2022 Toyota Venza vs 2022 Lexus RX

The 2022 Lexus RX was available in both standard and long-wheelbase versions, with the base 350 trim level offering a gas powertrain and the RX 450h hybrid model. The RX 350 seated five, while the L version provided a three-row, 7-passenger option, with the 450h accommodating six. The RX's design, refreshed in 2020, remained modern and sporty, featuring sharp character lines and angular features that were eye-catching yet restrained. The F Sport models added performance-oriented styling with 20-inch wheels, unique front fascia, and sporty interior touches like Scored Aluminum trim and NuLuxe synthetic leather. Despite its luxury appeal, the RX's interior felt slightly dated, with an abundance of buttons and a centre stack that hadn't been redesigned in years. Comfort was a mixed bag, with some finding the NuLuxe seats less than pleasant and the driving position hard to perfect.

The 2022 Toyota Venza, reintroduced for the 2021 model year, rode on the TGNA-K platform, shared with several other Toyota and Lexus models. It featured excellent proportions and a modern exterior design, with a deeply scalloped body side and a prominent tailgate. The Venza's interior was Lexus-like, with an elegant layout and high-quality materials. The cabin offered good headroom and legroom, with supportive front seats and a spacious rear bench. Convenience features included an overhead console, power-adjustable front seats, and an electric parking brake. The Venza's cabin was designed to be a quiet oasis, with sound-blocking and absorbing materials throughout, making it serene and quiet on the road.

The 2022 Lexus RX 350 was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, while the RX 450h hybrid added two electric motors for a combined output of 308 hp. All RX models featured an 8-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive in Canada. Despite its sporty appearance, the RX's performance was underwhelming, with a lack of engine growl and unimpressive acceleration. The F Sport models included performance dampers and adaptive variable suspension, but the drive modes offered little noticeable difference in handling. The RX excelled in driving comfort and cabin quietness, absorbing rough patches and providing a serene ride. Fuel consumption for the RX 350 was 12.2 L/100 km in the city and 9.0 on the highway, while the RX 450h hybrid achieved 7.9 L/100 km combined.

The 2022 Toyota Venza featured a 2.5-litre inline four-cylinder engine and three electric motors, producing a combined 219 horsepower. The hybrid system balanced electric and gas drive for optimal efficiency, with electric motors at the rear axle providing all-wheel drive. The Venza offered electric-only operation for short distances and drive modes to tweak performance. Regenerative braking helped recharge the battery, while the Predicted Efficient Drive program optimized battery charging based on driving habits. The Venza delivered sprightly performance and agile handling, with a ride and performance suited for a midsize family hauler.

The standard two-row Lexus RX offered 2,826 litres of passenger volume, comfortably seating four adults, with a snug fit for five. Headroom was 1,001 mm in the front and 993 mm in the rear, with 1,120 mm of front legroom and 964 mm in the back. The three-row L models had limited cargo space, with 210 litres available with all seats upright, increasing to 1,657 litres with both back rows down. The RX featured thoughtful interior features like a smartphone slot, adjustable-height cup holder, and a flat-bottomed cargo net.

The Toyota Venza seated five in two rows, with good headroom and legroom. The second row offered 114.8 cm of hip room, accommodating three adults comfortably. The cabin featured convenience elements like an overhead console, power-adjustable front seats, and an electric parking brake. The Venza's lithium-ion battery pack had little impact on cargo capacity, offering 816 litres of luggage space behind the second row and 1,560 litres with the second row folded flat. The cabin was designed to be quiet, with sound-blocking materials throughout.

The Lexus RX came with an 8-inch touchscreen display, with a 12.3-inch version available. The touchscreens were moved closer to the driver in 2020, but the positioning was still ergonomically unfriendly. The infotainment system was quick and responsive, but the touchpad was hypersensitive and unintuitive. The RX offered a range of tech features, including six USB ports, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration, Bluetooth, wireless charging, and a WiFi hotspot. The Lexus App allowed for remote engine start and vehicle settings personalization.

The Toyota Venza featured a hybrid powertrain that required no special attention, with a tank of gas yielding over 800 kilometres. The Venza LE came with an eight-inch touchscreen, AM/FM/HD Radio, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The infotainment system supported Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, with multiple USB ports and six speakers. The XLE and Limited trims added features like a heated steering wheel, SofTex upholstery, a nine-speaker JBL audio system, and a 12.3-inch touchscreen. The Limited trim also included a head-up display, rain-sensing wipers, and a digital rearview mirror.

The 2022 Lexus RX featured the Lexus Safety System 2.0+, including adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, road-sign recognition, and a pre-collision system. Additional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a head-up display. The RX was named a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS, but only with optional triple-beam LED headlights. It scored four stars overall from the NHTSA, with five stars in side crash tests.

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