2022 Toyota Venza vs 2021 Honda CR-V

The 2021 Honda CR-V, while functional, did not stand out in terms of exterior design. Its styling was similar to many other compact crossovers, with few distinguishing features apart from the grille and some chromed plastic elements. The colour palette was limited, with a predominance of neutral tones, making it challenging to find more vibrant options like Radiant Red. Inside, the CR-V offered a modern look with angular seat designs and a choice of materials that improved with higher trims, but it still faced stiff competition from more distinctively styled rivals like the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Venza presented a more sophisticated and modern exterior, reminiscent of a Lexus model. Its design featured a deeply scalloped body side and a striking tailgate with LED lighting, giving it a unique presence. The Venza's interior was equally impressive, with high-quality materials and an elegant layout. The dashboard was well-designed, and the placement of the touchscreen display was optimal. The Venza's cabin offered comfort and space, with supportive front seats and ample room for rear passengers, making it a strong contender in the midsize crossover segment.

The 2021 Honda CR-V was equipped with a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 190 horsepower. It provided smooth and steady acceleration, taking about 8 seconds to reach 100 km/h. While not the fastest in its class, it was competitive with other crossovers. The CR-V featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which, while efficient, lacked the engagement of conventional automatic transmissions found in competitors like the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available on higher trims, similar to most rivals.

The 2022 Toyota Venza, on the other hand, boasted a hybrid powertrain with a 2.5-litre inline four-cylinder engine and three electric motors, producing a combined 219 horsepower. This setup allowed for electric-only operation for short distances and offered different drive modes for varied performance. The Venza's hybrid system was efficient, with regenerative braking to recharge the battery. Its handling was agile, and it shared a wheelbase with the Camry, making it maneuverable. The Venza's taller body and higher ground clearance were not designed for aggressive cornering but provided a comfortable ride for family travel.

The 2021 Honda CR-V prioritized functionality, offering ample interior space with over 100 litres more volume than the Toyota RAV4. It provided 1,065 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded, accommodating plenty of luggage. Depending on the trim, the CR-V featured manual, power, or hands-free tailgate options, enhancing convenience. Roof rails were standard on most trims, adding versatility for carrying additional gear.

The 2022 Toyota Venza also seated five comfortably, with good headroom and legroom in both rows. The second row offered 114.8 cm of hip room, suitable for three adults. The Venza's cabin felt spacious, especially with the available Star Gaze panoramic sunroof. It included numerous convenience features, such as power-adjustable seats, an electric parking brake, and ample storage options. 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 for a serene driving experience.

The 2021 Honda CR-V came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity. Lower trims had varying speaker setups, while the Touring trim featured a 300-watt system with a subwoofer. Charging ports were abundant, with USB and 12-volt outlets throughout the cabin. The Touring trim also introduced a wireless phone charger.

The 2022 Toyota Venza featured a hybrid powertrain that required no charging infrastructure, making it convenient for those without access to home charging stations. It offered an eight-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, along with a nine-speaker JBL audio system on higher trims. The Venza's infotainment system included Toyota Connected Services, providing various connectivity options. The Limited trim added advanced features like a head-up display and a digital rearview mirror, enhancing convenience and safety.

The 2021 Honda CR-V excelled in safety, earning a five-star NHTSA rating and an IIHS Top Safety Pick award. It featured the Honda Sensing system, which included advanced safety features like forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. These features were standard across all trims, except for blind spot monitoring, which was available on higher trims.

The 2022 Toyota Venza also prioritized safety, with the Toyota Star Safety System and eight airbags. It included the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite, offering features like forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure warning. The Venza received a Top Safety Pick rating from IIHS and a five-star rating from NHTSA. Higher trims added features like parking assist and a surround-view camera for enhanced safety.