2022 Toyota Venza vs 2021 Lexus GX

The 2021 Lexus GX retained its decade-old body shell, with minor updates over the years, including the signature spindle grille and triple-beam LED headlights. Despite its age, the GX's styling remained coherent, with a massive grille that was distinctive and appealing to SUV enthusiasts. However, the interior did not match the modern luxury SUV standards, with wood trim that felt like plastic and an abundance of actual plastic. Leather upholstery was standard, but the overall interior quality lagged behind its competitors.

The 2022 Toyota Venza, reintroduced on the TGNA-K platform, boasted a modern exterior design with excellent proportions. Its deeply scalloped body side and LED-lit tailgate were standout features, while the prominent nose gave it a unique look. Inside, the Venza offered a Lexus-like elegant layout with high-quality materials. The layered dash and well-placed touchscreen display added to the sophisticated feel, and the seats provided comfort for both front and rear passengers.

The 2021 Lexus GX featured a 4.6-liter V8 engine producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. While the V8 provided ample power for initial acceleration, the GX's 5,130-pound weight affected its performance at higher speeds, requiring careful planning for merging and overtaking. The body-on-frame construction resulted in a less refined ride quality, but the GX excelled in off-road capability with its Torsen center differential, low-range 4WD, and various driver aids. It also had a towing capacity of 6,500 pounds.

The 2022 Toyota Venza combined a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine with three electric motors, delivering 219 horsepower. The hybrid system allowed for electric-only operation for short distances and offered Normal, Eco, and Sport drive modes. Regenerative braking helped recharge the battery, and the Venza provided a smooth and agile driving experience. Its hybrid powertrain ensured efficiency without the need for charging infrastructure, making it a practical choice for everyday driving.

The 2021 Lexus GX's interior ergonomics showed its age, with limited legroom and an awkward steering wheel position. The dashboard design offered excellent outward visibility, but forward visibility was hindered by the tall hood. Storage options were limited, and the third-row seating was cramped and difficult to access. Cargo space was also restricted, with only 64.7 cubic feet available with the second and third rows folded.

The 2022 Toyota Venza offered a spacious cabin with two rows of seating for five passengers. Both rows provided ample headroom and legroom, and the available Star Gaze panoramic glass roof enhanced the sense of space. The interior featured numerous convenience features, including an electric parking brake, sliding sun visors, and a large glove compartment. The Venza's cargo capacity was 28.8 cubic feet behind the second row, expanding to 55.1 cubic feet with the seats folded. The cabin was designed for quiet travel, with sound-blocking materials throughout.

The 2021 Lexus GX was light on tech features, lacking Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The standard infotainment system had outdated graphics and limited functionality, but analog controls provided a straightforward interface. A 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system was available, but the overall tech offering was minimal for a luxury SUV.

The 2022 Toyota Venza featured a hybrid powertrain that required no special attention, offering a seamless driving experience without range anxiety. The infotainment system included an eight-inch touchscreen with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. The Limited trim added a nine-speaker JBL audio system and a 12.3-inch touchscreen. Toyota Connected Services and an Advanced Technology Package with a head-up display were also available, enhancing the Venza's tech appeal.

The 2021 Lexus GX came with the Lexus Safety System+ bundle, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. However, it lacked some advanced safety features found in other Lexus and Toyota models, such as traffic-sign recognition and Lane Tracing Assist. Crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS were not available.

The 2022 Toyota Venza was equipped with the Toyota Star Safety System and eight airbags, providing comprehensive safety coverage. The Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure alert. The Venza received a Top Safety Pick rating from IIHS and a five-star rating from NHTSA, highlighting its strong safety credentials.