2021 Toyota Venza vs 2021 Lexus GX

The 2021 Toyota Venza was a stylish SUV that many critics noted bore a resemblance to a Lexus, particularly in its elongated profile and grille design. This resemblance was more pronounced in person, where the Venza's design echoed the Lexus LF-1 Limitless concept. Available in three trim levels—LE, XLE, and Limited—the Venza offered a choice of seven paint colours, though not all were available across every trim. Standard features included LED lighting, a dual chrome-tipped exhaust, and 18-inch alloy wheels, with the base LE model also offering a wireless charging pad, dual-zone climate control, and an 8-inch infotainment screen. The XLE and Limited trims added further luxury touches, such as a larger infotainment screen and a Star Gaze panoramic roof.

In contrast, the 2021 Lexus GX 460 retained much of its decade-old design, with only minor updates over the years. The GX featured the Lexus spindle grille, updated in 2020, and standard silver 18-inch wheels, with 19-inch options available. Despite its age, the GX's styling was coherent and distinctive, appealing to those seeking a tough, aggressive look. However, the interior did not meet modern luxury standards, with wood trim that felt like plastic and an abundance of actual plastic. The GX did offer standard semi-aniline leather, but overall, the interior felt dated compared to newer luxury SUVs.

The 2021 Toyota Venza was equipped with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine paired with a lithium-ion battery pack, delivering a combined 219 horsepower and 163 pound-feet of torque. This hybrid system, coupled with an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (e-CVT), provided smooth acceleration, though it was not particularly rapid. The Venza excelled in fuel efficiency, achieving an estimated 5.9 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 6.4 on the highway, outperforming competitors like the Murano and Passport. The Venza's handling was confident, with its all-wheel-drive system ensuring stability and predictability.

The 2021 Lexus GX 460 featured a 4.6-litre V8 engine producing 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 GX's substantial weight of 2,349 kilograms made high-speed maneuvers and stopping more challenging. The body-on-frame construction resulted in a less refined ride quality, with noticeable body roll and low grip in corners. However, the GX excelled in off-road capability, with features like a Torsen centre differential, low-range 4WD, and Multi-Terrain Select, making it a formidable choice for off-road enthusiasts.

Inside the 2021 Toyota Venza, the cabin offered a unique design with premium appointments, including a centre stack with piano black capacitive buttons and a deep centre console with various controls and storage options. The Venza provided ample space for passengers, with comfortable seating for five and a spacious feel similar to the RAV4. However, its cargo space was limited to 816 litres, about 60% of the RAV4's capacity, though it was still sufficient for daily use.

The 2021 Lexus GX's interior reflected its age, with an upright dashboard and high centre console that limited legroom. The steering wheel's odd angle and tall seating position contributed to a bus-like driving feel. While the GX offered excellent outward visibility, the centre-console storage and cupholders were small. The GX came standard with three rows of seating, but the third row was best suited for children, and accessing it was cumbersome. Cargo space was limited, with only 1,833 litres available with the second and third rows folded, making it less practical for carrying large loads.

The 2021 Toyota Venza featured an 8-inch infotainment system in the LE trim, while the XLE and Limited trims boasted a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen. The Entune system, though improved, was not the most user-friendly, requiring multiple menu trips for simple tasks. However, the Venza included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, along with a nine-speaker JBL audio system in higher trims. Toyota also offered connected services like Safety Connect and Remote Connect, enhancing the Venza's tech appeal.

In contrast, 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, with a separate display for time and temperature. However, the GX included analog controls for most functions, providing a straightforward interface. A 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system was standard, offering a high-quality audio experience despite the dated tech.

The 2021 Toyota Venza came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, offering a comprehensive suite of safety features, including a pre-collision system, lane-departure alert, and adaptive cruise control. The Venza also featured blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, with the XLE and Limited trims offering additional safety technologies. The Venza received high safety ratings, earning a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2021 Lexus GX 460 included the Lexus Safety System+ as standard, featuring 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. The GX did not have crash-test ratings from the NHTSA or IIHS, but it offered standard blind-spot monitoring and a 360-degree camera for added safety.