What was I cross shopping with my NX350h? Here are my two runners up!

Hey, friends! So many of you have asked about the NX versus Toyota Venza, what else I was considering before buying my new NX, what the most refined and best driving compact crossover out there is (hint: it’s not a Toyota), and so this video addresses exactly what I think and like about the Venza and why the new CR-V should really be on your list too.

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
01:27 Toyota Venza
08:38 Could we see a Venza Prime!?
10:57 Honda CR-V Hybrid

[Saircita]

I’m not in the market for a new car, but I’m captivated by your videos. 😅

[dougpratt]

Excellent video on many levels! As someone that has shopped the NX, RAV4 Prime, Venza Limited, and the CRV Sport Touring for the last year I agree with all of your observations. I ended up with a Sport Touring because of the peaceful interior and a dealer that sells for MSRP.

[Rissybear]

Great review! Was also considering RX 350h ($57k)
I went with the Venza ( Limited) ($45k out the door) because of the price and options. It is very hard to find a NX with all the things I like and would cost a lot more. I went with limited as I like the HUD it keeps me safe not having to look down😊

To get a NX-h .. I would have to get the Luxury version with HUD, Pano, and navigation.. I prefer not to use my phone for navigation.. plus you get the bigger screen.

For me the biggest drawback of Venza is the lack of an actual sun roof. I did not get the stargaze roof as I could not find one.
You are correct that this car and NX is not for a large family or I would even say larger people ( over 5’9).
For me this works just fine for 2 short people and a small dog.

I left BMW X3 x30i for more reliability, but I miss the luxury level of BMW. I am sure Lexus materials are more luxurious, but the luxury NX h is over budget right now. 😅

I am 1 month into Venza and feel it is a great SUV, will last a long time, and gets great mpg 44.3….
However missing the luxury refinement of Lexus or other brands like Acura, BMW, Mercedes. People call Venza an old lady car 😂😂.. but I am early 40’s..

My positives:
Love the infotainment screen, digital display, wireless Apple carplay, JBL system, HUD, heated steering wheel, memory seats, folding mirrors, ventilated seats, Some good options for a Toyota ( Lexus Light 😂) BMWs do not come with ventilated seats or HUD unless ordered that way.

Ps.. love your red seats.. I wish Venza would offer more colors and interiors. Definitely like the XLE nightshade with the black trim and wheels, makes Venza a little younger looking, but I like the top options. The paint is much softer on Venza then a Lexus for sure and I have ppf 🙉..

[klarenzmaetabucal]

Thank you! This just gave me clarity on what I’m going to buy. I’ve been going back and forth between RAV4, Venza, and CRV. I care more about driving dynamics and refinement. I love my Mazda’s handling but I need a more practical car especially nowadays with the gas prices and I can’t wait any longer for Mazda to release hybrids. I think CRV is a better fit for me.

[frantucker]

So while I was looking at the wait for the Venza I remembered you gave a shoutout to Honda CR-V Hybrid Touring. I found a 2025 and it is my first Honda and my first Hybrid. I decided that I wanted to go just a tad bit old school. Plus the Venza is more expensive than the CR-V so I saved myself at a minimum of $4000. Just wanted to let you, your reviews are awesome and truthful. Oh, and it holds its value, and is fun to drive. The quiet sound is a little unnerving. I think the car has stalled. haha.

[vanzarockin]

This is a superbly articulated cross-shopping comparison. You really broke it down explaining the CR-V's refined driving experience vs the NX and the RAV4. Thank you!

[jsc]

Josh, thank you SO MUCH for your videos…I’m looking at these exact same cars, and I very much appreciate your due diligence (BTW: I’m ordering my NX350H soon)!

[iankimmorley]

Another terrific video Josh, you do an amazing job. Given our market here in Australia is only quite small (compared to the US), we unfortunately don’t get the Venza (I wish we did), your session has taught me quite a bit about the Venza in relation to our NXs. Keep up your great work. Ian

[rockinggator]

Great video! One area the NX beats the Venza and CRV is the infotainment screen integrated into the dash. The other two both sit up above the dash. I think that is a bad decision and will not age well either. CRV's used to be integrated, not sure why they changed it up. Honda needs to bring the hybrid powertrain to the Acura line...then we can really get the best of both worlds competing with Lexus. I am really stumped why they still haven't done this especially with such high demand for hybrids.

[DrWho-Tardis]

My wife and I were ready to pull the trigger on the 2024 Venza and found out it is the last year of manufacturing it! Back to the drawing board…we’ll look at your other recommendation of the Honda CRV sport hybrid and the Lexus NX 350h (although I will watch your video on why you traded your 350h so soon). Really enjoy your videos Josh, please keep up the fantastic work!🤗

[rockslide]

New viewer.Very impressed with your thoughtful and insightful comparison video.

[andyr]

I have a 21 venza limited and I'm extremely happy with the options and performance. Great video, Ty

[gsnt]

Great video! I agree with your assessment, the CRV Hybrid system is more refined.

[fortifiedgaze]

The info graphic and animations at 12:11 are so good wtf

[tails]

Before I bought my Camry hybrid I was also looking at the Accord and Mazda 6. I wanted a hybrid sedan so Mazda got crossed off the list and Honda had no Accords available unless you ordered one (I couldn’t even test drive one because they had none on the lot). So here’s where the Camry came in and I’ve always liked Toyota the most over the big three Japanese brands, so it was a no brainer (and the Toyota dealer had one to test drive too 😂).

[naveda]

2023 Venza LE we’re under 6 feet tall, but overweight we fit great. Daughter has enough room in back seat. Love my Venza

[nikolaclarke]

Wonderful video 👍😍 profound information yes would like to see a comparison with the NX and the Venza

[keithcunningham]

Wow! this is the first video of yours that I've watched. Very informative. In fact these are the three vehicles that I'm shopping for. Currently, I have a 2018 Honda Accord Touring with a 1.5 liter engine. It's nice, but I'm looking for a hybrid. Obviously curious about the CRV but also the 350NXh and Venza! I appreciated your clear critiques and prase of the pros and cons of each vehicle. All of them are really good but it truly is subject to personal preference. I'm leaning towards the Lexus because of the buying experience - their dealerships here in the Seattle area are beautiful and the service is legendary. But I love my Honda and the thought of a plug in Venza is absolutely thrilling. Anyway, thanks again and nice job.

[edranft]

Well done, thanks for the CR-V details, in particular, how they keep the engine and tires quieter. Just wish it was more stylish. Were you always this verbally gifted?! I’m trying to see you as a 12 year old student in school. Probably almost the same. 😮😊

[elsaandnoah]

I have always liked the original Venza, too! I really wanted one when they first came out. I don’t like the name however. I wish Toyota would call it a Harrier in North America. I would consider the current edition Venza too (hybrid is appealing) 🤔