2021 Toyota Venza vs 2020 Toyota RAV4

The 2020 Toyota RAV4, following its 2019 redesign, presented a bolder and more angular appearance, setting a new standard for compact SUVs. Known for its durability, the RAV4 offered a rugged look that matched its off-road capabilities, especially in the Adventure and TRD Off-Road trims. The TRD Off-Road trim, introduced in 2020, featured matte-black 18-inch alloy wheels, all-terrain tires, and a TRD suspension setup, enhancing its performance on various terrains. The interior was equipped with TRD logos, rubber floor mats, and a rubber cargo mat, providing a practical and durable cabin environment. The RAV4's trim levels ranged from the base LE to the top-tier Limited, with the TRD Off-Road positioned near the top, offering a blend of quality construction and off-road prowess.

The 2021 Toyota Venza, slightly shorter and lower than the RAV4, was often compared to a Lexus in terms of design, with a sleek and elongated profile reminiscent of the Lexus LF-1 Limitless concept. Available in three trims—LE, XLE, and Limited—the Venza offered a range of paint colors and a long list of standard features, including LED lighting, a wireless charging pad, and dual-zone climate control. The Venza's interior was marked by premium appointments, with a focus on comfort and style, particularly in the Limited trim. Despite its elegant design, the Venza maintained practicality with features like a 60/40 split-folding rear seat and a maximum cargo space of 55.1 cubic feet, making it suitable for daily driving needs.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 was powered by a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. It offered a hybrid variant with 219 horsepower and impressive fuel efficiency, though the TRD Off-Road trim was not available as a hybrid. The RAV4's 8-speed automatic transmission generally performed well, though it occasionally struggled with gear selection. The TRD Off-Road model featured a torque-vectoring AWD system with multiple terrain settings, making it adept at handling various driving conditions. Despite its off-road focus, the RAV4 TRD Off-Road was versatile enough for urban use, though its fuel economy fell short of EPA estimates, averaging 23.4 mpg.

The 2021 Toyota Venza came standard with a hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with electric motors to deliver 219 horsepower and 163 pound-feet of torque. The eCVT transmission provided smooth acceleration, though engine noise was noticeable during rapid acceleration. The Venza's AWD system offered confident handling, and its fuel economy was a standout feature, achieving an EPA-estimated 39 mpg combined. Toyota's hybrid powertrain was backed by a robust warranty, adding to the Venza's appeal as an efficient and reliable SUV.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 offered easy ingress and egress, with a sporty driving position and an 8-way adjustable driver's seat. The interior featured SofTex upholstery, with optional heated and ventilated front seats. Rear passengers enjoyed generous legroom, and the RAV4 provided ample interior storage, including a dashboard shelf. Cargo space was a highlight, with 37.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 69.8 cubic feet with them folded. The RAV4 also featured a robust roof rack, enhancing its utility.

The 2021 Toyota Venza's interior was marked by a unique design, with premium materials and a well-organized center stack. The cabin offered comfortable seating for five, with more headroom than the RAV4 and comparable passenger volume. The Venza's cargo space was smaller, with a maximum of 55.1 cubic feet, but it was sufficient for daily use. The Venza's interior was more refined than the RAV4's, emphasizing comfort and style over ruggedness.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 featured a user-friendly infotainment system with a 7- or 8-inch touchscreen, offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. The TRD Off-Road trim included an optional Technology Package with wireless charging, a 360-degree camera, and a digital rear-view mirror. The voice-recognition technology was particularly impressive, enhancing the overall user experience.

The 2021 Toyota Venza offered an 8-inch infotainment system on the LE and XLE trims, with a 12.3-inch screen on the Limited. While the system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa, it was not the most intuitive. The Venza also featured a Wi-Fi hotspot and a JBL premium audio system on higher trims. Toyota's connected services, including Safety Connect and Remote Connect, were standard, providing additional convenience and safety features.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, offering a suite of advanced safety features, including pre-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure alert. The RAV4 received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, though headlight performance varied by model.

The 2021 Toyota Venza also featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, with similar safety technologies. It included eight airbags, a rearview camera, and blind-spot monitoring. The Venza's safety systems performed well, though lane-keeping assist tended to keep the vehicle further to the right within the lane.