Toyota Venza or RAV4 Hybrid? Which Is Right For You?

In this episode the RAV4 Hybrid meets it's rizy cousin: the Venza, aka the Toyota Harrier. Unlike Toyota's self-claimed competition, the Venza is in fact not a mid-sizes 2-row crossover, but a more luxurious compact CUV with a little less space than the RAV on which it is based. I argue that this makes the Venza less of a Murano/Edge/Passport/Santa Fe competitor and more of a Lexus alternative...

[paulelgie]

I just purchased the Venza XLE after having a 2018 Rav4. In my mind it is more like a Lexus. I bought it because it is more luxurious, quieter, and the fuel mileage is incredible. It is a well designed SUV.

[mhassouneh]

Every car, truck & tractor should come with a volume knob for the infotainment system.

[jimmartin]

I purchased the Venza XLE but added the JBL sound system with Dynamic navigation and the soft Tex interior...they discounted the Venza $4, 000.00. Which brought the price back to $36, 000.00. Which is the price for the standard XLE. I love this version for myself. But, I am 62 yrs old and done raising children. Empty nester. Not great storage for sure. But, the ride and the JBL sound system make it perfect for me. The new design of the NX 300 is identical to it for 2022. But, does have some luxury Lexus features...but for the same features as I have on the Venza...The NX Hybrid would run $48, 000.00. I love my Venza so far...3000 miles and counting.

[khachikhmayakyan]

“I suspect that by the end of this video, everyone will be confused”
Yeah that’s because Lexus sells a luxury crossover based on an older non-luxury car with a weaker hybrid system... yet charges significantly more for it

[patphiltremaine]

As always, a good comparison, thank-you! We have been watching closely your Toyota reviews as we plan for our next Toyota upgrade in the new year. Good job! A lot of detail converted in a short period of time!

[jacobcoots]

Just got my 2021 Toyota Venza Limited. Cross shopped with Ford Escape hybrid, Rav 4 Hybrid, CX-5, Lexus NX, and a few others. Ultimately, the Venza just felt more polished. Premium interor and exterior styling. Great gas mileage. As soon as I drove/saw it I knew it trumped the others for me.

[hansschweikert]

Wow. One of the best reviews I've ever seen. I tip my hat to you Alex. What tips me towards the RAV4 Prime would be towing capacity (for a smallish sailboat about 2300 lbs.) and the roof rack (for the vacation bound cargo box). I prefer the styling and the posh interior of the Venza but losing cargo space is another detraction for me. I notice that readily when comparing my wife's 2015 Lexus RX 350 to my 2008 Highlander Hybrid: way smaller in back for those college kid drop offs. Utility wins my heart. Thanks for the great discussion.

[hereigoagain]

My wife and I love our RAV4 Hybrid. I like the styling of the Venza better, but I would still chose the RAV4 to save $.

[joec]

@alex on autos -- 2021 is actually the NX's SEVENTH model year, it's ancient. Also, love that you had "Harrier" playing on the Venza infotainment. Kudos on the Easter Egg :)

[Imqwik]

I've followed you over the years...your production now is top notch and well polished...excellent

[mct]

Love that you can get a Limited Venza with no sunroof. Forget those stupid things!

[josegeorge]

A very well done review - doesn’t antagonize the brand at the same time does call out key points for the end consumer. To answer your question I would get the RAV 4 over the Venza to save $. N would wait for the Lexus if I really wanted a premium vehicle from Toyota

[priddle]

I just want to say that you do an excellent job on your reviews. Appreciate the hard work. Thanks

[johnbrews]

Own a limited version without the skylight. Compared mainly with Outback, which I have driven for a decade. Found the Venza handles curves more confidently than the new Outback XT. Quieter, better sound system, more comfortable, 360 camera, hugely better mpg, rides better and throttle response far smoother. Do like bigger cargo space of the Outback and find Subaru eyesight system more confidence-inspiring than Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 (which IMO requires work). As a caution to first-time buyers of a hybrid, I’d suggest looking at the Car Care Nut videos to appreciate just how great the differences are from a simple gas vehicle.

[typesbad]

I greatly appreciate this review and am now even more interested in the Venza than before. To replace my wife's daily driver, comfort and quiet definitely trumps speed and sporty handling. The latter I get from my car. After the MDX, Im definitely looking for something smaller. The kids are grown, so as long as I can put two adults in the back seat for just a crosstown trip, I'm good. Thus the Passport, Murano, Blazer, Edge, etc are uselessly big. As far as cross shopping, I plan on looking this head on with the CR-V hybrid, and the Outback, which I really wish had a hybrid.

[ns]

One of the best reviewers! thanks for the excellent comparison!!!

[ccroy]

My neighbor just got a Venza. It's gorgeous! Her leased C300 is going back and she's buying the Toyota. As nice as the outside is surprisingly I think I prefer the Rav4 for the knobs and buttons and more practical storage in the dash.

[michaelchinchen]

I love your grading system at the end. Thanks for all that you do!

[MrGomjabber]

The Rav4 is incredibly uncomfortable for me when sitting behind the wheel. The Venza is not. I like everything about the Venza execpt for the cramped cargo area, but that cool exterior look comes at a price. Also, will definitely be getting the XLE so I can get more knobs instead of cap touch buttons.

[christianlind]

The Venza has much more headroom than the Rav-4. I'm 6'4" tall and hit my head on the roof of the Rav-4 even when the seat was in the lowest position. In the Venza I had 2" inches of extra headroom. I bought the Venza XLE.