2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid vs 2022 Toyota Venza

The 2022 Toyota Venza had a distinguished appeal from its previous iteration that spanned 2009 to 2015. It returned with a more sophisticated design based on the Toyota New Global Architecture K (TGNA-K) platform. This platform is shared with other notable Toyota and Lexus models, demonstrating its solid foundation. Measuring 186.6 inches in length, 73.0 inches wide, and 65.9 inches tall, with 7.8 inches of ground clearance, the Venza sat on a wheelbase of 105.9 inches. These dimensions placed it at the smaller end of the midsize crossover SUV segment but with a significant presence.

Its exterior had a modern, Lexus-like aesthetic, highlighted by a deeply scalloped body side that created a powerful rear fender. The tailgate was dramatic with LED lighting, while the nose presented an overhang not typical in SUVs designed for off-road capabilities. This made the Venza more suited to urban environments than rugged terrains. Inside, it continued the upscale theme with an elegantly designed interior, high-quality materials, and a functional, layered dashboard. The front seats were supportive and comfortable, and the rear ones could comfortably seat three adults.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid received a redesign in 2019, emphasizing a robust and blocky appearance with its trapezoidal grille reminiscent of Toyota's trucks. The design evolution gave it a sturdier look with angular, beveled bodywork. While initially striking, this blocky appearance became familiar as other brands like Honda and Mazda adopted similar aesthetics.

Inside, the RAV4 Hybrid featured an angular theme with a multi-tiered dashboard. This setup added visual interest but did not stray from common layouts of the time, with its central touchscreen and numerous physical controls. Though it had plenty of hard plastics, most touchpoints had a light padding, making the interior quality average for its class. Build quality was solid, free from unwanted noises on rough roads. However, base trims had a urethane steering wheel, noticeably substandard compared to the leather-wrapped options available in higher trims.

The 2022 Toyota Venza featured a hybrid powertrain with a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder gasoline engine coupled with three electric motors, delivering a combined 219 horsepower. This setup allowed for electric-only (EV) operation over short distances and included Normal, Eco, and Sport driving modes to optimize performance and efficiency. The regenerative braking system helped recharge the lithium-ion battery, making the Venza agile and responsive. It handled well within urban settings and provided a comfortable ride, sticking true to its family hauler essence rather than a sporty drive.

Meanwhile, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid offered a similar hybrid experience with its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and an electric motor-generator. Mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT), this combination also produced 219 horsepower and achieved a 0-60 mph time of 7.5 seconds. Its all-wheel-drive capability came from a second electric motor at the rear axle, enhancing traction. The RAV4 Hybrid was faster than the regular RAV4 and nearly matched competitors like the Kia Sportage and Honda CR-V hybrids. The transition from regenerative braking to physical brakes was smooth, and its suspension managed bumps well, ensuring a comfortable and confident ride without sporty pretensions.

The 2022 Toyota Venza accommodated five passengers in two rows, featuring comfortable bucket seats in the front and a 60/40-split folding bench in the rear. Both rows had ample head and legroom, and the second row provided 45.2 inches of hip room. Despite its not-so-tall roofline, the cabin felt roomy, particularly with the Star Gaze fixed panoramic glass roof in the Limited trim. Practicality was emphasized through features like LED map lights, numerous storage areas, and an easily accessible electric parking brake. The construction used sound-absorbing materials extensively, creating a tranquil cabin environment.

Cargo capacity in the Venza was practical yet modest. It offered 28.8 cubic feet behind the second row and expanded to 55.1 cubic feet with the seats folded. The lithium-ion battery pack's placement under the second-row seats allowed for minimal intrusion into cargo space.

In comparison, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid also comfortably seated larger front passengers and average-sized adults in the rear. While it provided slightly more rear headroom than rivals, its legroom fell slightly short. The rear seat cushions were lower, potentially reducing thigh support for taller passengers on long journeys. Behind the rear seats, the RAV4 Hybrid boasted a significant cargo area of 37.5 cubic feet, barely smaller than the non-hybrid version. With rear seats folded, this space increased further for larger items.

Interior storage was a strength of the RAV4 Hybrid, featuring an array of practical storage options like a wide shelf in the dashboard and a central phone tray. Large cupholders and a spacious center armrest bin complemented average-sized door pockets, ensuring practicality throughout the cabin.

The 2022 Toyota Venza excelled with its hybrid system that eliminated the need for external charging. Its 14.5-gallon gas tank and efficient hybrid system could cover over 500 miles per fill-up, making it convenient for locations with limited charging infrastructure. The Predicted Efficient Drive (PED) program was an intelligent addition, leveraging navigation data to optimize electric motor usage and battery charging habits.

Standard technology included an eight-inch touchscreen on LE and XLE models, with a larger 12.3-inch option for the Limited trim. These systems supported Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa, and SiriusXM. The Venza Limited further upgraded to a nine-speaker JBL audio system and offered advanced features like a 10-inch head-up display and a digital rearview mirror.

Conversely, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid introduced a significantly improved infotainment system, featuring modern graphics and logically arranged menus. While most models had an eight-inch display, higher trims upgraded to a 10.5-inch touchscreen. Standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto offered seamless connectivity, but wireless charging was optional. The top trims featured a fully digital instrument panel and an enhanced 11-speaker JBL system.

The 2022 Toyota Venza came fully equipped with Toyota's Star Safety System, encompassing essential safety features such as stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, and more. Eight airbags, including advanced front airbags and side-curtain airbags, were standard, alongside three-point seatbelts for all passengers. The Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 package provided advanced driver aids like forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assistance. The Venza also earned top safety ratings, including a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS.

Likewise, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid featured comprehensive safety equipment. Toyota's Safety Sense 2.5 suite included forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and more. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alerts were added to the XLE trim, and the Limited trim included advanced parking sensors and a surround-view camera. The RAV4 Hybrid received a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, demonstrating its robust safety profile.