If there’s one thing that Toyota does well, it’s crossover SUVs. This includes the top-selling RAV4, as well as the Venza. See how the two Toyota models compare in this 2022 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2022 Toyota Venza crossover competition. With its many advantages, the RAV4 tops the Venza.

2022 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2022 Toyota Venza

For our 2022 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2022 Toyota Venza head-to-head comparison, we evaluated several areas. This includes performance, efficiency, off-road capabilities, towing, safety, passenger and cargo space, interior features and technologies, warranty coverage, reliability, and price.

RAV4 vs. Venza: Performance and efficiency

On the performance front, the 2022 Toyota RAV4 offers three powertrains: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (203 hp), a hybrid (219 hp), and a plug-in hybrid with the RAV4 Prime (308 hp). In comparison, all 2022 Toyota Venza models have a hybrid powertrain, which generates 219 hp.

For efficiency, the gas-powered RAV4 has an estimated fuel economy of up to 30 combined mpg, while the RAV4 Hybrid has a gas mileage of up to 40 combined mpg. The RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid has a fuel efficiency of 94 MPGe when in electric-only mode and 38 combined mpg in hybrid mode. In comparison, the Venza has an estimated fuel economy of up to 39 combined mpg.

RAV4 vs. Venza: Off-road capabilities and towing

If you want a vehicle that can head off-road, then you’ll want to buy the RAV4. For one, the RAV4 has higher ground clearance than the Venza (up to 8.6 inches vs. 7.8 inches). Also, unlike the Venza, the RAV4 offers off-road-focused models with the RAV4 TRD Off-Road and RAV4 Adventure trims.

The RAV4 also has the advantage for towing. While the Venza is not recommended for towing, the RAV4 has a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds.

RAV4 vs. Venza: Safety

The RAV4 and Venza are evenly matched for safety. Both Toyota crossover SUVs earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick award and offer safety and driving assistance features like brake assist, a blind spot monitoring system, and a rear parking aid. 

RAV4 vs. Venza: Passenger and cargo space

In terms of exterior dimensions, the Venza is a slightly bigger vehicle than the RAV4. However, the RAV4 provides more space for both people and storage. It has a total passenger volume of 98.9 cu-ft and a maximum cargo capacity of 69.8 cu-ft. In comparison, the Venza has a total passenger volume of 98.3 cu-ft and a maximum cargo capacity of 55.1 cu-ft.

RAV4 vs. Venza: Interior features and technologies

The RAV4 and Venza offer a similar roster of interior features and technologies. This includes a sunroof/moonroof, a Wi-Fi hotspot, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, and heated and ventilated seats. However, the interior of the Venza is more luxurious, with the use of premium materials, such as available woodgrain trim. 

RAV4 vs. Venza: Warranty coverage and reliability

For warranty coverage, both the RAV4 and Venza have a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. The RAV4 has the advantage for reliability, though. It earned a J.D. Power reliability rating of 81/100, compared to 78/100 for the Venza. 

RAV4 vs. Venza: Price

Which Toyota crossover SUV costs more: the 2022 RAV4 or the 2022 Venza? The starting prices of the 2022 RAV4 range from $26,525 MSRP for the LE trim up to $43,125 MSRP for the RAV4 Prime XSE trim. In comparison, the starting prices of the 2022 Venza range from $32,890 MSRP for the LE trim up to $40,380 MSRP for the Limited trim.

2022 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2022 Toyota Venza: Which Toyota crossover SUV is better?

As you can see in our 2022 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2022 Toyota Venza comparison, the 2022 RAV4 has more advantages than the 2022 Venza. This includes performance, hybrid efficiency, off-road capabilities, towing, passenger and cargo space, and reliability. For the Venza, the only significant advantage that it has over the RAV4 is its more luxurious interior.