2022 Toyota Highlander vs 2022 Toyota Venza

The 2022 Toyota Highlander boasted a modern and somewhat aggressive front-end design, with flared fender arches and a distinctive third-row window that gave it a compact appearance despite its spacious interior. Inside, the Highlander offered ample cabin space and clever storage solutions, making it ideal for families. The XSE trim, in particular, stood out with its bold red leather interior, unique exterior styling, ambient lighting, and sport-tuned suspension. The Highlander was available in several trims, including LE, XLE, XSE, Limited, and Platinum, each offering a range of features from standard all-wheel drive and an 8-inch touchscreen to premium audio systems and panoramic moonroofs.

The 2022 Toyota Venza, reintroduced in 2021, featured a sleek and modern design that could easily fit into the Lexus lineup. Its exterior was marked by a deeply scalloped body side and a prominent tailgate with LED lighting. The Venza's interior was elegant, with high-quality materials and a well-placed touchscreen display. It offered comfortable seating for five, with supportive front seats and ample space in the rear. The Venza's design prioritized urban driving over off-road capabilities, making it a stylish and practical choice for city dwellers.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander was equipped with a robust 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque. This power was channelled through an eight-speed automatic transmission to a standard all-wheel-drive system. The Highlander offered various drive modes, including Sport, Normal, and Eco, as well as AWD modes like Mud/Sand and Rock. While the V6 provided strong performance at highway speeds, it was less lively from a standstill. The Highlander excelled in handling, with a sport-tuned suspension on the XSE trim that reduced body roll and maintained comfort over bumps. It could tow up to 2,268 kilograms and had a max payload of 775 kilograms.

The 2022 Toyota Venza featured a 2.5-litre inline four-cylinder engine paired with three electric motors, producing a combined 219 horsepower. This hybrid setup offered a balance of efficiency and performance, with electric motors at the rear axle providing all-wheel drive. The Venza allowed for electric-only operation for short distances and offered drive modes like Normal, Eco, and Sport. Its regenerative braking system helped recharge the lithium-ion battery, enhancing fuel efficiency. The Venza's performance was agile and sprightly, with a focus on comfort and practicality rather than aggressive driving.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander offered impressive cargo space, with up to 2,387 litres available with the second- and third-row seats folded. With the second row in use, it provided 1,370 litres, and 453 litres with all seats deployed. The Highlander's interior was designed for convenience, featuring deep cargo pockets, multiple storage compartments, and cupholders throughout. The XSE trim included second-row captain’s chairs, providing a centre aisle to the rear seats and additional space for passengers.

The 2022 Toyota Venza seated five in two rows, with ample headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers. The second row offered 114.8 cm of hip room, accommodating three adults comfortably. The Venza's interior featured numerous convenience elements, such as an overhead console with LED map lights, power-adjustable front seats, and an electric parking brake. It also included four cupholders and bottle holders in each door. The Venza's cargo capacity was 816 litres behind the second row, expanding to 1,560 litres with the seats folded. Toyota focused on creating a quiet cabin, using sound-blocking materials throughout.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system supporting Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. It featured Bluetooth connectivity and five USB ports. The XSE trim included a wireless charging pad and additional USB ports. A larger 12.3-inch touchscreen and an 11-speaker JBL premium stereo system were available on higher trims.

The 2022 Toyota Venza's hybrid powertrain required no special charging infrastructure, making it convenient for drivers without access to home charging stations. It featured a Predicted Efficient Drive program that optimized battery charging based on driving habits. The Venza LE included an 8-inch touchscreen, while the XLE and Limited trims offered a 12.3-inch touchscreen, JBL audio system, and navigation. The Limited trim also featured a head-up display, rain-sensing wipers, and a digital rearview mirror. Toyota Connected Services were standard across all trims.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander came standard with the Toyota Safety Sense suite, including forward collision avoidance, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, and more. It also featured blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and eight airbags. The Highlander received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.

The 2022 Toyota Venza included the Toyota Star Safety System, with features like stability control, traction control, and a rearview camera. It also had eight airbags and the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite, which included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The Venza received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA.