Which year to buy
Bar height: serious owner complaints to NHTSA for that year per car on the road, against this model's usual year.
2012GOOD BUYSerious complaints 0.5× usual
18 serious complaints of 25, the most about air bags (9) and structure (5); per car on the road, 0.5× this model's usual year. 4 recalls.
What owners report
“The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Venza. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V257000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair.”
An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the air bags, Nov 2021
“Air bags did not deploy when I was in an accident. I was hiy at a high speed on drivers dide front wheel. I was in moyion whil a truck hit me going at a high speed and was dragged when wheels got stuck”
An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the structure, Feb 2018
25 owner complaints · 4 recalls (check a car's VIN for open recalls) · EPA combined: 21–23 mpg · NHTSA: 4 of 5 stars · 2012 trims and features
Verdicts computed from NHTSA owner complaints, defect investigations and recalls. Cars on the road from New York State registrations. (How we judge.) Data checked 2026-10-06.
Trims and features
What changed for 2012
First year we have trim data for.
2012 Venza trims
| LE | Limited | XLE | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | |||
| Engine | AWD 2.7L I4: 2.7-Liter 4-Cylinder AWD 3.5L V6: — FWD 3.5L V6: — | — | AWD 2.7L I4: 2.7-Liter 4-Cylinder AWD 3.5L V6: — FWD 3.5L V6: — |
| Horsepower | AWD 2.7L I4: 182 hp AWD 3.5L V6: 268 hp FWD 3.5L V6: 268 hp | 268 hp | AWD 2.7L I4: 182 hp AWD 3.5L V6: 268 hp FWD 3.5L V6: 268 hp |
| Torque | AWD 2.7L I4: 182 lb-ft AWD 3.5L V6: 246 lb-ft FWD 3.5L V6: 246 lb-ft | 246 lb-ft | AWD 2.7L I4: 182 lb-ft AWD 3.5L V6: 246 lb-ft FWD 3.5L V6: 246 lb-ft |
| Transmission | ECT-i | ECT-i | ECT-i |
| Gears | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Drivetrain | AWD 2.7L I4 / AWD 3.5L V6 / FWD 2.7L I4 / FWD 3.5L V6 | AWD 3.5L V6 / FWD 3.5L V6 | AWD 2.7L I4 / AWD 3.5L V6 / FWD 2.7L I4 / FWD 3.5L V6 |
| Size and capability | |||
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Max towing | 1,000 lb + option | 1,000 lb + option | 1,000 lb + option |
| Cargo behind last row | 30.7 cu ft | 30.1 cu ft | 30.7 cu ft + option |
| Max cargo | 70.2 cu ft | 68.6 cu ft | 70.2 cu ft + option |
| Ground clearance | 8.1 in | 8.1 in | 8.1 in |
| Length | 189 in | 189 in | 189 in |
| Curb weight | AWD 2.7L I4: 3,945 lb AWD 3.5L V6: 4,045 lb FWD 2.7L I4: 3,760 lb FWD 3.5L V6: 3,870 lb | AWD 3.5L V6: 4,045 lb FWD 3.5L V6: 3,870 lb | AWD 2.7L I4: 3,945 lb AWD 3.5L V6: 4,045 lb FWD 2.7L I4: 3,760 lb FWD 3.5L V6: 3,870 lb |
| Tech | |||
| Apple CarPlay | — | — | Optional |
| Android Auto | — | — | Optional |
| Digital gauge cluster | 3.5 in | 3.5 in | 3.5 in |
| Audio | — | JBL | Optional |
| Speakers | 6 | 13 | 6 + option |
| Comfort | |||
| Seats | Cloth | Leather | Leather |
| Heated seats | — | Front | Front |
| Climate zones | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Second row | Split Bench | Split Bench | Split Bench |
| Exterior | |||
| Sunroof | — | Panoramic Moonroof | Optional |
| Power liftgate | Optional | Power Liftgate | Power Liftgate |
| Wheels | AWD 2.7L I4: 19 in AWD 3.5L V6: — FWD 3.5L V6: — | 20 in | AWD 2.7L I4: 19 in AWD 3.5L V6: — FWD 3.5L V6: — |
| Headlights | — | HID Projector | — |
Packages and options (39)
| LE | Limited | XLE | |
|---|---|---|---|
| LE Convenience Package $750 | Optional | — | — |
| NavTraffic | — | Optional | Optional |
| Tow Prep Package | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| XLE Navigation Package | — | — | Optional |
| XLE Premium Package $2,130 | — | — | Optional |
| 3.5-Liter V6 | Optional | Standard | Optional |
| All-Wheel Drive (AWD) with active torque control | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Door Edge Guards $109 | — | — | — |
| Lower Door Moldings | — | — | — |
| Paint Protection Film $395 | — | — | — |
| Rear Bumper Protector | — | — | — |
| Roof Rack | — | — | — |
| Towing Receiver Hitch | — | — | — |
| TRD Air Filter | — | — | — |
| Wheel Locks $49 | — | — | — |
| All-Weather Cargo Mat | — | — | — |
| Cargo Mat | — | — | — |
| Cargo Net — Spider | — | — | — |
| Cargo Tote $49 | — | — | — |
| Carpet Floor Mats $299 | — | — | — |
| Emergency Assistance Kit $70 | — | — | — |
| First Aid Kit $29 | — | — | — |
| Glass Breakage Sensor (GBS) | — | — | — |
| Rear-Seat DVD Entertainment System | — | — | — |
| Remote Engine Starter | — | — | — |
| Wireless Headphones | — | — | — |
| XM Select Package | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| 20-in. 5-spoke alloy wheels with P245/50R20 tires (V6 only) | — | Standard | — |
| Aloe Green Metallic | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Barcelona Red Metallic | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Black | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Blizzard Pearl | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Classic Silver Metallic | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Golden Umber Mica | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Magnetic Gray Metallic | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Sunset Bronze Mica | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Tropical Sea Metallic | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Ivory | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Light Gray | Optional | Optional | Optional |
Trim data from OpenSpec (ODbL 1.0), built from Oem brochure, Nhtsa vin decode. Still partial for this year: model, trims, powertrain, fuel economy, chassis, dimensions, exterior, interior, infotainment, safety, warranty, options, option rules, vin decode. "Optional" means a package or option adds it; hover for which.
