2021 Toyota Venza vs 2022 Volvo XC90

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 even 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 headlights and taillights, a dual chrome-tipped exhaust, and 18-inch alloy wheels. The interior was well-equipped, with a wireless charging pad, dual-zone automatic climate control, and an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen. The higher trims added more luxurious touches, such as a 12.3-inch infotainment screen and a Star Gaze panoramic roof.

In contrast, the 2022 Volvo XC90 was a testament to Volvo's evolution from its boxy past to a more upscale, luxury-oriented brand. The XC90's design was sleek and modern, with a long roofline and pronounced wheel arches that emphasized its athletic stance. The interior was a showcase of Scandinavian luxury, featuring natural wood and metal trim, and a crystal gear selector handle. The XC90 was available in six- or seven-passenger configurations, with a focus on comfort and space. The third row was best suited for children, but the overall cabin was airy and spacious, enhanced by a panoramic moonroof. The XC90's interior was designed for practicality, with ample storage and a focus on comfort, making it a suitable choice for family tours.

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's handling was confident, and it excelled in fuel efficiency, achieving an estimated 5.9 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 6.1 combined. Toyota backed its hybrid powertrain with a 10-year/240,000-kilometre warranty.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered a choice of three powertrains. The T5 model featured a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine with 250 horsepower, while the T6 added a supercharger for 316 horsepower. The Recharge model combined a supercharged/turbocharged engine with an electric motor, delivering a robust 455 horsepower and 523 pound-feet of torque. All models came with all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The XC90's fuel efficiency varied by model, with the Recharge achieving an impressive 8.8 L/100 km combined in hybrid mode. The XC90's driving experience was superb, with minimal body roll and smooth power delivery, making it a fun and engaging SUV to drive.

The 2021 Toyota Venza offered a practical and comfortable interior, with premium appointments in the centre stack and a deep centre console. The five-seater SUV provided ample space for passengers, with more headroom than the RAV4 and nearly equal shoulder and hip room. The Venza's cargo space was 816 litres, which was sufficient for daily use but less than some competitors. The quick-flip releases on the rear seatbacks made arranging the cargo space easy.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 was available in six- or seven-passenger configurations, with easy access to the third row. The XC90 offered 357 litres of luggage space behind the third row, expanding to 1,855 litres with the second and third rows folded. The SUV could tow up to 2,250 kilograms, making it versatile for various needs. The XC90's interior was designed for practicality and comfort, with ample storage and supportive seating. The climate control system performed well, even in extreme conditions, ensuring a comfortable cabin environment.

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 functional, it was not the most user-friendly, requiring multiple menu trips for certain functions. The Venza included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a six-speaker audio system, with a nine-speaker JBL system available on higher trims. Toyota's connected services, including Safety Connect and Remote Connect, were standard, providing additional convenience and safety features.

The 2022 Volvo XC90's Sensus infotainment system offered tablet-like functionality with a nine-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen. While intuitive, the system could be glitchy and slow to respond. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, with a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel providing easy configuration and crisp graphics. The Advanced package added a head-up display and a 360-degree camera system. A Harman-Kardon audio system was standard on higher trims, enhancing the XC90's luxury appeal.

The 2021 Toyota Venza came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included features like pre-collision warning, lane-departure alert, and adaptive cruise control. The Venza also offered 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 Volvo XC90 continued Volvo's tradition of safety, with features like blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping aid. The Pilot Assist system combined several safety features for enhanced highway driving. The XC90 received the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, underscoring its commitment to safety.