Importing a Toyota Venza from the USA: two generations, model years and what to check

The Toyota Venza is an unusual model — two entirely different cars under one name. The first generation (2009–2015) was a petrol crossover with a V6 or a 4-cylinder engine; then the Venza left the market and returned in 2021 as a hybrid only. Both generations show up on US auctions (Copart, IAAI). Below are the generations, model years and what to check before you buy.

Generations and model years

1st generation (AV10), 2009–2015

A premium crossover built on the Camry platform. Engine — a 2.7L 4-cylinder or a 3.5L V6 (268 hp), 6-speed automatic, front- or all-wheel drive. In 2026 this whole generation is over 6 years old — the higher (triple) excise applies, and the large-displacement V6 pushes the excise up further.

The gap, 2016–2020

The Venza was not built in the US during these years — so there is no "middle-aged" Venza. At auction you get either the old petrol car or the new hybrid, nothing in between.

2nd generation (AXUH80), 2021–2024

An all-new car on the RAV4 Hybrid TNGA-K platform — hybrid only: a 2.5L plus electric motors, 219 hp combined, standard all-wheel drive (AWD). Trims: LE, XLE, Limited. There is no petrol-only version. This generation is the best to import — it is still under 6 years old, so the excise is low.

Venza year by year — 2009 to 2024

Below, each model year is covered separately — what changed that year and what to keep in mind when importing in 2026 (especially age and excise).

Venza 2009

Start of the 1st generation. A new niche between the Camry and the Highlander — a tall crossover with low-sedan comfort. 2.7L 4-cylinder or 3.5L V6. In 2026 it is well over 6 years old → higher excise, but it is the cheapest Venza at auction.

Venza 2010

A carryover of the 2009 with minor changes. Same engines and automatic. A budget option, though the old age makes customs expensive.

Venza 2011

Added equipment and refreshed trims; otherwise a steady AV10. Over 6 years old — factor in the higher excise.

Venza 2012

The last pre-facelift year. A reliable, comfortable petrol crossover. On the V6, remember the large displacement raises the excise.

Venza 2013

An important year: the facelift — a restyled front end, the new Entune multimedia and an improved interior. Importing a Venza 2013 from the USA still happens, but the excise is high because of its age.

Venza 2014

The post-facelift year with minor changes. A well-equipped used car. Over 6 years old → higher excise.

Venza 2015

The final 1st-generation year — after this the Venza was dropped in the US (not built 2016–2020). The most refined AV10. Still over 6 years old, so the excise is high.

Venza 2021

An all-new 2nd generation — hybrid only, a 2.5L plus electric motors (219 hp), standard AWD, on the TNGA-K platform. The Star Gaze fixed glass roof (it frosts at the touch of a button) was available on the Limited. Importing a Venza 2021 from the USA pays off: it is still under 6 years, so the excise is low.

Venza 2022

The Nightshade Edition (blacked-out trim) was added, with minor equipment updates. The hybrid is economical and quiet. Under 6 years — a low excise and a good balance between price and being recent.

Venza 2023

Equipment and colour updates, a steady hybrid. A modern AWD crossover with a low excise — one of the best choices to import in 2026.

Venza 2024

The final 2nd-generation year — after this the Venza was dropped again. The newest → the lowest excise (well under 6 years). If your budget allows, the Venza 2024 is the best balance of recency and price.

For the exact customs on any year see the 2026 excise rules or use the calculator.

Engine and drivetrain — which to choose

• 2.7L petrol (gen 1): enough for daily driving, with a lower excise than the V6 thanks to the smaller displacement.
• 3.5L V6 (gen 1): strong and smooth, but the large displacement → a higher excise and more fuel.
• 2.5L Hybrid (gen 2): the only option in the 2nd generation — economical, AWD as standard, and a low excise under 6 years. The best choice.

What to check before bidding

• Damage history: most Venzas come with a salvage title — check the damage type and frame integrity.
• Hybrid battery (gen 2): on the 2nd generation, battery health is key.
• AWD system: confirm the all-wheel drive works (gen 2 uses a rear electric motor).
• Recalls: some years have known recalls — a VIN check is essential.

To assess a damaged lot see the Copart guide and run a VIN check.

Common problems — what to watch for

The Venza is reliable overall, but each generation has known weak spots:

• AV10 (2009–2015): in hot climates some cars show a sticky dashboard surface, plus water-pump and power-liftgate wear. Check these parts.
• AXUH80 (2021–2024): mostly dependable; watch the hybrid battery and the 12V battery, and the electronics of the Star Gaze glass roof.
• General: test the A/C, infotainment and power windows — on damaged lots these are often the affected parts.

Fuel economy and mileage

The gen 1 2.7L uses about 10–11 L/100 km in the city, the V6 up to 12–13. The gen 2 hybrid is far thriftier — about 6 L/100 km. The Venza is known for longevity: with proper care, 250,000+ km is normal. At auction, 100,000–150,000 km (60,000–90,000 miles) is a good balance between price and remaining life.

Venza vs the rivals — Toyota RAV4, Nissan Murano, Lexus RX

The Venza is lower and longer than the RAV4 — more ride comfort, less off-road ability. The Nissan Murano is a direct rival (V6/stylish) but loses value faster on the used market. The Lexus RX is more premium and pricier. If you want Toyota reliability, comfort and (in gen 2) hybrid economy, the Venza is a strong pick.

Why the Venza is interesting in Georgia

The Venza is a low, comfortable crossover with all-wheel drive — ideal for city and highway, less so for the mountains. The gen 2 hybrid is especially appealing: low consumption, AWD, and a low excise thanks to being under 6 years old. Parts come from Toyota's shared bin, so service is cheap and available.

Customs and price

Venza customs depend on the generation: gen 1 (2009–2015) is over 6 years old and the large-displacement V6 raises the excise; gen 2 (2021–2024) is under 6 years and, with the 2.5L hybrid, is significantly cheaper to clear. See the 2026 excise rules. For the exact cost of a specific lot use the calculator or get a personal quote.