2012 Venza vs RX 350
Thread Starter
Pole Position
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 396
Likes: 1
From: Wisconsin
2012 Venza vs RX 350
When shopping for your 2012 RX 350, did anyone check out the 2012 Toyota Venza?
My neighbor just bought new Venza and I got to say their almost a clone to the RX 350 in
size and approx. $12,000 to $14,000 cheaper.
The Venza even offers 80 -90% of the options that are on the RX 350.
I did take one for a drive last fall before deciding on the 350 and was very impressed what
Toyota did to their Venza..
You think Toyota Venza will draw a lot of owners away from paying the extra $$$$ for a RX350??
My neighbor just bought new Venza and I got to say their almost a clone to the RX 350 in
size and approx. $12,000 to $14,000 cheaper.
The Venza even offers 80 -90% of the options that are on the RX 350.
I did take one for a drive last fall before deciding on the 350 and was very impressed what
Toyota did to their Venza..
You think Toyota Venza will draw a lot of owners away from paying the extra $$$$ for a RX350??
Lead Lap
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 580
Likes: 3
From: manitoba
I find the Venza looks like someone stepped on it. The RX is higher in stance and seating posistion. The Venza to me was like a station wagon where as the RX is more like a sport ute. Just my impressions.
Driver
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 174
Likes: 3
From: Ca
Def not an rx but if you're comparing them loosely. Interior an exterior has major differences and if those are not a factor then comparison maybe close.
In relatively similar type of comparison is the highlander. I'm very impressed with the motor but if you take into account everything else, it's not an Rx.
In relatively similar type of comparison is the highlander. I'm very impressed with the motor but if you take into account everything else, it's not an Rx.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,102
Likes: 8
From: Hill Country, TX
Drove a Highlander and Venza first and then an hour later drove an RX ......not even on the same playing field. Just opening the door of the RX showed it was a much more upscale car than a Venza or Highlander. Waaay too much hard plastic in the Highlander, as well as the Venza.
Trending Topics
ClubLexus Stories
Celebrating Lexus & Toyota from Around the Globe
8 Tips for Improving Your Hybrid or Plug-in Hybrid's Efficiency!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Best Lexus Models No One Remembers
Joe Kucinski
TRD Off-Road Premium: Best 2026 4Runner, Except This One Thing
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Lexus & Toyotas to Drive Before You Die!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Lexus/Toyotas With The LEAST 5-Year Depreciation
Joe Kucinski
Lexus LC500 Convertible Auction: A Preview of Rising Values?
Brett Foote
GX 550 vs TX 550: Best 3-Row Luxury Lexus Family Hauler
Michael S. Palmer
9 Best Lexus Models You Can Buy for Half Price (And 1 You Shouldn't!)
Joe Kucinski
2026 Lexus NX Buyer's Guide: Models, Features, Prices & More!
Brett Foote
Pole Position
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 2,838
Likes: 26
From: GA
The Vienza was never in the US Lexus line up. Maybe it was for another country but not ours.
It's a different price point for a different customer. I doubt any of the parts have the same part numbers as those on the RX.
It's a different price point for a different customer. I doubt any of the parts have the same part numbers as those on the RX.
Thread Starter
Pole Position
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 396
Likes: 1
From: Wisconsin
The size seem a little larger over the RX 350 which would be nice, but the quality of the RX,
and the styling is why I paid the extra $$$$.
Another reason for me to buy the RX 350 is I keep my cars for at lest 12-15 years before trading.
Not that anything in the Toyota line wouldn't last that long.
Another thing, when I read here why you people chose a Lexus for their quality etc, then 2 years
later trade it off, just don't make sense to me.
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
From: NJ
I agree that the Venza is the most similar Toyota model to the RX, but the build quality and materials are far superior in the RX. It seems with Toyota, they offer a few of the advanced features on the Toyota models but you can't have it all. For example, I noticed that you could get the HID headlights with auto high beams on a Venza but no rain sensing wipers, auto dimming side mirrors or memory seats. Personally, I feel that the Venza looks more like a station wagon than an SUV.
Driver
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 157
Likes: 1
From: BC
I checked the Venza out before buying my RX in 2011. I have to say the Venza looks more aggressive especially with its dark-chorme 20" wheels. However, I took a test drive and riding in as a passenger for half an hour; I just don't think it was a comfortable ride. It's almost like they are trying to hard to bring out the sportiness. Very identical to the early build IS-F as they were desperately to compete with the C63 & M3. But the price tag on those Venzas is sure very attractive for what they offer.
Driver
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 182
Likes: 0
From: VA
We looked hard at the Venza before we bought the RX. 3 reasons we bought the RX instead of Venza: 1) Venza used cheap looking hard plastic material on the dash 2) RX gave a more comfortable and luxury ride than the Venza 3) RX gave a more commanding view than Venza
The bottomline is you get what you paid for.....Venza is not bad consider its price......
The bottomline is you get what you paid for.....Venza is not bad consider its price......
CL Community Team
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 12,518
Likes: 213
From: San Francisco, CA
DIfferent buyers so I dont think it has stolen sales from the RX. The RX remains the number 1 selling luxury SUV on the market for many years running now. Sure you might notice some similarities in design, such as the 2nd row fold flat handles in the cargo bay, but as others have mentioned the materials are where they differentiate the most.
Also the Venza was never a Lexus model, and also the Venza is only sold in north america and not overseas.
Also the Venza was never a Lexus model, and also the Venza is only sold in north america and not overseas.
No, I don't play soccer!
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 6,652
Likes: 177
From: NJ
I looked at both during the 2009 NY Auto Show. When I meandered over to the Venza, the pseudo textured leather and plastic surfaces were an immediate turnoff. I couldn't tell you about how it was equipped because I walked away. That Camry grill on steroids was also too much. But I'm sure for the price the Venza suits some people just fine. I think they come in some nice colors. The RX created the luxury SUV market and continues to dominate like RXSF said. Obviously the Venza has not been much of a threat.