By: Krish Persaud
April 9, 2023
North Bergen, New Jersey – Imagine this: You have a long weekend coming up, but no plans in sight. You decide it’s time to plan a budget-friendly mini getaway with the family and a road trip seems like the perfect option. With the freedom and flexibility to explore new destinations, a road trip can be a great way to create lasting memories. What car should you choose for your journey? Consider the 2022 Toyota Venza XLE – a reliable and versatile SUV that’s sure to make your road trip a success.

We embarked on a weeklong test with a 2022 Toyota Venza XLE, generously provided by our friends at Toyota Canada. We put the Venza through a 2200 KM test to fully experience all the benefits it has to offer. The 2022 Toyota Venza XLE comes equipped with 19-inch alloy wheels, Ruby Flare Pearl paint, Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, and a 12.3-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system.
The Venza is equipped with a hybrid powertrain that includes a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and three electric motors which work together to produce a total output of 219 horsepower. The powertrain is managed by a continuously variable transmission that provides a smooth driving experience. This combination of power and efficiency makes the Venza a strong performer on both the highway and in the city.
Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive system is the magic behind the exceptional efficiency of the 2022 Toyota Venza XLE. With three electric motors working in sync with the gasoline engine, this system offers increased fuel efficiency, reduced emissions, and extra horsepower when needed.
As we drove down I-90 in New York State, the system kept our fuel consumption low, making it a huge advantage for eco-conscious drivers. One notable benefit of this technology is that the transition from electric to gasoline engines is seamless and unnoticeable. Thanks to Toyota’s proven expertise in this area, the Hybrid Synergy Drive system in the 2022 Toyota Venza XLE is a smart choice for anyone looking to reduce their environmental impact without sacrificing power and performance
The driving experience of the 2022 Toyota Venza XLE is exactly what you would expect from Toyota. The ride is smooth and comfortable, even on bumpy roads, and the brakes are responsive and reliable. We also found the electric steering to be accurate and predictable, making it easy to handle over long distances. However, while the front seats are adequately bolstered, they could benefit from additional cushioning as we found ourselves constantly readjusting due to discomfort. As our journey mostly focused on highways, the ride was effortless with the car absorbing miles with ease. The engine performed well with no apparent struggles and we were impressed with the power delivery off the line. Overall, the 2022 Toyota Venza XLE delivers a comfortable and confident driving experience.
The Venza XLE is equipped with an advanced infotainment system that features voice control for tasks like climate control, navigation, and media management. The system is designed to minimize distractions and keep drivers focused on the road. One unique feature of the infotainment system is the volume buttons, conveniently located beside the hard climate control buttons below the screen, making it easy to adjust audio while keeping your eyes on the road. The Venza XLE also includes a variety of hard buttons for quick access to features like drive modes and EV management, making it a user-friendly interface. Additionally, the infotainment system easily integrates with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing drivers to seamlessly connect their smartphones and access a variety of apps and features directly from the infotainment system.
The 2022 Toyota Venza XLE boasts a JBL Premium Sound System that produces 1200 watts of high-quality audio. During our 21-hour drive in the Venza, we found that the system excelled with all genres of music, delivering crisp, clear sound across all frequencies. The system is powerful enough to fill the cabin with rich, immersive sound, making it an enjoyable experience for daily commutes or long road trips. Trust us, you’ll love it!
The 2022 Toyota Venza XLE offers drivers a luxurious and high-performing crossover SUV at an affordable price point. Starting at $38,890 for the LE trim and $44,890 for the XLE trim, the Venza XLE is an excellent value for those looking for a stylish and reliable vehicle. For those who want even more features and finishes, the Limited trim starts at $48,290. Our Venza XLE came in with an as-tested price of $45,145, which includes the optional paint color selected. Overall, the 2022 Toyota Venza XLE is a great choice for anyone looking for a high-quality SUV at a competitive price.
Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) rates the 2022 Toyota Venza XLE at 5.9 L/100 km in the city, 6.4 on the highway, and 6.1 in combined driving. During our week-long evaluation, we’ve achieved an impressive combined fuel rating of 6.0L/100km with mostly highway driving. It’s worth noting that the Venza XLE requires a minimum of 87-octane fuel for fill-ups. With such remarkable fuel economy ratings, the Venza XLE was an excellent choice for our road trip to North Bergen, New Jersey, as it allowed us to travel comfortably and confidently while minimizing our environmental impact.
The 2022 Toyota Venza XLE is a versatile and reliable SUV that delivers a comfortable driving experience. Its hybrid powertrain, advanced infotainment system, and JBL Premium Sound System make it a compelling option for anyone in the market for a high-performing crossover SUV. Its styling may appear to draw some inspiration from the Lexus brand, and it’s likely to be cross-shopped with the Toyota RAV4, which shares its platform and powertrain. Despite facing tough competition from other popular SUVs in the market, such as the Honda CR-V and the Mazda CX-5, the Venza XLE offers a compelling blend of performance, fuel efficiency, and value that make it a strong contender in its class. Ultimately, the decision between the Venza XLE and its competitors will come down to personal preferences and priorities.













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