2021 Toyota Venza vs 2022 Ford Explorer

The 2021 Toyota Venza, when compared to the Toyota RAV4, was slightly shorter and closer to the ground, yet shared the same wheelbase. Critics noted that the Venza's design bore a striking resemblance to a Lexus, particularly the Lexus LF-1 Limitless concept. This was evident in its grille and elongated profile, which blurred the lines between the two brands. The Venza was available in three trim levels—LE, XLE, and Limited—and offered a choice of seven paint colours, though not all were available across every trim. Standard features included LED headlights and taillights, a wireless charging pad, and an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, among others. The higher trims, XLE and Limited, added more luxurious touches like a 12.3-inch infotainment screen and a Star Gaze panoramic roof.

In contrast, the 2022 Ford Explorer offered a more rugged and athletic appearance, thanks to its rear-drive platform, long hood, and rakish roofline. The Explorer's design included blacked-out roof pillars, creating a "floating roof" effect. The Explorer's interior, especially in higher trims, combined quality materials with some less impressive ones, reflecting its broad model lineup. The Explorer was available in six models, with the Timberline and ST-Line trims adding rugged and sporty elements, respectively. The King Ranch model, although not available in Canada, showcased the Explorer's potential for luxury and comfort, with features like triple-zone climate control and massaging front seats.

The 2021 Toyota Venza was powered by 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 6.1 L/100 km combined, outperforming competitors like the Murano and Blazer. The Venza's handling was confident and typical of a Toyota, with a focus on comfort and reliability.

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered three powertrains, starting with a turbocharged 2.3-litre EcoBoost four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, provided a towing capacity of up to 2,400 kilograms. The Explorer also offered a hybrid option with a 3.3-litre V6 engine, delivering 318 horsepower and 322 pound-feet of torque, with a towing capacity of 2,268 kg. For those seeking more power, a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine was available, generating 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque, with a towing capacity of 2,540 kg. The Explorer's ride was robust and capable, with off-road capabilities enhanced in the Timberline model.

The 2021 Toyota Venza's interior was uniquely styled, with premium appointments in the centre stack and a deep centre console featuring various controls and storage options. The Venza offered comfortable seating for five, with ample headroom and a spacious feel. However, its cargo space was limited to 816 litres, about 60% of the RAV4's capacity. Despite this, the Venza's cargo space was practical for daily use, with easy-to-use quick-flip releases for the rear seats.

The 2022 Ford Explorer provided comfort for families, with the option of a second-row bench seat for occasional five-passenger capacity. The front seats were exceptionally comfortable, with available massaging features, while the second-row seats were nearly as accommodating. However, the third-row seat was best suited for children due to limited legroom. The Explorer's cabin lacked practical storage solutions, but it offered a hands-free power liftgate and up to 2,132 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded.

The 2021 Toyota Venza featured the Entune infotainment system, with an 8-inch screen on the LE trim and a 12.3-inch screen on the XLE and Limited trims. While the system was responsive, it was not the most user-friendly, requiring multiple menu trips for certain functions. The Venza included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a six-speaker audio system as standard, with a nine-speaker JBL premium audio system on higher trims. Toyota also offered connected services like Safety Connect and Remote Connect.

The 2022 Ford Explorer came with two versions of the Sync 3 infotainment system, featuring either an 8-inch or a 10.1-inch touchscreen. The system included FordPass Connect services, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 14-speaker Bang and Olufsen sound system on higher trims. However, the Sync 3 system's voice recognition was less effective compared to newer systems, and the larger screen appeared as an afterthought in the dashboard design. The Explorer also offered advanced features like a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and Active Park Assist 2.0.

The 2021 Toyota Venza was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included features like a pre-collision warning system, lane-departure alert, and adaptive cruise control. The Venza also had blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, with additional safety features available on higher trims. The Venza received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Ford Explorer earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, with standard Ford Co-Pilot360 features like forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. The Explorer also offered Co-Pilot360 Assist+ with adaptive cruise control and evasive steering assist. Additional safety features included a post-collision braking system and MyKey programmable functions. The Explorer's safety systems operated smoothly, though the lane-centring assist occasionally disengaged on sharper curves.