2021 Toyota Venza

Predictably, the new Venza drives much like the last RAV4 Hybrid we tested. Sharing the same drivetrain and platform tends to do that. This isn't to say that the two are identical. With the Venza, Toyota has added more sound-deadening materials, improving one of our most significant gripes with the RAV4 Hybrid, its road noise. On the highway, the Venza feels considerably quieter than its more mainstream sibling. We'd never call it sporty but thanks to MacPherson front and multi-link rear suspension, the Venza hugs the road admirably using a combination of on-demand all-wheel-drive and Active Cornering Assist, which uses stability control to reduce understeer. This suspension setup also helps the Venza ride smoothly over rough roads without bouncing around or disrupting the peace.

Drivers can select from Eco, Normal, and Sport modes, which do little more than adjust the throttle mapping. In most conditions, the Venza leaves silently from a stop before engaging the engine, creating a near-seamless transition from electric to gas propulsion. You won't be able to feel the engine kick on but you'll certainly hear it when you need to get up to speed in a hurry. Toyota's eCVT has a tendency to create some less than exotic sounds from the gas engine but we found that if you drive the Venza like a reasonable person, the engine remains mostly quiet. As we mentioned, a little more power in the Venza would have been welcomed but Toyota customers likely prefer improved fuel economy over grunt. The Venza does more to straddle the line between a Toyota and Lexus product than any other model in the lineup and it should make you think twice about purchasing an NX Hybrid.

The 2021 Toyota Venza is clearly not the shrunken two-row Highlander some people wanted or expected it to be. If cargo capacity is your number one priority, you should choose one of the multitudes of more spacious midsizers like the Chevy Blazer, Honda Passport, Nissan Murano, or Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, to name a few. But despite its lack of space, the Venza is not a failure. The Venza is more of a "Premium Coupe-Like RAV4" than "Sportier Highlander." If you think of Venza that way, it starts to make sense.

It may share similar proportions to the RAV4 but the two look and feel completely different. The RAV4 gives off a rugged, adventurous personality while the Venza looks more sleek and sophisticated. We think the Venza will appeal to a former Lexus owner who is ready to downsize and save a bit on their monthly payment. In fact, the current Lexus NX Hybrid is so in need of a refresh, we'd actually suggest the Venza over it, no questions asked. The Venza is not so much a rival for mainstream midsize SUVs, it's a question of whether the Lexus badge is actually worth as much at the moment. If you are currently shopping for a Lexus crossover, you may want to run across the street to check out a Venza first.

The Toyota RAV4 has been the brand's best-selling SUVs for years, so the Venza could introduce an interesting conundrum for Toyota customers since the two are both similar in size and, in the case of the RAV4 Hybrid, have identical powertrains. With its smaller cargo area, the Venza isn't quite as accommodating as the RAV4, but some may prefer its classier cabin and more sophisticated appearance. In terms of efficiency, the difference between the Venza and the RAV4 Hybrid is close enough to be negligible, so that is a non-factor. However, the RAV4 offers both cheaper gas-only/FWD versions as well as a potent plug-in hybrid in the RAV4 Prime, so there is more diversity within the RAV4 range as a whole. Of the two SUVs, the Venza is a bit better equipped from the base level; for instance, it has a bigger eight-inch touchscreen on the entry-level trim. Whichever crossover you choose, both provide a strong mix of quality, efficiency, and value.

Higher up in the Toyota range is the bigger Highlander. At close to 10 inches longer than the Venza, the Highlander offers three-row seating for up to eight passengers. Behind its second row of seats, it has a commodious 48.4 cubic feet of cargo space, easily trouncing the Venza's effort. The regular Highlander uses a 3.5-liter V6 with 295 hp and 263 lb-ft of torque, so it's more powerful than the Venza but can't match it for efficiency. There is also a Highlander Hybrid, though, which makes 243 hp, although it does have quite a bit more weight to lug around. The Highlander's more ungainly styling speaks to the fact that it's the much more practical, spacious option between these two, whereas the Venza is a more elegant SUV that will find favor with buyers who don't need the extra space and seats. Parents will be happy to know that both SUVs feature a full spread of active and passive safety gear.