When it comes to choosing the perfect mid-size SUV, two models that often come to mind are the Toyota Venza and the Toyota Highlander. Both vehicles are known for their reliability, spacious interiors, and impressive features. However, one of the key considerations for many buyers is the cost. In this article, we will delve into the world of Venza and Highlander, exploring their prices, features, and overall value to determine if the Venza is indeed more expensive than the Highlander.
Introduction to Venza and Highlander
The Toyota Venza is a mid-size SUV that was first introduced in 2008 and reintroduced in 2021 after a brief hiatus. It is known for its sleek design, comfortable ride, and impressive fuel economy. On the other hand, the Toyota Highlander is a mid-size SUV that has been a staple in the Toyota lineup since 2000. It is renowned for its spacious interior, powerful engine options, and versatile features.
Price Comparison
When it comes to pricing, the Toyota Venza and Highlander have some similarities, but also some key differences. The base model of the 2022 Toyota Venza starts at around $32,000, while the base model of the 2022 Toyota Highlander starts at around $35,000. However, as you move up the trim levels, the prices of both vehicles can increase significantly. The top-of-the-line Venza Limited trim can cost upwards of $43,000, while the top-of-the-line Highlander Platinum trim can cost over $48,000.
Trim Levels and Features
Both the Venza and Highlander offer a range of trim levels, each with its own unique features and amenities. The Venza is available in three trim levels: LE, XLE, and Limited. The LE trim comes with standard features such as a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, 8-inch touchscreen display, and Toyota’s Safety Sense 2.0 suite. The XLE trim adds features such as a panoramic moonroof, heated seats, and a more advanced infotainment system. The Limited trim includes premium features such as a 12.3-inch touchscreen display, 19-inch alloy wheels, and a 360-degree camera system.
The Highlander, on the other hand, is available in six trim levels: L, LE, XLE, Bronze Edition, Limited, and Platinum. The L trim comes with standard features such as a 3.5-liter V6 engine, 8-inch touchscreen display, and Toyota’s Safety Sense 2.0 suite. The LE trim adds features such as a more advanced infotainment system, heated seats, and a power liftgate. The XLE trim includes premium features such as a panoramic moonroof, 18-inch alloy wheels, and a more advanced safety suite. The Bronze Edition trim adds unique features such as a bronze-colored exterior trim, 18-inch bronze-finished alloy wheels, and a more advanced infotainment system. The Limited trim includes features such as a 12.3-inch touchscreen display, 20-inch alloy wheels, and a 360-degree camera system. The Platinum trim includes premium features such as a panoramic moonroof, heated and ventilated seats, and a more advanced safety suite.
Performance and Fuel Economy
When it comes to performance, the Venza and Highlander have some key differences. The Venza comes with a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine that produces 219 horsepower and 163 lb-ft of torque. The Highlander, on the other hand, comes with a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque. The Venza also offers a hybrid powertrain option, which combines a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with an electric motor to produce 219 horsepower and achieve an estimated 40 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway.
In terms of fuel economy, the Venza has a significant advantage. The front-wheel drive Venza LE trim achieves an estimated 28 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the highway, while the all-wheel drive Venza XLE trim achieves an estimated 27 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway. The Highlander, on the other hand, achieves an estimated 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.
Interior and Exterior Design
When it comes to interior and exterior design, both the Venza and Highlander have their own unique styles. The Venza features a sleek and modern exterior design, with a sloping roofline and a bold front grille. The interior of the Venza is equally impressive, with premium materials and a spacious cabin that seats up to five passengers. The Highlander, on the other hand, features a more traditional SUV design, with a boxy shape and a bold front grille. The interior of the Highlander is also impressive, with premium materials and a spacious cabin that seats up to eight passengers.
Technology and Safety Features
Both the Venza and Highlander offer a range of technology and safety features. The Venza comes with standard features such as Toyota’s Safety Sense 2.0 suite, which includes features such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. The Highlander also comes with standard features such as Toyota’s Safety Sense 2.0 suite, as well as additional features such as blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert.
