2021 Toyota Venza vs 2020 Toyota Highlander

The 2020 Toyota Highlander presented a somewhat understated exterior design, with subtle changes from its predecessor, such as a more slanted tailgate glass and pronounced body panel creases. The trapezoidal theme was evident in various elements, including the tailgate's license plate cutout and the slimmer headlights. Higher trims like the Limited and Platinum featured projector-beam LED headlights and attractive 20-inch alloy wheels. The interior, however, was where the Highlander truly shone, with a focus on quality fit and finish. The cabin boasted silver-painted accents, a three-spoke steering wheel, and an 8-inch touchscreen. The Limited trim offered a three-tone interior with rich textures and padded surfaces, rivaling competitors like the Kia Telluride in terms of interior quality.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Venza was noted for its Lexus-like appearance, with a sleek design that blurred the lines between the two brands. The Venza was available in three trims: LE, XLE, and Limited, each offering a range of 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 deep centre console featuring a wireless charging pad and other modern conveniences. The Venza's cabin was spacious and comfortable, with ample room for passengers and a focus on refined styling. Despite having less cargo space than some competitors, the Venza's interior was well-suited for daily driving.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander was equipped with a robust 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque. Available in both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations, the Highlander offered smooth acceleration and a quiet ride, thanks to its eight-speed automatic transmission. However, the steering was somewhat loose, and the suspension was soft, leading to a less controlled driving experience. Despite these drawbacks, the Highlander provided a comfortable and isolating ride, ideal for long road trips. Fuel efficiency was commendable, with the FWD model achieving 11.9 L/100 km in the city and 8.3 on the highway.

The 2021 Toyota Venza featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder hybrid engine, producing a combined 219 horsepower and 163 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid system, paired with an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (e-CVT), offered smooth acceleration, though it was not as powerful as some competitors. The Venza's handling was precise, and the AWD system provided confidence on the road. Fuel efficiency was a standout feature, with the Venza achieving an impressive 5.9 L/100 km in the city and 6.4 on the highway. The hybrid powertrain was backed by a 10-year/240,000-kilometre warranty, providing peace of mind for buyers.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander offered seating for eight, or seven with the optional second-row captain's chairs. The second-row seats were versatile, with generous legroom and easy access to the third row. The Highlander's cargo space was ample, with 453 litres behind the third row and 2,378 litres with both rows folded. The interior featured practical elements like eight cupholders, two dash-integrated shelves, and a user-friendly infotainment system. However, the wireless charging pad's placement was inconvenient, blocking access to the centre armrest cubby.

The 2021 Toyota Venza, while not as spacious as the Highlander, provided a comfortable and refined interior. The five-seater offered ample headroom and comfortable seating for both front and rear passengers. The Venza's cargo space was 816 litres, sufficient for daily use but less than some competitors. The interior featured premium materials and a well-designed centre console with modern conveniences. The Venza's cabin was more elegant and refined than the RAV4, making it a suitable choice for those seeking a more upscale experience.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander's infotainment system, despite being new, felt outdated compared to competitors. The 12.3-inch touchscreen on the Platinum trim was limited in functionality, with climate and fuel efficiency information always present. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, but the system's interface was less intuitive than those from other manufacturers. The Highlander did offer a 10-inch head-up display and a 7-inch instrument cluster display, providing useful information. The JBL audio system on higher trims was decent, and standard features included adaptive cruise control and automatic high beams.

The 2021 Toyota Venza featured the Entune infotainment system, with an 8-inch screen on the LE trim and a 12.3-inch screen on the XLE and Limited trims. While the system had improved over the years, it still required multiple menu trips for certain functions. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with a six-speaker audio system. The XLE and Limited trims offered a nine-speaker JBL audio system with a subwoofer and amplifier. Toyota connected services, including Safety Connect and Remote Connect, were standard, providing additional convenience and safety features.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Highlander received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was awarded a 2020 Top Safety Pick by the IIHS.

The 2021 Toyota Venza also featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, with similar safety and driver-assist technologies. Standard features included a pre-collision warning system, lane-departure alert, and adaptive cruise control. The Venza received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was rated as a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS. The safety features were effective and non-intrusive, providing a secure driving experience.