Year by year
| Year | Engines | Drive | Fuel economy | Crash rating | Recalls | Owner complaints | Most-reported problem | CarPlay |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2.5L 4-cyl, 176 hp | AWD | 39 mpg | 5 of 5 | 3 | 25 | Unknown or other (9) | Yes |
| 2023 | 2.5L 4-cyl, 176 hp | AWD | 39 mpg | 5 of 5 | 3 | 21 | Forward collision avoidance (6) | Yes |
| 2022 | 2.5L 4-cyl, 176 hp | AWD | 39 mpg | 5 of 5 | 1 | 42 | Visibility/wiper (12) | Yes |
| 2021 | 2.5L 4-cyl, 176 hp | AWD | 39 mpg | 5 of 5 | 2 | 188 | Visibility/wiper (74) | Yes |
| 2015 | 2.7L 4-cyl 3.5L 6-cyl, 268 hp | AWD, FWD | 21–23 mpg | 5 of 5 | 1 | 27 | Unknown or other (9) | No |
| 2014 | 2.7L 4-cyl 3.5L 6-cyl, 268 hp | AWD, FWD | 21–23 mpg | 5 of 5 | 1 | 31 | Air bags (6) | No |
| 2013 | 2.7L 4-cyl, 181 hp 3.5L 6-cyl, 268 hp | AWD, FWD | 21–23 mpg | 5 of 5 | 4 | 59 | Air bags (12) | No |
| 2012 | 2.7L 4-cyl, 181 hp 3.5L 6-cyl, 268 hp | AWD, FWD | 21–23 mpg | 4 of 5 | 4 | 25 | Air bags (9) | No |
| 2011 | 2.7L 4-cyl 3.5L 6-cyl, 268 hp | AWD, FWD | 21–23 mpg | 4 of 5 | 6 | 59 | Electrical system (15) | No |
| 2010 | 2.7L 4-cyl 3.5L 6-cyl, 268 hp | AWD, FWD | 21–24 mpg | Not rated | 9 | 79 | Electrical system (15) | No |
Owner complaints are unverified reports to NHTSA, counted as filed: older years have had longer to collect them and sales aren't adjusted for, so see Which year to buy for a fair comparison. Most-reported problem: the component named in the most complaints that year. Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Apple.
Which years have…
Apple lists CarPlay for: Venza 2021–2025 (Apple).
Every NHTSA-rated version: crash ratings, safety tech, recalls, complaints
| Year | Version | Stars | Forward collision warning | Lane departure warning | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Toyota VENZA HYBRID SUV AWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 3 | 25 |
| 2023 | Toyota VENZA HYBRID SUV AWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 3 | 21 |
| 2022 | Toyota VENZA HYBRID SUV AWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 1 | 42 |
| 2021 | Toyota VENZA HYBRID SUV AWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 2 | 188 |
| 2015 | Toyota Venza SUV FWD | 5 | No | No | 1 | 27 |
| 2015 | Toyota Venza SUV AWD | 5 | No | No | 1 | 27 |
| 2014 | Toyota Venza SUV FWD | 5 | No | No | 1 | 31 |
| 2014 | Toyota Venza SUV AWD | 5 | No | No | 1 | 31 |
| 2013 | Toyota Venza SUV FWD | 5 | No | No | 4 | 59 |
| 2013 | Toyota Venza SUV AWD | 5 | No | No | 4 | 59 |
| 2012 | Toyota Venza SUV AWD | 4 | No | No | 4 | 25 |
| 2012 | Toyota Venza SUV FWD | 4 | No | No | 4 | 25 |
| 2011 | Toyota Venza SUV AWD | 4 | No | No | 6 | 59 |
| 2011 | Toyota Venza SUV FWD | 4 | No | No | 6 | 59 |
| 2010 | Toyota Venza 4-DR w/SAB | Not Rated | No | No | 9 | 79 |
Source: NHTSA.
Every EPA-rated version: engines and combined mpg
| Year | EPA model | Engines | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Venza AWD | Auto (AV-S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | 39 |
| 2023 | Venza AWD | Auto (AV-S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | 39 |
| 2022 | Venza AWD | Auto (AV-S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | 39 |
| 2021 | Venza AWD | Auto (AV-S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L | 39 |
| 2015 | Venza | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.7 L Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.5 L |
21–23 |
| 2015 | Venza 4WD | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.7 L Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.5 L |
21–22 |
| 2014 | Venza | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.7 L Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.5 L |
21–23 |
| 2014 | Venza 4WD | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.7 L Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.5 L |
21–22 |
| 2013 | Venza | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.7 L Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.5 L |
21–23 |
| 2013 | Venza AWD | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.7 L Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.5 L |
21–22 |
| 2012 | Venza | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.7 L Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.5 L |
21–23 |
| 2012 | Venza AWD | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.7 L Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.5 L |
21–22 |
| 2011 | Venza | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.7 L Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.5 L |
21–23 |
| 2011 | Venza AWD | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.7 L Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.5 L |
21–22 |
| 2010 | Venza | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.7 L Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.5 L |
22–24 |
| 2010 | Venza AWD | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.7 L Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.5 L |
21–23 |
Source: fueleconomy.gov.