In terms of infotainment, the Venza comes with a standard 8-inch touchscreen display, while the Highlander comes with a standard 8-inch touchscreen display or an optional 12.3-inch touchscreen display. Both vehicles also offer a range of premium audio systems, including a 12-speaker JBL system in the Venza and a 11-speaker JBL system in the Highlander.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while the Toyota Venza and Highlander share some similarities, they also have some key differences. The Venza is generally less expensive than the Highlander, with a starting price of around $32,000 compared to the Highlander’s starting price of around $35,000. However, as you move up the trim levels, the prices of both vehicles can increase significantly. The Venza also offers a hybrid powertrain option and better fuel economy, making it a great choice for those who want to save on gas. On the other hand, the Highlander offers a more traditional SUV design and a more powerful engine option, making it a great choice for those who want a more versatile vehicle.
Ultimately, the choice between the Venza and Highlander will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a sleek and modern SUV with good fuel economy, the Venza may be the better choice. However, if you’re looking for a more traditional SUV with a powerful engine and a spacious interior, the Highlander may be the better choice.
To summarize the key points, here is a list of the main differences between the Venza and Highlander:
- The Venza is generally less expensive than the Highlander, with a starting price of around $32,000 compared to the Highlander’s starting price of around $35,000.
- The Venza offers a hybrid powertrain option and better fuel economy, making it a great choice for those who want to save on gas.
- The Highlander offers a more traditional SUV design and a more powerful engine option, making it a great choice for those who want a more versatile vehicle.
We hope this article has provided you with a comprehensive comparison of the Toyota Venza and Highlander. Whether you choose the Venza or the Highlander, you can’t go wrong with either of these impressive vehicles.
What are the key differences between the Venza and Highlander models?
The Toyota Venza and Highlander are two distinct models in the Toyota lineup, catering to different needs and preferences. The Venza is a mid-size crossover SUV, known for its sleek design, spacious interior, and impressive fuel efficiency. On the other hand, the Highlander is a mid-size three-row SUV, offering ample cargo space, advanced safety features, and a robust engine. One of the primary differences between the two models is their size, with the Highlander being larger and more accommodating for families or those who require extra space.
In terms of features, the Venza and Highlander share some similarities, but they also have some notable differences. The Venza is equipped with a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, producing 219 horsepower, while the Highlander comes with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 295 horsepower. Additionally, the Venza offers a more modern and technologically advanced interior, with an 8-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto integration. The Highlander, on the other hand, boasts a more traditional and functional design, with an 8-inch touchscreen display, Entune infotainment system, and available features like a 360-degree camera system.
Which model is more expensive, the Venza or the Highlander?
The pricing of the Toyota Venza and Highlander varies depending on the trim level, features, and options chosen. Generally, the Highlander tends to be more expensive than the Venza, especially when comparing the higher-end trims. The base model of the Highlander starts at around $35,000, while the top-of-the-line Limited trim can cost upwards of $45,000. In contrast, the base model of the Venza starts at around $32,000, with the highest trim level, the Limited, priced at around $40,000.
However, it’s essential to note that the prices mentioned above are approximate and may vary depending on the location, dealership, and availability of features. Additionally, the total cost of ownership, including factors like fuel efficiency, maintenance, and insurance, should also be considered when comparing the two models. The Venza, with its more fuel-efficient engine and lower starting price, may be a more cost-effective option for some buyers, while the Highlander’s larger size, advanced features, and robust engine may justify its higher price point for others.
What are the fuel economy estimates for the Venza and Highlander?
The fuel economy estimates for the Toyota Venza and Highlander vary depending on the trim level, engine, and drivetrain. The Venza, with its 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine and hybrid powertrain, boasts an estimated EPA rating of up to 40 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway. In contrast, the Highlander, with its 3.5-liter V6 engine and front-wheel drive, has an estimated EPA rating of up to 24 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. For those who prioritize fuel efficiency, the Venza is the clear winner, especially for city driving.
The Highlander, however, offers an available hybrid powertrain, which significantly improves its fuel economy estimates. The Highlander Hybrid, with its 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine and hybrid powertrain, boasts an estimated EPA rating of up to 36 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway. While the Highlander Hybrid’s fuel economy estimates are not as high as the Venza’s, they are still impressive and make the Highlander a more attractive option for those who want a larger vehicle without sacrificing too much fuel efficiency.
Do the Venza and Highlander offer similar safety features?
The Toyota Venza and Highlander both prioritize safety, offering a range of standard and available features to protect occupants and prevent accidents. Both models come equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite, which includes features like adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. Additionally, both models offer available features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a 360-degree camera system. The Venza and Highlander also have impressive safety ratings, with both models earning 5-star overall safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
In terms of specific safety features, the Highlander has a slight edge over the Venza, thanks to its more comprehensive suite of standard safety features. The Highlander also offers more advanced safety features, like a driver attention monitor and a panoramic view monitor, which provide additional peace of mind for drivers and passengers. However, the Venza’s safety features are still impressive, and its more modern design and advanced technology make it a safe and reliable choice for buyers. Ultimately, both models prioritize safety, and buyers can trust that they will be well-protected on the road.
How do the Venza and Highlander compare in terms of interior space and cargo capacity?
The Toyota Venza and Highlander differ significantly in terms of interior space and cargo capacity. The Highlander, as a mid-size three-row SUV, offers ample space for passengers and cargo. It can seat up to eight people, depending on the configuration, and provides a maximum cargo capacity of 84.7 cubic feet behind the front seats. In contrast, the Venza is a mid-size two-row crossover SUV, with seating for up to five people and a maximum cargo capacity of 36.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats.
The Highlander’s larger size and more spacious interior make it a better choice for families or those who need to transport large groups of people or cargo. However, the Venza’s smaller size and more compact design make it easier to maneuver and park in tight spaces. The Venza also offers a more modern and premium interior, with available features like heated and ventilated seats, a panoramic moonroof, and a JBL premium audio system. While the Highlander’s interior is more functional and practical, the Venza’s interior is more luxurious and technologically advanced.
Are the Venza and Highlander available with all-wheel drive?
The Toyota Venza and Highlander both offer available all-wheel drive (AWD) systems, which provide improved traction and control on various road surfaces. The Venza comes with an available electronic all-wheel-drive system, which can send up to 80% of the engine’s torque to the rear wheels when needed. The Highlander, on the other hand, offers an available Dynamic Torque-Control AWD system, which can distribute torque between the front and rear wheels as needed.
The AWD systems on both models are designed to provide improved stability and control on slippery or uneven road surfaces. However, the Highlander’s AWD system is more advanced and sophisticated, with features like torque vectoring and a locking center differential. The Highlander’s AWD system is also more suitable for off-road driving, thanks to its higher ground clearance and more robust design. While the Venza’s AWD system is still capable and effective, the Highlander’s system is more impressive and better suited for buyers who need a vehicle that can handle challenging terrain.
Do the Venza and Highlander have similar warranty and maintenance costs?
The Toyota Venza and Highlander both come with comprehensive warranty and maintenance programs, which provide peace of mind and protection for buyers. The Venza and Highlander are covered by Toyota’s 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. Additionally, both models are eligible for Toyota’s complimentary maintenance program, which covers routine maintenance like oil changes and tire rotations for the first two years or 25,000 miles.
In terms of maintenance costs, the Venza and Highlander are similar, with estimated annual maintenance costs ranging from $400 to $700, depending on the trim level, mileage, and other factors. However, the Highlander’s larger size and more complex engine may result in higher maintenance costs over time. The Venza’s more modern design and advanced technology may also require more frequent software updates and technical servicing, which could add to its maintenance costs. Overall, while the Venza and Highlander have similar warranty and maintenance programs, their maintenance costs may vary depending on several factors, including usage, driving conditions, and trim level.