2022 Toyota Venza vs 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid

The 2022 Toyota Venza marked a return to the market after a hiatus, riding on the Toyota New Global Architecture K (TGNA-K) platform. This platform was shared with several other Toyota and Lexus models, ensuring a solid and proven foundation. The Venza measured 186.6 inches in length, 73.0 inches in width, and 65.9 inches in height, with a ground clearance of 7.8 inches and a wheelbase of 105.9 inches, placing it on the smaller side of the midsize crossover SUV segment. Its exterior design was modern and sleek, with a deeply scalloped body side and a prominent nose, making it more suited for urban environments than off-road adventures. Inside, the Venza offered a Lexus-like interior with high-quality materials, a layered dash, and a well-placed touchscreen display. The front seats were supportive and comfortable, and the rear seats could accommodate three adults with ease.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid represented a significant departure from its predecessors in terms of styling. It was more assertive, with a tougher and more truck-like appearance. The new CR-V was about 2.5 inches longer and half an inch wider than the previous model, with a longer wheelbase and wider tracks, giving it a more muscular stance. The classic D-pillar taillights were updated to a more modern and aggressive look, and the rear end was blockier, matching the bold front fascia. The Sport Touring trim featured special styling elements like black roof rails, mirrors, and wheels, along with dual chrome exhaust finishers. Inside, the CR-V followed the design direction of the 2022 Civic and 2023 HR-V, with a premium feel, high-quality materials, and attractive contrast stitching on the seats and steering wheel.

The 2022 Toyota Venza was powered by a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder gasoline engine paired with three electric motors, producing a combined 219 horsepower. The hybrid system balanced electric and gas drive for optimal efficiency and performance. Drivers could choose from electric-only (EV) mode for short distances or select among Normal, Eco, and Sport drive modes. Regenerative braking helped recharge the lithium-ion battery, while the main charge came from the motor-generator driven by the gas engine. The Venza offered sprightly performance and agile handling, with a wheelbase shared with the Camry, making it maneuverable. However, its taller body and higher ground clearance were not conducive to aggressive cornering, positioning it as a midsize family hauler with a comfortable ride.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid featured a new hybrid powertrain combining a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with a two-motor hybrid-electric system, producing 204 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque. This made it the most powerful CR-V to date, with a top speed of 115 mph. The hybrid setup provided more power without compromising efficiency, and the CR-V Hybrid was now rated for towing up to 1,000 lbs. The 2023 model introduced a fourth drive mode, Snow, in addition to Sport, Normal, and Econ, adjusting accelerator response for different driving conditions. The updated Real Time AWD system could send up to 50% of engine torque to the rear wheels, and a new hill-descent control system was included. The "B" shifter position allowed for increased regenerative braking, approximating a one-pedal driving experience. The front-wheel drive (FWD) CR-V Hybrid achieved 43 mpg city, 36 highway, and 40 combined, making it highly efficient.

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, adequate for three adults. The cabin felt roomy, especially with the available Star Gaze fixed panoramic glass roof on the Limited trim. Convenience features included an overhead console with LED map lights, an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, and a four-way power-adjustable front passenger's seat on XLE and Limited models. The Venza offered 28.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 55.1 cubic feet with the second row folded flat. Toyota focused on making the Venza's cabin a quiet oasis, with sound-blocking and absorbing insulation throughout.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid's larger exterior translated to more interior volume, with 36.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 76.5 cubic feet with them folded. This was comparable to the 2023 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid and more than the 2022 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. The Sport Touring model featured a hands-free power tailgate, and all CR-Vs had wide-opening rear doors for easy access. Rear seat legroom increased to 41 inches, and the reclining rear seats offered eight positions. Headroom measured 38.2 inches in both rows, with a standard one-touch power moonroof. The cabin had eight cupholders and a console with best-in-class storage.

The 2022 Toyota Venza featured a hybrid powertrain that 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 over 500 miles. The Predicted Efficient Drive (PED) program used the navigation system to optimize battery charging based on driving habits. The LE and XLE models came with an eight-inch touchscreen, while the Limited added a 12.3-inch touchscreen and a nine-speaker JBL audio system. Toyota Connected Services included Safety Connect, Service Connect, Remote Connect, and WiFi Connect. An Advanced Technology Package was available for the Limited trim, including a head-up display and rain-sensing windshield wipers.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid catered to those who preferred physical buttons for important functions. The standard 7-inch touchscreen had physical volume and tuning knobs, while the 9-inch touchscreen on the Sport Touring trim had a volume knob and hard Seek buttons. Both Hybrid models had two USB-A and two USB-C ports, Bluetooth connectivity, dual-zone climate control, heated mirrors, and heated front seats. The Sport Touring trim added wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Sirius XM, HD radio, Wi-Fi capability, a wireless charging pad, and a 12-speaker Bose Premium audio system. Honda's smart navigation system optimized fuel efficiency based on the terrain.

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. It had eight airbags, three-point seatbelts for every seating position, and LATCH lower anchors for child safety seats. The Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 (TSS 2.0) group of driver aids included 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 received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and five stars from the NHTSA.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid featured the Honda Sensing suite of advanced driver-assistance technologies, with improved collision mitigation, road-departure mitigation, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. New safety features included traffic jam assist, traffic sign recognition, low-speed braking control, a blind-spot information system, and a cross-traffic monitor. The top two trims had a parking sensor system, and all CR-Vs had a rear-seat reminder and rear seatbelt reminder. The CR-V Hybrid had new airbags, dashboard patches, and a 15% stiffer structure for additional protection. It earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS and five stars from the NHTSA.