A used Toyota Venza is really two different vehicles, and in mid October 2026 the right one depends on what you want more: a cheap, roomy gas wagon or an efficient hybrid. The 2009-2015 Venza is a Camry-based crossover with a four-cylinder or V6 and a conventional automatic. The 2021-2024 Venza is a RAV4 Hybrid-based, hybrid-only SUV with standard AWD and about 40 mpg in town. Clear the driver-door air bag wiring recall on any first-gen car, check the hybrid battery warranty on a second-gen one, and read the history report before you talk price.
Toyota left a gap between the two. MotorTrend says the nameplate ran from 2008 to 2017 and was revived for 2021, while the U.S. recall records we pulled for the first gen stop at the 2015 model year. NHTSA's VIN database still lists 2016 and 2017 Venzas, so a car from those years may have started life outside the U.S.; check where it was first titled. Car and Driver's 2024 Venza review says 2024 was the final year before the Crown Signia replaced it.
The first-gen Venza (2009-2015)
This is the one people call a tall wagon. MotorTrend's 2015 Venza review lists a 2.7-liter four with 181 hp and a 3.5-liter V6 with 268 hp, both with a six-speed automatic and front-drive or AWD. Their 2014 test of a V6 AWD car ran 0-60 mph in 6.7 seconds, which is quick for a family crossover from that era. The four-cylinder rated only 20/26 mpg, barely better than the V6, so MotorTrend calls the V6 the pick. Cargo room tops out around 70 cubic feet with the seats folded.
The negatives are age and size. Look, the newest first-gen car is now a 2015, and big 19- or 20-inch wheels give it a wide 40.7-foot turning circle and a stiff highway ride, per MotorTrend. Budget for tires that size. If you need a third row, look at our used Toyota Highlander buying guide instead.
The second-gen Venza (2021-2024)
The newer Venza is a hybrid only. Car and Driver lists a 2.5-liter four and three electric motors making 219 hp combined, with one motor driving the rear wheels for standard AWD and no plug-in option. EPA ratings are 40 city / 37 highway, and on the EPA page for the 2021 Venza you can compare it directly with other years. Car and Driver measured 7.6 seconds to 60 and 36 mpg on its 75-mph highway test.
The tradeoff is space. Car and Driver says the Venza shares the RAV4 Hybrid's 105.9-inch wheelbase yet offers 29 cubic feet behind the rear seat versus 38 in the RAV4 Hybrid, and MotorTrend wished for more cargo room and noted the engine gets loud at part throttle. If you mostly haul gear, our used Toyota RAV4 buying guide might be the better match. On the plus side, MotorTrend says the 2023 update brought Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so a 2023-2024 car is worth a little extra. The Star Gaze electrochromic glass roof on top trims is a fun feature and also one more thing to test on the drive.
Hybrid battery: what the warranty covers
Every second-gen Venza is a 2021 or later model, which matters for the battery. Toyota's October 2019 warranty announcement raised hybrid battery coverage to 10 years from first use or 150,000 miles for model year 2020 and newer, while other hybrid parts like the inverter stay at 8 years / 100,000 miles. Toyota's battery warranty page still lists the 10-year / 150,000-mile term. So a 2021 Venza under 150,000 miles likely keeps battery coverage until about 2030 or 2031. The clock starts at first use, not the model year, so ask a Toyota dealer to confirm the in-service date on that VIN. A history report can hint at a battery swap too; see does CARFAX show hybrid battery replacement for what tends to show up.
Venza recalls to clear by VIN
We pulled NHTSA recall data for both generations on October 15, 2026; note that NHTSA files the newer car as "VENZA HYBRID," so a search for plain "VENZA" for 2021 comes back empty. On first-gen cars, 21V257000 is the big one: SRS wiring in the driver door can wear through with normal use and disable the driver-side side and curtain air bags. Other first-gen campaigns include 10V023000 (2009-2010 floor mat pedal entrapment), 11V306000 (a front right driveshaft on some 2011 cars built March 7-10, 2011), 12V091000 (2009-2011 stop lamp switch), and 13V442000, where a clogged AC drain on 2012-2013 cars can drip onto the air bag module.
The hybrid has fewer: 22V033000 (2021 rear turn signals can short from water), 22V239000 (2021-2022 stability control may not turn back on after a restart), 25V595000 (2023-2024 instrument panel may stay blank at startup), and 25V744000 (2023-2024 Panoramic View Monitor camera can freeze or go blank in reverse). Begin with the NHTSA recalls feed for the 2013 Venza, then follow our Toyota recall check by VIN guide to confirm what was done.
History, title, and price check
Decode the VIN with NHTSA's vPIC decoder or our Toyota VIN decoder guide, and pull a fresh report. Through us a CARFAX is about $5.50 guest or $4.50 member, or about $6.75 bundled with AutoCheck, while retail is often $39.99 to $44.99 as of mid October 2026 (confirm at checkout). We are a licensed reseller, not affiliated with CARFAX, AutoCheck, or Experian. Do not accept a seller's PDF; it can be edited in minutes.
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