If you’re shopping for a car, some of the best deals are actually on used models. Over the past five years, hybrids have surged in popularity, offering efficiency and perks that traditional gas cars just can’t match.
Leading brands like Toyota, Hyundai, Kia, and Honda dominate both hybrid and conventional markets, giving buyers plenty of reliable options. Many of the most dependable car brands also have strong hybrid lineups, making both new and used models smart choices.
With so many options available, it can be hard to know where to start, but there’s one hybrid that stands out as particularly well-rounded and dependable. It delivers the right mix of efficiency, features, and reliability for today’s buyers.
In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from Toyota and other authoritative sources, including CarEdge, the EPA, iSeeCars, J.D. Power, and Kelley Blue Book.
The 2021 Toyota Venza Hybrid Is an Underrated Used SUV Choice
If you’re considering a used hybrid SUV, the 2021 Toyota Venza is a standout choice. Even though Toyota discontinued it in 2024, that doesn’t mean it’s unreliable or not worth buying.
The Venza may not have been as popular as other hybrids in Toyota’s lineup, with the Crown Signia getting more attention, but it remains one of the brand’s most solid offerings.
You Can Grab Any 2021 Trim for Under $30,000
The 2021 Toyota Venza started in the sub-$35,000 range, and by 2025, the base model averages around $24,680 on the used market.
Toyota offered the Venza in three trims, with the top version going for roughly $27,329.
While it has lost some value over four years, the Venza still holds up remarkably well. Toyota consistently ranks among the best brands for resale value, so its cars depreciate slower than most competitors.
2021 Toyota Venza New and Used Prices
|
New |
Used |
|
|---|---|---|
|
LE |
$33,845 |
$24,680 |
|
XLE |
$37,375 |
$25,663 |
|
Limited |
$41,175 |
$27,329 |
Toyota’s Quietly Brilliant Hybrid SUV
Among hybrid SUVs from the past five years, the Toyota Venza stands out as a true hidden gem. It captures the brand’s best qualities in a sleek, underrated package.
After taking a long break, Toyota brought the Venza back in 2021 as a hybrid-only SUV. That move gave it a clear identity in a crowded market.
What makes it shine today are its timeless features, strong fuel economy, and approachable pricing. Add in Toyota’s trademark reliability, and you’ve got one of the smartest used buys around.
A Cabin Built for Comfort and Everyday Ease
Step inside the 2021 Toyota Venza, and you’ll find a cabin that balances comfort with plenty of usable space. It’s designed to keep both passengers and cargo happy.
Up front, there’s 38.6 inches of headroom and a generous 40.9 inches of legroom. Rear passengers aren’t left out either, with 39 inches of headroom and 37.8 inches of legroom.
2021 Toyota Venza Interior Dimensions
|
Headroom (Front) |
38.6 Inches |
|---|---|
|
Headroom (Rear) |
39.0 Inches |
|
Legroom (Front) |
40.9 Inches |
|
Legroom (Rear) |
37.8 Inches |
|
Passenger Volume |
98.3 Cubic Feet |
|
Interior Volume |
127.1 Cubic Feet |
|
Cargo Volume |
28.8 Cubic Feet |
|
Maximum Cargo Space |
55.1 Cubic Feet |
The 2021 Toyota Venza makes the most of its midsize SUV footprint with 98.3 cubic feet of passenger space and 127.1 cubic feet overall. That means plenty of room to stretch out, no matter where you’re sitting.
Pop the tailgate, and you’ll find 28.8 cubic feet of storage behind the rear seats—enough for weekend bags or a grocery haul. Fold the back row flat, and cargo capacity jumps to a roomy 55.1 cubic feet.
Standard Feature That Don’t Feel Outdated
Toyota gave the Venza a little extra polish compared to its sibling, the RAV4. It was designed to feel sleeker, more refined, and packed with comfort-focused touches you wouldn’t always expect in this price range.
Some of the standout features include an eight-way power driver’s seat, heated and ventilated front seats, and the eye-catching fixed Star Gaze panoramic roof. That roof isn’t just for looks either—it uses electrochromic glass that switches from clear to frosted in a second.
Little details make the Venza even more livable, like the seat that adjusts for easier entry and exit, plus a cabin engineered to stay whisper-quiet thanks to added insulation, smart mechanical tuning, and even a silencer pad under the floor.
Tech That’s Still Relevant Four Years Later
The 2021 Venza didn’t skimp on screens. It came standard with a 4.2-inch color gauge display and an eight-inch multimedia screen, both of which could be upgraded to larger versions—seven inches for the gauges and a generous 12.3-inch touchscreen in the center.
Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth were included right out of the box, with an available 10-inch head-up display for a more high-tech feel. On the audio side, Toyota fitted the base model with a six-speaker setup, but stepping up to the optional eight-speaker JBL system brought a rear subwoofer and a powerful 1,200-watt amp.
Toyota Safety Sense 2.0
- Pre-Collision System w/ Daytime/Low-Light Vehicle and Pedestrian Detection, plus Daytime Bicyclist Detection
- Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
- Lane Departure Alert w/ Steering Assist
- Automatic High Beams
- Lane Tracing Assist
- Road Sign Assist
Reliability Gets a Stamp of Approval From J.D. Power
A Score of 81/100 Speaks for Itself
When it comes to reliability, Toyota has earned its legendary reputation. If that’s a top priority for your used hybrid SUV, the 2021 Venza delivers exactly that.
J.D. Power gave the Venza an 81/100 for reliability, showing it holds up well over time. Its resale value is equally impressive, earning an 84/100, thanks to Toyota’s knack for retaining vehicle value.
Overall, the Venza averages out to a solid 81/100, proving it’s a dependable choice for buyers who want peace of mind.
- Quality And Reliability: 81/100
- Driving Experience: 82/100
- Resale Value: 84/100
- Dealership Experience: 78/100
- Overall Score: 81/100
219 HP and 39 MPG: Strong and Efficient
The 2021 Venza is driven by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine producing a solid 219 horsepower and 163 pound-feet of torque. Power is sent to all four wheels as standard, paired with a smooth automatic transmission.
2021 Toyota Venza Performance Specifications
|
Powertrain |
2.5-Liter Four-Cylinder Hybrid Engine |
|---|---|
|
Horsepower |
219 HP |
|
Torque |
163 LB-FT |
|
Transmission |
eCVT |
|
Driveline |
All-Wheel Drive |
|
Towing Capacity |
N/A |
The 2021 Toyota Venza isn’t just a reliable hybrid SUV loaded with smart features—it’s also impressively efficient.
It delivers 40 MPG in the city, 37 MPG on the highway, and 39 MPG combined, keeping trips and commutes fuel-friendly.
Even more impressive is its maximum driving range, stretching up to 566 miles on a single tank, making it perfect for longer drives.
2021 Toyota Venza Fuel Economy
|
Fuel Economy (City) |
40 MPG |
|---|---|
|
Fuel Economy (Highway) |
37 MPG |
|
Fuel Economy (Combined) |
39 MPG |
|
Range |
566 Miles |
|
Annual Fuel Costs |
$1,200 |
Why the Venza Deserved to Stick Around
The 2021 Toyota Venza hits all the right notes for a used hybrid SUV. With prices in the mid-$20,000 range, it still offers stylish, relevant features, a dependable powertrain, and impressive fuel economy.
Even though Toyota discontinued it, the Venza isn’t gone for good. You can still find one on the used market and see why it remains a smart buy four years later.
