Toyota Venza vs. RAV4: The More Practical Choice Is Clear
Genevieve Fraser
· 4 min read
Offering a variety of models, price points, and features,
Toyota
is more than likely to have a vehicle that fits your needs. Its cars are among the most reliable
and best-selling vehicles
on the market. But when it comes to the 2021 Toyota Venza vs. the RAV4, one of these options is clearly the more practical buy.
A performance comparison for the Toyota Venza vs. RAV4
Auto Trader calls the Toyota RAV4 one of the best vehicles available in the compact crossover class. The publication praised the RAV4 for its spacious interior, comfort, and safety—all backed by an impressive suite of standard equipment.
The base LE 2021 RAV4 retails for $27,225, though there are a total of six trim options to choose from.
If you’re interested in
going electric
, there’s a new plug-in hybrid version that gets a highway rating of 40 mpg and a 42-mile electric-only range, as well as an updated version of the returning RAV4 hybrid
.The crossover’s regular gas-powered edition is equipped with a 203-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine offering 30 mpg combined. It is front-wheel drive, though there is an optional all-wheel-drive upgrade available.
The Venza is a slightly larger midsize crossover that delivers good fuel economy and standard all-wheel drive. The 2021 model is the first new Venza to be added to
Toyota's award-winning line
in several years, and it comes with all-new modern updates and a base price of $33,645.A hybrid that comes standard with all-wheel drive, its 2.5-liter I4 engine gives 219 hp and a combined fuel economy of 39 mpg. Which drivetrain is better in the Venza vs. the hybrid RAV4? Well, the Venza’s comes from RAV4’s, so they’re basically the same!
The Toyota Venza vs. RAV4: cargo space and features
One aspect that sets the RAV4 apart from the Venza is the amount of cargo space on offer. In the RAV4, there's plenty of cargo space, with a little more than 37 cu. ft. behind the rear seats, bumped up to almost 70 cu. ft. when the seats are folded down.
In the Venza, the cargo space is decreased to just under 29 cu. ft. behind the rear seats and only about 55 cu. ft. when they're folded. This is quite a difference, especially when you consider the fact that the Venza is overall a slightly larger vehicle.
When it comes to tech features for the Venza vs. the RAV4, the two crossovers are fairly comparable. Both are compatible with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa, and feature touchscreen
infotainment systems
that put technology at your fingertips.The base trim Venza LE’s eight-inch touchscreen is, however, one inch larger than the RAV4’s. Only the higher trim levels of the RAV4 include an eight-inch touchscreen, while the top-of-the-line Venza trim, the Limited, includes an even bigger 12.3-inch touchscreen.
The Venza LE also includes an eight-way power driver’s seat—a feature you won’t get with the RAV4 LE (though it is available one trim level up, on the XLE).
As you move up the RAV4 trim levels to the XLE, Premium, Adventure, TRD Off-Road, and Limited trims, more great features are added. The same principle goes for the Venza, though there are only three trims available, the LE, XLE, and the Limited.
Both the Venza and the RAV4 come with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which features “adaptive cruise control, a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning with steering assistance, and lane-tracing assistance,” according to AutoTrader.
Which crossover is the better buy?
Looking at the Toyota Venza vs. the RAV4 from a practical standpoint, the RAV4 is the better choice. According to AutoTrader, they are basically the same vehicle, yet the RAV4 is $6,000 cheaper and has more space, trim levels, and options.
Frankly, the Venza just doesn't have enough features to justify the higher price tag (even if it does have a super-cool glass roof that transitions from clear to frosted).
Whichever crossover you choose, make sure to protect your new vehicle with the right insurance. Luckily,
Jerry
can help you get the best rates for the coverage that fits your needs.A licensed broker that offers end-to-end support, the Jerry app gathers affordable quotes, helps you switch plans, and will even help you cancel your old policy.
