2021 Buick Envision vs 2022 Toyota Venza

The 2021 Buick Envision underwent a significant redesign, presenting a lower and wider stance compared to its predecessor. This two-row compact crossover, positioned between the smaller Encore GX and the larger Enclave, showcased a more sculpted appearance, distinguishing itself from its cousin, the Cadillac XT4, though it wasn't as sleek as the Acura RDX. The Envision offered three trim levels—Preferred, Essence, and Avenir—with the Avenir trim making its debut, featuring premium exterior elements like a Black Ice Chrome mesh grille and 20-inch Avenir-specific wheels. Inside, the Avenir boasted leather-appointed seating and a head-up display, while all Envisions came with LED lighting and a driver-centric cabin design.

The 2022 Toyota Venza, reintroduced on the TGNA-K platform, featured a modern exterior design with excellent proportions, reminiscent of a Lexus. Its standout design elements included a deeply scalloped body side and a prominent tailgate with LED lighting. The Venza's interior was elegant, with high-quality materials and a layered dash that complemented the steep windshield. The cabin offered supportive front seats and ample space for rear passengers, making it a comfortable choice for families. The Venza's design was more suited for urban environments, emphasizing style and comfort over rugged off-road capabilities.

The 2021 Buick Envision featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Despite a reduction in power from the previous model, the Envision's weight loss of 200 to 300 pounds improved its fuel efficiency, achieving 24 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway for FWD models. The Envision offered a comfortable ride, though engine and road noise were noticeable, and its drivability leaned more towards comfort than sportiness. The drive mode selector included a Sport mode, but the noise and fuel economy trade-offs were apparent.

The 2022 Toyota Venza combined a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder gasoline engine with three electric motors, delivering a total of 219 horsepower. The hybrid system allowed for electric-only operation for short distances and offered Normal, Eco, and Sport drive modes. The Venza's regenerative braking system helped recharge the lithium-ion battery, contributing to its efficient performance. The Venza provided a smooth and agile driving experience, with a focus on comfort and efficiency rather than aggressive handling, making it an ideal choice for family travel.

The 2021 Buick Envision's redesign resulted in a cabin with less headroom, legroom, and shoulder room compared to its predecessor, despite a longer wheelbase. Rear passengers experienced a reduction in legroom and hip room, though the overall passenger volume remained similar. The Envision's cargo space was limited, with 25.2 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 53.7 cubic feet with the seats folded. The driver-centric cockpit design restricted passenger access to controls, and forward visibility was challenging for shorter drivers. However, the Envision offered standard heated seats and a heated steering wheel for added comfort.

The 2022 Toyota Venza provided ample space for five passengers, with good headroom and legroom in both rows. The second row offered 45.2 inches of hip room, accommodating three adults comfortably. The Venza's cargo capacity was generous, with 28.8 cubic feet behind the second row and 55.1 cubic feet with the seats folded. The cabin featured numerous convenience elements, including an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, electric parking brake, and multiple cupholders and bottle holders. Toyota focused on creating a quiet and serene environment, with sound-blocking materials enhancing the cabin's tranquility.

The 2021 Buick Envision's technology offerings included a standard 10.2-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The driver information display varied between 4.2 and 8.0 inches, with available features like navigation, a surround-view camera, and wireless device charging. The Envision's tech was functional but not groundbreaking, with a focus on essential features for convenience and connectivity.

The 2022 Toyota Venza featured a hybrid powertrain that required no charging infrastructure, offering a seamless driving experience. The Venza's infotainment system included an eight-inch touchscreen on LE and XLE models, with a 12.3-inch screen on the Limited trim. The system supported Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Amazon Alexa, with additional features like a nine-speaker JBL audio system and a head-up display available. Toyota Connected Services provided safety and connectivity features, ensuring a comprehensive tech experience for Venza owners.

The 2021 Buick Envision had not yet been rated by NHTSA or IIHS, but it included standard safety features like forward-collision alert, lane-keep assist, and automatic emergency braking. The Buckle to Drive feature ensured seatbelt use before shifting from park to drive. Adaptive cruise control and enhanced automatic park assist were available on the Avenir trim.

The 2022 Toyota Venza came equipped with the Toyota Star Safety System, featuring stability control, traction control, and anti-lock brakes. It also included eight airbags and the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite, offering forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure alert. The Venza received a Top Safety Pick rating from IIHS and a five-star rating from NHTSA, highlighting its strong safety credentials.