2022 Subaru Ascent vs 2023 Toyota Venza

The 2022 Subaru Ascent, particularly in its Onyx Edition trim, embraced the trend of blacking out shiny exterior trim, offering a sporty appearance that was new to the model. This edition featured blacked-out exterior trim and badges, black 20-inch aluminum wheels, a unique grille design, and special interior trim. The interior was wrapped in water-repellant StarTex synthetic leather, available only in a grey two-tone scheme with light grey stitching, which was a refreshing change from the typical black interiors. However, the StarTex material had a tendency to trap sweat, making ventilated seats a desirable feature, though they were only available on the Ascent Premier.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Venza presented a sleek and sculpted design, more akin to a luxury vehicle like a Lexus. Its contoured body and tapering rear roofline gave it a distinctive look, avoiding the boxy appearance common in midsize SUVs. Inside, the Venza borrowed elements from the Toyota RAV4 but elevated the experience with higher-quality materials and a more luxurious feel. The dashboard and centre stack were well-designed, and the cabin featured soft-touch surfaces, contributing to a sense of refinement. The Venza was praised for its cohesive and attractive styling, both inside and out.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent was powered by a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. It came standard with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and all-wheel drive (AWD). The Ascent's fuel consumption was rated at 10.5 litres per 100 kilometres combined, with our testing averaging 11.5 L/100 km. The CVT was well-regarded for its eight programmed ratios and manual shift control, contributing to brisk acceleration and commendable passing power. The Ascent also boasted a towing capacity of up to 2,270 kilograms (5,000 pounds) and featured Subaru’s X-Mode off-road traction control system, making it capable in various driving conditions.

The 2023 Toyota Venza, on the other hand, was equipped with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine paired with a hybrid system, producing a combined 219 horsepower. The Venza's AWD system utilized a separate electric motor for the rear wheels, providing smooth initial acceleration and a seamless transition between electric and gasoline power. It reached 100 km/h in just over 7.5 seconds, a respectable time for its class. The Venza prioritized ride comfort over sporty handling, with light steering effort and adequate handling for easy and calm transportation. Its ride quality was smoother than the RAV4 Hybrid's, though not as plush as a Lexus.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent offered seating for up to eight people, though the third row was best suited for children. The Ascent's interior was designed for comfort, with features like triple-zone climate control, heated front seats, and a wiper de-icer. The second-row seats were easily accessible, and captain’s chairs were available on most trims. The Ascent provided ample storage, with a useful dashboard shelf and large cupholders. Cargo space was generous, with 458 litres behind the third row, 1,193 litres behind the second row, and a maximum of 2,061 litres with both rows folded.

The 2023 Toyota Venza's front seats offered plenty of space, enhanced by large windows and a panoramic sunroof. The rear seats were spacious enough for average adults, with ample legroom and foot room. However, the Venza's cargo capacity was limited to 816 litres, significantly less than some competitors. The Venza excelled in holding smaller personal items, with a wireless phone charger, well-sized cupholders, and a deep centre armrest bin.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent featured a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity. The Touring trim added an 8-inch display with Starlink connected services. While the system was user-friendly, its voice recognition technology needed improvement. The Onyx Edition used standard stereo speakers, but a premium Harman Kardon sound system was available on higher trims.

The 2023 Toyota Venza came with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a wireless charging pad. The base LE trim had an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, while the XLE and above featured a 12.3-inch display. The new infotainment system offered sharp graphics and quick responses. The Venza XLE and Limited trims included a one-year trial of Drive Connect services, and the Limited model boasted a nine-speaker JBL premium audio system.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent received a "Top Safety Pick+" award from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA, except for a four-star rating in rollover resistance. It came standard with Subaru’s EyeSight driver-assist technology, though it had some limitations in direct sunlight. Additional safety features included steering responsive LED headlights and available blind-spot monitoring.

The 2023 Toyota Venza earned five stars from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick" from the IIHS. It came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, which included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and more. The XLE added parking sensors, while the Limited trim featured a surround-view camera system and a head-up display. The Venza's safety features performed well, with no false alarms reported.