Toyota Venza Returns For 2021 As America’s Version Of The Harrier
The Toyota Venza is back after an absence of nearly five years. Essentially a renamed Harrier, the 2021 Venza will go on sale in the United States this summer and be offered exclusively with a hybrid powertrain. Speaking of the latter, the model is equipped with a new hybrid system that features a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, three electric motors and a lithium-ion battery pack that resides beneath the rear seats. It enables the crossover to have a combined output of 219 hp (163 kW / 222 PS) and a combined fuel economy rating of approximately 40 mpg. The crossover also comes standard with Toyota’s electric on-demand all-wheel drive system. It features a rear-mounted electric motor that can provide additional traction when needed. Toyota says the system works “seamlessly and transparently,” and can vary torque distribution depending on conditions. Toyota didn’t say much about the Venza’s exterior, but it’s almost identical to the Japanese Harrier. As a result, the ...