2023 Lexus RX Hybrid vs 2022 Toyota Venza

The 2022 Toyota Venza re-emerged in 2021 on the Toyota New Global Architecture K (TGNA-K) platform, which also underpinned several other successful Toyota and Lexus models. Measuring 186.6 inches in length, 73.0 inches in width, and 65.9 inches in height, with a 105.9-inch wheelbase, the Venza was on the smaller side of the midsize crossover SUV segment. Its design featured a deeply scalloped body side, a prominent nose, and a horizontally bisected tailgate with LED lighting, giving it a modern and somewhat Lexus-like appearance. Inside, the Venza boasted an elegant layout with high-quality materials, a layered dash, and a well-placed touchscreen display. The front seats were supportive, and the rear seats comfortably accommodated three adults.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid, redesigned and tested in Santa Barbara, California, offered a more minimalistic and contemporary interior compared to its predecessor. The RX 350h Luxury model featured Macadamia semi-aniline leather and Ash Bamboo wood trim, while the RX 500h F Sport Performance had black interiors with artificial suede and dark gray aluminum trim. The RX's exterior design, though not traditionally gorgeous, had a blunt nose and a wheelbase stretch that reduced the rear overhang, making it look smaller than its predecessor. The RX 500h F Sport Performance stood out with its Copper paint job, blacked-out grille, and aggressive styling details. Inside, the RX provided a comfortable and luxurious experience, especially with the ten-way power-adjustable front seats and three-zone automatic climate control in the Luxury trim.

The 2022 Toyota Venza featured a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder gasoline engine paired with three electric motors, producing a combined 219 horsepower. It offered various drive modes, including electric-only (EV) for short distances, Normal, Eco, and Sport, to optimize performance and efficiency. Regenerative braking helped recharge the lithium-ion battery, and the Venza delivered sprightly performance and agile handling, making it a suitable midsize family hauler.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid, previously equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, now featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine in the RX 350h, producing 246 hp and 233 lb-ft of torque. It was expected to average 36 mpg in combined driving. The RX 500h F Sport Performance, with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, produced 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, accelerating to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds. However, it was expected to get no better than 27 mpg in combined driving. The RX 500h F Sport Performance also featured an adaptive damping suspension, upgraded brakes, and rear-wheel steering, making it more athletic and fun to drive. Despite its performance, the RX 500h struggled to meet its estimated fuel economy, averaging 20.9 mpg during testing.

The 2022 Toyota Venza seated five in two rows, with ample headroom and legroom in both rows. The second row offered 45.2 inches of hip room, making it comfortable for three adults. The Venza's lithium-ion battery pack was located beneath the second-row seats, minimally impacting cargo capacity. It provided 28.8 cubic feet of luggage space behind the second row and 55.1 cubic feet with the seats folded flat. The cabin was designed to be a quiet oasis, with sound-blocking and absorbing insulation throughout.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid also seated five, with the battery pack located under the back seat, slightly raising the seat cushion. This provided excellent leg support and good legroom for rear passengers, though headroom was tight. The RX offered 29.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat and 46.2 cubic feet with the seats folded down, an improvement over the previous model. The RX 350h Luxury trim featured ten-way power-adjustable front seats, premium leather, and three-zone automatic climate control, while the RX 500h F Sport Performance had eight-way power-adjustable seats and standard-grade leather.

The 2022 Toyota Venza featured a hybrid powertrain that required no special attention, making it convenient for drivers without access to charging infrastructure. It included an eight-inch touchscreen on LE and XLE models, with a 12.3-inch touchscreen on the Limited trim. The infotainment system supported Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa, and Bluetooth connectivity. The Limited trim also offered a nine-speaker JBL audio system, a head-up display, and a digital rearview mirror.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid introduced a new infotainment system, Lexus Interface, which required activation of connected services plans for full functionality. It included Service Connect, Wi-Fi Connect, Safety Connect, Remote Connect, and Drive Connect, with a cloud-based navigation system and Intelligent Assistant. The system had some usability issues, such as reflections on the touchscreen and the lack of a tuning knob. The available head-up display featured dual-function touch-sensing control pads on the steering wheel, which could be problematic for drivers wearing polarized sunglasses.

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 also had eight airbags, three-point seatbelts, LATCH lower anchors, and child safety locks. 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 Lexus RX Hybrid featured Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 (LSS+ 3.0), which included motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, intersection turn assistance, front cross-traffic alert, and curve-speed reduction for adaptive cruise control. It also had Proactive Driving Assist, which maintained a safe following distance and recharged the battery through regenerative braking. The RX offered a new Traffic Jam Assist system for low-speed, hands-free driving and an available Advanced Park semi-autonomous parking technology. However, some features, like the front cross-traffic alert and curve-speed reduction, had usability issues.