The Toyota Venza made waves upon its return in 2022, bringing a sophisticated and efficient option to the midsize CUV segment. Exclusively offered as a hybrid, the Venza impressed with its premium features and impressive fuel economy. Now, the 2023 Venza is set to turn heads once again, introducing the striking new Nightshade Edition and further enhancing its appeal with advanced technology and refined features.
Building on its reputation for blending style, comfort, and Toyota’s renowned value, the 2023 Venza continues to offer a unique proposition in the competitive crossover market. Every 2023 Venza comes standard with Toyota’s Hybrid System II and Electronic On-Demand All-Wheel Drive, delivering a manufacturer-estimated 39 combined MPG rating, making it both efficient and capable.
Introducing the 2023 Venza Nightshade Edition: A Bold Statement in Black
For those seeking a bolder aesthetic, the 2023 Venza lineup welcomes the Nightshade Edition. Based on the well-equipped XLE trim, this special edition amplifies the Venza’s inherent style with a dramatic blackout treatment. Available in Celestial Black, Wind Chill Pearl, or Ruby Flare Red exterior colors, the Nightshade Edition makes a strong visual statement.
The Nightshade Edition distinguishes itself with an array of black accents, starting with the acrylic front grille trim and extending to the black-painted outer mirror caps, door handles, and rocker panels. Available black roof rails further enhance the dark theme. Smoked chrome moldings on the lower front and rear bumpers add a touch of contrast, while a black shark fin antenna completes the look. Unique gloss-black 19-inch multi-spoke aluminum alloy wheels and blacked-out rear badges further set the Nightshade Edition apart. LED fog lamps, now standard on XLE and Nightshade trims, provide enhanced visibility. For an even more unique experience, the Nightshade Edition can be paired with the optional Star Gaze™ Panoramic Roof.
The Foundation of Excellence: TNGA-K Platform and Driving Dynamics
The 2023 Venza is built upon the Toyota New Global Architecture K (TNGA-K) platform, a foundation shared with many of Toyota’s acclaimed sedans and crossovers, including luxury models. This robust platform provides the 2023 Venza with a remarkable blend of sedan-like driving comfort and crossover versatility.
Offering spacious seating for five and excellent maneuverability, the 2023 Venza is designed for both city streets and open roads. Available tech-focused features elevate the driving experience, including an optional 12.3-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia display with a premium nine-speaker JBL sound system, a 12.3-inch full digital instrument cluster, a digital rear-view mirror, and a 10-inch color Head-Up Display.
One of the most captivating features of the 2023 Venza is the available Star Gaze™ panoramic glass roof, offered on both the Nightshade and Limited trims. This innovative roof utilizes electrochromic glass technology, allowing drivers to switch between transparent and frosted modes instantly with the touch of a button. In frosted mode, Star Gaze™ fills the cabin with natural light while reducing direct sunlight, creating an open and airy atmosphere.
Enhanced Safety with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+
Safety is paramount in the 2023 Venza, which comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ (TSS 2.5+), Toyota’s comprehensive suite of active safety systems. This advanced suite includes Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, enhanced to detect oncoming vehicles or pedestrians when turning at intersections. The system is designed to alert the driver and provide automatic braking in certain conditions to help mitigate or avoid collisions with vehicles, pedestrians, and bicyclists. Emergency steering assist is also included, designed to aid in pedestrian detection and stabilize emergency evasive steering maneuvers, helping to prevent lane departure.
TSS 2.5+ also features Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), Lane Departure Alert, and Lane Tracing Assist. Automatic High Beams and Road Sign Assist are also standard, enhancing driver awareness and safety. Toyota’s Rear Seat Reminder is included as standard, prompting drivers to check the rear seats upon exiting the vehicle.
In addition to TSS 2.5+, the 2023 Venza offers standard Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Front and Rear Parking Assist with Automatic Braking, providing a comprehensive safety net for drivers and passengers.
Hybrid Efficiency and Performance: Standard Across the Lineup
The heart of the 2023 Venza is its Toyota Hybrid System II, combining a highly efficient 2.5-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine with three electric motors and a lithium-ion battery. This sophisticated system delivers a total of 219 horsepower while achieving exceptional fuel efficiency. The hybrid powertrain provides smooth and responsive acceleration, enhanced by the electric motor’s instant torque.
Drivers can tailor the 2023 Venza‘s performance with selectable NORMAL, ECO, and SPORT driving modes. ECO mode maximizes fuel efficiency, while SPORT mode sharpens throttle response for a more engaging driving experience. EV mode allows for short-distance electric-only driving at low speeds. Regenerative braking further enhances efficiency by capturing energy during deceleration and sending it back to the hybrid battery.
Predictive Efficient Drive (PED) technology uses the navigation system to analyze driving habits and road conditions, optimizing hybrid battery charging and discharge for maximum efficiency. This intelligent system learns repeating routes and predicts when the vehicle is likely to slow down or stop, providing guidance to the driver for optimal accelerator pedal release timing.
Smooth and Confident Handling: Engineered for Comfort and Control
The TNGA-K platform and carefully tuned suspension contribute to the 2023 Venza‘s smooth and confident driving dynamics. The front strut and rear multi-link suspension are designed to provide both agile handling and a comfortable ride. An electronically controlled brake system with Active Cornering Assist (ACA) further enhances handling by reducing understeer during cornering.
The hybrid system’s differential torque pre-load function improves acceleration and deceleration control, as well as steering performance and stability. The 2023 Venza LE rides on 18-inch multi-spoke two-tone alloy wheels, while XLE and Limited trims feature 19-inch multi-spoke super chrome finished alloy wheels. The Nightshade Edition stands out with its exclusive gloss black 19-inch wheels.
Electronic On-Demand All-Wheel Drive: For Enhanced Confidence
Standard Electronic On-Demand All-Wheel Drive (AWD) in the 2023 Venza utilizes a separate rear-mounted electric motor to power the rear wheels when needed. This system seamlessly and proactively distributes torque, up to 80% to the rear wheels, to enhance traction during starts and improve cornering agility. Torque distribution is continuously adjusted based on driving conditions, ensuring optimal grip and control.
A Refined and Quiet Cabin: Designed for Relaxation
The 2023 Venza prioritizes a serene and comfortable cabin environment. Toyota engineers have meticulously focused on minimizing noise intrusion to create a calm and relaxing space for both driver and passengers. The TNGA-K platform, along with strategically placed sound insulation and acoustic glass windshield, effectively reduces vibration, road noise, and wind noise. Sound-blocking and absorbing materials are used throughout the vehicle’s structure to further enhance cabin quietness.
Premium Comfort and Convenience Features
The 2023 Venza offers a range of premium comfort and convenience features. An 8-way power driver’s seat is standard on all trims, with the Limited trim adding an 8-way power passenger seat. Heated and ventilated front seats are available, and the 2023 Venza utilizes S-FLOW air conditioning technology, directing cooling only to occupied seats for enhanced efficiency. The Limited and XLE trims with the 12.3-inch display feature climate control with Intelligent Touch capacitive controls.
The 2023 Venza provides ample cargo space with 28.8 cu. ft. behind the second row and 55.1 cu. ft. with the rear seats folded. Thoughtful storage solutions throughout the cabin ensure convenience for everyday items.
Cutting-Edge Technology and Connectivity
The 2023 Venza is equipped with Toyota Audio Multimedia, offering intuitive entertainment and connectivity features. An 8-inch touchscreen is standard on the LE trim, while XLE and Limited trims come standard with a 12.3-inch touchscreen. All 2023 Venza models feature the updated Toyota Audio Multimedia system with enhanced USB ports, a fourth-generation Qi wireless charger, and Over-the-Air (OTA) update capability.
Available Connected Services include Drive Connect with Intelligent Assistant, Cloud Navigation, and Destination Assist. Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility, along with dual Bluetooth® phone connectivity, are standard. An available Wi-Fi Connect subscription provides 4G connectivity for up to five devices, turning the 2023 Venza into a mobile hotspot. Integrated Streaming allows users to link their Apple Music® and Amazon Music subscriptions for in-vehicle control. An optional JBL Premium Audio System with a 12.3-inch touchscreen and nine speakers is available for audiophiles.
The 2023 Venza LE and XLE trims feature a 7-inch color Multi-Information Display, while the Limited trim is upgraded to a 12.3-inch full digital instrument cluster with customizable display modes. A 10-inch color Head-Up Display is now standard on the Limited trim, projecting essential information onto the windshield. A digital rearview mirror and Bird’s Eye View Camera are also available, further enhancing visibility and safety.
Trim Levels and Value
The 2023 Venza is available in LE, XLE, Nightshade Edition, and Limited trims, offering a range of features and styles to suit different preferences. Regardless of trim level, every 2023 Venza delivers a compelling combination of hybrid efficiency, premium features, and Toyota’s renowned reliability.
The 2023 Toyota Venza continues to refine the hybrid crossover experience, offering a sophisticated blend of style, technology, and efficiency. With the addition of the striking Nightshade Edition and further enhancements to its already impressive feature set, the 2023 Venza is poised to remain a leader in its class.
