpg....it's been pretty cold this past week.
The electric 'hum' noise is heard from the motors at times when starting...coming to a stop...and leaving the garage with out radio on. Without the radio...when you drive it home the first time...that 'hum' will catch you off guard when you first slow to a stop....you will think about pulling over to let the fire dept vehicles pass when you come to slow and stop...lol...it's the electric motors...three of them, and a regenerative braking thing. Drives great...just glides so effortlessly on the street. It's a gas saving high mpg spaceship going through the air when travelling.The Venza has a somewhat noticeable rigid or firm suspension normal ride with the 19in wheels and those not so wonderful Ecopia tires. Going over most is with a refined feel....others a stiff bounce. The ride does good on chuckholes...which we have everywhere here in Denver area. You drive sometimes on the streets here like your in the Olympics doing a salomon course. Don't get me wrong...it's ok...the Venza suspension is refined, feels well planted, and precise on the road. It's way better than our previous 2015 Jeep Cherokee that was a bounce mobile ...that exhibited better driving feel thru the steering wheel like most gas guzzling SUVs. Thought I'd miss the 275 hp V6 in the Jeep....but the Venza is quick enough. Cornering feels exact. We have not pushed it hard in the twisties like my performance motorcycle rides to comment on any excessive body roll. Driving on roads with a hurried pace without extreme turnins did not give way to any exaturated body roll....but that's not what we got the Venza for. It's more of a stream lined "Ladies and Gentlemen" ride to your needed everyday tasks or a targeted jaunt out with precision for an adventure. Gonna switch to Goodyear WeathReady tires ...go up a width to only available size 235...should provide give softer and will definitely provide better grip and handling on our poor Colorado roads. Really haven't tested AWD yet...need more snow....or done any 360's in a parking lot to check out response handling .. as I always do with a new vehicle. Will try soon. If you want better faster handling performance...then buy a RAV4 Prime and install performance suspension upgrade. A wait list for one has over 60 people. Seats are comfy supportive good and headrests don't intrude. Power driver's seat is great ...too bad no power for the passenger seat. Headroom and legroom is good for us but we are 5'7" persons....thinking good for 6 footers. Not sure about seat comfort for a cross country run....usually rent a big SUV for road trips ...but will give the Venza a try. Maybe out and back to Durango this summer. Heat function in front seats work well....toasty. Memory functions are a plus for me and whomever. Mirrors fold in if you need to be tight. Armrest console storage is small ...maybe could hold a micro compact anti road rage defense tool and a small flashlight...or couple bags of donetts, beef jerky, and squeeze-its drinks...never know about survival. Side door storage is primarily for water bottles. Could use a lower storage tray underneath the steering column for my man pursue and nail clippers. Have not set up Home Link...not sure if their is a Kids Link function? Rear seats are comfy, roomy enough good, and recline slightly if wanted...but best for only two occupants to use the USB plugs in back of center console and use of folding armrest with cup holders. Cargo area is sufficient for groceries...stuff ...luggage...dogs...no cats. LED interior and ambient lighting is apparent but somewhat needing more power...Scottie.The tech in the dash and infotainment has a learning curve...but not too bad ... don't read the manuals... just play with it. Can't compare to other competitor infotainment centers as this is our first SUV with this modern tech savy displays and info. The main dash is great and well lit and easy to toggle to view info on your vehicle. The 8in infotainment screen with buttons are easy to use... although wish they were a little bigger and the large bezel was less.You can watch the "colored lights that hypnotize" battery/engine charging use on the screen. The audio, phone, and Android auto using maps work flawless. Uploads saves all your contact info. No built-in Nav here.Testing out the speakers sound....it's the STD system...after adjusting the treble, mid, and bass up...and adjusting front/rear fade, the sound was acceptable with the only thought that the amplifier head was not producing as crisp as higher end. The infotainment screen is adjustable for contrast and brightness. Will see as we drive and when the moonlight, planets, stars align with the sun....but really haven't experienced any glare. Great looking exterior.... especially the rear end...who doesn't like that....and the front end with the LED lighting is great looking too. The headlamps are fantastic....no need for fog lights that I can tell. The lines on the Venza are stunning...just look at most other SUVs on the road... boxy looking. Wish the infotainment screen was designed molded into the dash better for appearance. The metallic paint changes color tint with different exposed lighting.... indoor and outdoor sun lighting. Our Coastal Gray Venza looked green when we parked outside under some outdoor parking lot lights. Also, wish the seats were a little longer...guess the Highlander isn't any better. Fit finish, appearance, feel and comfort of the interior is awesome. The Venza observed is far better...more luxurious looking and feel.... especially with the soft padded leather fabric on the dash, door panels, and arm rests with the unique exterior body lines and curves. It's exhibits a refined appearance inside and out vs. the Highlander IMO. The Highlander appears direct, is 500 lbs. heavier, 3 inches wider, 6 inches longer, has two electric motors vs. three with the Venza, has 40 more horsepower, but...costs approx. $4K more and gets worse gas mileage... but you get more cargo area. I'll stick with a more luxurious and better looking Venza. Just like the pro reviews ...think engineers were exhausted drawing the new Venza up. One day they said that's it...that's enough...and stopped. Only to realize later...forgot some things like : to put the Start/Stop in the proper dash location...making it cumbersome to get your phone out of the hidden charging area; rear tail lights placed low in bumper vs. up on body; no sunglasses overhead compartment: no easy access for USB connections; no grocery hooks in rear cargo area; no loose change/ accessory tray in armrest storage; no locking glove box; no flat dash area to put misc stuff....like passenger phone...no body door guards....lets see....what else...no sink wet bar...no cooler...trash disposal...pota potti....hand microphone....oops .. I'm thinking of a deck boat....sorry. Not sure about any other accessories I'd add. Maybe play Tool Man and drill into the inside rear wheel housings and install some garage hooks for tie down and groceries application....probably not.
There are weighted carpet blocks to put in the cargo area as accessories to make things imobile..... guess I'll stop buying beer kegs for now. The roof rails look good here on an SUV in the Rocky Mtns marketplace...but the Venza is great looking without them .Other than that...it's a 2022 sleek modern dynamic seated and well appointed gorgeous looking Hybrid vehicle...and with all that safety tech included... that I've never had in a vehicle ever ...how did I survive and drive that first 1M miles? This has the Venza drive and feel like it's a safe GPS target gliding on air with smooth roads...it seemingly...is practically driving itself in your world. The 2022 Venza rides like a SUV ship on a new steel rollercoaster track which you can steer yourself. The Venza saves you money, and drives further than stopping for high priced gas while waiving at others as you drive "To Infinity and Beyond" .
Best new Hybrid for the money... people.
They sell over 300K Rav4's a year...see them everywhere....number one SUV in America now. Only build 75K Venzas a year ....I have only seen one in a year here in Denver area. Get the Venza...you will be pleased enough...wish everyone could have an afford....the Price Is Right...Bob....anyone ... especially compared to other EVs and Hybrids ...and you will be the only one around your town driving and smiling with this 2022 Toyota Venza SUV Crossover.
Hybrid On!

 

Update: Experienced with Venza out at 70-75 mph speeds with a 25-30 mph headwind ... observed the apparent wind noise complained from other reviewers. It was noticeable and exemplified more with bad tire road noise from the stock tires.
Don't understand why there would be a wind noise...vehicle looks are so streamlined...and supposedly, Toyota put special insulation efforts in the Venza for a quiet ride.
Not sure if this vehicle would be good for a long road trip....got to still replace stock tires and then take out on the road to see if experience any wind noise in the cabin that would be deemed intolerable..To force not using vehicle over the road or to place additional insulation in doors...headliner...floor to quiet wind noise....
Time will tell....

 

Thanks for the post and the update on March 12. Now that it's been two more months, have you had any other issues? Are you still satisfied? I'm considering purchasing the same vehicle.

 

Yes...get one if you can....
Avg 43 mpg....$20 in gas...3 refills to go 1200 miles...It costs me $90 to gas up my F150 evertime going same refills and miles.
Space age technology, luxury interior, beautiful lines, safe and quiet everyday vehicle. There is a recall now ..needs re-flash for Vehicle Stability System...Toyota app is great. Got 75k warranty for added $1500...Go hybrid as it's cheaper...EVs are more expensive...long $$ payback... electric charging is expensive..and can't go 500 miles on a charge and need to replace $10k battery in 10 years ..you can go almost 500 miles in a Venza in style. Best smart decision I've made in years.

 

The Venza will be the wife's next new car. She currently believes AWD is the only way to go but AWD Sienna is SUPER rare in Saint Louis area... Prob have to special order for a massive upcharge from the dealer... I'm convinced proper tires are the best defense in bad weather. At least here... And you really can't beat FWD efficiency.

 

Great personal decision IMO. I heard there is up to four months wait on dealer allocation...Toyota factory had recently announced gonna produce 25% less vehicles in 2022. The 2023 models have added some things on XLE....like the 12 inch info screen. Wish you success...and luck.