2022 Toyota Venza vs 2023 Subaru Forester

The 2022 Toyota Venza rekindled its nameplate with an impressive revival grounded on the Toyota New Global Architecture K (TGNA-K) platform, shared with well-regarded models like the Avalon, Camry, and RAV4. Measuring 186.6 inches in length, 73 inches in width, and standing 65.9 inches tall, the Venza sported a wheelbase of 105.9 inches and offered 7.8 inches of ground clearance, keeping it compact and manageable within the midsize crossover SUV category.

Toyota's effort to integrate a Lexus-like appearance was successful, giving the Venza modern, elegant proportions. Its striking exterior featured a deeply scalloped body side that bulged into the rear fender, giving it a powerful stance. The tailgate, dissected by a horizontal LED stripe, and a prominent nose characterized by a significant overhang further differentiated it visually. This design was built more for urban and suburban escapades than rugged adventures.

Inside, the Venza's sophistication continued with a well-thought-out, quality-laden interior that wouldn't feel out of place in a luxury vehicle. The layered dash took advantage of the steep windshield to add depth, housing either a standard 8-inch or an available 12.3-inch touchscreen display positioned atop the center stack. The front seats provided excellent support and comfort, and the rear seats, with ample legroom and sufficient hip room, comfortably accommodated three adults.

In comparison, the 2023 Subaru Forester stayed true to its pragmatic design language, eschewing flashy looks for a more utilitarian presentation. The Forester, especially in the iconic Cascade Green Silica paint, retained its boxy silhouette, reminiscent of its predecessors. Despite its two-decade evolutionary stasis, Forester's robust design featured flared fenders, upswept belt lines into the rear roof pillars, and pincer-shaped lighting elements front and rear. However, no one would call it pretty.

The Touring trim, equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels and satin chrome exterior trim, stood out as the best-looking Forester, although still not a beauty queen. The functional roof rails, capable of supporting a tent with a static weight rating of 700 pounds (800 pounds for the Wilderness trim), further highlighted its utilitarian spirit.

Inside, the Forester Touring featured Saddle Brown leather trim, exposed stitching, and metallic accents. Its traditional Subaru layout included analog gauges split by a small driver information display, an 8-inch touchscreen, and an upper dashboard info display. While hard plastics were prevalent, making for easy cleanup, the ample controls, buttons, and knobs boasted a more straightforward approach.

The 2022 Toyota Venza powered its wheels with a refined 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder gasoline engine coupled with three electric motors, providing a total of 219 horsepower. This hybrid system seamlessly balanced electric and gasoline power for optimal efficiency and performance. Drivers had the flexibility of electric-only (EV) mode for short trips or could choose from Normal, Eco, and Sport drive modes to optimize performance using both gas and electric energy. Regenerative braking supplemented the lithium-ion battery's charge, alongside a motor-generator driven by the gas engine.

While not a sports SUV, the Venza offered a spirited drive. Agile handling, reminiscent of its cousin, the Camry, helped it maneuver easily despite its taller stature. It wasn't intended for aggressive cornering, sticking instead to providing a smooth ride appropriate for family transportation roles.

On the 2023 Subaru Forester, every trim was powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine generating 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, delivered via a continuously variable transmission (CVT) to all four wheels. The CVT featured eight programmed ratios mimicking a traditional automatic, while the Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-Drive) system provided a Sport mode for quicker responses.

The higher trims, starting from Premium, included the X-Mode off-road traction management system offering different settings for various terrains. The Wilderness trim further enhanced off-roading capabilities with added modifications.

Testing the Forester Touring during Southern California's "atmospheric rivers" highlighted its capabilities. It navigated flooded streets, rain-drenched freeways, and muddy trails without hesitation, demonstrating confidence and reliability. On dry roads, the Forester's driving dynamics shone through, with agile handling, responsive brakes, and accurate steering. The 2.5-liter engine performed adequately, though louder than some might prefer. Fuel economy during tests averaged 25.9 mpg, falling slightly short of its EPA rating.

The 2022 Toyota Venza offered a roomy cabin with seating for five, including supportive bucket seats up front and a 60/40-split rear bench. Rear passengers enjoyed 45.2 inches of hip room, ensuring comfort for three adults. The Limited trim's Star Gaze panoramic glass roof amplified the cabin's spacious feeling.

Convenience was a paramount consideration, with features like an overhead console with LED map lights, an electric parking brake, and sliding sun visors. Storage solutions included four cupholders and bottle holders in each door. A lithium-ion battery pack beneath the rear seats minimized cargo space intrusion, offering 28.8 cubic feet behind the second row and 55.1 cubic feet with the seats folded flat. Enhanced sound insulation maintained a tranquil cabin environment.

The 2023 Subaru Forester, however, prioritized functionality. Its seats were accessible, and the high driving position afforded excellent visibility. The Premium trim added a panoramic sunroof, a 10-way power driver's seat, and heated elements. Higher trims offered leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control, and additional seat adjustments, though rear seats lacked long-distance comfort.

Forester excelled in storage, with front seatbacks featuring multiple pockets and a thoughtfully designed cargo area. With 26.9 cubic feet behind the back seat (28.9 cubic feet in the Base trim) and up to 69.1 cubic feet with seats folded (74.2 cubic feet in Base), the Forester's cargo space was competitive within the compact SUV segment.

The 2022 Toyota Venza leveraged Toyota’s extensive hybrid experience to offer a seamless driving experience without the need for external charging infrastructure. The hybrid system required no special attention from drivers and promised over 500 miles from a 14.5-gallon tank under optimal conditions.

The infotainment system varied from an 8-inch touchscreen in LE and XLE trims to a 12.3-inch unit in the Limited. All versions included features like Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa, and Bluetooth, with connectivity supported by up to four USB ports and an auxiliary input. An optional Advanced Technology Package added a head-up display and rain-sensing wipers, enhancing convenience.

In contrast, the 2023 Subaru Forester, though appearing technically modest, featured practical connectivity solutions. Starting with a 6.5-inch touchscreen, it included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims added satellite radio, Starlink services, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and, notably, a CD player.

An 8-inch touchscreen paired with enhancements like navigation and a Harman Kardon audio system was available. However, the voice-recognition system proved less reliable, often misinterpreting commands. Thus, integrating a smartphone was a more reliable choice for navigation and media.

The 2022 Toyota Venza came well-equipped with the Toyota Star Safety System, covering stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, and more. It also featured eight airbags, Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 (including forward collision warning and adaptive cruise control), and additional aids like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Evaluations awarded the Venza the prestigiousTop Safety Pick rating from IIHS and a five-star rating from NHTSA.

For the 2023 Subaru Forester, the updated EyeSight technology broadened the camera's field of view and improved software capability. Models beyond the base trim featured blind-spot monitoring and, at higher trims, a Rear Automatic Braking system. The Touring trim added DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation. While the Forester performed well in NHTSA tests, achieving the highest ratings, new IIHS evaluations resulted in a Top Safety Pick rather than a Top Safety Pick+ due to adjustments in testing criteria.