Going through a buyback on a different brand hybrid SUV and have decided to look at RAV4 (we had an older non hybrid that was OK but loud and not exactly what we want now), venza, or a NX350h???. Not exactly sure about the Lexus hybrids, but was watching a videos on the Venza and came across a pretty good one that described a young mans search and eventual purchase of a hybrid SUV. We are retired and dont need tons of room (thus dont really need a rav4 - but there are more of them out there). Our son just purchased a 2022 venza and we thought it was pretty nice and thats how we came upon this forum. We would not be buying new, probably a 2022. Seems like the NX is about the same price as some of the Venza XLE models. Dont need the Vanza limited. Just dont know all the particulars on the NX, but figured people on a Lexus forum could help, and maybe point us in the right direction. Dont know trim levels, but will be researching them. The one thing I noticed was the NX had a 30/33 mpg on the EPA site vs almost 40 mpg for the Venza. Is it that much heavier? They look pretty similar. Thanks in advance. We are in the flat flat flat desolate old lake bottom of NW Ohio.

 

All are good vehicles so you really can't go wrong with any of because they are Toyotas.

Venza's will be cancelled again shortly because of the new to North America Crown. So you'll be buying an orphan vehicle. Also, they don't have a sunroof that opens but a glass roof is available, if that's important to you. I think the hybrid drive train is similar between the Venza, Rav 4 hybrid and the 350h (not the prime or 450h+). Understand you'll be buying the level up luxury with the Lexus, but the Venza is pretty close in trim, etc. The Rav 4 is still noisy, even as a hybrid. Best to find/drive them all and decide for yourself.

 

The Car Care Nut on Youtube has a good video about the Venzas. He said they were originally supposed to be a Lexus car but for some reason Toyota wanted to market them under Toyota instead. So the quality is supposedly up there with Lexus.

 

The NX 350h hybrid has the exact same EPA estimates as the Venza. It is the non-hybrid versions of the NX that have much lower EPA estimates.

We cross shopped the 350h and the Venza. One advantage of the Venza is that it has regular tires, and a spare tire. The 350h has run flat tires, and no spare. One disadvantage is that the Venza has an older version of the Toyota/Lexus safety system (version 2.5). The NX has the newer version 3.0.

 

Isn't the Venza one body size bigger than Rav4/NX? Retired couple may want smaller, but make sure you can physically get in and out of an NX/Rav4.

Our kids are gone, and we wanted smaller to park, etc; so went with the NX. The 350h drivetrain is basically the same as the Rav4 and Venza = loud and gravelly, but still drives nice.

 

I would suggest you take a look at the Corolla Cross Hybrid. About same size as discontinued Venza. Very appealing package, great mpg, and Toyota reliability.

 

Remember the Corolla Cross is smaller than the Venza and Rav4/NX. It is the same as the UX.

 

I was pleasantly surprised by the NX during my search for a new car, especially considering it perfectly fits my SUV needs. As a relatively young man, I hadn't been drawn to NX models until the 2022 model year came out. While it's not an entirely different vehicle, the styling is impressive. In my opinion, the NX offers better value compared to the Venza. Why? Well, for starters, the Lexus badge aside, the NX boasts superior styling. As for MPG, both should have similar figures in real-world conditions. And if you're wondering if the NX 350h gets good mileage, it certainly does when driven a certain way (you can see incredible numbers by hypermiling). Ultimately, I wholeheartedly recommend the NX over the Venza, but of course, that's just my perspective. Feel free to ask if you have any questions!

 

IMO, the NX has better fit and finish on the exterior and interior of the Venza. The Venza is an upscale Rav4 with better interior comfort seating but similar hybrid powertrain. Venza is the value package.

Note 2024 is the last year for the current Venza so if you are looking for one, get it before it's gone.

 

This old man completely agrees with you my relatively young man

YMMV,
MidCow3

P.S.- However, Venza is a Toyota which is also a great brand of car

 

​​​@midcow3 🙏. I was trying to make the point NX seems to be a wise choice for the cost difference when compared with Venza. No comments on Toyota brand image 👍

 

I initially shopped for the Venza first as it was newly launched and because the Rav4 Hybrid was so hard to find. What I remember is that the infotainment system was more of a hassle on the Venza and almost completely touch based? Unlike the NX there were almost no physical touch buttons. I believe some video reviews mention this also. I also didn't like how the turn signals are on the rear bumper instead of under the tail lights. Then there's the glass roof that doesn't open and just go into privacy mode when it turns milky white.

 

Did anyone mention the Venza is very, very noisy, When that comes out as a car review "con" be careful what your ears ask for.

YMMV,
MidCow3

 

This is a good thread for anyone considering the Venza vs the NX350h. Motormouth did a Venza comparison review a while back (can’t recall but I think it was with the RAV4). At one point they referenced the Venza versus the NX350h and said bluntly, paraphrase, ‘the Venza IS NOT a Lexus.’ Nonetheless—as others have noted—it is still a very nice car with lots of appeal. I know people who own Venzas and they love them.

 

We also looked at the new Venza when it first came out also. I didn't like the touch sensitive buttons but like the Venza for it's comfortable and price. We didn't buy given the price markup and low inventory supplies. Also, lots of review indicated there were lots of body roll at higher speeds.

We purchased a NX350h given the interior was more comfortable, newer technology and more quiet inside.