Before we start, the question must be asked: What exactly is the Mazda CX-30 and why did Mazda add it to their lineup of crossovers in 2020?

Do not confuse it with Mazda’s CX-3, which is a different crossover offering from the automaker. The CX-30 is longer and more powerful than the CX-3, and it is ultimately a slightly raised version of the Mazda3 sedan/hatchback offering. On the grand scale of Mazda offerings, the CX-30 falls squarely between the smaller CX-3 and the larger CX-5.

While it may seem like overkill, automakers know that SUV buyers can be very particular, so having an option at every possible size offering is becoming the norm. (Though the naming of this model does admittedly create some confusion).

The CX-30, a very stylish vehicle, is one of those modern rides threading the needle between a car and an SUV, and hoping to provide you with the raised SUV look and versatility but smoother driving of a sedan. To entice buyers for the 2021 model, the CX-30 upgrades in its sophomore year include a new turbocharged engine option, and standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality.

What is the Toyota Venza?

The name may sound familiar, as it was sold from 2009-2015 by Toyota as a wagon-type vehicle based on the Camry platform.

The Venza is back for 2021, but nothing like the original. Instead, Version 2.0 is a two-row crossover that is sold as a hybrid only, and features an attractive and modern design inside and out.

Its competition will be primarily other two-row crossovers that offer hybrids — such as the Ford Escape, Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V — a tough battle since many of these models are among the best-sellers annually.

I recently tested a Venza and I’m back with a full report.

LOOKS

With the return of the Venza, Toyota has hit a design home run.

Between its sharp-looking front end, attractive headlight design, smooth side lines, and high-end interior, it debuts high up on the list of two-row crossovers in terms of overall design.

To put the looks of the Venza vs. its leading hybrid crossover competition, it’s without a doubt that the CR-V, RAV4 and Escape hybrids lack the style and design quality you’ll find in the Venza.

You can tell it’s new and different compared to the mainstays in the category, and it has decent cargo space, too. (28.8 cubic feet behind the second row).

The Venza features 19-inch wheels on its top two trim levels (18-inch wheels on the base model), and a hands-free power liftgate.

The interior features SofTex-trimmed seats, heated & ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and an optional panoramic roof. The Star Gaze glass roof is unique in offering both “transparent” and “frosted” modes, with frosted mode reducing direct sunlight.

The design of the Venza has a goal of offering sedan-like driving comfort while also offering crossover versatility, and it achieves that goal for the most part.

HOW’S THE RIDE?

The 2021 Toyota Venza features a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and three electric motors, offering a 219 combined horsepower. The latest Toyota Hybrid System can be operated in several modes, including: EV, Eco, Normal and Sport.

It features an electronic continuously variable transmission, and All-Wheel Drive is standard on all trim levels of the Venza, which is nice.

The big question with hybrids is what kind of driving experience they will offer. 

As far as the overall driving experience, I found it to be among the better options among hybrids I have tested. Acceleration is enhanced through the hybrid system’s low-speed torque boost and you get moving quickly.

The Sport mode approaches a normal driving experience. But keep your expectations at a realistic level: Don't expect a ton of power in any mode. And Save the EV and Eco modes for situations where you won’t be holding up traffic. Most of the time you can stick to Normal mode and get around in a reasonably enjoyable manner.

For those looking to maximize fuel mileage, a Hybrid System Indicator shows the system output and regeneration status to encourage eco-driving habits by offering a scoring function for the driver.

The Venza is agile and handles well, is responsive to driver input and is extremely quiet inside. Road noise is also kept out, as the Venza is extremely well-insulated.

If you’re more into off-roading, I would recommend opting for the RAV4 hybrid or other crossover options that are better equipped for such excursions than the Venza.

The Venza also features something called Predictive Efficient Drive (PED), which analyzes driving habits to help optimize hybrid battery charging. This system is designed to predict when and where the vehicle is likely to slow down or stop, then uses that information to help reduce energy consumption, and optimize battery charging and discharge ahead of hills or traffic congestion.

TECHNOLOGY, SAFETY

As per usual, Toyota delivers with an impressive array of safety offerings, as well as strong tech features on the Venza.

Starting with safety, the Venza has you covered with a full array of features to keep you safe in the vehicle.

The standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 system features a Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Lane Tracing Assist, Automatic High Beams and Road Sign Assist.

For those worst-case scenarios, there are 8 airbags throughout the vehicle to keep you protected during a crash.

The backup camera, including dynamic gridlines, is a big help when backing up and in tight parking situations. There’s even a rear camera washer on the Venza.

Other helpful safety features on the Venza include a Blind Spot Monitor, Front and Rear Parking Assist with automatic braking, and a Bird's Eye View Camera that shows you everything around you.

Also, the Toyota Star Safety System features Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, Brake Assist, Anti-lock brakes and more.

Moving on to the technology inside the Venza, I found that the voice commands worked very well, but the touch controls took some time to master. You’ll get there, but the learning curve is a bit longer than you’ll find in other vehicles.

A couple different touchscreen sizes are offered. The LE and XLE editions of the Venza feature an 8-inch touchscreen, while the Limited trim level offers a 12.3-inch touchscreen.

The Venza is in line with the latest technology, compatible with Apple Carplay, Android Auto and Amazon Alexa. It also offers Bluetooth connectivity for streaming of phone calls and music. A 3-month trial of satellite radio is included, as well as a trial subscription to Toyota Remote Services, which allow you to start your vehicle and unlock/lock doors remotely.

Audio options include the standard 6-speaker system; or a JBL Premium Audio System with 9 speakers, including a rear subwoofer, which is powered by a 12-channel, 1,200-watt amp.

