Honda CR-V vs Toyota Venza

CR-V

$28,410 (2023)

Pictured: Sport Touring AWD Hybrid in Canyon Blue Metallic.  Starting MSRP $39,100.

VENZA

$34,620 (2023)

Pictured: Limited in Coastal Gray Metallic. MSRP as tested $45,159.

CR-V

The 2023 Honda CR-V underwent an impressive redesign with a more rugged exterior, enhanced driving dynamics, a new hybrid powertrain and an upscale interior (particularly in the Sport Touring hybrid model. We loved its comfy seats!)  Technology however still lags a bit behind the competition.

During our test drive with the CR-V Sport Touring hybrid we were impressed by it's improved and more engaging driving dynamics. This compact SUV offers a comfortable interior with spacious seating and ample cargo capacity, making it a practical and fuel efficient choice.

A new driver coaching Apple CarPlay app also makes the CR-V a great choice for teens.

Want more details? Here's our full review of the 2023 Honda CR-V Sport Touring Hybrid.

VENZA

The two-row Toyota Venza returned to the market in 2021. For 2023, it  continues to impress with its design, upscale interior, and comfortable ride and drive. In fact, it has some of our favorite Toyota seats in terms of comfort.Since its return to the market in 2021, the Venza continues to impress with its design, upscale interior, and comfortable ride and drive. In fact, it has some of our favorite Toyota seats in terms of comfort.

The Venza also delivers terrific fuel economy thanks to its hybrid-only powertrain that also produces nice acceleration. However, if you're looking to tow it might not be a great fit. Despite being equipped with standard electronic all-wheel drive,  the Venza is not rated for towing.

Want more details? Here's our full review of the 2023 Toyota Venza Limited.

CR-V

The CR-V enters its 6th-generation with a new advanced hybrid powertrain, more capability and space. Honda says every 2023 CR-V benefits from extensive improvements to the body, chassis and powertrain, safety technology, and overall driving refinement.

CR-V Sport and Sport Touring feature a standard fourth-generation hybrid system. With 247 lb.-ft of torque they are the most powerful CR-Vs ever.   Updated available all-wheel drive is quieter.

Notable safety updates include new driver and passenger airbags first introduced on the new Civic. Rear Seatbelt Reminder and Rear Seat Reminder are also new standard additions to the CR-V. CR-V also now features a Driver Attention Monitor.

Additionally, the CR-V now includes a Hill Descent Control system, improving its off-road capability.   

Learn more: All-New 2023 Honda CR-V Offers Hybrids, More Tech, Room and Comfort

VENZA

For 2023, Toyota introduces the Venza Nightshade Edition.

Also new for 2023, all Venza models have the new Toyota Audio Multimedia system, upgraded USB ports with one USB Type-A and two USB Type-C ports as well as an updated fourth-generation Qi wireless charger.

Also new for 2023, the Limited adds a standard eight-way power passenger seat, standard rain-sensing wipers and standard 10-inch Head Up Display.

For 2023, XLE receives an upgraded standard 12.3-inch  touchscreen.

Considering a used Venza? Here's our review of the 2021 Venza Limited.

CR-V

• More 2nd-row room
• More cargo space

VENZA

• More powerful engine
• Easier to use infotainment system

CR-V

• Not as powerful
• Not as fuel efficient

VENZA

• Is not rated for towing 
• Less second-row room and cargo space

CR-V

VENZA

39 mpg  

40 mpg  

37 mpg  

CR-V

VENZA

• 9" multimedia touchscreen is standard on EX-L and Sport Touring Hybrid  with non-wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, HD Radio, Sirius XM and Bluetooth.  
  
• 7-inch TFT Meter Display
• Multi-Angle Rearview Camera with Dynamic Guidelines
• Sport Touring Hybrid features 12-speaker Bose Sound. (Other trims are equipped with 4-, in 6-, or 8-speakers systems.)
• Honda Satellite-linked Navigation System with Voice Recognition and Honda HD Digital Traffic and Honda Link Subscription Service (Only on the Sport Touring Hybrid.)

• 12.3-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, Bluetooth and HD Radio.
• Available 9-speaker JBL sound system
• Optional Panoramic View Camera
• Drive Connect subscription

• Wireless charging on EX-L and Sport Touring Hybrid trims.
• 1 USB-A and Three USB-C charging ports on EX-L and Sport Touring.
• WiFi Hotspot capability on Sport Touring Hybrid only.
• 2 12-volt power outlets (front and cargo area)

• Wireless charging is standard across the lineup.
• Four USB ports
• 12-volt power outlets

CR-V

VENZA

• Honda Sensing Safety suite of driver assistance tech that includes Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™), Road Departure Mitigation System* (RDM), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low-Speed Follow, Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Traffic Jam Assist, Traffic Sign Recognition System (TSR)
• Rear Seat Reminder (RSR) 
• Available Blind Spot Information System and Rear Cross Traffic (standard on Sport Touring Hybrid)
• Low-Speed Braking Control (standard on EX-L and Sport Touring Hybrid)
• Available Front and Rear Parking Sensors (on Sport Touring Hybrid only)

• Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5+ (TSS 2.5+) which includes: Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection (PCS w/PD),  Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA w/SA),  Lane Tracing Assist (LTA),  Automatic High Beams (AHB), Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), ^* and Road Sign Assist (RSA) 
• Blind Spot Monitor (BSM)  with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA) 
• OPTIONAL: Front and Rear Parking Assist with Automatic Braking  

• 3-Point Seat Belts at all Seating Positions
• Front and Outboard Rear 3-Point Seat Belts with Automatic Tensioning System
• Seat-Belt Reminder for all Seating Positions
• Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH): Lower Anchors (2nd-Row All), Tether Anchors (2nd-Row All)
• Child-Proof Rear Door Locks
• Driver's and Front Passenger's Advanced Front Airbags (SRS)
• Driver's and Front Passenger's Knee and Side Airbags (SRS)
• Rear Outboard Passengers' Side Airbags
• Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) with Traction Control
• Side Curtain Airbags with Rollover Sensor
• Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)
• Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist
  
• Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS) -(Standard on EX-L and Sport Touring Hybrid)

• 3-point seatbelts for all seating positions; driver-side Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) and Automatic/Emergency Locking Retractor (ALR/ELR) on all passenger seatbelts
• Front seatbelts with seatbelt pretensioners with force limitersFront seatbelts with seatbelt pretensioners with force limiters
• Adjustable front seatbelt shoulder anchors
• Eight airbags — includes driver and front passenger Advanced Airbag System, driver and front passenger seat-mounted side airbags, driver knee airbag, front passenger seat cushion airbag, and front and rear side curtain airbags
• LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) includes lower anchors on outboard rear seats and tether anchors on all rear seats
• Child-protector rear door locks
• Star Safety System— includes Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA)  and Smart Stop Technology® (SST) 
• Front and rear side-impact door beams

CR-V

VENZA

186.6"

73"

65.9"

219-horsepower

Engine: 163 lb.-ft.

Electric Motor: 149 lb.-ft. Rear: 89 lb-ft 

14.5

3,913 

Not rated