Toyota RAV4 vs Toyota Venza

RAV4

$27,975 (2023)

Pictured: RAV4 Off-Road in Cavalry Blue with Ice Edge Roof. MSRP as tested $42,700.

VENZA

$34,620 (2023)

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

RAV4

The RAV4 has been the nation's top-selling SUV for many years. It offers a wide range of trim levels and options, including hybrid and plug-in models, to appeal to different budgets. The RAV4 scores highly in safety and reliability and has good fuel economy, even in the gas engine types. If you're looking for a practical SUV that's built to last, you can't go wrong with RAV4.

The only issue you may encounter is finding one, especially if you want specific features. There's high demand for this vehicle, so you may need to order or wait to get exactly what you want.

Want more details? Here's our full review of the 2023 Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road.

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.

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.

Overall,  thanks to its excellent ride and drive, technology, and fuel economy, the Venza is an ideal two-row candidate in the segment.  

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

RAV4

For 2023, all RAV4 models are equipped with the new Toyota Audio Multimedia system with over-the-air updates, dual Bluetooth phone connectivity, standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

TRD Off-Road, Limited and Prime XSE now all come standard with a new 10.5-inch Multimedia display for 2023. Other models feature a new 8-inch Multimedia screen.

A new 12.3-inch Multi-Information Display is standard on Limited and Prime XSE, and optional on TRD Off-Road. A 7-inch Multi-Information Display screen is standard on lower trims.

Considering a used RAV4? We've reviewed it every year since 2018. Here's a list of all of our RAV4 Reviews.

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.

RAV4

• More trims to choose from
• Off-road capability
• Offers towing
• More headroom
• More cargo capacity

VENZA

• Fantastic hybrid-only fuel economy
• Smooth, comfortable, ride on the quieter side
• Upscale, comfortable interior
• Available Star Gaze panoramic roof
• Longer list of standard safety equipment

• Not as fuel efficient
• Interior doesn't have as premium a vibe
• Ride isn't as comfortable

• Fewer trims to select from 
• Doesn't offer off-road capability
• Isn't rated for towing

RAV4

VENZA

30 mpg  (LE FWD, LW AWD, XLE FWD,  XLE Premium, Limited FWD)

29 mpg ( XLE AWD,  XLE Premium AWD, 

28 mpg (Adventure, TRD Off-Road, Limited AWD)

39 mpg  

27 mpg (LE FWD, LW AWD, XLE FWD, XLE AWD, XLE Premium, XLE Premium AWD, Limited FWD)

25 mpg (Adventure, TRD Off-Road, Limited AWD)

40 mpg  

35 mpg (LE FWD, Limited FWD)

34 mpg (LE AWD, XLE FWD, XLE Premium FWD)

33 mpg  (XLE AWD,  XLE Premium, Adventure, Limited AWD)  

32 mpg (TRD Off-Road)

37 mpg  

RAV4

VENZA

• New 10.5-inch Multimedia display standard on TRD Off Road w/6 speaker audio, Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto 
  
• New 12.3-inch Multi-Information Display is optional on TRD Off Road
• Backup camera with dynamic gridlines
  
• Optional 11-speaker JBL Premium Audio 
• 1 yr trial Drive Connect subscription — 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.

• 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

• Optional wireless charging
• Five USB ports
• One 12V/120W auxiliary power outlet  in front instrument panel storage tray and one 12V/120W auxiliary power outlet in cargo area

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

RAV4

VENZA

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

• 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-side Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) and Automatic/Emergency Locking Retractor (ALR/ELR) on all passenger seatbelts
• Front and outboard second-row seatbelts with seatbelt pretensioners with force limiters
• LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) includes lower anchors on outboard rear seats and tether anchors on all rear 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  — includes driver and front passenger Advanced Airbag System, driver and front passenger seat-mounted side airbags, driver's knee airbag, front passenger seat cushion airbag, and front and rear side curtain 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

RAV4

VENZA

180.9 in. (LE, XLE, XLE Premium and Limited)

181.5 in. (Adventure and TRD Off-Road grade)

186.6"

73.0 in. (LE, XLE, XLE Premium and Limited)

73.4 in. (Adventure and TRD Off-Road grade)

73"

67.0 in. (LE and XLE)

67.2 in. (XLE Premium and Limited)

68.6 in. (Adventure and TRD Off-Road grade)

65.9"

219-horsepower

Engine: 163 lb.-ft.

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

14.5

3,370/3,490 lbs. (LE)

3,405/3,515 lbs. (XLE and XLE Premium)

3,615 lbs. (Adventure and TRD)

3,485/3,640 lbs. (Limited)

3,847 (LE)

3,891 (XLE, Nightshade)

3,913 (Limited)

1,500 lbs. (LE, XLE, XLE Premium and Limited)

3,500 lbs. (Adventure grade/TRD)

Not rated