Introduction:
The Toyota Venza has returned for the 2023 model year, and the updates are noticeable. My test vehicle had the Nightshade XLE trim and Ruby Flare Pearl exterior color which gives the Venza a cool, sporty look. The Nightshade trim comes with blacked-out badging, 19-in. alloy wheels, upper grille and roof rails.
With its stylish design, comfortable interior, and efficient performance, the new Venza is sure to turn some heads among crossover SUV enthusiasts.
Exterior:
The 2023 Toyota Venza has a striking appearance and modern look. The front fascia features a bold grille and sharp LED headlights, while the rear sports a stylish spoiler and dual exhaust system. The rear LED tail lights add to the distinctive look whether you see it coming or going. This is a good looking crossover SUV and the Venza has a design that will appeal to a wide range of people.
Interior:
Inside, the 2023 Venza is a good mix of style and comfort. The spacious cabin offers comfortable seating for up to five passengers, with ample headroom and legroom. The dashboard features a high-tech infotainment system with a large 12.3 inch touchscreen display, along with a host of other convenient features such as a wireless charging pad, Wi-Fi hotspot, and a premium sound system.
Engine and Gas Mileage:
Under the hood, the 2023 Venza is powered by a hybrid powertrain consisting of a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors. The total output is 219 horsepower, which is delivered to the front wheels via a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). The Venza is also available with all-wheel drive for better traction on slippery roads.
Despite its performance, the 2023 Venza is incredibly fuel-efficient. It has an estimated EPA rating of 40 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway, making it one of the most efficient crossovers on the market.I actually did a little better than average in Eco mode at 42 MPG on average with city driving.
Drive Experience
The 2023 Toyota Venza is really easy to drive. Parking is easy, great turning radius and it is comfortable to drive longer distances. The cabin and engine is so quiet and eliminates a lot of road noise. The ground clearance is good for its class which helps if you want to offroad a bit or just maneuvering around debris on the freeway. The Venza is quick and agile.

The 2023 Toyota Venza XLE Nightshade in Ruby Flare Pearl
Options Packages:
The 2023 Venza is available in three different trim levels: LE, XLE, and Limited. Each trim level comes with a host of standard features, but there are also several optional packages available. These include the Convenience Package, which adds features like a power liftgate and blind spot monitoring, and the Premium Audio Package, which upgrades the sound system to a JBL premium setup.
“Nightshade” is a special edition package available on select Toyota cars, which includes unique exterior and interior features with a blacked-out theme. The Nightshade package typically includes black exterior accents such as blacked-out wheels, blacked-out badges, black grilles, black mirror caps, black spoilers, and black trim pieces. The interior may also feature blacked-out elements, such as black leather or cloth seats with black accents.
The Nightshade package is available on various Toyota models, including the Camry, Corolla, 4Runner, Highlander, and Sienna. It is often offered as a premium upgrade to give Toyota vehicles a more aggressive and sporty look.
I have had this on a couple of test vehicles so far and I really like it. It is worth exploring especially if you want a more sporty look to your Toyota of choice.
Conclusion:
There are many reasons to like the 2023 Toyota Venza. For starters, its stylish design is sure to appeal to anyone who wants a crossover that looks as good as it drives. The spacious and comfortable interior is also a big selling point, as is the advanced infotainment system.
But perhaps the biggest reason is its impressive fuel efficiency, especially with the uncertainty of gas prices. With an estimated EPA rating of 40 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway, it’s one of the most efficient crossovers on the market. The price is also a big factor as you can get into a Venza for less than $40,000.
The 2023 Toyota Venza is a great little crossover SUV that’s sure to appeal to a wide variety of drivers. It offers a great driving experience and has a lot more space than appears. The gas mileage is phenomenal, especially when considering the performance aspects.
The starting price for the 2023 Venza is $34,620, making it an affordable option for anyone who wants a reliable and efficient vehicle.
For the official word on all things Toyota and Venza take a look below:
https://www.toyota.com/venza/
