Could the Toyota Venza Be Making an American Comeback?

Toyota Venza Might Make A Stunning Comeback

The Toyota Venza, also known as the Harrier in Japan, officially left the US lineup with the arrival of the 2025. It’s departure came as somewhat of a surprise considering the coupe SUV – essentially the more stylish version of the RAV4 with a raked roof – enjoyed solid sales during its brief second run. In fact, by the end of 2024, Toyota had sold over 32,000 Venza units in America, an increase from its sales in 2023, and more than Toyota’s own bZ4X, which received an update this year.

Despite its exit, the Venza didn’t leave a void in the market as the Crown Signia took its place, giving American buyers a stylish and slightly upmarket option. However, new reports from Japan suggest that the Venza could make a swift comeback. Toyota is developing a new-generation Harrier, sparking rumors that the nameplate could soon return to US shores.

Sleeker Than The Toyota RAV4 With Its Own Hybrid Setup

According to the grapevine, the next Toyota Venza/Harrier will keep the coupe SUV form, but will have a “lower than the SUV frame.” It will be longer than before – up by 3.2 inches – but with shorter overhangs, which could mean a larger space for rear passengers.

Compared to the RAV4, with which it shares its TNGA-K platform, the Venza will be sleeker, with a longer and lower stance. It will also be marketed as a premium SUV for sophisticated buyers, contrasting the rugged, outdoor-ready image of the RAV4.

Another distinction from the RAV4 would be its powerplant. While the US-spec RAV4 now has an all-hybrid lineup, with an improved plug-in hybrid version, the new Venza will reportedly use a turbo-hybrid setup to differentiate from the more popular nameplate. The combustion engine part of the hybrid equation will reportedly be a newly developed 1.5-liter turbocharged four-pot engine known as the “X15.”

A Delay May Push Venza’s Return To 2027

The next-generation Toyota Harrier/Venza was supposed to launch next year. However, Toyota’s ongoing certification fraud scandal has apparently delayed this to 2027 along with other vehicle development schedules across the brand.

It’s unclear if Toyota will revive the Venza nameplate once it debuts in 2027, but we won’t be surprised if it does. The question now is: will Toyota replace the Crown Signia, or will they be sold side by side? Looking at the numbers, the Venza’s replacement is currently enjoying decent numbers, selling nearly 8,000 units during the first three months of 2025. Having outsell the bZ again and even the 4Runner, the Crown Signia name is proving popular with Toyota customers, so don’t expect Toyota to let it leave the lineup.