2022 Toyota Venza vs 2021 Volvo XC90

The 2021 Volvo XC90 marked a significant shift in Volvo's design philosophy, moving away from its traditionally conservative styling to a more characterful yet distinctly Volvo appearance. The XC90 retained classic Volvo elements like a boxy profile and a rectangular grille, but introduced softer lines, increased chrome detailing, and distinctive LED headlights with "Thor’s Hammer" daytime running lights. The Inscription trim, with its extra chrome and optional 21-inch alloy wheels, was the most visually striking, while the R-Design and Momentum trims offered sportier and more understated looks, respectively. The XC90's interior embraced "Swedish minimalism," featuring high-quality materials like matte-finish wood and optional wool upholstery, creating a refined and thoughtfully arranged cabin.

The 2022 Toyota Venza re-emerged with a modern design that could easily fit into the Lexus lineup, featuring a deeply scalloped body side and a prominent tailgate with LED lighting. Its exterior design was more suited for urban environments than off-road adventures. Inside, the Venza offered an elegant and Lexus-like interior with high-quality materials and a well-laid-out dashboard. The cabin was spacious, with supportive front seats and ample room for three adults in the rear. The Venza's interior was further enhanced by features like an available Star Gaze fixed panoramic glass sunroof, adding to the sense of space and luxury.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains, all based on a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base T5 model featured a turbocharged engine producing 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The T6 variant added a supercharger, boosting output to 316 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid, or Recharge, combined the T6 engine with electric motors for a total of 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque. While the XC90 provided ample power, the small engine struggled with flexibility compared to competitors' six-cylinder or V8 engines. The XC90 excelled in ride quality, thanks to an optional air-suspension system, and offered a quiet cabin, but its towing capacity was limited to 2,250 kilograms.

The 2022 Toyota Venza featured a 2.5-litre inline four-cylinder engine paired with three electric motors, delivering a combined 219 horsepower. The Venza's hybrid system balanced electric and gas power for optimal efficiency, with electric motors at the rear axle providing AWD capability. Drivers could choose from Normal, Eco, and Sport drive modes, and the regenerative braking system helped recharge the lithium-ion battery. The Venza offered a smooth and agile driving experience, with a focus on comfort rather than aggressive handling. Its hybrid powertrain provided excellent fuel efficiency without the need for charging infrastructure, making it a practical choice for everyday driving.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 was available in six-seat or seven-seat configurations, with average headroom and legroom across all three rows. The third row was tight for adults, and the seats lacked support. The interior felt spacious, thanks to an optional power sunroof and upright roof profile. The XC90 offered limited storage space, with a shallow centre console and minimal storage options. Cargo capacity was 317 litres with all seats in place, expanding to 1,815 litres with the second and third rows folded. A hands-free power tailgate was a convenient feature.

The 2022 Toyota Venza seated five in two rows, with ample headroom and legroom. The second row offered 114.8 cm of hip room, accommodating three adults comfortably. The cabin felt roomy, especially with the available Star Gaze panoramic sunroof. The Venza featured numerous convenience features, including an overhead console with LED map lights, an electric parking brake, and sliding sun visors. The cabin had four cupholders and bottle holders, and the lithium-ion battery pack under the second-row seats had minimal impact on cargo space. The Venza offered 816 litres of cargo space behind the second row, expanding to 1,560 litres with the seats folded.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system with a 9-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility. The system was user-friendly, with a portrait-oriented touchscreen that functioned like a tablet. However, the text and typeface made reading menus difficult while driving. The XC90 offered a 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system and a head-up display as options. The wireless charging pad was a welcome addition, but its size limited compatibility with larger phones.

The 2022 Toyota Venza's hybrid powertrain required no special attention, offering a seamless driving experience without the need for charging infrastructure. The Venza featured a Predicted Efficient Drive program that optimized battery charging based on driving habits. The LE model came with an eight-inch touchscreen, while the XLE and Limited models offered a 12.3-inch touchscreen and a nine-speaker JBL audio system. The Limited trim included a head-up display, rain-sensing wipers, and a digital rearview mirror. Toyota Connected Services provided additional features like Safety Connect and Remote Connect.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS for non-hybrid models, with top scores in crash tests and front-crash prevention. The NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall safety rating. The XC90 offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control.

The 2022 Toyota Venza came with the Toyota Star Safety System, featuring stability control, traction control, and anti-lock brakes. It included eight airbags and the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite, which offered forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning. The Venza received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA.