2021 Venza vs RX 450h: How Do They Compare?

Closing the Gap

The 2021 Toyota Venza was recently unveiled as yet another nice addition to the ever-growing hybrid crossover offerings of the world. But the Venza is also quite luxurious, particularly inside its cabin, which makes it a potentially cross-shopped model with the Lexus RX 450h. Thus, it's worth taking a closer look to see just how close the gap has gotten between a premium mass-market crossover and a full-on luxury offering.

Photos: Lexus

Styling

Styling is, as always, subjective. But the new Venza does sport rather refined and modern styling, if not a bit subdued, which is to be expected in this segment. Meanwhile, the RX proudly wears Lexus' bold design, including its signature spindle grille, with an assertive style that's bound to draw more stares than the Toyota, which is keener to blend in with the crowd.

Photos: Toyota

>>Join the conversation about the Venza vs the RX450h right here in ClubLexus.com.

Interior

That theme continues to the interior, where the Venza has a very tidy yet conservative-looking cabin. Its touchscreen protrudes from the dash like many other models these days, while the RX's is more neatly integrated. It's worth noting that the new Venza uses touch-capacitive controls for the climate and menu now, which some people may or may not like.

Photos: Toyota

>>Join the conversation about the Venza vs the RX450h right here in ClubLexus.com.

Space and Safety

In terms of space, the RX offers more - it's six inches longer than the Venza, and is also wider and taller. That translates to more interior space, both in terms of front legroom and cargo volume. Interestingly, both vehicles have a very similar suite of standard safety systems including pedestrian detection, active lane control, blind-spot monitors with rear cross-traffic alerts, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, LED headlights, LED taillights, and road-sign recognition.

Photos: Lexus

>>Join the conversation about the Venza vs the RX450h right here in ClubLexus.com.

Powertrains

The new Venza is powered by a 2.5-liter inline-four cylinder combined with a three electric motors and a lithium-ion battery pack that produce 219 horsepower driving all four wheels. The RX 450h, on the other hand, utilizes a 3.5-liter V6 and two electric motors to produce 308 horsepower, also driving all four wheels. The RX returns 31 mpg city, 28 highway, and 30 combined. Fuel economy for the Venza is estimated at 40 mpg city, 37 highway, and 39 combined, so this comparison essentially boils down to what a customer is looking for - power or fuel economy.

Photos: Lexus

>>Join the conversation about the Venza vs the RX450h right here in ClubLexus.com.

Trims and Options

As would be expected, the RX offers much more in the way of trim levels and options, particularly luxurious ones. Meanwhile, the Venza is offered in LE, XLE, and Limited trims, the latter of which provides synthetic leather, a surround-view camera setup, a JBL stereo system, 12.3-inch touchscreen, an optional heads-up display, and sunroof.

Photos: Toyota

>>Join the conversation about the Venza vs the RX450h right here in ClubLexus.com.

Price

That content comes at a price, of course. The new Venza starts out at $33,645 in base LE trim and $40,975 in Limited trim, while the RX 450h has a starting MSRP of $47,825. So is the Lexus worth $7k more than the Venza Limited? Essentially, it boils down to what you're looking for. The Lexus offers more assertive styling, more power, and more content, both standard and optional. Meanwhile, the Venza is a nice but subtle alternative with less usable space and power, but far superior fuel economy. Variety, as they say, is the spice of life, and it's nice to have another solid option in this ever-popular segment.

Photos: Lexus

>>Join the conversation about the Venza vs the RX450h right here in ClubLexus.com.

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