2021 Toyota Venza vs 2020 Honda CR-V

The 2020 Honda CR-V, part of Honda’s fifth-generation compact crossover lineup, had a design that was both familiar and enjoyable. Its exterior featured curvy, car-like lines with a family resemblance to Honda’s sedans, giving it a station wagon vibe rather than a traditional SUV look. This styling made it a modern choice for family transportation. Inside, the CR-V presented a mix of textures and materials. While higher trims boasted wood-look trim and leather upholstery, these upscale touches clashed with some lower-quality plastics, reminding drivers that even the pricier CR-V versions were upgrades of a basic model.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Venza was noted for its Lexus-like appearance, with a design that blurred brand lines. Its elongated profile and grille drew comparisons to the Lexus LF-1 Limitless concept. The Venza was available in three trims—LE, XLE, and Limited—and offered seven paint colours. Standard features included LED headlights, dual chrome-tipped exhaust, and 18-inch alloy wheels. The interior was unique, with premium appointments and a centre stack featuring piano black capacitive buttons. The Venza’s cabin was spacious, with comfortable seating for five and a cargo space of 816 litres, making it a practical choice for daily driving.

The 2020 Honda CR-V was equipped with a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine across all trims, producing 190 horsepower and 179 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a CVT, the CR-V offered a smooth driving experience, especially in Sport mode. Its car-like handling and nimble steering made it feel more like a small sedan. The CR-V’s lightweight design contributed to its excellent fuel efficiency, with FWD models rated at 7.7 litres per 100 kilometres combined and AWD models at 8.1.

The 2021 Toyota Venza featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine combined with a lithium-ion battery pack, delivering 219 horsepower and 163 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid system, paired with an e-CVT, provided smooth acceleration, though engine noise was noticeable during speed increases. The Venza excelled in fuel efficiency, achieving 5.9 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 6.1 combined. Its handling was confident, and the AWD system performed reliably, making it a strong contender in its class.

The 2020 Honda CR-V was praised for its spacious interior, offering ample head- and legroom. Its clever storage solutions, like the deep centre console and two-position load floor, maximized cargo space, providing up to 1,110 litres. The CR-V’s design made it easy to accommodate various storage needs, enhancing its practicality.

The 2021 Toyota Venza, while not as rugged as the RAV4, offered a refined interior with premium touches. The cabin was spacious, with comfortable seating for both rows. Although its cargo space was less than the RAV4, the Venza’s 816 litres were sufficient for daily use. The quick-flip rear seatbacks made arranging the cargo area straightforward, adding to its functionality.

The 2020 Honda CR-V’s infotainment system showed its age, with a standard 7-inch touchscreen that lacked hard buttons, making it challenging to operate. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, but the system felt outdated compared to competitors. However, the CR-V offered ample USB ports and wireless charging on higher trims.

The 2021 Toyota Venza featured an 8-inch infotainment system on the LE trim, with a larger 12.3-inch screen on XLE and Limited trims. The Entune system, while improved, required multiple menu trips for simple tasks. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with a nine-speaker JBL audio system on higher trims. Toyota’s connected services, including Safety Connect and Remote Connect, added value to the Venza’s tech offerings.

The 2020 Honda CR-V came with the Honda Sensing suite, including forward-collision warning, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. It earned a five-star safety rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick from IIHS, though lower trims had less effective headlights.

The 2021 Toyota Venza included Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, offering features like pre-collision warning, lane departure alert, and adaptive cruise control. It also had blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Venza received a Top Safety Pick from IIHS and a five-star rating from NHTSA, ensuring high safety standards.