2022 Toyota Venza vs 2021 Volvo XC90

The 2021 Volvo XC90 marked a significant shift in Volvo's design philosophy, moving away from its traditionally conservative styling. This model retained the brand's recognizable boxy profile and blunt front end but introduced softer lines and more chrome detailing, giving it a more modern and distinctive appearance. The LED headlights with "Thor's Hammer" daytime running lights added a unique touch, enhancing the vehicle's character while maintaining its Volvo identity. The XC90's interior embraced "Swedish minimalism," offering high-quality materials and a thoughtfully arranged cabin. The use of matte-finish wood trim and the option for wool upholstery set it apart from other luxury SUVs, providing a refined yet understated luxury experience.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Venza presented a modern and sleek design that could easily fit into the Lexus lineup. Its exterior featured a deeply scalloped body side and a prominent tailgate with LED lighting, giving it a sophisticated look. The Venza's interior was equally impressive, with an elegant layout and high-quality materials. The cabin felt spacious, thanks to the available Star Gaze fixed panoramic glass roof, and offered numerous convenience features, including an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat and a well-designed center console. The Venza's focus on comfort and practicality made it an appealing choice for families seeking a stylish yet functional midsize crossover.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains, all centered around a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base T5 model featured a turbocharged engine producing 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The T6 variant added a supercharger, increasing output to 316 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid, also known as Recharge, combined the T6 engine with electric motors, delivering a total of 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque. While the XC90 provided ample power, the small engine struggled to deliver flexibility compared to competitors with larger engines. The XC90's ride quality was excellent, thanks to an optional air-suspension system, and it offered a respectable towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds.

The 2022 Toyota Venza featured a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder gasoline engine combined with three electric motors, producing a total of 219 horsepower. The Venza's hybrid system balanced electric and gas power for optimal efficiency and performance. Drivers could choose from Normal, Eco, and Sport drive modes, and the regenerative braking system helped recharge the lithium-ion battery. The Venza delivered a smooth and agile driving experience, with a focus on comfort rather than aggressive handling. Its hybrid powertrain provided a practical solution for those seeking efficiency without the need for charging infrastructure.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 offered a three-row seating configuration, accommodating six or seven passengers depending on the choice of second-row captain's chairs or a bench seat. While headroom and legroom were average for the segment, the third row was tight for adults, and the seats lacked support. The XC90's cargo space was limited, with 11.2 cubic feet behind the third row, 34.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, and 64.1 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded. Despite these limitations, the XC90's interior felt spacious, thanks to its upright roof profile and optional power moonroof.

The 2022 Toyota Venza seated five passengers in two rows, with ample headroom and legroom for both rows. The second row offered 45.2 inches of hip room, making it comfortable for three adults. The Venza's cabin featured numerous convenience features, including an electric parking brake, sliding sun visors, and a spacious glove compartment. The Venza's cargo capacity was impressive, with 28.8 cubic feet behind the second row and 55.1 cubic feet with the second row folded. The Venza's cabin was designed to be a quiet and serene environment, with sound-blocking and absorbing materials throughout.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system, which emphasized simplicity and functionality. It came standard with a 9-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, Bluetooth, and a built-in WiFi hotspot. The system was easy to use, with a portrait-oriented touchscreen that allowed for intuitive navigation. However, the wireless charging pad was too small for most phones, and the lack of front USB-C ports was a drawback.

The 2022 Toyota Venza offered a hybrid powertrain that required no special attention, making it a practical choice for those without access to charging infrastructure. The Venza's infotainment system included an eight-inch touchscreen on LE and XLE models, with a 12.3-inch touchscreen available on the Limited trim. The system supported Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Amazon Alexa, and included Toyota Connected Services. The Limited trim added a nine-speaker JBL audio system and an Advanced Technology Package with a head-up display and rain-sensing windshield wipers.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 received the highest "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS for non-hybrid models and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. It offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including lane-keep assist, traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, and Volvo's Pilot Assist driver aid. Pilot Assist provided smooth and responsive adaptive cruise control and lane centering, although it struggled with highway curves.

The 2022 Toyota Venza came equipped with the Toyota Star Safety System, which included stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, and a rearview camera. It also featured eight airbags and the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite of driver aids, which included 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 overall safety rating from the NHTSA.