2021 Toyota Venza vs 2021 Lexus RX

The exterior design of the 2021 Toyota Venza was striking and managed to blur the lines between the Toyota and Lexus brands. Critics noted that the Venza resembled a Lexus, especially evident with its grille and elongated profile that drew comparisons to the Lexus LF-1 Limitless concept from the 2018 North American International Auto Show. The Venza was revealed to be five to six inches shorter than the Toyota RAV4 (depending on trim level) and about one inch closer to the ground, yet both models shared the same wheelbase.

Toyota sold the Venza in three trim levels: LE, XLE, and Limited, offering seven paint colors, though some colors were trim-specific. The standard equipment list included features like a dual chrome-tipped exhaust, LED headlights and taillights, automatic high beams, puddle lights, and 18-inch alloy wheels.

Upgrading to the XLE trim included black bumper garnishes, silver roof rails, 19-inch alloy wheels, LED projector headlights, gloss black exterior elements, dual LED daytime running lights, and a 7-inch driver information display. The top-tier Limited trim featured a digital rearview mirror with Homelink, illuminated footwells, a backup camera washer, and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen. Additionally, buyers could add the innovative Star Gaze panoramic roof with electrochromic glazing technology.

The interior of the Venza, notably in the Limited trim, was well-appointed. It featured premium materials, a padded and luxe center console, and capacitive buttons for climate and infotainment controls framed in piano black and silver accents. The cabin was spacious enough to comfortably accommodate two adults in the rear and was considerably more comfortable than the RAV4, especially on long drives. Despite the slightly less legroom up front and reduced cargo space compared to the RAV4, the Venza still offered a sophisticated and refined environment.

In contrast, the 2021 Lexus RX exemplified the modern Lexus design aesthetic, featuring a large grille, angular headlamps, a shapely body, and a floating roof. The RX lineup included five variants: the RX, RX F Sport, RXL, RX Hybrid, and RXL Hybrid, each catering to different performance and seating needs.

The 2021 RX retained the elongated headlights and refined front-end design from the 2020 model year, addressing earlier criticisms about its appearance. Standard exterior features included 18-inch aluminum wheels, LED headlights, daytime running lights, brake lights, rear privacy glass, side mirrors with integrated LED turn signals, and a rear spoiler concealing the windshield wiper mechanism. Optional upgrades included 20-inch split five-spoke wheels, triple-beam LED headlights, a windshield wiper de-icer, and a heavy-duty heater. The F Sport package added unique wheels, black mirrors, an F Sport steering wheel, and various performance enhancements.

Inside, the RX catered to luxury with standard features like carpeted floor mats, chrome door handles, fabric-covered sun visors, and NuLuxe-trimmed seats. Various options included semi-aniline leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a power-folding third row in the RXL models. However, the RX's center console design was deemed bland and functional but outdated compared to the Venza's more modern setup.

The 2021 Toyota Venza came equipped with a hybrid powertrain featuring a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine paired with a lithium-ion battery pack and electric motors. This combination produced 219 horsepower and 163 pound-feet of torque, managed by an electronically-controlled continuously-variable transmission (eCVT). Although the power output was not the highest in its class, the Venza provided sufficient acceleration and smooth performance for typical driving scenarios.

One aspect where the Venza shone was its fuel economy. It achieved an impressive EPA-estimated 40 mpg on the highway, 37 mpg in the city, and 39 mpg combined, outpacing competitors like the Nissan Murano, Honda Passport, and Chevy Blazer by a significant margin. The Venza's handling was stable and predictable, embodying the consistent and reliable driving experience characteristic of Toyota vehicles.

In contrast, the 2021 Lexus RX offered a more powerful 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, which performed smoothly but occasionally struggled with gear selection under acceleration. The RX recommended 91 octane fuel for optimal performance.

The RX's different configurations influenced its fuel economy. The front-wheel-drive (FWD) RX 350 earned 20 mpg in the city, 27 mpg on the highway, and 23 mpg combined. Adding all-wheel drive (AWD) or opting for the RXL variant slightly reduced fuel efficiency. The RX Hybrid models, powered by a 3.5-liter V6 and three electric motors, provided 308 horsepower with an e-CVT, achieving up to 31 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.

Suspension and handling improvements made to the RX for the 2020 model year made it a more dynamic SUV. The RX F Sport, equipped with adaptive variable suspension, offered a more spirited driving experience but still lagged behind sportier competitors like the Audi SQ5. The RX F Sport handling package included additional features like heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel, further enhancing its appeal.

The 2021 Toyota Venza prioritized practicality and comfort, offering a unique interior design that deviated from the typical Toyota or Lexus aesthetic. The Venza's cabin incorporated premium materials and a thoughtful layout, highlighted by a deep center console with resizable cup holders, a wireless charging pad, and capacitive buttons for climate and infotainment controls. The seats were comfortable, with ample space for both front and rear passengers, making long drives more pleasant.

Cargo space was one area where the Venza showed its limitations compared to the Toyota RAV4. The Venza provided 55.1 cubic feet of maximum cargo space with the second row folded down, significantly less than the RAV4. While this might be a drawback for families planning extended road trips, the cargo area was still sufficient for daily use and offered ease of access with quick-flip seat releases.

The 2021 Lexus RX, while incredibly functional, had limitations in cargo space due to its sloped roof design. The two-row RX models offered 18.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 56.3 cubic feet with the seats folded. The three-row RXL models had even less space, providing just 7.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 23 cubic feet behind the second row, and 58.5 cubic feet with both rows folded. Competitors like the Nissan Murano and Honda CR-V offered more cargo space in comparison.

Despite these limitations, the RX excelled in passenger comfort. The front seats were spacious and supportive, and the second row could accommodate adults comfortably. However, the third row in the RXL models was cramped and better suited for children. A power liftgate came standard, with a hands-free option available for added convenience.

The 2021 Lexus RX offered a similar suite of technological features standard, including an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, voice recognition, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and a nine-speaker sound system. Optional upgrades included a 12.3-inch screen, navigation, wireless charging, and a 15-speaker Mark Levinson surround-sound system.

Lexus equipped the RX with a Remote Touch controller for the larger screen, designed to keep drivers' hands off the touchscreen. However, the controller was less refined compared to some competitors and occupied valuable console space. Steering-wheel controls were intuitive and easy to use, though the RX lacked wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.