2023 Toyota Venza vs 2022 Lexus RX

The 2022 Lexus RX was available in several trims, including the base 350, F Sport, and L for its gas powertrain, with a hybrid model known as the RX 450h. The RX 350 and F Sport accommodated five passengers, while the L trim offered a three-row, seven-passenger configuration. The RX's design, refreshed in 2020, maintained a modern and sporty aesthetic, standing out with its aggressive styling among competitors like the Audi Q5 and BMW X5. The exterior featured sharp character lines and angular elements, creating a striking yet balanced appearance. The F Sport trim, in particular, emphasized performance with 20-inch wheels and unique design elements, enhancing its athletic look. Inside, the RX continued its luxury appeal, with the F Sport adding sporty touches like Scored Aluminum trim and NuLuxe synthetic leather. However, the interior design felt somewhat dated, and the comfort of the NuLuxe seats was lacking, with limited lumbar support and challenging driving position adjustments.

The 2023 Toyota Venza presented a sleek and sculpted design, distinguishing itself from the typical boxy midsize crossovers. Its coupe-like silhouette, with a tapering rear roofline, gave it a sophisticated look, reminiscent of a Lexus. The Venza's contoured body and harmonious curves set it apart from other Toyota models, resembling a Mazda in its design language. Inside, the Venza borrowed elements from the RAV4 but elevated the cabin with higher-quality materials and integrated climate-control buttons. The interior approached Lexus-level luxury, with more soft-touch surfaces and a cohesive design. Overall, the Venza was one of the most attractively styled vehicles in Toyota's lineup, offering a graceful and cohesive appearance both inside and out.

The 2022 Lexus RX 350 was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid RX 450h combined the V6 with two electric motors for a total output of 308 horsepower. All RX models featured an eight-speed automatic transmission, with front-wheel drive standard on the RX 350 and all-wheel drive available. The hybrid RX came exclusively with all-wheel drive. Despite its sporty appearance, the RX's performance was underwhelming, with a lackluster engine note and unimpressive acceleration. The F Sport trim included performance dampers and an adaptive variable suspension, but the driving experience remained uninspiring, with minimal differences between drive modes. The RX excelled in comfort and cabin quietness, offering a smooth ride and isolated road noise. Fuel efficiency for the RX 350 was estimated at 20 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined, while the RX 450h hybrid achieved 30 mpg combined.

The 2023 Toyota Venza featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid system, producing 219 horsepower. The hybrid setup included electric motor/generators and a nickel-metal hydride battery pack, with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) sending power to the front wheels and a separate electric motor powering the rear wheels for all-wheel drive. The Venza's acceleration was smooth, reaching 60 mph in 7.5 seconds, and the braking system seamlessly integrated regenerative and physical braking. Prioritizing ride comfort over sporty handling, the Venza offered a smooth and compliant ride, though its steering lacked precision and feedback. Maneuverability was somewhat limited, requiring ample space for U-turns. The Venza's ride quality was superior to the RAV4 Hybrid but not as plush as a Lexus, effectively absorbing road imperfections.

The 2022 Lexus RX offered 99.8 cubic feet of passenger volume in its standard two-row configuration, comfortably accommodating four adults. The three-row L models shared the same wheelbase, resulting in limited space for the third row. Cargo space in the standard RX was 16.0 cubic feet behind the second row, expanding to 32.6 cubic feet with the seats folded. The three-row version provided only 7.45 cubic feet with all seats up, increasing to 58.48 cubic feet with both back rows down. The RX featured thoughtful interior elements like a smartphone slot, adjustable-height cup holder, and a flat-bottomed cargo net, though the cargo area had a high load-in height.

The 2023 Toyota Venza's front seats offered ample space for taller occupants, enhanced by large windows and a panoramic sunroof. The Star Gaze panoramic roof could turn opaque at the touch of a button, adding a luxury touch. Rear visibility was limited, typical for SUVs, but the rear seats provided sufficient space for average adults, with abundant legroom and foot room. The Venza's rear passenger area featured high-quality materials, matching the front seats. Cargo capacity was limited to 28.8 cubic feet, significantly less than competitors like the Honda Passport and Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport. The Venza excelled in holding smaller personal items, with a wireless phone charger, well-sized cupholders, and spacious door pockets.

The 2022 Lexus RX came with an 8-inch touchscreen display, with a 12.3-inch version available as an option. Despite being moved closer to the driver, the touchscreens were ergonomically challenging, with a lip obstructing access to icons. The infotainment system was responsive, but the touchpad was frustratingly hypersensitive. The RX offered a range of tech features, including six USB ports, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration, wireless charging, and a WiFi hotspot. The Lexus App allowed for remote engine start and vehicle settings customization.

The 2023 Toyota Venza featured wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a wireless charging pad. The base LE trim had an 8-inch touchscreen, while higher trims offered a 12.3-inch display. The new infotainment system provided sharp graphics and a logical menu structure. A Wi-Fi connection was available for a 30-day trial, with remote vehicle monitoring and control via a smartphone app. The top Limited trim included a one-year trial of Drive Connect services, offering virtual navigation assistance. The base audio system had six speakers, with a nine-speaker JBL premium audio system available on higher trims.

The 2022 Lexus RX came standard with the Lexus Safety System 2.0+, featuring adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, road-sign recognition, and a pre-collision system. Additional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a head-up display. The RX was named a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS, but only with optional triple-beam LED headlights. It received four stars overall from the NHTSA, with five stars in side crash tests.

The 2023 Toyota Venza earned five stars from the NHTSA in overall and side crash protection, with four stars in frontal and rollover protection. The IIHS awarded it "Good" ratings, except for an "Acceptable" score in the new side impact test. The Venza was a Top Safety Pick, featuring Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ with adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keep assist. Higher trims added parking sensors, a surround-view camera, and a digital rearview mirror. The safety features functioned smoothly, with no false alarms reported.