2022 Toyota Venza vs 2023 Subaru Forester

The 2022 Toyota Venza, reintroduced for the 2021 model year, was built on the robust Toyota New Global Architecture K (TGNA-K) platform, shared with several other Toyota and Lexus models. This midsize crossover SUV measured 4,739 millimetres in length, 1,854 mm in width, and 1,674 mm in height, with a ground clearance of 196 mm and a wheelbase of 2,960 mm. Its design was sleek and modern, with a distinctive scalloped body side and LED lighting on the tailgate, giving it a Lexus-like appearance. The interior was equally refined, featuring high-quality materials and a well-thought-out layout, with a standard 8-inch or optional 12.3-inch touchscreen display. The Venza's cabin was spacious, offering comfortable seating for five, with supportive front seats and ample room for rear passengers.

In contrast, the 2023 Subaru Forester maintained a more utilitarian design, prioritizing function over form. Available in multiple trims, including Base, Touring, Sport, Wilderness, Limited, and Premier, the Forester's exterior was characterized by its boxy shape, flared fenders, and pincer-shaped lighting. The Premier trim stood out with its 18-inch alloy wheels and satin chrome exterior trim. Inside, the Forester Premier featured exclusive brown leather and metallic accents, with a focus on practicality and ease of use. The cabin offered excellent visibility, thanks to its tall glass and thin windshield pillars, making it easy to drive and park. While the interior was not as luxurious as the Venza's, it provided ample space and comfort, with features like a panoramic sunroof and heated seats available in higher trims.

The 2022 Toyota Venza was powered by a 2.5-litre inline four-cylinder engine paired with three electric motors, delivering a combined 219 horsepower. This hybrid setup allowed for a balance between electric and gas drive, optimizing efficiency and performance. The Venza offered various drive modes, including EV, Normal, Eco, and Sport, and featured regenerative braking to recharge its lithium-ion battery. Its performance was sprightly, with agile handling reminiscent of the Camry, though its taller body and higher ground clearance were not conducive to aggressive cornering. The Venza was designed as a midsize family hauler, providing a comfortable and efficient ride.

The 2023 Subaru Forester, on the other hand, was equipped with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The CVT featured eight programmed ratios, and the Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-Drive) system offered a Sport mode for enhanced responsiveness. The Forester also came with an X-Mode off-road traction control system, with additional settings for Deep Snow and Mud in higher trims. The Forester Premier, despite its less powerful engine, performed admirably in various weather conditions, thanks to its excellent driving dynamics, light steering, and effective brakes. However, the engine was louder than desired, and a turbocharged option would have been appreciated for better performance at elevation.

The 2022 Toyota Venza offered seating for five, with two bucket seats in the front and a 60/40-split folding second-row bench seat. Both rows provided good headroom and legroom, with the second row offering 114.8 cm of hip room. The cabin felt spacious, especially with the available Star Gaze fixed panoramic glass sunroof. The Venza's interior was equipped with numerous convenience features, including an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, electric parking brake, and ample storage options. The lithium-ion battery pack was located beneath the second-row seats, minimally impacting cargo capacity, which was 816 litres behind the second row and 1,560 litres with the seats folded.

The 2023 Subaru Forester prioritized functionality, with a focus on practicality and ease of use. The Touring trim offered features like a panoramic sunroof, 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat, and heated front seats. Higher trims added luxury touches like StarTex artificial leather or genuine leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control, and heated rear seats. The Forester's cabin provided excellent outward visibility, making it easy to drive and park. While the front seats were comfortable, the rear seats lacked sufficient leg support and had a reclined backrest angle. The Forester's cargo area was usefully shaped, offering 762 litres of space behind the back seat and 1,957 litres with the seats folded, with additional hidden storage under the load floor.

The 2022 Toyota Venza featured a hybrid powertrain that required no special attention, making it ideal for those without access to charging infrastructure. It offered a Predicted Efficient Drive (PED) program that optimized battery charging based on driving habits. The Venza LE came with an eight-inch touchscreen, while the XLE and Limited trims added a 12.3-inch touchscreen, JBL audio system, and navigation. The Limited trim also included a head-up display, rain-sensing wipers, and a digital rearview mirror. Toyota Connected Services were available, providing features like Safety Connect and Remote Connect.

The 2023 Subaru Forester's technology might have appeared outdated, but it offered a user-friendly experience. The Base trim included a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity. An 8-inch touchscreen was available, along with a navigation system and Harman Kardon audio. The Forester's older Starlink infotainment system was preferred for its physical controls and ease of use, though the voice-recognition system was lacking. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were recommended for navigation and connectivity.

The 2022 Toyota Venza came equipped with the Toyota Star Safety System, which included stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, and more. It featured eight airbags, three-point seatbelts, and LATCH anchors for child safety seats. The Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite offered driver aids like 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.

The 2023 Subaru Forester introduced the next-generation EyeSight technology, with updated software and cameras for improved performance. Adaptive cruise control was standard, and higher trims added features like Automatic Emergency Steering and Rear Automatic Braking. The Forester's DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System was available on Limited and Premier trims. The Forester received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and five-star crash-test ratings from the NHTSA, though it fell short in some new tests.