Are you considering getting behind the wheel of either the RAV4 or the Venza? Find out the differences between the two Toyota crossover SUVs in this 2023 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2023 Venza comparison.

2023 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2023 Venza: What are the differences?

In this 2023 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2023 Toyota Venza crossover SUV comparison, we evaluated several areas. This includes performance, gas mileage, towing, off-road capabilities, safety, passenger and cargo space, warranty coverage, and price.

RAV4 vs. Venza: Performance and gas mileage

On the performance front, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 offers three engine options: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (203 horsepower), a hybrid (219 horsepower), and a plug-in hybrid with the RAV4 Prime (308 horsepower). In comparison, all 2023 Toyota Venza models feature a hybrid powertrain, which generates a total system output of 219 horsepower.

For efficiency, the fully 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. Also, 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 gets an estimated gas mileage of up to 39 combined mpg.

RAV4 vs. Venza: Towing

On the towing front, the RAV4 and Venza are evenly matched. Both crossover SUVs have a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds.

RAV4 vs. Venza: Off-road capability

If you want a crossover SUV that can head off-road, then the RAV4 is the better option for you. While both crossover SUVs offer an all-wheel drive system, the RAV4 has higher ground clearance for handling the rigors of off-road use (up to 8.6 vs. 7.7 inches). Also, unlike the Venza, the RAV4 has off-road-focused models with the Woodland Edition, Adventure, and TRD Off-Road trims. 

RAV4 vs. Venza: Safety

The RAV4 and Venza are evenly matched for safety — given their safety history. For the previous model year, both crossover SUVs earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick award. 

RAV4 vs. Venza: Passenger and cargo space

While their shapes are different, the RAV4 and Venza have similar sizes. Both crossover SUVs can seat five people, with a total passenger volume of up to 98.9 cu-ft for the RAV4 and 98.3 cu-ft for the Venza. However, the Venza places a greater emphasis on passenger comfort. Overall, the cabin of the Venza has a more upscale design, with a more liberal use of premium materials.

The RAV4 provides more storage space, though. It has a maximum cargo capacity of up to 69.8 cu-ft, compared to 55.1 cu-ft for the Venza.

RAV4 vs. Venza: Warranty coverage

For warranty coverage, the RAV4 and Venza have the backing of a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. Both crossover SUVs also have a free maintenance plan, with two years or 25,000 miles of coverage.

RAV4 vs. Venza: Price

Which crossover SUV costs more: the 2023 RAV4 or the 2023 Venza? The official price information is not yet available for the 2023 model year, but both crossover SUVs will likely cost slightly more than the 2022 versions. 

For the 2022 RAV4, the starting price ranges from $26,975 MSRP for the LE trim up to $43,625 MSRP for the RAV4 Prime XSE trim. In comparison, the starting price of the 2022 Venza ranges from $33,240 MSRP for the LE trim up to $40,730 MSRP for the Limited trim.

2023 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2023 Toyota Venza: Which crossover SUV is better?

In this 2023 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2023 Toyota Venza comparison, each crossover SUV has various advantages. For the 2023 RAV4, advantages include maximum horsepower, an ultra-efficient plug-in hybrid model with the RAV4 Prime, and off-road capabilities. Conversely, advantages for the 2023 Venza include base-engine horsepower, base-engine gas mileage, and a more upscale interior.