The Toyota Venza Is Just An Overpriced RAV4
The Toyota Venza has returned as a hybrid, but the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is available now. So is it worth it to wait on the Venza to land at local dealerships, or is it better to go ahead and snag the RAV4 Hybrid now?
The Toyota Venza VS The RAV4 Hybrid
While the Toyota Venza isn’t available to purchase yet, we do know that the base model will start around $35k, and the fully-loaded trim model will be about $435k. This is more than the Ford Explorer Hybrid costs, and it’s a three-row SUV.
Also, the RAV4 Hybrid starts around $28k. The nonhybrid model begins around $25k too. However, the Venza doesn’t have a nonhybrid trim, and we aren’t sure if it’s worth the extra cost.
Toyota Venza VS RAV4 Hybrid Power
The RAV4 Hybrid and Toyota Venza are almost identical, and they share some of the same parts under the hood. The Toyota 2.0 Hybrid System powers both of these SUVs, and both produce 240 horsepower.
We know that the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid gets up to 42 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the highway. The Venza is expected to have very similar numbers, and the Venza LE model is likely to get at least 40 mpg. The LE trim is the base model, so higher, more powerful trim options may be slightly less fuel-efficient.
The Venza and RAV4 also sit on the same TNGA platform and have a similar suspension set up with MacPherson struts in the front and a multi-link suspension in the rear.
The vehicles even have an identical wheelbase length, so the ride should be very similar. The Venza is about six inches longer, so it could be a little bumpier than the RAV4.
The Toyota Venza has a slightly more powerful AWD system. It can send 80% of its power to the rear wheels to prevent slipping, but the RAV4 can only send 50% of power to its rear wheels.
Also, the Venza probably has more cargo space than the RAV4. The RAV4 currently offers 37.6 cubic feet in the rear and up to 69.8 cubic feet of cargo space total. However, the legroom, hip space, shoulder room, and more for passengers will be pretty much the same.
Toyota Venza And RAV4 Features
The Toyota Venza comes with an 8″ infotainment center, and you can upgrade to a 12″ display. The RAV4 comes with a 7″ infotainment center, and an optional 8″ screen is available. Of course, they can both connect to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Toyota released the Toyota Venza with a curvier look that has more refined lines to better compete against rivals. The more refined look is paired with a slightly more upscale interior. However, the most significant difference between the Venza and RAV4 is the noise cancellation technology.
The Venza has acoustic glass with materials in the headliner, wheelbase, and engine bay for a silent ride. If you want a super quiet ride, then maybe it’s worth paying nearly $10k more than the RAV4. However, that’s the only notable advantage that the Venza currently has over the RAV4.
