2022 Toyota Venza vs 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid retained the design updates introduced in the previous year, featuring a two-motor hybrid powertrain and subtle styling changes. It sported "Hybrid" badges and blue Honda logos, with LED fog lights and a distinct rear bumper setting it apart from its gas-only counterparts. Inside, the CR-V Hybrid offered unique instrumentation to display battery status and power distribution, with steering wheel paddles managing regenerative braking. Available in EX, EX-L, and Touring trims, all models came with standard all-wheel drive, with pricing ranging from $30,560 to $36,350. The Touring trim, tested with a Platinum White Pearl paint, featured luxurious ivory leather and a premium sound system, though the fake wood trim was a noted downside.

The 2022 Toyota Venza re-emerged with a sleek design on the TGNA-K platform, shared with several other Toyota and Lexus models. Its modern exterior, with a scalloped body and LED lighting, gave it a Lexus-like appearance. The interior was equally refined, offering an elegant layout with high-quality materials. The Venza's cabin was spacious, with supportive front seats and ample room in the rear. The available Star Gaze panoramic roof added to the sense of space. The Venza's design prioritized comfort and style over rugged off-road capabilities, making it ideal for urban environments.

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid featured a 2.0-liter gasoline engine paired with an electric assist motor, delivering a total of 212 horsepower and 232 pound-feet of torque. It offered three driving modes—EV Drive, Hybrid Drive, and Engine Drive—automatically selecting the most suitable one. The CR-V Hybrid's added weight from the battery pack improved its center of gravity and weight distribution, maintaining 8.2 inches of ground clearance. Despite its power and handling, the CR-V Hybrid's fuel economy fell short of expectations, achieving 33.7 mpg compared to the EPA's 38 mpg rating.

The 2022 Toyota Venza combined a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine with three electric motors, producing 219 horsepower. It offered electric-only operation for short distances and three drive modes—Normal, Eco, and Sport. Regenerative braking helped recharge the battery, optimizing efficiency. The Venza's performance was agile and suitable for family travel, with a focus on comfort rather than aggressive driving. Its hybrid system provided a seamless driving experience without the need for charging infrastructure, making it convenient for long journeys.

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid excelled in interior space, with comfortable front seats offering 12-way power adjustment and heated options. The rear seats provided ample legroom, similar to the Accord sedan, with air conditioning vents and USB ports for convenience. Despite the Touring trim's wireless smartphone charger taking up space, the CR-V Hybrid offered impressive cargo capacity, with 33.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 68.7 cubic feet with them folded.

The 2022 Toyota Venza accommodated five passengers comfortably, with good headroom and legroom in both rows. The cabin featured numerous convenience features, including power-adjustable front seats, an electric parking brake, and ample storage options. The Venza's lithium-ion battery pack had minimal impact on cargo space, offering 28.8 cubic feet behind the second row and 55.1 cubic feet with it folded. Toyota prioritized a quiet cabin, adding sound-blocking materials for a serene driving experience.

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid's infotainment system, redesigned in 2017, felt outdated despite its large, flush surface. The seven-inch touchscreen lacked a tuning knob, and the system was slow to start. Voice recognition was limited, making wired Apple CarPlay or Android Auto necessary for natural interaction. The Touring trim's nine-speaker audio system was a highlight, but the overall technology package lagged behind competitors.

The 2022 Toyota Venza offered a comprehensive infotainment system with an eight-inch touchscreen on LE and XLE models, and a 12.3-inch screen on the Limited trim. It supported Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Amazon Alexa, with multiple USB ports and Bluetooth connectivity. The Limited trim featured a nine-speaker JBL audio system and an Advanced Technology Package with a head-up display and digital rearview mirror. Toyota Connected Services provided additional safety and convenience features, enhancing the Venza's tech appeal.

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid came equipped with Honda Sensing, offering adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. It earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS, though it lacked some advanced features found in competitors.

The 2022 Toyota Venza included the Toyota Star Safety System, with stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, and a rearview camera. It featured eight airbags and the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite, with forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure alert. The Venza received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA, offering comprehensive safety features across all trims.