While the Venza is a new entry in Toyota's 2021 SUV lineup, it revives a name that was retired after the 2015 model year.The new 2021 Venza will slot between the compact RAV4 and the mid-size Highlander SUV in Toyota's lineup. It's based on the Harrier SUV that Toyota sells abroad, which we always thought would make a fine SUV for the North American market; apparently Toyota agrees. Unlike the Harrier, which is sold with both hybrid and conventional non-hybrid powertrains, the U.S. market Venza will be powered exclusively by a hybrid system.
The all-new 2021 Toyota Venza is a hybrid crossover with solid fuel economy ratings, an upscale cabin, and comfortable seats. However, it also has less cargo space than many rivals and lacks athleticism.
Pros Posh interior Roomy, supportive seats Cushioned ride
Cons Some usability issues with the larger infotainment screen Subpar cargo capacity and high cargo hold load floor Not as fun to drive as rivals
All-new midsize SUV. Available exclusively as a hybrid. Kicks off the second-generation Venza.
Pros High fuel economy Standard all-wheel drive Luxury-level interior quality Quiet and comfortable ride
Cons One of the smallest midsize SUVs Higher cost of entry Not rated for towing
The 2021 Toyota Venza brings an upscale flair to the compact crossover class to go with its efficient and reasonably powerful hybrid powertrain.
Pros Hybrid powertrain has enough guts and thrifty fuel economy Looks like a Lexus Fancy interior finish Standard active safety features Standard all-wheel drive
Cons Less room than RAV4 Can top $40,000 Slushy acceleration Tight rear seat head room
Blind-spot monitor and auto-dimming exterior mirrors are now standard.F Sport Black Line trim level added to the NX 300h lineup.Part of the first NX generation introduced for 2015.
Pros Great fuel economy for a luxury crossover Back seat has enough room for adults Very quiet cabin at highway speeds
Cons Infotainment interface can be distracting to use Limited cargo capacity
The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid's #9 ranking is based on its score within the Luxury Hybrid and Electric SUVs category. Currently the Lexus NX Hybrid has a score of 7.3 out of 10, which is based on our evaluation of 30 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros Gentle ride Good gas mileage Spacious interior Top-notch predicted reliability rating
Cons Distracting Remote Touch controller Small cargo hold Sluggish highway acceleration Heavy body lean around turns
Even though the subcompact NX is on the far side of the age curve, Lexus hasn't made any major changes to it for 2021. Blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert is now standard, as are power-folding exterior mirrors with an auto-dimming function. Inside, Lexus has tweaked the NX's steering wheel and tachometer designs.
Pros Chiseled styling, proper SUV seating height, spacious interior.
Cons Fussy infotainment controller, middle-of-the-pack acceleration, starting to show its age.
