Future Venza Unveiled

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The Next Venza: What to Expect

It seems like Toyota is stirring the pot again with buzzing rumors about the return of the Venza, based on Japan’s next-gen Harrier. Scheduled for release in 2027, the new model is expected to slip into a coupe-SUV design niche, shedding the rugged RAV4 look for something sleeker and more sophisticated. This move aims to distance it from Toyota’s mainstream options and give it a more premium edge.

Venza: A Quick Recap

The Venza made its comeback in 2020, after taking a brief break, slotting back into Toyota’s North American lineup. Essentially a rebadged version of Japan’s fourth-gen Harrier, it offered a more upscale feel, almost echoing Lexus vibes, and was based on the RAV4 Hybrid. However, its American journey ended in 2024 when Toyota introduced the Crown Signia as an indirect successor. Meanwhile, the Japanese Harrier kept evolving, even introducing a Nightshade Edition in 2025.

Hot on the Development Trail

Reports from Best Car, a Japanese outlet, suggest Toyota is crafting a new Harrier, possibly paving the way for the Venza’s U.S. re-entry. Expect a longer wheelbase at 109.1 inches, roughly 3.1 inches more than the current model, and a vehicle length near 187 inches. This sets it in line with the likes of BMW’s X4 and the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe in both size and style.

Inside, the Venza should expect an upscale makeover, with potential tech upgrades like a 12.9-inch infotainment screen and top-tier connectivity. Toyota aims to make it stand apart from the RAV4 not just in design but also in perceived quality.

Beneath the Hood

Don’t expect major changes to the underlying platform. The Venza will continue using Toyota’s TNGA-K platform, shared with a range of models like the RAV4 and Lexus RX. What’s new is an anticipated turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, offering hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants. The future could hold these changes stateside, although for now, the exact details for North American engines remain under wraps.

The hybrid configuration of today’s RAV4 might be a hint at what’s to come, with up to 320 horsepower in all-wheel drive trim. The saga’s excitement, though, is tempered by delays; Toyota’s schedule for 2026 release has been postponed to 2027 due to safety concerns in Japan. When it does hit the roads, this new Venza promises to realign itself as a compelling competitor in the ever-evolving SUV market.

Caption: Toyota