In this comparison, we see how the 2022 Toyota RAV4 and the 2022 Toyota Venza measure up against each other. On the face of it you might wonder why Toyota even bothered building two different two-row SUVs on the same platform and with what is largely the same hybrid system. However, as we're about to find out, the Venza is a slightly different proposition to the RAV4, with a slightly different audience in mind. Here's how they compare across a range of categories, including ratings from CarGurus experts.
2022 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2022 Toyota Venza
Look and Feel
CarGurus experts rate both the 2022 Toyota RAV4 and the 2022 Toyota Venza at 9 out of 10 for style and quality.
The RAV4, introduced in 1996, has come a long way. Its exterior design, while fitting seamlessly into the crossover category, has crisp lines and subtle angular flourishes in the wheel arches. The front end, with expressive headlights and a snub-nosed grille, gives it a playful yet aggressive appearance. Toyota's commitment to fit-and-finish is evident, enhancing the overall quality.
Inside, the RAV4 boasts a layered dash with contrasting textures and colors. The touchscreen interface is thoughtfully positioned for minimal driver distraction. Unique design cues, such as a circuit-board-inspired geometric pattern, add character to the cabin.
The 2022 Venza features a more elaborate and upmarket design, and could quite easily fit within the Lexus lineup. Its standout feature is the deeply scalloped body side. The rear end is notable, bisected by a stripe of LED lighting. The Venza's nose is prominent but not built for off-roading, catering more to urban environments.
Inside, the Venza once again exudes a Lexus-like elegance with a well-laid-out cabin and high-quality materials. The dash takes advantage of a steep windshield, offering depth to the cabin. Seating is comfortable, with three adults fitting easily in the rear.
Performance
CarGurus experts once again find the 2022 Toyota RAV4 and the 2022 Toyota Venza an even match when it comes to performance, with each scoring 8 out of 10.
The RAV4 offers a range of powertrains to suit various preferences. The gasoline-only model comes with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower. It achieves impressive fuel economy with up to 35 mpg on the highway for front-wheel drive models.
The RAV4 Hybrid combines a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, delivering a combined 217 horsepower. Fuel efficiency stands out with an impressive 41 mpg in the city.
For those seeking performance and efficiency, the RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid offers 302 horsepower and up to 42 miles of electric-only range, with an efficiency rating of 94 MPGe combined. Quick charging options are available.
In terms of handling, the RAV4 maintains its reputation for car-like agility with all-wheel-drive models featuring Multi-Terrain Select tuning and rear-driveline disconnect for improved fuel economy.
The Venza is powered by a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder gasoline engine and three electric motors, producing a combined 219 horsepower. It's very similar to the hybrid powertrain in the RAV4, albeit with one more electric motor. Like the RAV4, it balances electric and gas power for optimal efficiency and performance.
Driving the Venza feels sprightly and agile–it's more like a Camry than a RAV4 in that regard. While not built for aggressive cornering, it excels as a midsize family SUV. The hybrid powertrain combines regenerative braking and gasoline power effectively.
Form and Function
It's even socres once again, as both the 2022 Toyota RAV4 and the 2022 Toyota Venza score an excellent 9 out of 10 for form and function.
The RAV4's growth over generations is evident in its ability to hold up to 37.5 cubic feet of cargo behind the second row. Folding the second row expands this to 69.8 cubic feet. It boasts a substantial payload capacity of 1,050-1,230 pounds, depending on configuration.
Towing capabilities vary by trim level, with some models capable of towing up to 3,500 pounds. This flexibility, combined with the RAV4's impressive fuel efficiency, makes it a versatile choice.
Inside, the RAV4 offers a spacious and comfortable cabin with ample storage options, cupholders, and bottle holders throughout. The rear bench seat, while not luxurious, provides decent comfort.
The Venza also seats up to five people in two rows with good headroom and legroom. The cabin feels roomy, and the available Star Gaze fixed panoramic glass roof on the Limited trim level adds to the spaciousness.
Convenience features abound, including an electric parking brake, LED map lights, and power-adjustable seats. Like the RAV4, the cabin is equipped with plenty of cupholders, bottle holders, and storage options.
Cargo space in the Venza is good, if not up to RAV4 standards. If offers up to 28.8 cubic feet behind the second row, expandable to 55.1 cubic feet with the second row folded flat. Sound-blocking and absorbing insulation create a serene and quiet driving experience.
Technology
CarGurus experts rate both the 2022 Toyota RAV4 and the 2022 Toyota Venza with (surprise, surprise!) identical scores of 8 out of 10 for technology.
The 2022 RAV4 impresses with its tech offerings, even in base trims. As you climb the trim ladder, you'll find more sophisticated tech enhancements. Standard features include a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a six-speaker audio system, and seamless smartphone integration with Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and Apple CarPlay. It also boasts features that require subscriptions, such as SiriusXM satellite radio, Safety Connect, and Wi-Fi Connect. Bluetooth phone connectivity is standard on all models.
Stepping up to the RAV4 XLE and above, you get the Audio Plus system with a 9-inch touchscreen. For those who crave premium sound, Limited models and the RAV4 Prime XSE offer an 11-speaker JBL audio system and built-in navigation.
