2021 Toyota Venza vs 2020 Toyota RAV4

The 2020 Toyota RAV4, with its bold and angular redesign from the previous year, continued to set the standard for compact SUVs. It offered a rugged appearance that matched its proven durability. The Trail trim, known for its off-roading capabilities, featured a torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system, multiple driving modes, and downhill assist control, making it a versatile choice for various terrains. The TRD Off-Road package further enhanced its capabilities with specialized wheels, tires, and suspension, providing a comfortable ride on diverse surfaces. Inside, the RAV4 TRD Off-Road boasted TRD logos, rubber floor mats, and a mix of quality materials, offering a balance of ruggedness and comfort.

The 2021 Toyota Venza, on the other hand, presented a more refined and luxurious appearance, often compared to a Lexus. Its sleek design, inspired by the Lexus LF-1 Limitless concept, set it apart from other Toyota SUVs. The Venza was available in three trim levels, each offering a range of paint colours and standard features. The interior featured premium appointments, including a unique centre stack with capacitive buttons and a large infotainment screen. The Venza prioritized comfort with spacious seating and elegant styling, making it a more sophisticated choice compared to the RAV4.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 was equipped with a 2.5-litre 4-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. It offered a hybrid variant with 219 horsepower, but the TRD Off-Road package was exclusive to the gas-powered model. The RAV4's eight-speed automatic transmission generally performed well, though it occasionally hesitated in gear selection. The TRD Off-Road model featured a torque-vectoring AWD system, multi-terrain select settings, and downhill assist control, making it adept at handling challenging trails. Despite its off-road focus, the RAV4 TRD Off-Road was practical for daily use, with a comfortable suspension and advanced technology like a 360-degree camera system. However, its fuel efficiency fell short of official estimates, averaging 10.0 L/100 km.

The 2021 Toyota Venza came standard with a hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with electric motors to deliver 219 horsepower and 163 pound-feet of torque. The e-CVT transmission provided smooth acceleration, though engine noise was noticeable during rapid acceleration. The Venza's handling was confident and predictable, offering a typical Toyota driving experience. Its standout feature was its impressive fuel efficiency, achieving 5.9 L/100 km in the city and 6.1 L/100 km combined, outperforming competitors like the Murano and Blazer. Toyota's hybrid powertrain warranty further enhanced the Venza's appeal, providing peace of mind for long-term ownership.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 offered easy access with well-positioned seating and a sporty driving position. The interior featured SofTex upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and ample rear legroom. Interior storage was generous, with a dashboard shelf and substantial cargo space of 1,062 litres behind the rear seats, expandable to 1,974 litres with the seats folded. The RAV4's utility was further enhanced by robust roof rails and a roof rack.

The 2021 Toyota Venza prioritized comfort and elegance, with a unique cabin design featuring premium materials and a well-organized centre console. The Venza's seating was spacious and comfortable, accommodating adults in both rows. While it offered slightly less cargo space than the RAV4, with 816 litres, it remained practical for daily use. The Venza's refined interior and elegant appointments made it a more sophisticated choice compared to the RAV4.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 featured a user-friendly infotainment system with a 7- or 8-inch touchscreen, offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM. The TRD Off-Road model impressed with its voice-recognition technology and available features like wireless smartphone charging and a 360-degree camera system. The digital rear-view mirror provided a live video feed, enhancing visibility.

The 2021 Toyota Venza offered an 8-inch infotainment system on the LE trim, while the XLE and Limited featured a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen. The Entune system, though improved, required multiple menu trips for certain functions. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a six-speaker audio system, with a nine-speaker JBL premium audio system available on higher trims. Toyota connected services, including Safety Connect and Remote Connect, were standard, providing additional convenience and safety features.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, offering features like automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure warning. Blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. The RAV4 received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, with top marks for crash protection and ADAS performance.

The 2021 Toyota Venza shared similar safety features with the RAV4, including Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Venza's safety systems were effective and non-intrusive, though lane-keeping assist tended to keep the vehicle slightly to the right. The Venza received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA.