With sleek styling and a fuel-sipping powertrain, the 2022 Toyota Venza
is an excellent option for those looking to reduce fuel costs. Unfortunately, there isn’t an option for a plug-in hybrid—the Venza is available only with a hybrid powertrain. With stellar fuel economy, a great warranty, and looks that rival some of the biggest names in luxury, the 2022 Toyota Venza is a serious competitor in the green car space. And with a starting price of just $34,455, it’s an excellent option for those searching for an affordable midsize green SUV.
If you have your heart set on the 2022 Toyota Venza but want a midsize plug-in hybrid to save on fuel costs, Jerry
, the super app
that finds drivers the best deals on car insurance
, has all the details on the best midsize PHEV alternatives. RECOMMENDEDNo spam or unwanted phone calls · No long forms
Does the 2022 Toyota Venza have a plug-in hybrid?
Unfortunately, the 2022 Toyota Venza doesn’t come in a plug-in hybrid, but after a six-year hiatus, it reappeared on the market in 2021 with killer looks that you’d mistake for a Lexus
. With a substantially lower price tag and an exclusively hybrid powertrain, the Venza sits somewhere between the RAV4
and the Highlander
and is a great option for anyone considering a midsize SUV. While you may not be saving as much on fuel with a conventional hybrid powertrain, there are some perks to getting behind the wheel of the Venza—let’s explore them.
Pricing
Compared to other plug-in hybrids on the market, the Venza’s $34,455 starting price is substantially lower than other mid-size PHEVs and even some hybrids. The mid-level XLE starts at $37,990, while the top-of-the-line Limited PHEV jumps to $41,945. While add-on features can hike up the price pretty quickly, it’s still an attractive price for anyone looking for a greener vehicle.
Plus, don’t forget that all Toyota’s EVs are eligible for a federal tax credit of up to $7,500. That said, its entry into the electric market comes at a cost—Toyota will discontinue its electric tax credit as of October 2023 and will be winding down credits until then.
Performance and fuel economy
Thanks to the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with three electric motors, the Venza sips fuel much better than most other rival V6-powered SUVs like the Honda Passport
or Nissan Murano
. Plus, it boasts an impressive fuel economy of 40 mpg city and 37 mpg—but it still fares less than other mid-size plug-in hybrid rivals. But unlike plug-in hybrids, the Venza doesn’t have the option of an all-electric mode, so it’s going to chew through fuel quicker than something like the Tucson PHEV or the RAV4 Prime.
As for driving dynamics, it doesn’t offer the most thrilling drive compared to its competitors. However, with a refined hybrid powertrain that seamlessly balances lively acceleration with great fuel economy, the Venza offers a comfortable ride with decent handling but loses points on agility.
Exterior styling
With a sculpted exterior featuring sleek lines and smart styling, the Toyota Venza had a complete exterior overhaul in 2021 when it was reintroduced after a six-year hiatus. With plenty of modern amenities—including a slick electrochromic panoramic sunroof—there are plenty of choices to style your Venza to your liking,
Interior and comfort
On the inside, the Venza doesn’t disappoint. While other rival mid-size hybrids and plug-in hybrid SUVs might offer three rows of seating or more luxurious upgrades, the Venza has what drivers need—ample driver-assistance technologies, a long list of high-end features, and comfort.
But if there’s one place the Venza falls short, it’s space. Although you’d expect the Venza to be roomy, it’s a tight squeeze for rear passengers and the cargo space is less than expected.
Technology
Drivers looking for the ultimate tech features will be impressed with the Venza’s lineup. On top of the standard 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system and optional 12.3-inch display on higher-end models, the Venza comes standard with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa connectivity and has upgrades like in-dash navigation and a nine-speaker JBL premium stereo system.
Plus, there’s an advanced suite of innovative driver-assistance features from Toyota Safety SenseTM, including:
Full-speed range dynamic radar cruise control
Lane departure alert with steering assist
Warranty coverage
While Toyota’s warranty coverage may be average, drivers do have the advantage of two years of complimentary scheduled maintenance, on top of the following:
Limited warranty: 3 years or 36,000 miles
Powertrain warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles
Hybrid-component warranty: 8 years or 100,000 miles
Complimentary maintenance: 2 years or 25,000 miles
The bottom line
The 2022 Toyota Venza hybrid is a solid pick for anyone looking to go green and save on fuel costs, but if you’re in the market for a plug-in hybrid, other mid-size plug-ins might offer exactly what you’re looking for.
Let’s take a look at some of them.
The best plug-in hybrid alternatives to the 2022 Toyota Venza
2022 Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid
With plenty of passenger and cargo space, the 2022 Ford Escape
Plug-In Hybrid is an excellent option for drivers looking for a new spin on a classic vehicle. And with a lengthy list of desirable driver-assistance features, it’s easy to outfit your Escape with luxuries and convenience—but you’ll pay for the upgrades. Fuel economy: 40 mpg, 105 MPGe
All-electric range: 37 miles
2022 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid
The 2022 Kia Sorento
Plug-In Hybrid offers a classy interior with a sharp, rugged exterior that screams style. With decent fuel economy, three rows of seating, and tons of popular standard and optional features, the Sorento PHEV is one of the better options in its class—it even claimed a Car and Driver Editors' Choice award! However, the Sorento comes at a steeper price than other mid-size plug-in hybrid SUVs. Fuel economy: 34 mpg, 79 MPGe
All-electric range: 32 miles
2022 Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid
Featuring a great mix of comfort and style, the 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe
Plug-In Hybrid may be pricier than other mid-size PHEVs—but it’s worth it. It offers a comfortable drive loaded with a host of standard driver-assistance features and an infotainment technology that matches most of its rivals. And with two spacious rows of seating, there’s ample room for passengers and cargo—however, the Santa Fe loses serious points on fuel economy. Fuel economy: 33 mpg, 76 MPGe
All-electric range: 31 miles
2022 Toyota RAV4 Prime Plug-In Hybrid
Delivering the same practicality and spaciousness as the standard RAV4
, the 2022 Toyota RAV4 Prime
offers better fuel economy and a surprisingly fast drive—it even beats the four-cylinder version of the Toyota Supra sports in a 5-to-60-mph rolling start acceleration test. Plus, with an impressive all-electric range, plenty of driver safety assistance features, and a seriously practical interior setup, the RAV4 Prime offers stiff competition in the PHEV space. Fuel economy: 38 mpg, 94 MGPe
All-electric range: 42 miles
How to save money on car insurance
Whether you’re opting for the Toyota Venza Hybrid or a mid-size plug-in hybrid alternative, you’ll definitely cut costs on fuel. But there’s one downfall of going green: insurance. Insuring a hybrid is often more expensive than insuring a gas-powered vehicle, but it’s still possible to find savings when you shop with Jerry
. As the #1-rated car insurance super app and a personal insurance shopper, Jerry compares rates from over 55 top insurers to get you the best coverage at the lowest rate. And getting started is easy: just download the app, enter your driving details, and let Jerry get to work finding savings. Once you find the right policy, switching over and canceling your existing policy is quick and painless.
Best of all, you could save over $800 a year on car insurance by shopping with Jerry!
“I have a really bad record, so all of my previous insurance quotes were pretty high. I started using Jerry
and the fantastic app saved me $130 a month on my insurance.” —Jett A.
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