2021 Toyota Venza vs 2022 Lexus NX

The 2021 Toyota Venza, with its sleek design, was often mistaken for a Lexus, thanks to its elegant grille and elongated profile reminiscent of the Lexus LF-1 Limitless concept. This SUV was available in three trims—LE, XLE, and Limited—and offered a choice of seven paint colours. Standard features included LED headlights, dual chrome-tipped exhaust, and 18-inch alloy wheels. The interior boasted a wireless charging pad, dual-zone climate control, and an 8-inch infotainment screen, with upgrades available in higher trims.

In contrast, the 2022 Lexus NX, redesigned for a more modern appeal, came in four model series: NX 250, NX 350, NX 350h, and NX 450h+. The NX featured a distinctive spindle grille and new block lettering on the tailgate. It was longer, wider, and taller than its predecessor, offering more passenger and cargo space. The interior was minimalist, with a focus on comfort and technology, including a panoramic moonroof and sport-bolstered seats in the F Sport trim. The NX's design aimed to attract younger buyers with its refined yet sporty look.

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. Its electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (e-CVT) provided smooth acceleration, though the engine noise was noticeable during rapid acceleration. The Venza excelled in fuel efficiency, achieving an estimated 5.9 L/100 km in the city and 6.1 L/100 km combined, outperforming competitors like the Murano and Passport. Its handling was reliable, offering a typical Toyota driving experience.

The 2022 Lexus NX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine producing 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque. It came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The NX 350 F Sport variant offered additional driving modes and an adaptive variable sports suspension. The NX 350's performance was smooth and responsive, with a 0-60 mph time of 6.6 seconds. Fuel consumption was estimated at 9.5 L/100 km combined, with the F Sport variant consuming slightly more due to its sportier setup.

Inside the 2021 Toyota Venza, the cabin was uniquely styled, with premium appointments and a deep centre console featuring various controls and charging options. The seating was comfortable for both front and rear passengers, offering more headroom than the RAV4. The Venza provided 816 litres of cargo space, which was ample for daily use but less than some competitors. The quick-flip rear seatbacks made arranging cargo space convenient.

The 2022 Lexus NX offered a more intimate cabin feel with a redesigned dashboard. The front seats were comfortable, especially in the F Sport trim, which provided better bolstering. Rear passengers enjoyed spacious accommodations, and the panoramic sunroof added to the airy feel. The NX's cargo space increased by 14%, offering 643 litres behind the back seat and 1,328 litres with the seats folded. The interior featured thoughtful storage solutions and ambient lighting options.

The 2021 Toyota Venza came with an 8-inch infotainment system in the base model, while higher trims featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen. The Entune system, though improved, was not the most user-friendly. Standard tech included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a six-speaker audio system, with a nine-speaker JBL system available in higher trims. Toyota's connected services offered various features, including dynamic navigation and remote access via smartphone.

The 2022 Lexus NX introduced the new Lexus Interface infotainment system, featuring a 9.8-inch standard touchscreen and an optional 14-inch display. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, voice recognition, and cloud-based services. A 10-speaker sound system was standard, with a 17-speaker Mark Levinson system available. The NX offered advanced connected services, including a digital key and a comprehensive head-up display, though the large touchscreen was prone to fingerprints and reflections.

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

The 2022 Lexus NX featured the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which included advanced features like Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist and Oncoming Vehicle Detection. The NX also offered Emergency Driving Stop System and Safe Exit Assist. Additional safety technologies were available in packages, enhancing the SUV's safety profile.