The RAV4 Prime, the tech champion in this lineup, boasts five USB ports, two 12-volt/120-watt auxiliary power outlets, a 120-volt/1,500-watt AC power outlet, and blue ambient illumination for added flair. The top trim level also features a Qi-compatible wireless smartphone charging pad, a bird's-eye view camera system, and a 10-inch color head-up display.
For the Venza, the LE and XLE trims come with an eight-inch touchscreen, AM/FM/HD Radio, and smartphone integration via Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Amazon Alexa. Bluetooth hands-free phone and streaming music connectivity are also standard. Additional USB ports and a six-speaker sound system complete the package.
The Venza Limited elevates the tech game with a nine-speaker JBL audio system, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, and intelligent touch-capacitive controls. Toyota Connected Services, including Safety Connect, Service Connect, Remote Connect, and WiFi Connect, are available across the lineup.
An optional Advanced Technology Package adds a head-up display (HUD) and rain-sensing windshield wipers, enhancing the Venza's tech arsenal.
Safety
When it comes to safety, both the 2022 Toyota RAV4 and 2022 Toyota Venza receive high praise from CarGurus experts, each earning a rating of 9 out of 10.
Every RAV4 model comes equipped with the Toyota Star Safety System, which includes essential safety features like vehicle stability control, traction control, anti-lock braking, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, and smart stop technology. The RAV4 also features LATCH child-seat lower anchors on outboard rear seats and tether anchors on all rear seats, along with child-guard locks on both rear side doors. The RAV4 boasts eight airbags to protect occupants.
The Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite is standard on all RAV4 models, offering a range of driver-assist systems like pre-collision with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert with steering assist, automatic high beams, lane-tracing assist, and road sign assist. Higher trims add blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and front and rear parking assist with automatic braking.
Both the RAV4 and RAV4 Prime earn top safety ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
The Venza is no slouch in the safety department either. It also comes standard with the Toyota Star Safety System. In terms of airbags, the Venza provides comprehensive coverage, including systems for driver and front passenger protection, side airbags, a driver knee airbag, front-passenger seat-cushion airbag, and front and rear side-curtain airbags. Additionally, the Venza offers three-point seatbelts for all seating positions and LATCH lower anchors for child safety seats on rear outboard seats, plus child protector locks on the rear doors.
The Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite is also a standard feature on all Venza trims, offering forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, daytime bicycle detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert with steering assist, automatic high beams, lane tracing assist, and road-sign assist. Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and hill-start assist come standard on all trim levels, with front and rear parking assist and fog lamps available on higher trims.
The IIHS recognizes the 2022 Toyota Venza as a Top Safety Pick, while the NHTSA awards it a five-star rating, reflecting its commitment to safety.
Cost Effectiveness
CarGurus experts rate the 2022 Toyota RAV4 at 7 out of 10 for cost effectiveness, while the 2022 Toyota Venza earns 8 out of 10. It's important to remember that they compete in slightly different parts of the market, and those scores are relative to direct competitors, rather than to each other.
In the RAV4's case, it competes in the highly competitive compact crossover market, and faces rivals such as the Honda CR-V, Nissan Rogue, Hyundai Tucson, Ford Escape, Mazda CX-5, Chevrolet Equinox, Subaru Forester, and emerging electric SUVs like the Hyundai Kona Electric, Kia EV6, Chevrolet Bolt EUV, Subaru Solterra, and more.
Within that, the 2022 Toyota RAV4 retains its reputation for long-term dependability and durability, making it a solid choice for a diverse range of buyers. The RAV4 Hybrid XLE Premium is particularly attractive, offering a balance of features and efficiency at its price point.
The Venza sits in a slightly more upmarket sector of the market, but retains competitive pricing. It's always likely to carry a premium over a RAV4 of the same age and mileage, but that extra money gets you a more luxurious car.
While some critics have likened the Venza to a "Camry Wagon," it's essential to recognize the Venza's unique position in the market. Sharing a platform with the Camry and RAV4 provides advantages for both manufacturers and consumers. It allows for economies of scale, faster technology adoption, and efficient service and maintenance.
In terms of competition, the Venza competes with vehicles like the Chevrolet Blazer, Nissan Murano, Honda Passport, Jeep Grand Cherokee, and Ford Edge, all offering their take on the midsize wagon/SUV segment.
Verdict
According to CarGurus experts, the 2022 Toyota RAV4 earns an overall rating of 8.33 out of 10, while the 2022 Toyota Venza achieves a slightly higher score of 8.5 out of 10. Clearly it's a close run competition, and both of these Toyotas SUVs are highly recommendable. What it boils down to is this: if you value a lower price, the most possible space, and a wider choice of powertrains, the RAV4 is the better option. However, if a premium feel and distinctive styling are what matter most, the Venza is worth the extra outlay.
Choose the 2022 Toyota RAV4 if:
- You want a versatile and well-rounded crossover with a wide range of trim options to suit your needs.
- You prioritize long-term dependability and a proven track record.
- You're interested in exploring the world of hybrid technology without fully committing to an electric vehicle.
Search for a 2022 Toyota RAV4 on CarGurus
Choose the 2022 Toyota Venza if:
- You seek a stylish and practical AWD hybrid SUV with advanced tech features.
- You value fuel efficiency and want to reduce your environmental footprint.
- You appreciate a midsize SUV that balances comfort and versatility.
Search for a 2022 Toyota Venza on CarGurus
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