As one of the highest-rated SUVs in its class for the 2021 model year, the Toyota Venza has a lot to like. There are plenty of reasons to buy one, but what are some reasons not to buy the 2021 Toyota Venza? The Japanese automaker is well known for building vehicles that are reliable, long-lasting, and feel like luxury without the luxury price. There are a few reasons the Venza isn’t up-to-snuff.

A reason not to buy the 2021 Toyota Venza: packaging

The Venza slots in between the RAV4 and Highlander in the Toyota lineup. While the RAV4 is the smallest of the three, the Venza provides the least interior space of the trio. MotorTrend chalks it up to the packaging since the Venza is the larger overall vehicle. How can the Toyota Venza be the bigger but less spacious brother to the RAV4?

MT says it has to do with the taller stance of the Venza, and therefore the high cargo floor. A higher floor means less cargo space since the trunk area isn’t as deep as its sibling. As for passenger space, the interior dimensions are 40.9 and 37.8 inches of legroom in the front and rear seats, respectively. Additionally, it comes with 39.2-inches of space behind the back seat, compared to 40-inches behind the rear seat in a RAV4.

Do not buy the Toyota Venza because of the infotainment system

Toyota typically provides a new infotainment system for its vehicles each model year, but the Venza’s remained the same. MotorTrend noted that the 2021 Toyota Venza infotainment system is “a bit slow to respond and needs better graphics.” It comes with a nice and big 12.3-inch touchscreen, giving the illusion it’s a premium setup. However, the low resolution quickly washes away the veil of luxury.

The infotainment system is at the bottom of the rankings for SUVs in its class. MT went as far as to say it looks like it was designed a decade ago. Infotainment systems have become so large, vast, and filled with great features that the options from just a few years ago look very old. The 2021 Venza suffers from that issue but hopefully will turn it around soon.

The 2021 Toyota Venza has a higher starting price than its best competitors

According to KBB, the 2021 Toyota Venza is the third-best two-row midsize SUV. Additionally, it starts at $33,645, which is quite a bit more than the two SUVs ranked ahead of it. KBB’s best two options are the Hyundai Santa Fe and the Subaru Outback. Each of these models starts at $28,385 and $28,070, respectively. That’s quite a bit more affordable than Toyota’s offering.

As previously mentioned, Toyota models are usually luxury equivalent at an affordable price. Not to mention, the reliability factor makes customers more willing to spend money on a Toyota. However, with this 2021 model being outdated, it’s hard to justify spending around $5,000 more. Especially when well-respected experts like KBB say the cheaper options are better overall SUVs.

In conclusion, the 2021 Toyota Venza is a great two-row midsize SUV that fails in a few areas. There are a few reasons not to buy one, including its packaging, infotainment system, and price. With a lack of interior space, even against its small sibling, it’s hard to recommend the SUV. Finally, the infotainment system is outdated, making the premium price seem worse.