Venza

The Toyota Venza goes big on efficiency and features but struggles to match the utility and spaciousness of most offerings in its competitive mid-size two-row SUV class. Its thrifty nature comes by way of a hybrid powertrain comprised of a 2.5-liter four-cylinder and three electric motors. That means standard all-wheel drive and fuel economy that rubs the faces of competitors like the V-6-powered Honda Passport and the Nissan Murano in the dirt. Or it would, but the Venza is more focused on a feature-packed cabin designed for commuting than for venturing off-road. An available panoramic sunroof that shifts from transparent to opaque at the touch of a button is a good indicator of its priorities. Unfortunately, its RAV4 Hybrid-based bones limit its interior space and cargo area compared to most other crossovers in this mid-size segment. Combined with a buzzy engine and dozens of hybrid and nonhybrid competitors—including Toyota’s own RAV4 and Lexus NX350h—the Venza remains a an outlier in the segment—a good-looking but smaller and less practical alternative.