GAC Toyota, one of two Toyota joint ventures in China, is proud to step into the premium SUV market with this Toyota Venza, the all-new 2021 Toyota Harrier’s twin. Although the Venza is launched just three months after the Harrier (Nov 2021), the Venza comes with more tech.

While the rear end of the Venza remains largely the same as its more popular Harrier twin, the SUV’s front-end resembles the smaller Toyota Frontlander, better known as Toyota Corolla Cross to us.

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The headlights remain the same as the Harrier, however, instead of a clear panel slot between the bonnet and the front grille the Venza has a body colour panel to give it a slight bucktooth look. The Venza features a diamond-cut front grille and sharper foglamp housings as well.

Head inside and you will be greeted by a largely similar interior as the Harrier. However, the Venza has dual-tone seats while brown trims are added to the door panels and the centre console.

The 12.3-inch floating touchscreen infotainment system is the same as the Toyota Harrier, but that is where all the similarities end. Under the surface, the Venza has more advanced tech than the Harrier has to offer.

Also read: Power has never defined the Toyota Harrier in over 23 years - Here’s what it stood for

Other than the swanky Head-up Display, wireless phone charging, and reverse camera, the Venza also features face recognition and the latest Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) 2.5+ system.

The Venza’s TSS includes systems like Intelligent Clearance Sonar (ICS) aka pedal misoperation, Pre-Collision System (PCS), Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) aka ACC, and the new Lane Tracing Assist (LTA) which uses lines on the road and preceding vehicles to keep the vehicle centred.

Also read: Review: 2021 Toyota Harrier 2.0 Luxury - Do you really miss the turbo?

The Toyota Venza comes offered in six variants and two powertrains: a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine mated to a CVT that does 171 PS and 209 Nm and a 2.5-litre hybrid petrol engine mated to an E-CVT that does 178 PS and 221 Nm.

GAC Toyota also offers the Venza with a choice of all-wheel-drive and front-wheel-drive variants.

Prices for the Venza starts at CNY 216,800 (~RM 142,344) and rounds off at CNY 303,800 (~RM 199,470), this makes the Venza slightly more expensive than its Harrier twin whose prices range from CNY 211,800 (~RM 139,056) to CNY 297,800 (~RM 195,520).

Do you like the Venza’s angrier look over the Harrier’s sophisticated elegance?