2022 Toyota Venza vs 2022 Ford Explorer

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered a wide range of models, from the base version priced at $33,745 to the top-tier King Ranch at $54,495, excluding a $1,495 destination charge. The King Ranch trim, which we tested, featured four-wheel drive, Rapid Red paint, a Premium Technology package, and a twin-panel sunroof, bringing its MSRP to $59,880. Despite its high price, the King Ranch's exterior didn't significantly differ from other Explorer models, save for its unique emblems, 20-inch wheels, and quad exhaust outlets. The Explorer's design, based on a rear-drive platform, showcased a long hood, short front overhang, and a floating roof effect, giving it a sporty and athletic appearance.

Inside, the King Ranch trim boasted exclusive Del Rio leather seating with lasso-perforated inserts and King Ranch branding. The interior, however, was a mix of high-quality and questionable materials, reflecting its near $60,000 price tag. While the front seats were exceptionally comfortable and suitable for long drives, the third-row seat was cramped and best suited for children. The Explorer's cabin lacked practical storage solutions, but it did offer thoughtful features like built-in cupholders and a hands-free power liftgate.

The 2022 Toyota Venza, reintroduced for the 2021 model year, rode on the proven Toyota New Global Architecture K (TGNA-K) platform. Measuring 186.6 inches in length, 73.0 inches in width, and 65.9 inches in height, the Venza had a modern exterior design with excellent proportions. Its most striking feature was the deeply scalloped body side, emphasizing power, and a tailgate bisected by LED lighting. The Venza's design was more suited for urban environments than off-road adventures.

Inside, the Venza's cabin was Lexus-like, with an elegant layout and high-quality materials. The layered dash and well-placed touchscreen display added to the interior's appeal. The front seats were supportive and comfortable, while the rear seats could accommodate three adults with ease. The Venza's interior also featured numerous convenience elements, such as an overhead console with LED map lights, a power-adjustable driver's seat, and an electric parking brake. The cabin was designed to be a quiet oasis, with sound-blocking and absorbing insulation throughout.

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered three powertrains. The base, XLT, ST-Line, Limited, and Timberline trims came with a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. This engine provided up to 24 mpg in combined driving and a maximum towing capacity of 5,300 pounds. The Explorer Limited also had an optional hybrid drivetrain based on a 3.3-liter V6 engine, generating a combined 318 hp and 322 lb-ft of torque, with a towing capacity of 5,000 lbs and up to 27 mpg in combined driving.

For those seeking more power, the twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine was available in the ST, Platinum, and King Ranch trims, producing 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, offered a towing capacity of 5,600 lbs and a maximum gas mileage of 21 mpg in combined driving. Our King Ranch 4WD test vehicle averaged 20.6 mpg. The Explorer's ride was robust, handling bumps and off-road terrain with ease, and felt athletic during daily driving.

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 setup balanced electric and gas drive for optimal efficiency and performance. Drivers could choose between electric-only (EV) operation for short distances or Normal, Eco, and Sport drive modes. Regenerative braking helped recharge the lithium-ion battery, while the main charge came from the gas engine.

The Venza offered sprightly performance and agile handling, feeling maneuverable like the Camry. Its taller body and higher ground clearance didn't encourage aggressive cornering, but it delivered a comfortable ride for a midsize family hauler. The hybrid powertrain provided a seamless driving experience without the need for charging infrastructure, making it ideal for those without access to home charging stations.

The 2022 Ford Explorer provided ample comfort for families of four, with the option to carry five people with a second-row bench seat. However, the third-row seat was cramped and best suited for children. The King Ranch trim came fully equipped with features like triple-zone automatic climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated second-row captain’s chairs. The front seats were exceptionally comfortable, suitable for long-distance driving, while the second-row seats were nearly as accommodating.

Practical storage space within the Explorer's cabin was limited, with missed opportunities for additional storage solutions. The hands-free power liftgate revealed 18.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third-row seat, expanding to 47.9 cubic feet with the third-row seats folded down, and a maximum of 87.8 cubic feet with both rear rows of seats folded.

The 2022 Toyota Venza seated five in two rows, with good headroom and legroom in both rows. The second row had 45.2 inches of hip room, accommodating three adults comfortably. The cabin felt roomy, especially with the available Star Gaze fixed panoramic glass roof on the Limited trim. The Venza's interior featured numerous convenience elements, such as an overhead console with LED map lights, a power-adjustable driver's seat, and an electric parking brake.

The Venza's cabin had ample storage solutions, including four cupholders, four bottle holders, and a large passenger-side glove compartment. The lithium-ion battery pack beneath the second-row seats had little impact on cargo capacity, offering 28.8 cubic feet of luggage space behind the second row and up to 55.1 cubic feet with the second row folded flat. The Venza's cabin was designed to be a quiet oasis, with sound-blocking and absorbing insulation throughout.

The 2022 Ford Explorer featured two versions of its Sync 3 infotainment system: an 8-inch touchscreen and a 10.1-inch touchscreen. The smaller screen was well integrated, while the larger screen appeared as an afterthought. Our test vehicle had the full menu of Sync 3 technology, including FordPass Connect services, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, Ford+Alexa functionality, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and a navigation system. The King Ranch trim also included wireless smartphone charging, a surround-view camera system, and a 14-speaker Bang and Olufsen premium sound system.

However, the Sync 3 system showed its age, with significant differences compared to the newer Sync 4 technology. Voice recognition was a particular weak point, struggling with basic commands and destinations. Additional tech for the King Ranch included a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and Active Park Assist 2.0, which could autonomously park the Explorer. An available rear-seat entertainment system came with dual rear touchscreen displays.

The 2022 Toyota Venza's hybrid powertrain required no special attention, making it ideal for those without access to charging infrastructure. The Venza's hybrid setup was transparent in operation, with a tank of gas yielding well over 500 miles. Toyota's Predicted Efficient Drive (PED) program used the navigation system to analyze drivers' habits and optimize battery charging.

The LE and XLE models came with an eight-inch touchscreen, AM/FM/HD Radio, SiriusXM satellite radio, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa capability, and Bluetooth connectivity. The Limited trim added a nine-speaker JBL audio system, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, and intelligent touch-capacitive controls. Both multimedia setups included Toyota Connected Services, such as Safety Connect, Service Connect, Remote Connect, and WiFi Connect.

An Advanced Technology Package was available for the Limited trim, including a head-up display (HUD) and rain-sensing windshield wipers. The 10-inch HUD was one of the best in a mainstream vehicle, clearly visible even with polarized sunglasses. A digital rearview mirror was also available, providing a clear view even with passengers or cargo blocking the rear window.

The 2022 Ford Explorer earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for all trim levels. However, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) had not published complete crash-test ratings for the 2022 model. The 2021 model received five-star ratings across the board except for rollover resistance, which received four stars.

Every 2022 Explorer came with Ford Co-Pilot360, a suite of driver-assist and collision-avoidance features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package added adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assist, and evasive steering assist. The Explorer also had a post-collision braking system and MyKey programmable vehicle functions.

The 2022 Toyota Venza came with the Toyota Star Safety System, including stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, smart stop technology, and a rearview camera. The Venza also had eight airbags, three-point seatbelts for every seating position, and LATCH lower anchors for child safety seats.

Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 (TSS 2.0) was standard, featuring forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, daytime bicycle detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert with steering assist, automatic high beams, lane tracing assist, and road-sign assist. A blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert and hill-start assist were also standard. The XLE and Limited trims added front and rear parking assist with automated braking, and the Limited trim included fog lamps.

The 2022 Toyota Venza received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA.