In order to better serve the North American market, Toyota designed the first-generation Venza with a sleek and simple aesthetic. It was no longer a crossover when the second-generation vehicle was unveiled in 2020. Toyota specialized in the SUV market. They moved production to Japan, where they offered under the name Toyota Harrier. Following a full makeover, Toyota debuted the current generation of the Venza in 2021, and the midsize SUV is now in its third model year on the market. The time has come for a redesign, Toyota has decided. Since they will not make many significant changes, they will probably regard this as a mid-cycle update.

A more upscale and elegant small SUV is what the 2023 Toyota Venza is for. Style-related changes will be the majority of the changes, not glitzy ones. This is a fantastic beginning because they based Venza on the RAV4 model. The Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, Subaru Outback, and other midsize models are in direct competition with Venza. Moreover, there are sizable compact crossovers like the Volkswagen Tiguan and Kia Sportage. Let's take a closer look at the redesigned 2023 Toyota Venza.

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2023 Toyota Venza: New Nightshade Exterior

Red 2023 Toyota Venza Nightshade Edition on the driveway
Toyota USA

For 2023, the Venza receives a Nightshade model that outfits its exterior in a darker aesthetic than the rest of the lineup. Black trim is applied to both the interior and exterior. The Nightshade variant borrows its design cues from the mid-range XLE. Whereas it adds black elements to the front and rear bumpers, a shark fin antenna, black mirror caps, and a black door handle. The standard 19-inch multi-spoke wheels in gloss black provide the finishing touch to this edition. This looks very stylish on the new 2023 Toyota Venza, we must admit.

On this hybrid with a gloomy aesthetic, Toyota also increased forward visibility. For that, Venzas with the normal XLE trim now come standard with LED fog lights. The Star Gaze panoramic roof can be added to your 2023 Venza Nightshade if you prefer a more pleasant environment. Toyota will offer the special edition in three exterior colors: Ruby Flare Red, Celestial Black, and Wind Chill Pearl, which will take the place of Blizzard Pearl for all 2023 versions.

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2023 Toyota Venza: Powertrain Specs And Price

2023 Toyota Venza Nightshade Edition Front View On Road
via Toyota USA

Mechanically, the RAV4 Hybrid and Venza are practically identical. Furthermore, since every Venza is a hybrid, the hybrid in particular. All of them also have all-wheel drive. There shouldn’t be a problem, given that the hybrid is the RAV4’s better available powertrain.

The Venza is only available as a hybrid and comes with a combination of a 2.5-liter four-cylinder Atkinson cycle engine and a hybrid drivetrain. The three electric motors’ combined output of 219 horsepower is coupled with a CVT automatic transmission. For the midsize SUV, that is more than plenty. On average, you can expect a city MPG of 40 and a highway MPG of 37. Compared to the competitors, this is far better. Toyota electrified the majority of the car, with a few minor additions, giving the customer a luxurious ride overall.

Toyota did not specify when the 2023 Venza will go on sale, but it is likely that we will see it before the year is over. Although, Venza’s entry barrier is higher than most in this market. Although the upgraded 2023 model’s price hasn’t been disclosed. It will probably be higher than the standard $34,000 Venza LE price from the previous year. The XLE and Limited trims, which are more upscale, can cost about $37,000 and $40,000, respectively.

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2023 Toyota Venza: What’s New Inside

2023 Toyota venza
Via Toyota 

Inside are the further upgrades to the 2023 Venza. The installation of the automaker’s glitzy new Toyota Audio Multimedia entertainment system. Which is also present on new Lexus models like the NX and RZ, is the most significant enhancement in this case. Despite Toyota categorizing Venza as a midsize SUV, Venza’s interior is smaller than that of other two-row SUVs in its class. With the back seats folded down, the cargo area behind the second row expands to 55.1 cubic feet, or 28.8 cubic feet, total.

For North American customers, the 12.3-inch touchscreen on the XLE and above models is significantly upgraded. This includes a driver’s seat with eight power adjustments, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Google Maps navigation, over-the-air updates, and an inbuilt 4G sim. Additionally, the Limited includes standard heating and ventilation for the front seats. To conserve energy, the system only sends air into occupied seats. Additionally, there are new USB ports and an improved wireless charging pad. A head-up display, an eight-way passenger seat, and automatic wipers are further features.

For 2023, Toyota also made general updates to its safety program. While the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 package is standard on the current generation of Venza vehicles. Beginning with the 2023 model year, the business will begin using ADAS under the name Toyota Safety Sense 2.5. Automatic emergency braking systems and evasive steering assist system are among the improvements.