Should You Take the Toyota Venza Off-Road?
The Toyota Venza can handle itself on gravel roads, but it’s definitely made for the pavement.
Written by Macy Fouse
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
The
Toyota Venza
is the brand’s answer to a luxury-looking crossover—but its SUV status doesn’t mean it’s ready to hit the great outdoors. When your vehicle can go off-road, your options are limitless. But just because you have a sport utility vehicle, doesn’t mean you’re automatically fit for the trails. How do you tell the difference between the trailblazers and the city slickers?
That’s why
Jerry
—the super app
saving drivers money on car insurance
—is here to lay out all the key off-roading specs of the 2022 Toyota Venza. We’ll cover the crucial numbers, like ground clearance and torque, as well as offer some alternatives if you need something a bit more brawny. Can the Toyota Venza go off road?
Probably not. The Venza is one of those SUVs that are better for paved roads. With its chic,
Lexus
-like exterior, the compact crossover is more like a slightly taller car than a true sports utility vehicle. If you’re looking for an SUV with any off-roading ability, you’ll have to consider other models. With a starting price of $33,240, the Venza fills the spot between the
RAV4
and the Highlander
in Toyota’s current lineup, though it’s available exclusively as a hybrid. The Venza’s sleek appearance may look more upscale than the RAV4, but it doesn’t compare to the RAV4’s off-road capability
.It’s not completely impossible to hit bumpy roads with a Venza. Let’s look at all the details that determine off-road ability.
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Ground clearance
Ground clearance is arguably the most important measurement to look out for when considering a car’s off-roading capability. The 2022 Venza’s minimum ground clearance sits at 7.7 inches, which is too low to be safe for rougher terrain.
To be a solid off-roader, you want to look for a ground clearance between 8.8 and 10.8 inches so the car can traverse rugged territory without damaging the car’s underbelly. Compared to the
RAV4 TRD Off-Road’s
ground clearance of 8.6 inches—or the Jeep Wrangler’s
9.7 inches of minimum clearance—it’s obvious that the Venza isn’t exactly cut out for the road less taken.Torque
When looking for an off-road friendly SUV, another key detail to look for is low-end torque or high amounts of torque at a lower RPM. When you’re twisting and turning around tight corners, torque is more crucial than speed.
The 2022 Venza’s 2.5-liter four engine’s torque comes out to 163 lb-ft @ 5,2000 RPM. This isn’t the most ideal amount of power, especially if you can only achieve it at such a high RPM.
Tires
With standard P225/60HR18 all-season tires, the Venza’s wheels are also made more for paved interstates than anything too rural.
For true off-roading, a car needs
all-terrain tires
or A/T tires. These tires are made specifically for a mix of off-roading and everyday paved roads due to their open tread pattern, which provides more stability on unstable ground. However, they often wear out faster than all-season tires. Drivetrain
The one thing the Venza does have that makes it off-roading ready is all-wheel drive, standard on all models. It may not be ready to tackle the trails, but with all-wheel-drive, the Venza can certainly get you through light wintery weather.
Angles
The last measurements that are crucial to inspect for off-roaders are a car’s approach angle and departure angle:
- Approach angle: the maximum angle at which a vehicle can climb without interference
- Departure angle: the maximum angle at which a vehicle can descend without interference
The Venza’s approach and departure angles of 18.1 and 21.8 degrees are sufficient to handle a few small bumps and dips, but they’re no match for serious adventuring.
Off-road rating: In a Pinch
With all of that info, we’ve given the Toyota Venza an official rating using
Jerry’s
ultra-scientific, outlined in the table below:Rating | Meaning | Description |
|---|---|---|
D | Don’t Try It | Vehicles better suited to highway conditions |
I | In a Pinch | Vehicles that can handle off-road conditions in certain circumstances |
R | Rough and Ready | Vehicles designed for casual off-roading |
T | Trail Boss | True off-road vehicles capable of tackling a range of terrain |
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The Venza gets an I rating: though it’s technically an SUV, this crossover is suited for paved roads—and gentle dirt roads at most. You’ll have to look somewhere else for a true off-roading vehicle.
The best off-road alternatives to the Toyota Venza
If you’re looking for a fantastic crossover with a little more confidence off the beaten path, the Venza is exactly what you need. But for some drivers, this capable little SUV won’t cut it. Maybe you’re not prepared to pay the $33,240 starting price, or maybe you’re just looking for something with a little more guts when it comes to rough terrain and undiscovered country.
Here are the best alternatives to the Toyota Venza—no matter what your priorities are.
Alternative | Model | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
Best affordable alternative | 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid | $29,750 | Not only is the Tuscon Hybrid cheaper than the Venza, but it also has slightly better mileage. |
Best three-row alternative | 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport | $33,635 | If you’re a fan of the chic, smooth lines of the Venza but need a bit more seating, the Atlas Cross Sport is your best bet. |
Best alternative for more power | 2022 Honda Passport Trailsport | $38,370 | The Passport Trailsport has higher ground clearance, more horsepower, and better torque than the Venza. |
MORE: Cheap off-road trucks
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How to find affordable car insurance for off-road vehicles
Venza’s may not be the most off-road-ready vehicle, but good news: they cost about average for Toyotas when it comes to
car insurance
. Even so, you won’t automatically get the best deals without doing some digging—but who has time for that?Jerry
does. As a licensed insurance broker
and a comparison shopping expert, Jerry will sort through rates from more than 50 top companies in only 45 seconds. You’ll get customized options for whatever coverage you’re looking for.Ready for the cherry on top? Jerry users save over $800 a month on average!
“I am so happy withJerry. They helped me transition from a $260 to a $111 policy with Progressive. I plan to invite all my friends who pay too much for their insurance.” —Hana K.
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