Important reasons to think about buying a 2021 Toyota Venza instead of the elusive RAV4 Prime.
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One of the most exciting and tempting vehicles to hit the Toyota pipeline in a long time is the 2021 RAV4 Prime.
RAV4 Prime sport utility vehicles are extremely fuel efficient (94 MPGe and can travel up to 42 miles on a lone electric charge). They are also really fast (0-60 time of 5.7 seconds due to great low-end torque and 302 horsepower).
However, RAV4 Prime is proving to be one of the most challenging cars to find all over the country. Only a small number of Zero Emission Vehicle states are getting them this calendar year.
I recently wrote about the tough times people are having finding and reserving their ideal RAV4 Prime. I also suggested you might want to consider buying a RAV4 Hybrid instead of RAV4 Prime if you cannot find one.
Time to throw another choice into the mix. You might want to think about the all-new 2021 Toyota Venza.
2021 Venza specs
Soon we will all be seeing live and in person the return of one of Toyota’s most beloved models – the Venza. The all-new 2021 Venza is billed as a five-passenger vehicle with “sedan-like driving comfort and CUV (compact utility vehicle) versatility.”
First impressions are everything. This is one big reason I suggest you give the Venza some consideration. It is sleek and luxurious and sporty on the outside. It will more than likely catch your eye and might even make you want to open the doors. If you do, expect to see a spacious interior cabin filled with the latest technology, safety and convenience gadgets. It is loaded.
Buyers can expect Venza to arrive around September as an all-hybrid and all-wheel drive vehicle. Choose from LE, XLE and Limited trim levels based on features you want and budget range you are looking for.
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2021 Toyota Venza is powered by a high-efficiency 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine and three electric motors. It produces the same 219 horsepower found in RAV4 Hybrid.
Fuel efficiency numbers for Toyota Venza are estimated at 39 miles per gallon, helping it rival the 40 mpg RAV4 Hybrid owners achieve.
You see, as the tale of the tape shows, the real choice for many buyers might be whether to purchase a new RAV4 Hybrid or a Venza.
2021 Venza Price
People researching the RAV4 Prime have probably already found initial pricing on either SE or XSE trim levels. Factory MSRP for RAV4 Prime SE is $38,100 and $41,425 for the XSE.
This is where it might benefit people to consider Venza as an alternative, as pricing is quite attractive in comparison.
LE grade factory MSRP starts at $32,470, XLE begins at $36,000 and Limited is $39,800.
The question now becomes, is 2021 Toyota Venza pricing attractive enough to turn your attention away from a 2021 RAV4 Prime?
Of course, RAV4 Prime purchasers may also be able to benefit from an attractive Federal tax credit of $7,500 as well.
The plot thickens, my friends.
Time for your thoughts on RAV4 Prime vs Venza
I find this entire situation fascinating and it will be exciting (yes, call me a car nerd) to see how this unfolds in the coming months.
Toyota has done an incredible job manufacturing and marketing RAV4 Prime. In fact, it has already started building a cult-like following before it ever even arrives at dealerships. The concern I have is that it is not available to most people in the United States.
Buyers will have to look to a select handful of states if they want one by the end of 2020.
VIDEO: Take a tour of Venza exterior and interior highlights in my video review.
The supply of Venza vehicles to dealerships should make it less challenging to find. Plus, Venza looks incredible both inside and out, is loaded with technology and safety features, and should offer a smooth and comfortable ride.
Yes, I want one. I really want one.
But what do you think? If you could choose just one, is your pick a Toyota RAV4 Prime, a RAV4 Hybrid or a Venza?
Thanks for reading everyone. See you next story when I reveal updates coming to 2021 4Runner.
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