2022 Toyota Venza vs 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe offered a diverse range of trims, each with distinct styling cues. The base LS and popular LT models featured different grille patterns, while the sporty RST boasted a slotted grille, blacked-out appearance, and 22-inch wheels. The rugged Z71 combined the LS grille with a blacked-out look, red tow hooks, and unique 20-inch wheels for off-roading. The upscale Premier adopted the RST’s grille with chrome accents, and the luxurious High Country showcased a chrome bar grille and bright-finished 22-inch wheels. The Tahoe's design was dominated by its grille, with standard LED headlights and expressive taillights. Despite its familiar design themes, the new Tahoe appeared more slab-sided, with larger wheels enhancing its overall look. Prices ranged from $57,048 for the LS to $81,448 for the High Country, with the Z71 trim tested at $80,293, including various option packages.

The 2022 Toyota Venza re-emerged with a modern design on the TGNA-K platform, shared with several Toyota and Lexus models. Measuring 4,739 mm in length, the Venza was compact for a midsize crossover. Its exterior design was sleek, with a scalloped body side and LED lighting on the tailgate. The interior was Lexus-like, featuring high-quality materials and an elegant layout. The standard 8-inch or available 12.3-inch touchscreen was well-placed, and the front seats were supportive. The Venza's design prioritized urban environments over rugged terrains, with standard 18-inch alloy wheels. The cabin offered a quiet and serene experience, thanks to extensive sound insulation.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe provided three engine options. Most trims featured a 5.3-litre V8 engine with 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque, while the High Country boasted a 6.2-litre V8 with 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. A turbocharged 3.0-litre diesel engine, offering 277 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, was available for all trims except the Z71. The Tahoe's 10-speed automatic transmission powered the rear wheels, with 4WD optional on base trims and standard on others. The Z71 included off-road enhancements like a two-speed transfer case and hill descent control. The Tahoe could tow up to 3,810 kg and handle an 831 kg payload. The new independent rear suspension improved ride quality, complemented by optional Magnetic Ride Control and Air Ride suspension. The Z71 impressed with its smooth ride and capable 5.3-litre V8 engine, achieving 14.3 L/100 km in testing.

The 2022 Toyota Venza featured a 2.5-litre inline four-cylinder engine paired with three electric motors, producing a combined 219 horsepower. The hybrid system balanced electric and gas power for efficiency, with electric motors at the rear axle providing AWD. Drivers could choose from EV, Normal, Eco, and Sport modes. Regenerative braking recharged the lithium-ion battery, with the main charge from the gas engine. The Venza offered agile handling, similar to the Camry, with a focus on comfort rather than aggressive cornering. The hybrid system provided a seamless driving experience, with a range exceeding 800 km on a full tank.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe's new independent rear suspension improved passenger comfort and cargo space. The test vehicle featured heated power-adjustable front seats and a heated steering wheel. The power sliding storage console offered secure storage and convenience. The second row had a bench seat or captain’s chairs, with the latter providing comfort and entertainment options. The third-row seat was more spacious, accommodating adults comfortably. The Tahoe offered 722 litres of cargo space behind the rear seat, expanding to 3,480 litres with seats folded, surpassing most full-size SUVs.

The 2022 Toyota Venza seated five with ample headroom and legroom in both rows. The second row offered 114.8 cm of hip room, suitable for three adults. The cabin felt spacious, especially with the Star Gaze panoramic sunroof. Convenience features included an overhead console, power-adjustable front seats, and an electric parking brake. The Venza had four cupholders and bottle holders, with a lithium-ion battery pack under the second-row seats minimally impacting cargo space. It offered 816 litres of cargo space, expanding to 1,560 litres with seats folded. The cabin was quiet, thanks to extensive sound insulation.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe featured a 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with enhanced computing power and cybersecurity. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, voice recognition, and Chevrolet Connected Services. Navigation and Bose audio systems were optional. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with impressive voice recognition. The test vehicle included a Rear Seat Media system, though the head-up display was absent.

The 2022 Toyota Venza's hybrid system required no charging infrastructure, offering a range over 800 km. The Predicted Efficient Drive program optimized battery charging using navigation data. The Venza LE featured an 8-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, while XLE and Limited trims added a 12.3-inch touchscreen, JBL audio, and navigation. The Limited trim included a head-up display and digital rearview mirror. Toyota Connected Services offered various features, with a 5-inch instrument cluster display on LE models and a 7-inch screen on higher trims.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe included standard safety features like Teen Driver, rear-seat reminder, forward collision alert, and low-speed automatic emergency braking. Higher trims offered lane-departure warning, blind-spot warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Tahoe's safety features worked as expected, though the pedestrian alert could be distracting. A surround-view camera was recommended for maneuvering.

The 2022 Toyota Venza featured the Toyota Star Safety System with stability control, traction control, and anti-lock brakes. It had eight airbags and LATCH anchors for child seats. Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 included forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning. Blind-spot monitoring and hill-start assist were standard, with parking assist on higher trims. The Venza received a Top Safety Pick rating from IIHS and five stars from NHTSA.