2021 Toyota Venza will surprise you

This is the 2021 Toyota Venza.

It's a reboot of what once was a frumpy crossover, now reborn as something more modern and more posh.

The modernity starts with what's under the hood, a standard hybrid system that got me over 40 miles-per-gallon in mixed driving.

Under the hood is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder, and you'll also find a trio of electric motors scattered throughout, paired with a 0.9 kWh battery pack.

But you'd never know it, as it's a generally "normal" looking SUV.

The interior is dramatically improved over what's come before, modern and clean -- if a bit dark.

The signature element, though, is this photochromic roof, which turns opaque at the touch of a button.

Front to back, the Venza is hugely improved over before.

It drives and rides smoothly, and is efficient, too.

Watch out, Lexus!