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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | SUV |
| Base Price | $36,699–$44,691 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
Our scoring places the 2021 Toyota Venza S at 7.9/10 overall, which translates to a Recommended rating for this suv. Its strongest dimension is Reliability at 8.9/10, while Performance at 6.6/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. At 8.9/10, reliability is one of this suv's best cards — few vehicles in our database score higher on this dimension. The 8.5/10 safety score puts it near the top of the class on this dimension; the official trim-level results at nhtsa.gov are worth a final check.
Performance at 6.6/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. The cabin tech earns 8.0/10 — infotainment, smartphone integration, and driver-assistance are all close to the best this class offers.
Priced from $36,699–$44,691, 36 MPG, seating 5, the Toyota Venza S sits in the mid-market bracket of the suv segment. The 7.5/10 value score says the pricing is fair rather than generous; cross-shop the segment before signing anything. At 5 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.
Our take: The 2021 Toyota Venza S is a solid, well-rounded suv that covers the essentials without obvious deal-breakers. The main caveat is performance — worth checking if those dimensions are priorities for you. For most buyers in this segment, it's a safe, dependable choice.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2021 Toyota Venza S ranks #293 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 88% of the segment. Its 7.9/10 overall score is 0.5 points above the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $36,699 starting price sits close to the segment's median of $36,079.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking → · Best SUVs under $50k →
Across the Venza S model years we've scored, the 2021 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 8.1/10 | $41,540 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 8.1/10 | $40,330 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 8.0/10 | $39,119 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 8.0/10 | $37,909 | Read review → |
| 2021 (this review) | 7.9/10 | $36,699 |
We rate the 2021 Toyota Venza S's reliability 8.9/10 — one of the stronger records in its class.
It scores 7.9/10 overall, ranking #293 of 2454 suvs in our database (better than 88% of the segment). A solid choice for most buyers — compare it against the segment leaders before deciding.
The 2021 Toyota Venza S starts at $36,699 and ranges up to $44,691 across trims (MSRP when new). At 36 MPG, expect roughly $1,458/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Explore the full lineup of Toyota models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.