Toyota Highlander vs Toyota Venza

$36,420

Pictured: Limited Turbo AWD. MSRP as tested $53,181.

$34,620 (2023)

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

For 2023, Highlander gas models are now equipped with a new, higher-torque, high-efficiency turbocharged engine.  It replaces the V6.

Turbo models are equipped to tow up to 5,000-pounds.

Limited and Platinum grades now have two 12.3-inch screens as standard; one Multi-Information Display (MID) screen and one multimedia screen. The touchscreen  is optional for the XLE and sporty XSE grades, which have an 8-inch screen as standard. 

Limited and Platinum grades now come standard with power folding exterior mirrors.

New Cypress green exterior color.

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.

The 2023 Toyota Venza continues to impress with its design, comfortable interior, ride and drive and fuel economy thanks to its hybrid-only powertrain.  2023 brings some great standard upgrades to the Limited trim. 

• 1st and 2nd-row roominess
• Leather-trimmed 2nd-row Captain's Chairs
• Toyota's New 12.3-inch Multimedia System
• New 12.3” Full Digital Instrument Cluster screen
• Features Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) 2.5+

• Fantastic fuel economy.
• Roomy, upscale interior with 8-way power driver's seat (newly standard on Limited) 
• Enjoyable overall ride and drive
• Optional Star Gaze fixed panoramic glass roof
• Available 10-inch Head Up Display and integrated Dash Cam
• Standard hands-free lift gate across lineup

• 3rd row isn't large enough for adults
• No optional head-up display 
• An optional Panoramic View Monitor will cost you $850.
• Optional running boards will cost you $599.

• Navigation requires Drive Connect subscription
• No front door interior side assist grips
  
• 2nd-row stadium seats means less back row headroom
• 2023 Venza features Toyota's 2.5+ (TSS 2.5), but not the latest TSS 3.0. 
  
• Not geared for off-roading and is not rated for towing.
  
• Fewer trims to choose from

24 mpg

39 mpg  

21 mpg

40 mpg  

28 mpg

37 mpg  

• 12.3-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia system w/ wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual Bluetooth and a Wi-Fi Connect trial or subscription that offers 4G connectivity for up to five devices.
  
• 1 yr trial subcription to Drive Connect  — includes Cloud Navigation with Google Points of Interest (POI) data, Intelligent Assistant with Hey, Toyota, and Destination Assist.  Subscription required after trial.  4G network dependent.
• 11-speaker JBL Premium Audio

• 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
• Five USB ports  (USB-A media port and four USB-C charging ports) and two 12V outlets

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

• Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5+ (TSS 2.5+)  — Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection (PCS w/PD), * Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA w/SA),  Automatic High Beams (AHB),  Lane Tracing Assist (LTA),  Road Sign Assist (RSA)  and Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) 
• Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA) 
• Rear passenger seatbelt reminder
• Driver and front passenger seatbelt warning
• Front and Rear Parking Assist with Automatic Braking (PA w/AB)
• Backup camera with dynamic gridlines
• OPTIONAL: 360 degree Panoramic View Monitor

• 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 seatbelts for all seating positions; driver's-side Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) and Automatic/Emergency Locking Retractor (ALR/ELR) on all passenger seatbelts
• Adjustable front seatbelt shoulder anchors and driver and front passenger seatbelt pretensioners with force limiters
• LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) includes lower anchors and tethers on outboard second-row seats and tether anchor on middle of second- and third-row seats
• 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) *
• Child-protector rear door locks and power window lockout control
• Eight airbags —driver airbag, front passenger airbag, driver knee airbag, seat cushion airbag (passenger), front side airbags, curtain shield airbags

• 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

186.6"

73"

65.9"

219-horsepower

Engine: 163 lb.-ft.

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

14.5

3,615

3,913 

Not rated