2021 Toyota Venza vs 2020 Toyota 4Runner

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner was characterized by its tall slab sides, high beltline, and short overhangs, contributing to its timeless design. Its utilitarian attitude was reminiscent of an XJ Jeep Cherokee, with flared wheel wells designed to accommodate off-road tires and short overhangs allowing it to tackle steep pitches. The hood scoop, a visual cue for the TRD trim, was one of the few non-functional elements. The front end featured small, angular headlights, with twin body-colour bars on most trims, while the TRD Pro had blacked-out accents. The Limited package, aimed at comfort, included leather upholstery and an 8-inch touchscreen, though the utilitarian DNA was evident with abundant plastic and a seating position designed for trails rather than highways.

The 2021 Toyota Venza, on the other hand, was noted for its Lexus-like appearance, with a design that blurred the line between the brands. It was shorter and closer to the ground than the RAV4, with a wheelbase that matched. The Venza was available in three trims: LE, XLE, and Limited, with a choice of seven paint colours. Standard features included a dual chrome-tipped exhaust, LED lights, and 18-inch alloy wheels. The interior boasted a wireless charging pad, dual-zone climate control, and an 8-inch infotainment screen, with the XLE and Limited trims offering additional features like a 12.3-inch screen and a digital rearview mirror. The Venza Limited also included the Star Gaze panoramic roof, adding a touch of luxury.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner was powered by a 4-litre V6 engine, producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. This setup allowed for a towing capacity of up to 2,268 kilograms. However, the engine was not known for its smoothness or fuel efficiency, with consumption estimated at 14.8 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 12.5 on the highway. The 4Runner excelled off-road, with its body-on-frame construction and advanced traction systems like crawl control and Multi-Terrain Select. The Limited model featured a full-time four-wheel drive system, while other trims had a part-time system.

The 2021 Toyota Venza came with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, assisted by a lithium-ion battery pack and electric motors, delivering a combined 219 horsepower and 163 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid system was paired with an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (e-CVT). While the Venza's acceleration was not rapid, it was smooth and sufficient for most driving situations. The Venza's handling was confident, and it was notably fuel-efficient, with consumption estimated at 5.9 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 6.4 on the highway. Toyota offered a 10-year/240,000-kilometre hybrid battery warranty and an eight-year/160,000-kilometre hybrid component warranty.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner offered excellent outward visibility, with a relatively tidy turning radius of 5.6 metres. The interior featured large, chunky knobs for HVAC and stereo controls, with an 8-inch touchscreen. The seating position was tall, providing a commanding view, though climbing in and out could be challenging without power-retractable running boards. The 4Runner offered an optional third row of seats, though they were best suited for short and occasional use due to limited legroom and comfort.

The 2021 Toyota Venza's interior was unique, with premium appointments in the centre stack and a deep centre console featuring various controls and ports. The seating was comfortable for both front and rear passengers, with more headroom than the RAV4. The Venza offered 816 litres of cargo space, which was less than some competitors but sufficient for daily use. The rear seats featured quick-flip releases for easy cargo space arrangement.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The system included Bluetooth connectivity, a single USB port, and subscription services like Sirius XM. However, the onboard navigation system was challenging to use, and the 4Runner lagged behind competitors in terms of total features and usability.

The 2021 Toyota Venza offered an 8-inch infotainment system on the LE trim, with a 12.3-inch screen on the XLE and Limited trims. The Entune system, while improved, was not the easiest to use. The Venza included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a six-speaker audio system, with a nine-speaker JBL system on higher trims. Toyota connected services like Safety Connect and Remote Connect were standard, with dynamic navigation available on models with the larger screen.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense P, which included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, and automatic high beams. It had eight airbags and received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, though it scored lower in the rollover test.

The 2021 Toyota Venza featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, with similar safety features as the 4Runner, plus blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. It had two full sets of LATCH connections and received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.