2022 Toyota Venza

The 2022 Toyota Venza is on the expensive side, but we think the hybrid crossover SUV is worth it. The Venza LE starts with an MSRP of $33,240 in the US, which excludes tax, registration, and a destination fee of $1,215. Stepping up to the mid-range XLE will set you back $36,775, and the range-topping Limited goes on sale for $40,730. Fully loaded, a Limited Toyota Venza can cost upwards of $45k.

Those expecting the Venza to handle like an overweight family SUV will be pleased to hear that it is surprisingly light on its feet. The Venza shares its platform and powertrain with the RAV4, which is a pleasure to drive, and not much changes here; in fact, it gets a little better. The Venza is the heavier car, so it won't feel as engaging as the RAV4, but Toyota has added more sound deadening, which gives it a more premium feel, especially when cruising at highway speeds. Through the bendy stuff, the Venza's MacPherson front and multi-link rear suspension effortlessly control the shift in weight balance, and the on-demand all-wheel-drive and Active Cornering Assist systems impress with their ability to limit understeer.

The Venza can be driven in Eco, Normal, and Sport mode, but don't expect anything other than a slight change in throttle mapping. We appreciate the Venza's ability to move seamlessly from gas to electric power, and the CVT transmission performs beautifully when not asked to hurry. The Venza offers a borderline premium driving experience, which is impressive in this class.

The Toyota Venza straddles a relatively niche line between Toyota's other SUV offerings, including its premium line of Lexus vehicles. Based on the RAV4 platform, the Venza is larger, more shapely, and more sophisticated than its sibling, who has traditionally had a more rugged persona. Add to that the refinement of the increased noise insulation and long list of features and you're left with a crossover that feels more Lexus than Toyota - but at a more palatable price.

We appreciate the Venza's stylish interior, generous features list, good fuel economy, and comfortable driving style, but if you're after cargo space, competitors such as the Nissan Murano or Chevy Blazer will be a better choice. Still, with inflation and expenses rising, many will be looking to downscale from premium brands such as Lexus, and Toyota has built the perfect net to catch those customers.

The Venza is a solid package, and even in base guise offers a lot of safety and convenience benefits. The LE trim packs the majority of safety features on offer in the XLE and Limited but misses out on the larger 12.3-inch infotainment screen and a few other nice-to-haves. Seeing as this car borders on Lexus territory, we'd recommend going for the mid-range XLE at the very least. This model bags you luxuries such as front and rear parking assist, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, heated front seats, and 19-inch alloy wheels.

The RAV4 has been an American success story from the very beginning and continues to outsell its Toyota siblings to this day. The fact that the Venza is based on the RAV4 Hybrid has shaken things up. Both cars share the same platform and powertrain, so they perform more or less the same, but the overall driving experience is somewhat different. The Venza has a more premium feel thanks to its classy interior and added noise insulation, whereas the RAV4 feels more adventurous. Regarding the all-important question of cargo space, the RAV4 comes out on top, which could be a big deciding factor for those with families. If you're after luxury and sleek styling, the Venza is for you, but if you live a more active lifestyle and occasionally want to brave rouger terrain, the RAV4 is the way to go.

Toyota's range of SUVs is extensive, to say the least, and a step or two above the Venza, you'll find the bigger and badder Highlander. This three-row SUV is significantly larger than the Venza (it's about eight inches longer) and offers lots more cargo space and performance - but at the cost of efficiency. Under the hood, the Highlander packs a 3.5-liter V6 with 295 hp and 263 lb-ft of torque as standard, but a hybrid version with 243 hp is also on offer. The Highlander is geared towards larger families that live an active and adventurous lifestyle, and the fact that it can seat up to eight and carry a ton of stuff should tell you all you need to know. In terms of features, the Highlander and Venza share a lot in common, including Toyotas' full suite of driver assistance systems. Want to go big? The Highlander is your guy.