2021 Subaru Crosstrek vs 2022 Toyota Venza

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek was a clever adaptation of the Impreza hatchback, designed to capture the growing interest in crossovers. By incorporating rugged aesthetics, standard all-wheel drive (AWD), and a higher driving position, Subaru successfully transformed the Impreza into a more adventurous vehicle. The Crosstrek stood out with its black body cladding, model-specific alloy wheels, and increased ground clearance, which gave it a more SUV-like appearance. Despite these changes, the Crosstrek retained the same Subaru Global Platform as its siblings, ensuring a refined driving experience. Inside, the Crosstrek's interior was functional but somewhat plain, with water-repellant upholstery and vibrant colour options adding a touch of character.

The 2022 Toyota Venza, on the other hand, re-emerged with a sophisticated design that could easily fit into the Lexus lineup. Built on the TGNA-K platform, the Venza boasted excellent proportions and a modern exterior, highlighted by a deeply scalloped body and LED lighting. Its interior was equally impressive, offering a Lexus-like elegance with high-quality materials and a well-thought-out layout. The Venza's cabin was spacious, with supportive front seats and ample room for rear passengers. The available Star Gaze panoramic sunroof added to the sense of openness, making the Venza a comfortable and stylish choice for families.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek offered two engine options: a 2.0-litre boxer-four engine producing 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque, and a more powerful 2.5-litre boxer-four engine delivering 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. The latter was standard on the Outdoor and Limited trims. The Crosstrek's boxer engine design provided a lower centre of gravity, enhancing handling, although the increased ride height somewhat negated this benefit. A six-speed manual transmission was available with the 2.0-litre engine, while most buyers opted for the continuously variable transmission (CVT). All trims featured standard AWD, with X-Mode and various driving modes enhancing off-road capability. Despite its SUV-like stance, the Crosstrek was more suited to on-road driving, offering predictable handling and a comfortable ride.

The 2022 Toyota Venza featured a hybrid powertrain combining a 2.5-litre inline four-cylinder engine with three electric motors, producing a total of 219 horsepower. This setup provided a balance of efficiency and performance, with electric motors at the rear axle enabling AWD. Drivers could choose from EV, Normal, Eco, and Sport modes to tailor the driving experience. Regenerative braking helped recharge the lithium-ion battery, while the gas engine provided the main charge. The Venza delivered sprightly performance and agile handling, with a focus on comfort and efficiency rather than aggressive cornering.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek offered competitive passenger space, with the same front and rear legroom as the Impreza hatchback. It provided slightly more rear headroom and a total cargo capacity of 588 litres with the rear seats in place, expanding to 1,565 litres with the seats folded. While it offered more cargo space than some competitors, it lagged behind others like the Honda HR-V. The Crosstrek featured a rear-seat reminder system, a handy cubby for phones, and decent-sized bottle holders, though overall storage was limited. The driving position was higher than the Impreza's, but visibility remained good.

The 2022 Toyota Venza accommodated five passengers comfortably, with ample headroom and legroom in both rows. The second row offered 114.8 cm of hip room, making it suitable for three adults. The cabin felt spacious, especially with the Star Gaze sunroof. Convenience features included an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, electric parking brake, and numerous storage options. The Venza's cargo capacity was 816 litres behind the second row, expanding to 1,560 litres with the seats folded. Toyota focused on creating a quiet cabin, using sound-blocking materials throughout.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek featured the Starlink infotainment system with a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, and Bluetooth. Higher trims received an 8-inch touchscreen, with navigation standard on the Limited. The system was user-friendly, with large analog knobs and buttons for essential functions. EyeSight driver-assistance features were controlled via steering wheel buttons, enhancing safety.

The 2022 Toyota Venza's hybrid powertrain required no special attention, offering a seamless driving experience without the need for charging infrastructure. The Predicted Efficient Drive program optimized battery charging based on driving habits. The Venza LE came with an eight-inch touchscreen, while higher trims offered a 12.3-inch touchscreen, JBL audio system, and additional features like a head-up display and digital rearview mirror. Toyota Connected Services provided various safety and convenience features.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick" award from the IIHS. It featured EyeSight driver-assist technology with adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. Additional features included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert on higher trims. The system's cameras were well-protected but had limitations in certain conditions.

The 2022 Toyota Venza came with the Toyota Star Safety System, including stability control, traction control, and anti-lock brakes. It featured eight airbags and the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite, which included forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning. The Venza received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA.