2022 Toyota Highlander vs 2021 Toyota Venza

The 2021 Toyota Venza was often compared to a Lexus due to its sleek design, which blurred the lines between the two brands. Its exterior, reminiscent of the Lexus LF-1 Limitless concept, featured a distinctive grille and elongated profile. Available in three trims—LE, XLE, and Limited—the Venza offered a choice of seven paint colours, though not all were available across every trim. Standard features included dual chrome-tipped exhausts, LED lighting, and 18-inch alloy wheels. The base LE model was well-equipped with a wireless charging pad, dual-zone climate control, and an 8-inch infotainment screen, among other amenities. The XLE and Limited trims added further luxury with features like a 12.3-inch infotainment screen and a Star Gaze panoramic roof.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander boasted a modern and somewhat aggressive front-end design, with flared fender arches and a distinctive third-row window. Despite its spacious interior, the Highlander appeared smaller from the outside. The XSE trim, in particular, stood out with its bold red leather interior and unique exterior styling. Available in five trims—LE, XLE, XSE, Limited, and Platinum—the Highlander offered a range of features. The base LE came with standard AWD, an 8-inch touchscreen, and heated front seats. Higher trims added amenities like a power sunroof, a hands-free power liftgate, and a premium JBL audio system. The Highlander was designed to provide ample cabin space and clever storage solutions, making it a practical choice for families.

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 L/100 km in the city and 6.4 L/100 km on the highway. Its handling was confident, and the AWD system ensured stability. Toyota backed its hybrid powertrain with a 10-year/240,000-kilometre warranty.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander featured a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque. Power was routed through an eight-speed automatic transmission to standard AWD. The Highlander offered a drive-mode selector with Sport, Normal, and Eco modes, as well as an AWD system with Mud/Sand and Rock modes. While the V6 provided good pickup, it shone more at highway speeds. The Highlander could tow up to 2,268 kilograms and had a max payload of 775 kilograms. Its handling was commendable, with the XSE trim's sport-tuned suspension reducing body roll.

The 2021 Toyota Venza offered a unique interior design with premium appointments, including a centre stack with piano black capacitive buttons and a deep centre console. The cabin was spacious, with comfortable seating for five and ample headroom. The Venza provided 816 litres of cargo space, which was less than some competitors but sufficient for daily use. The 60/40 split-folding rear seats allowed for easy cargo arrangement.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander excelled in cargo space, offering up to 2,387 litres with the second- and third-row seats folded. With all seats in use, it provided 453 litres of cargo space. The Highlander featured deep front door pockets and a versatile centre console. The XSE trim's second-row captain’s chairs added convenience, though the third row was best suited for short trips. The power liftgate, available on higher trims, enhanced practicality.

The 2021 Toyota Venza came with an 8-inch infotainment system on the LE trim, while the XLE and Limited featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen. The Entune system, though improved, was not the most user-friendly. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a six-speaker audio system. The XLE and Limited trims offered a nine-speaker JBL audio system. Toyota connected services, such as Safety Connect and Remote Connect, were standard.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander featured an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system was straightforward, with hard buttons complementing the touchscreen. The XSE trim included a wireless charging pad and multiple USB ports. A larger 12.3-inch touchscreen and an 11-speaker JBL audio system were available on higher trims.

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

The 2022 Toyota Highlander came with the Toyota Safety Sense suite, offering forward collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, and dynamic radar cruise control. It also included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Optional features on higher trims included parking sensors and a surround-view monitor. The Highlander was rated as a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS.