The Toyota Venza is a hybrid mid-size SUV that provides a stylish upgrade over the RAV4 Hybrid. But with so much competition in this category—both internally and externally—the Venza needs to do more than just look pretty.
Style is a fairly unprioritized characteristic when debating mid-size hybrid SUVs. Of course, it is all subjective, but consumers are traditionally more concerned with efficiency, cargo space, and things of that nature—the utility features.
So how does the Toyota Venza compare across the board, both internally and externally? Follow along to see how Jerry
, the super app
that saves drivers time and money on car insurance
, has distributed its kudos across 8 mid-size hybrid SUVs that go head-to-head with the Venza in 2022. And whether you need Toyota Venza car insurance
or you decide to take out a car loan
with a competitor, we’ve got you covered on that, too! 1. Ford Escape Hybrid
Selling points: Impressive fuel efficiency
Do you want the good news or the bad news first? Let’s kick this thing off with some good news! The Ford Escape has an extremely efficient hybrid powertrain that gets upwards of 44mpg in the city. You’ll be hard-pressed to find better—at least in this article!
Now for the bad news. There isn’t really a single thing about this vehicle’s exterior that is memorable. To put it lightly, it’s boring. This is definitely where Toyota Venza has a leg up on the Escape. But if you’re not in it for looks, you can definitely count on it for A-to-B travel.
4.7/5 rating on the App Store | Trusted by 5+ million customers and 7 million cars 4.7/5 app rating | Trusted by 5M+ drivers 2. Honda CR-V Hybrid
Selling points: Long list of standard features
Weak spot: Not very tech savvy
The long list of standard features makes you feel like you stole the CR-V Hybrid from the Honda dealership. Here are a few features that you don’t have to worry about paying extra for: AWD, heated front seats, power moonroof, blind-spot monitoring, cross-traffic monitoring, and automatic LED high beam headlights with auto,
It offers more than 75 cubic feet of cargo space and a whopping 38 mpg. At just over $32,000, it really is one of the best bangs for your buck. That said, we just wish there was an option to upgrade the standard infotainment system. It’s a little outdated and less futuristic-looking than the Venza’s.
3. Hyundai Tucson Hybrid
Selling points: Doesn’t drive like a hybrid (!)
Weak spot: Average efficiency
The price-to-fun ratio is surprisingly high for the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid. This is because it’s one of only two models in this competitive analysis that features a turbocharged hybrid engine. Its 226hp will get you where you want to go—and fast!
Complimented by an affordable price tag, sporty styling, and sufficient cargo space, it’s hard to find the flaws in this hybrid SUV. It does sacrifice a couple of miles of efficiency (38 mpg) compared to some of the competition, but we are more than willing to turn a blind eye.
4. Lexus NX Hybrid
Selling points: Daring design features
Weak spot: Average performance for price
If you feel like treating yourself when shopping for a mid-size hybrid SUV, you can fulfill your craving with the Lexus NX Hybrid. Everywhere you look, inside and out, you see the NX Hybrid ignoring some facet of conservative design. Whether it be the open-mouth grille, red synthetic leather upholstery, or flawless infotainment touchscreen, it’s a true showstopper.
Unfortunately, the sportiness of its hybrid engine leaves more to be desired. It makes you wonder if paying the extra $10,000 or so will be worth it. But, of course, value is subjective.
5. Kia Sorento Hybrid
Selling points: Perfect family car
Weak spot: Could be more efficient
The Kia Sorento Hybrid is in the running for the best family SUV on this list. It is still categorized as a mid-size but extends far enough to make room for six seats. The third row is a little cramped but still enough for the younger family members. In addition, a long list of standard safety features can help make you and your passengers feel safe.
And trust us, this isn’t any soccer-mom vehicle. Instead, it has a sporty design that will make you double-take—especially for its obscure rims and headlights. That said, it ranks towards the lower end of the spectrum for fuel efficiency for hybrid SUVs on this list. But honestly, we find it hard to complain about 37 combined mpg.
6. Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid
Selling points: It’s a Subie
Weak spot: Unimpressive specifications
Subaru fanatics love the automotive brand so much that they are willing to ignore some of the Crosstrek Hybrid’s key pitfalls. It ranks lowest in three categories mentioned in this list: 35 combined mpg, 43.1 cubic feet of cargo space, and just 148 horsepower.
But the Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid does come standard with AWD and is much more capable of handling off-road terrain than most of the competitors on this list—not something the pretty-boy Venza is going to be any good at.
7. Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Selling points: Incredible efficiency for its size
Weak spot: Relatively expensive
Remember how we said Kia Sorento Hybrid was in the running for the best family vehicle? Well, there was a reason for that. We were leaving room for the Toyota Highlander Hybrid!
Its eight seats and 84.3 cubic feet of maximum cargo space are best in class and capable of handling all the needs of your hectic family. And on top of that, its size doesn’t hold it back. You can still expect 36 combined mpg out of this brute.
But this type of utility requires you to pay up. At a starting cost of $39,555, it’s relatively expensive for the category. The Venza can be a cost-efficient option if you don't need the extra space.
8. Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
Selling points: Most affordable
Weak spot: Basic driving experience
As mentioned earlier, the difference between Toyota RAV4 Hybrid and the Toyota Venza is style. It’s not that one is better looking than the other, but the Venza is more elegant and the RAV4 is more practical.
Other than that, they share a lot in common. Both are equipped with an identical 219 hp 2.5L inline-4 hybrid engine that produces roughly 40 mpg for both models. You won’t be blown away by the powertrains power, but the efficiency is hard to complain about.
You save about $4,000 grand by choosing the RAV4 over the Venza, but you may have to look at them side-by-side to make that final decision.
MORE: 7 things to look for when buying a used car
Toyota Venza vs. the competition
When differentiating these hybrids, every little specification counts—whether it be an extra gallon per mile or slightly more cargo space.
So let’s put it all in one visual. Here is a side-by-side comparison of the Toyota Venza with its fiercest competitors.
| | | | Fuel economy (city/highway/combined) | | |
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2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid | | 1.6L Turbo Inline-4 Hybrid | | | | |
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| | 1.6L Turbo Inline-4 Hybrid | | | | |
2022 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid | | | | | | |
2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid | | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
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