2021 Toyota 4Runner vs 2022 Toyota Venza

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner, despite its age, retained a rugged charm that appealed to those seeking a durable and utilitarian vehicle. Its design, unchanged for over a decade, featured a two-box body with flared fenders and trapezoidal wheel arches, offering timeless styling and balanced proportions. While not conventionally attractive, the 4Runner's appearance was functional, akin to a reliable tool that didn't require frequent updates. The interior was straightforward, with hard plastic materials and an old-school dashboard, emphasizing simplicity and durability. The 4Runner was available in various trims and packages, with pricing starting at $46,200 and reaching $62,430 for the top-tier SR5 with the TRD Pro package.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Venza presented a modern and sophisticated design, reminiscent of a Lexus. It featured a sleek exterior with a deeply scalloped body side and a distinctive tailgate with LED lighting. The Venza's interior was elegant, with high-quality materials and a well-organized layout. It offered a comfortable and spacious cabin, with supportive front seats and ample room for rear passengers. The Venza's design prioritized on-road comfort and style, making it more suitable for urban environments than rugged terrains. Its pricing and features positioned it as a premium midsize crossover, appealing to those seeking a refined and efficient vehicle.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner was equipped with a 4.0-litre V6 engine producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. It excelled in off-road conditions, thanks to its A-Trac off-road traction control system and optional packages like TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro, which added features such as a locking rear differential and Crawl Control. However, on paved roads, the 4Runner felt slow and cumbersome, with heavy steering and brakes. Its fuel consumption was high, averaging 14.0 L/100 km, and it had a maximum towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms.

The 2022 Toyota Venza, on the other hand, featured a hybrid powertrain with a 2.5-litre inline four-cylinder engine and three electric motors, delivering a combined 219 horsepower. It offered a smooth and efficient driving experience, with the ability to switch between electric-only and hybrid modes. The Venza's handling was agile, and it provided a comfortable ride, although it wasn't designed for aggressive cornering. Its hybrid system allowed for impressive fuel efficiency, with a range of over 800 kilometres on a full tank, making it an ideal choice for long-distance travel.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner offered a spacious and comfortable interior, with ample legroom and supportive seats. It had a high ground clearance, which could be challenging for shorter passengers to access without running boards. The 4Runner provided up to 2,540 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded, making it suitable for outdoor adventures. Its interior storage was decent, and the back bumper served as a convenient seating area for various activities.

The 2022 Toyota Venza accommodated five passengers in a roomy cabin, with good headroom and legroom in both rows. It featured a 60/40-split folding second-row bench seat, allowing for flexible cargo arrangements. The Venza offered up to 1,560 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded, and its lithium-ion battery pack had minimal impact on storage capacity. The cabin was designed to be a quiet and comfortable oasis, with sound-blocking materials and numerous convenience features, such as an electric parking brake and a power liftgate.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner's technology offerings were basic, with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system that included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. It also featured a windshield wiper de-icer and a 120-volt AC power outlet in the cargo area. While the infotainment system was user-friendly, it lacked some of the advanced features found in more modern vehicles.

The 2022 Toyota Venza boasted a comprehensive suite of technology features, including an 8-inch touchscreen on the LE trim and a 12.3-inch touchscreen on higher trims. It supported Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Bluetooth connectivity, with additional USB ports for charging. The Venza's infotainment system included Toyota Connected Services, and higher trims offered a JBL audio system, head-up display, and digital rearview mirror. The hybrid system's Predicted Efficient Drive program optimized battery charging based on driving habits, enhancing fuel efficiency.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner came with Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P), which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and automatic high beams. However, it lacked blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The 4Runner received mixed safety ratings, with a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA and a "Marginal" rating for driver protection in small overlap frontal impacts from the IIHS.

The 2022 Toyota Venza was equipped with the Toyota Star Safety System and Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 (TSS 2.0), offering a comprehensive suite of safety features. It included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning with steering assist, and more. The Venza also had a blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking assist with automated braking on higher trims. It received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA.