Toyota RAV4 Hybrid or Toyota Venza: Which model and trim should you buy?

Article content

The price of fuel — and everything else these days, it seems — got you down? Me, too! You’d like to replace your gas guzzler with an electric vehicle, but they’re out of your snack bracket, even with federal and, in some cases, provincial rebates. What’s the next best thing?

Article content

Well, have you considered a hybrid? You could do worse. Vincentric, a Michigan-based organization that measures the cost of vehicle ownership, notes that hybrids “can be both a financially sound and an environmentally friendly option for buyers in Canada.” Furthermore, “the 2022 Vincentric Best Fleet Value in Canada Awards saw many hybrid vehicles winning their segments over their gas-powered competition,” says David Wurster, president of the company that considers various life-cycle cost scenarios, and measures depreciation, fees and taxes, financing, fuel, insurance, maintenance, opportunity cost, and repairs.

Toyota, though not the only player, is by far the leader in this segment, thanks in a large part to the success of its Prius nameplate. The Prius too weird looking for you? Hey, Toyota has your back, Jack. On the car side there’s also the Corolla and Camry hybrids. Need a family-sized minivan? Yep, the Sienna is there for you. Ditto the Tundra Hybrid if you’re considering a pickup. And SUVs? How about a trio to consider, namely the RAV4, Venza, and Highlander?

Article content

Article content

Learning to hybrid

Given the overwhelming popularity of SUVs — or crossovers, if you prefer that term — let’s look at the RAV4 Hybrid and the resurrected Venza, the latter lacking the Hybrid appellation because, unlike the previous generation (2008 to 2017), the current one only comes with a hybrid powertrain. The RAV4, as a point of information, also comes in numerous gas-engine-only trims as well as ‘Prime’ plug-in hybrid versions.

But what exactly is a hybrid and what’s the learning curve like? Let’s keep it simple. Toyota uses the initials HEV for Hybrid Electric Vehicle and offers this handy explanation: “HEVs combine a gas engine with electric motors, automatically choosing the optimal source and blend of power. Because the hybrid battery charges on the go through regenerative braking, you never need to plug in.”

Article content

So, the electric part of the system hides in the background, assisting the gas engine when needed. A good example is when pushing the start button — under most conditions only the electric motor is engaged, which saves fuel and reduces emissions. The same when reversing. When accelerating or cruising along, the gas engine and electric motor team up to provide an optimum mix of power. Any excess energy is used to help recharge the battery. Under braking, or when getting off the gas pedal, the electric motor takes over. Regenerative braking converts the brake energy into electric energy to help recharge the onboard battery. At a stoplight, the gas engine shuts down, again conserving fuel.

Article content

RAV4 Hybrid and Venza similarities and differences

That out of the way, let’s dig into the similarities and differences between the RAV4 Hybrid and Venza. There are far more of the former than the latter, starting with the Toyota’s TNGA-K platform that underpins both the two-row, five-seat models. Then there’s an almost identical hybrid-electric powertrain — the Toyota Hybrid System being used features a 2.5L four-cylinder engine and electric motors (three motors in the Venza, two for the RAV4), putting out an identical 219 net system horsepower. A continuously variable transmission then transfers power to the all-wheel drivetrain.

Although it’s not their raison d’être, both the Venza and RAV4 Hybrid know how to get out of their own way when power is needed, even more so when Sport mode is engaged. We’re talking a zero-to-100-km/h time in the high-seven-second range.

Article content

Now, fuel economy is their forte, so it’s not surprising that their city/highway numbers are quite parsimonious, as in an NRCan rating of 5.8/6.3 L/100 km for the RAV4 Hybrid, an additional tenth on both numbers for the heavier Venza. And, for what it’s worth, I averaged 5.2 L/100 km over 500 km during my week with the Venza, a mix of in-town and four-lane/secondary highway driving. The RAV4, dealing with more city traffic, still averaged 5.5 L/100 km.

Size-wise, it’s a matter of millimetres between the two corporate siblings inside and out. The biggest disparity is in length, the Venza, at 4,740 mm, is 139 mm longer than the RAV4. The two have identical widths (1,854 mm) and wheelbase (2,690 mm). Ditto front and rear track. The RAV4 is taller by 27 mm and has 10 mm higher ground clearance.

Article content

Article content

Checking out the two’s respective cabins, the Venza offers front-seat passengers a little more headroom than in the RAV4, while its sloped roof compromises rear-seat riders, the flat-top RAV4 offering 64 mm more clearance for those of taller dimensions. Legroom both front and back is identical while shoulder room is a split decision, the RAV4 slightly more generous for those up front, the Venza a bit roomier for those in the back.

But, when it comes to actual utility, the RAV4 has a clear advantage. Let’s start with the cargo area — the RAV4 offers 1,059 litres of space behind the rear seats, 1,977 litres when the seats are folded. The best the Venza can offer is 816 litres behind the rear seats and 1,555 litres with the seats folded. The RAV4 also has a greater payload capacity, 542 kilograms versus the Venza’s 410 kg.

Article content

3 reasons to choose the Venza

Article content

Which Version to Choose

I’m a fan of mid-level trims, which tend to offer a higher level of creature comforts without saddling you with unnecessary and/or expensive features you may or may not want. The XLE tester ($44,890) adds numerous upgrades over the base LE trim, notably Softex interior cladding, new for the 2022 model. Other upgrades include the smart-key system with push-button start, 19-inch alloy wheels, roof rails, projector LED headlights, a nine-speaker, 1,200-watt JBL audio system with 12.3-inch touchscreen, Connected Services by Toyota Premium Audio Plus with Remote & Nav, a seven-inch multi-information display, kick-sensor power rear gate, heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats, a driver’s seat memory system, four-way power-adjustable front passenger’s seat, and the Intelligent Clearance Sonar system with rear cross-traffic braking.

Article content

3 reasons to choose the RAV4 Hybrid

Which Version to Choose

The 2022 RAV4 Hybrid SE ($37,990) tester is a new trim for 2022 and built, says Toyota, “for stylish adventures, with an emphasis on sporty looks and surprisingly spirited performance.” It features a seven-inch touchscreen display audio system, an eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat, projector LED headlights, 18-inch black painted wheels, a heated and leather-wrapped steering wheel, leather-wrapped shift knob, power back door, rain-sensing wipers, and piano black bumpers. No embedded navigation, however. In the tester’s new Cavalry Blue paint job, which generated numerous thumbs up from passersby, the crossover is a looker. But …

Article content

It’s not the trim I’d consider. If you can, wait for upcoming 2023 Woodland Edition. Its claim — the first hybrid off-road special edition SUV for the brand, featuring a TRD-tuned suspension “engineered to enhance body control and small-bump isolation to help smooth out trails and rough city streets.” It also comes with Falken Wildpeak AT tires for greater off-roading ability, raised black roof rack cross bars and a 120V inverter to power-up an array of compatible household items for overnight camping excursion. Oh, and as with all the 2023 models, the Woodland Edition will sport Toyota’s upgraded multimedia system. Pricing for the Woodland Edition has not been announced, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see something in the $45K range.

Conclusion

For the most part, the Venza and the RAV4 Hybrid are twins of the fraternal variety, virtually identical mechanically, dimensionally similar, equally fuel efficient, and priced and contented to compete for the same customer. They are the crossover equivalents of family sedans and drive accordingly, smoothly and comfortably. But while the Venza could be argued to be the sportier looking of the two, the RAV4 definitely has more utility. Other than that, it’s really a questions of what’s your style.