2021 Toyota Venza vs 2022 Lexus GX

The 2021 Toyota Venza, when introduced, was often mistaken for a Lexus due to its sleek design, which closely resembled the Lexus LF-1 Limitless concept. Its shorter stature compared to the RAV4, combined with a lower ground clearance, gave it a distinct, elegant appearance. The Venza was available in three trims—LE, XLE, and Limited—and offered a variety of paint colours. It came equipped with a host of standard features, including LED lighting, a wireless charging pad, and an 8-inch infotainment screen, with more luxurious options available in higher trims.

In contrast, the 2022 Lexus GX maintained a more traditional SUV look, reminiscent of its first-generation model from 2002. Despite its dated exterior, the interior quality was unmistakably Lexus, with refined materials and a quiet cabin. The GX was available in Standard, Premium, and Executive trims, with a Black Line Special Edition based on the Premium trim. The GX's interior featured physical controls, a 10.3-inch touchscreen, and a variety of comfort features, though some controls were awkwardly placed.

The 2021 Toyota Venza featured a hybrid powertrain with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and electric motors, delivering a combined 219 horsepower. While not the most powerful in its class, the Venza offered smooth acceleration and confident handling, typical of Toyota vehicles. Its standout feature was its impressive fuel efficiency, achieving 5.9 L/100 km in the city and 6.4 L/100 km on the highway, making it a leader in its segment. The Venza's hybrid system was backed by a robust warranty, ensuring peace of mind for buyers.

The 2022 Lexus GX, on the other hand, was powered by a 4.6-litre V8 engine, producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and full-time 4WD, provided a towing capacity of 2,948 kilograms. However, its fuel consumption was significantly higher, at 14.5 L/100 km combined. The GX's Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System improved its off-road capabilities, but its heavy steering and touchy brakes detracted from the overall driving experience.

Inside the 2021 Toyota Venza, the cabin was uniquely styled, with premium materials and a well-organized centre stack. The seating was comfortable for both front and rear passengers, and while cargo space was less than the RAV4, it was still ample for daily use. The Venza offered 816 litres of cargo space, with easy-to-use quick-flip releases for the rear seats.

The 2022 Lexus GX provided an elevated driving position and comfortable seating, though the third-row access was challenging and cramped for adults. The GX's cargo space was limited, especially with the third row in use, offering only 328 litres. With the third row folded, it expanded to 1,322 litres, but the side-swinging tailgate made loading cumbersome.

The 2021 Toyota Venza came with an 8-inch infotainment system in the base model, with a 12.3-inch screen available in higher trims. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a nine-speaker JBL audio system in the XLE and Limited trims. Toyota's connected services, such as Safety Connect and Remote Connect, were also standard, providing additional convenience and safety features.

The 2022 Lexus GX featured a new 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, eliminating the need for the outdated Remote Touch Interface. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a CD player, along with Lexus Enform connected services. However, the placement of stereo controls was less intuitive, and the system's dual-screen view was a highlight, allowing simultaneous navigation and radio display.

The 2021 Toyota Venza was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, offering a comprehensive suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and automatic emergency braking. It received top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, making it a reliable choice for safety-conscious buyers.

The 2022 Lexus GX, lacking crash-test ratings, relied on its Lexus Safety System+ for safety, which included adaptive cruise control and forward-collision warning. However, it missed some advanced safety technologies found in competitors, which might be a consideration for some buyers.