Another safety option is the 10-inch color Head-Up Display, which projects vital information at eye level to keep your eyes on the road. This is offered in an Advanced tech package that also includes rain-sensing windshield wipers.

Another very cool option is the digital rearview mirror. If the rear view is blocked by cargo or people in the back seat, simply flip a switch to get an unobstructed view from a rear camera.

MPG

The official fuel mileage numbers on the Venza are 40 city/37 highway/39 combined. I only averaged 31 mpg, but was mainly driving in Sport mode, which will lower your results. More eco-focused driving should keep you close to the listed numbers.

For comparison, the RAV4 hybrid and Ford Escape hybrid both list a combined 40 mpg, while the Honda CR-V hybrid offers a combined 38 mpg. 

PRICE

One thing that may keep Venza sales numbers lower than its competition is the pricing. My test vehicle was priced just over $43,000 and the base price starts about $33K. Trim levels include LE, XLE and Limited.

While the vehicle is quite upscale, the numbers may steer potential buyers in another direction. Most other vehicles are easier on the bottom line, and some are also more off-road friendly than the Venza.

As far as warranties, Toyota offers a 36-month/36,000 mile basic new-vehicle warranty, and 60-month/60,000 warranty on the powertrain. Hybrid component repairs are covered for 8 years/100,000 miles. And battery coverage is for 10 years/150,000 miles.

BOTTOM LINE

While the Venza is not likely to become one of Toyota’s best-sellers, it’s yet another strong crossover option that buyers can choose from in a sea full of competition. With attractive and modern looks and design, strong technology and hybrid fuel mileage, there is a lot to like.

I also find it interesting that it comes as a hybrid only, which is another way it distinguishes itself. If you’re looking for a 2-row SUV, particularly one that is a hybrid, it’s worth exploring the Venza with a test drive.

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Matt Myftiu can be found on Twitter @MattMyftiu.

Entering the large SUV market with a bang in 2020, Hyundai debuted the impressive Palisade model, which has been flying from dealer lots ever since its debut. The upscale 3-row model is the largest and one of the most expensive vehicles sold by the automaker, but sales numbers remain high as it impressed straight out of the gate in looks, performance and technology.

In its second year for the 2021 model year, most of the Palisade remains unchanged. The main difference is the addition of the more upscale Calligraphy trim level, and the options packages are slightly adjusted.

I recently tested a 2021 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy model, and I’m back with a full report.

LOOKS

Most SUVs aren’t traditionally known for unique or attractive exterior designs, but the exterior of the Palisade is one that will grab your attention.

Highlights include an especially eye-catching front grille, and a sharp wheel design. My Calligraphy trim level test vehicle also featured an exclusive 20-inch wheel.

You don’t get to be a NACTOY Car of the Year nominee by slouching. That’s the first hint that the Genesis G80, a relatively new vehicle getting its first overall redesign for 2021, is a luxury sedan worth noticing.

With more powerful engines offered, and more plentiful and improved tech features to enhance the experience, the G80 continues to be a surprisingly strong contender in the very stacked midsize luxury sedan segment.

While the Genesis brand — an offshoot of Hyundai — is still relatively new and lacks the cachet of many longstanding luxury brands, it’s one that continues to turn heads, and could soon find itself on the rise.

I recently spent some time in a 2021 Genesis G80, and I’m back with a full breakdown.

As someone who loves to drive, I’ve never truly understood why the sales charts are the way they are when it comes to nonluxury family sedans.

Far too often, vehicles that are actually fun to drive are left behind by the sedan buyer in favor of more humdrum experiences behind the wheel.

Whatever the reason, I’m happy to report that for people who are focused on stronger performance from their sedan, options still exist. 

One such option is the 2021 Mazda6, a sedan that both looks sharp and drives impressively. I recently spent some time in a Mazda6 and I’m back with a full report.

In the automotive world, trucks rule the sales charts, nailing down positions 1-2-3 on the overall list of most-purchased vehicles year after year.

And while Ford continued to hold the overall lead with its F-Series once the final numbers for 2020 were tallied, there was an interesting development in the battle for 2nd place, with the Chevy Silverado passing RAM for 2nd place, with 594,094 Silverados sold vs. 562,676 for RAM. This is quite impressive, as the Silverado made up a significant gap from the previous year, and this battle will no doubt continue to rage into 2021 and beyond.

I recently got behind the wheel of a 2021 Chevy Silverado Crew Cab Custom Trail Boss, and I’m back with a full report on how the Silverado measures up against its competition this year.

StradVision, a leading innovator in AI-based camera perception software for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and Autonomous Vehicles, announced that its SVNet software has achieved ISO 27001:2013 certification — a recognition of its proven commitment to the highest level of information security management. 

ISO 27001:2013 is one of the most widely recognized and internationally accepted information security standards — mandating continuous controls of operations, monitoring, maintenance and continuous improvement of the information security management system.

StradVision’s AI-based object recognition software, SVNet, is currently used in mass production models of ADAS and autonomous driving vehicles that support SAE Levels 2 to 4, and will be deployed in more than 8.8 million vehicles worldwide.

Reaching the 40-year mark is a major achievement for any vehicle, and the Nissan Maxima reaches that ripe old age in 2021, leading the way as the Nissan brand’s flagship sedan.

Currently on its eight edition, the last major upgrade to the Maxima came in 2015, but for 2021 there is a limited-production 40th Anniversary Edition with some attractive design additions.

Even after all this time, and despite tough competition, the Maxima remains an attractive full-size sedan with a level of sportiness rarely found in the segment.

I recently tested a 2021 40th Anniversary Nissan Maxima and I’m back with a full report.