2021 Lexus RX vs 2022 Toyota Venza

The 2021 Lexus RX showcased the brand's modern design aesthetic with its large grille, angular headlamps, shapely body, and floating roof. Inside, it featured sumptuous seating with perforated leather upholstery, though the center console design was considered bland and dated. The RX was available in five variants, including the base RX and RX Hybrid, the performance-focused RX F Sport, and the extended-body RXL and RXL Hybrid with third-row seating. The 2021 model retained the elongated headlights and redesigned front end introduced in 2020, which aimed to address previous criticisms.

Standard exterior features included 18-inch aluminum wheels, LED lighting, and rear privacy glass, with available upgrades like 20-inch wheels and triple-beam LED headlights. The F Sport Appearance package added unique styling elements and performance dampers. Inside, the base RX 350 offered a well-appointed interior with NuLuxe-trimmed seats and power-adjustable front seats. Higher trims added luxury features like semi-aniline leather upholstery, heated and ventilated seats, and a power-folding third row. However, the center console's dated design and infotainment system were notable drawbacks.

The 2022 Toyota Venza reintroduced the nameplate with a modern design on the TGNA-K platform, shared with several other Toyota and Lexus models. Measuring 186.6 inches long, 73.0 inches wide, and 65.9 inches tall, the Venza had a sleek exterior with a deeply scalloped body side and a prominent tailgate with LED lighting. The nose design emphasized its suitability for urban environments rather than off-road adventures. Inside, the Venza featured an elegant layout with high-quality materials, a layered dash, and a well-placed touchscreen display. The front seats were supportive, and the rear seats comfortably accommodated three adults.

The 2021 Lexus RX, RXL, and RX F-Sport were powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The front-wheel-drive RX 350 achieved 20 mpg in the city, 27 mpg on the highway, and 23 mpg combined, while all-wheel-drive and RXL models had slightly lower fuel economy. The RX Hybrid and RXL Hybrid combined a 3.5-liter V6 with three electric motors, delivering 308 horsepower and achieving up to 31 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. The RX's suspension and handling were improved for 2020, offering a comfortable and dynamic ride, though the F Sport model provided a sportier experience. The RX's top speed was limited to 124 mph, with a 0-60 mph time of 7.7 to 7.9 seconds, depending on the drivetrain.

The 2022 Toyota Venza featured a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder gasoline engine and three electric motors, producing a combined 219 horsepower. The hybrid system balanced electric and gas power for optimal efficiency, with regenerative braking helping recharge the lithium-ion battery. The Venza offered EV, Normal, Eco, and Sport drive modes, allowing drivers to tailor performance. The Venza's handling was agile, similar to the Camry, but its taller body and higher ground clearance discouraged aggressive cornering. The Venza excelled as a midsize family hauler, delivering a smooth and efficient ride.

The 2021 Lexus RX was a functional SUV with seating for five in the two-row RX 350, RX F-Sport, and RX 450h, and six or seven in the three-row RXL and RXL Hybrid. Front and second-row seats provided ample space, but the third row was tight. Cargo space in the two-row RX was 18.4 cubic feet behind the second row and 56.3 cubic feet with the seats folded. The three-row RXL offered 7.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 23 cubic feet behind the second row, and 58.5 cubic feet with both rows folded. A power liftgate was standard, with a hands-free option available.

The 2022 Toyota Venza seated five with two front bucket seats and a 60/40-split folding second-row bench. Both rows offered good headroom and legroom, with 45.2 inches of hip room in the second row. The cabin felt roomy, especially with the available Star Gaze fixed panoramic glass roof. Convenience features included an overhead console with LED map lights, an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, and an electric parking brake. The Venza's lithium-ion battery pack under the second-row seats had minimal impact on cargo capacity, offering 28.8 cubic feet behind the second row and 55.1 cubic feet with the seats folded. Toyota focused on creating a quiet cabin with extensive sound-blocking materials.

The 2021 Lexus RX came standard with dual-zone automatic climate control, keyless entry, an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, voice recognition, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, satellite radio, HD Radio, a WiFi hot spot, six USB ports, and a nine-speaker sound system. Upgrades included a 12.3-inch touchscreen, additional USB ports, a moonroof, wireless charging, navigation, and a 15-speaker Mark Levinson surround-sound system. The infotainment system's touchpad controller was less refined than competitors, and the RX lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The 2022 Toyota Venza featured a hybrid powertrain that required no special attention. The LE and XLE models had an eight-inch touchscreen, AM/FM/HD Radio, SiriusXM satellite radio, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa, and Bluetooth. The Limited trim added a nine-speaker JBL audio system, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, and intelligent touch-capacitive controls. Toyota Connected Services included Safety Connect, Service Connect, Remote Connect, and WiFi Connect. An Advanced Technology Package for the Limited trim offered a head-up display and rain-sensing windshield wipers. The Venza's infotainment system was user-friendly and well-equipped.

The 2021 Lexus RX received the IIHS Top Safety Pick designation and scored well in crashworthiness tests. The NHTSA rated the RX 350, RX 350L, and RX 450h with four out of five stars overall. Standard safety features included a rearview camera, 10 airbags, blind-spot monitoring, and Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, which offered a suite of driver-assist technologies. The RX lacked advanced hands-off piloting features found in some competitors.

The 2022 Toyota Venza came with the Toyota Star Safety System, including stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, and a rearview camera. It had eight airbags, three-point seatbelts, and LATCH anchors for child seats. Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 provided forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, automatic high beams, lane tracing assist, and road-sign assist. The Venza also had a blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, and hill-start assist. The IIHS awarded the Venza a Top Safety Pick rating, and the NHTSA gave it five stars.