2022 Toyota Venza vs 2021 Lexus GX

The 2021 Lexus GX retained its rugged and aggressive exterior styling, a testament to its long-standing presence in the market. Despite its decade-old body shell, the GX's design remained coherent, thanks to updates like the Lexus spindle grille and triple-beam LED headlights. The SUV's tough look appealed to those seeking a distinctive appearance, although the interior did not match the modern luxury standards. The wood trim felt more like plastic, and the abundance of actual plastic detracted from the luxury feel, despite the standard semi-aniline leather.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Venza boasted a modern and elegant design, with proportions that could easily fit into the Lexus lineup. Its exterior featured a deeply scalloped body side and a prominent tailgate with LED lighting, giving it a sophisticated look. The Venza's interior was equally impressive, offering high-quality materials and a well-thought-out layout. The layered dash and strategically placed touchscreen display enhanced the cabin's elegance, while the comfortable seating ensured a pleasant ride for all passengers.

The 2021 Lexus GX was powered by a 4.6-litre V8 engine, delivering 301 horsepower and 329 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. While the V8 provided ample power for initial acceleration, the SUV's hefty weight of 2,349 kilograms made high-speed maneuvers challenging. The GX's body-on-frame construction resulted in a less refined ride quality, with noticeable body roll and low grip in corners. However, its off-road capabilities were commendable, featuring a Torsen centre differential, a low-range 4WD system, and various drive modes for different terrains. The GX also offered a towing capacity of 2,948 kilograms.

The 2022 Toyota Venza, on the other hand, featured a 2.5-litre inline four-cylinder engine combined with three electric motors, producing a total of 219 horsepower. This hybrid setup provided a balance of efficiency and performance, with the electric motors contributing to an AWD drivetrain. The Venza offered multiple drive modes, including an electric-only option for short distances. Its agile handling and smooth ride made it a suitable choice for family travel, although it wasn't designed for aggressive cornering. The hybrid system's regenerative braking helped recharge the battery, enhancing fuel efficiency.

The interior of the 2021 Lexus GX reflected its age, with an upright dashboard and high centre console limiting legroom. The steering wheel's odd angle and tall seating position added to the bus-like driving feel. Despite these drawbacks, the GX offered excellent outward visibility, thanks to its boxy profile and low side glass. The SUV came standard with three rows of seating, accommodating up to seven passengers, although the third row was best suited for children. Cargo space was limited, with only 1,833 litres available when the second and third rows were folded.

The 2022 Toyota Venza provided a spacious and comfortable cabin for five passengers, with ample headroom and legroom in both rows. The second row's 60/40-split folding bench seat allowed for flexible cargo arrangements, with up to 1,560 litres of space available when folded. The Venza's interior featured numerous convenience features, including an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, electric parking brake, and multiple storage compartments. The cabin's quietness was enhanced by sound-blocking materials, creating a serene environment for travel.

The 2021 Lexus GX was light on tech features, lacking Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The standard infotainment system had outdated graphics and limited functionality, although analog controls provided a user-friendly interface. The GX included a 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system and two USB ports for the first two rows, but the third row lacked connectivity options.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Venza offered a comprehensive suite of technology features. Its hybrid powertrain required no special attention, providing a seamless driving experience without the need for charging infrastructure. The Venza's infotainment system included an eight-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, along with multiple USB ports and a JBL audio system on higher trims. The vehicle also featured advanced driver aids, such as a head-up display and digital rearview mirror, enhancing convenience and safety.

The 2021 Lexus GX came equipped with the Lexus Safety System+ bundle, offering features like a pre-collision system, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. However, it lacked some advanced safety features found in other Lexus and Toyota models, such as traffic-sign recognition and Lane Tracing Assist. The GX had not been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2022 Toyota Venza, on the other hand, boasted a comprehensive safety suite, including the Toyota Star Safety System and Toyota Safety Sense 2.0. These systems provided features like forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning. The Venza also included eight airbags and a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert. It received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA.