Rumored 2021 Toyota Venza Coming: Here is What We Know

The rumor mill is at it again with news of a familiar nameplate returning sooner than we think. The waters have been churning with tales of a potential 2021 Toyota Venza making its triumphant return – but in a new form than how we knew it before. I thought it best to hold off on needless speculation until I knew more. Now seems like a good time to list some details we know (or at least think we know).

2021 Venza Specs

As we all know, information on something that has not officially been announced yet can change or alter within a matter of days and weeks and months. However, here is what we think we know so far.

The Venza that reaches dealerships as a 2021 model year vehicle will be somewhere in size between a 2020 RAV4 and a 2020 Highlander. In other words, it will more than likely be classified as a midsize SUV, perhaps even a midsize crossover SUV.

It will seat 5 passengers. This is interesting, as the 2020 RAV4 seats 5 passengers, but the 2020 Highlander seats either 7 or 8 people (depending on middle row configuration). This 2021 Toyota Venza will be larger than a RAV4 yet seat the same number of people. In my mind I am hoping for plenty of rear seat legroom if this scenario comes to fruition.

A 2021 Venza will arrive in the U.S. retail market as a Hybrid-only vehicle. I am thinking it would make a heck of an announcement if Toyota announces both the rumored 2021 Sienna Hybrid-only and 2021 Venza at the same time.

HYBRID VIDEO: Learn about Toyota's aggressive rollout plan for hybrids and alternative fuel vehicles. This video has everything to do with this story today. Please subscribe to Torque News YouTube channel for automotive industry and Toyota news.

The new Venza will more than likely arrive only in all-wheel drive form. No front-wheel drive option. This would match the grade strategy of 2020 RAV4 in that it only has one drivetrain layout for its hybrid. In comparison, a huge selling point for 2020 Highlander Hybrid is that it is available in both front-wheel and all-wheel drive.

YOU MAY ALSO ENJOY: 2020 Highlander Platinum. See what it looks like at night in my video review.

2021 Toyota Venza release date

Again, this is all conjecture and hypothesis until we hear an official statement from Toyota. I am told we can expect to see this rumored 2021 Venza in late 2020, as in October to November date range. This could change obviously.

Time for your thoughts on 2021 Venza and other models

Thanks for reading everyone. It is always a slippery slope to discuss vehicles that have not yet been announced.

However, this is part of the fun of my column – we have fun talking about everything in the world of Toyota, including whispers and speculation.

What I do know is that most Toyota owners know they are driving around cars, trucks and SUVs that are dependable, reliable and hold up well over time. More often than not with very high resale value as well.

It is an exciting time to be a fan of Toyota. Stay tuned and bookmark Torque News Toyota site for ongoing news and updates.

See you next story when I share stories and personal accounts of people who have owned Toyota Venza in the past.

Bookmark Jeff Teague's Toyota News and Reviews at Torque News Toyota. Please subscribe to Jeff’s “Toyotajeff” YouTube channel for Toyota news, reviews and how-to videos. Follow Jeff on Facebook and Instagram. Find him on Twitter @toyotajeff1 and tweet him tips for new stories.