Toyota cars are famous for reliability, and if you add elegant styling and luxury to that, you get a Lexus. However, the latest Toyota models enjoy much of the luxury features Lexus is known for. It is challenging to pick between the Lexus RX350 vs Toyota Venza because they are both top players in the midsize SUV segment. Although both cars are similar, they have unique properties that set them apart. We will compare their properties and performances to determine which option is a better buy.
Overview: Lexus RX350 vs Toyota Venza
The Lexus RX350 and Toyota Venza are excellent choices for people looking to buy a reliable midsize SUV. Both cars serve the same categories of drivers and share a lot of properties. We have highlighted the strengths and weaknesses of the two cars to help our readers make informed decisions on which to buy.
The RX350 is packed with premium luxury features and is among the top 10 SUVs under $50K. All RX350 trims run on the same gas-only engine with different transmission and driveline setups. Similarly, the latest Venza trims have the same powertrain, but this time, it’s a hybrid setup. Three hybrid powertrains are also available for the RX-class as the RX450h trims. These trims have similar interiors but employ a completely different transmission and driveline system from the regular RX350’s.
Although the two models have distinct setups, they deliver similar throttle responses and a relaxed ride. Moreover, the Venza adapts better to minor off-road conditions. Since both offer value for their prices, it may be tricky to settle for one over the other. Let’s compare some vital features so you can accurately identify the one that best suits your preferences.
New Upgrades For The Latest Model Year
2024 is the last model year for the Venza. Toyota is replacing it with the new Crown Signia SUV. So, if you love the Venza name so much, this is your last chance to get one. For 2024, no spectacular feature is added to the Venza, only minor upgrades on the previous features. It looks the same inside and outside.
The RX350 also carries over the 2023 looks and features with little upgrades. Although the previous year’s setup is modern enough to rank high this year, car lovers look forward to getting new features yearly.
Engine and performance
The standard RX350 setup comprises a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission to power the standard FWD system. This engine generates 275 horsepower and does not deliver a spectacular performance. Accelerating from zero to 60 mph with this standard setup takes 7.2 seconds. You can also opt for an all-wheel drive for a more exciting driving experience and kick 0.3 seconds off your zero-to-60 time.
Furthermore, the car’s suspension system and chassis are too comfort-focused, which adversely affects handling. Even the F Sport trim, which adds some sporty features, cannot compete with top rivals in terms of handling and flexibility. Meanwhile, the Venza is slower but has better suspensions and a freer chassis to facilitate its mundane off-road capabilities. As a result, its driving dynamics are slightly better than those of the RX350.
All Venzas share the same powertrain and transmission with the RAV4 Hybrid. This setup comprises a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gas engine paired with three electric motors to deliver 219 horsepower. The continuously variable-speed automatic transmission is smooth and helps improve performance. Although an AWD configuration is standard for maximum traction, the setup is lethargic. This car takes 7.6 seconds to accelerate from zero to 60 mph.
The two cars deliver a comfortable ride but lack throttle response and acceleration. They have similar top-speed ratings, with the RX maxing out at 124 mph and the Venza at 118 mph. So, there is no winner between the Lexus RX350 and Toyota Venza in terms of performance.
Interior Setup And Cargo Space
Lexus’ RX350 may not be the ideal road trip vehicle, but its interior serves well in that regard. Inside, the car is roomy, offering top-class comfort features that come in handy during long trips. The SUV is strictly a two-row car, offering ample leg and headroom for front and rear seat occupants.
You get a modern interior design with attractive ambient lighting and open-pore wood trim. Also, there is tangible cargo capacity in the trunk for packing groceries and everything you need for a road trip. While a textured fabric material is standard, higher trims add leather upholstery and upgraded interior accents.
On the other hand, the Venza offers a comfortable two-row interior but is a lot less roomy than the RX350. Since it is based on the RAV4 Hybrid, the car shares a 105.9-inch wheelbase that affects legroom and cargo space. Its trunk size is decent but not comparable to the RX. Furthermore, the car offers many impressive standard interior features and is fitted with premium materials. Its electrochromic panoramic sunroof is the center of attraction. Toyota calls it ‘Star Gaze’, which uses a switch to toggle between transparent and opaque.
The two cars are feature-rich and comfortable inside, but the Lexus offers more passenger and cargo space. You can even have them with heated seats. Although the Venza makes a strong case, the RX350 is the preferred option. So, if you prioritize interior space, you should go for the Lexus.
Fuel Economy
According to the EPA, the AWD RX350 set up 21 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway. Also, the FWD is more fuel efficient and adds 1 MPG to each driving condition. These figures may be impressive when compared with other midsize SUVs, but they stand no chance with the hybrid Venza. For the Venza, you get an EPA-estimated gas mileage of 40 MPG in the city and 37 MPG on the highway. Therefore, the Venza aces the Lexus RX350 vs Toyota Venza debate in terms of fuel consumption.
Infotainment and Connectivity
All Lexus RXs come with a 9.8-inch infotainment display as standard, but you can opt for a larger 14.0-inch unit with the same interface. Both displays are center-aligned on the dashboard and slightly angled towards the driver. They both run on Lexus’ latest software interface, offering standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability. A built-in navigation system, a head-up display, and a Mark Levinson stereo system are optional for top trims.
Meanwhile, the Venza has different screen sizes across its five trims. The base XE sports an 8.0-inch display, while XLE and higher-end trims get a 12.3-inch unit. Both setups offer Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa standard. You also get wireless charging pads and SiriusXM satellite radio on all Venzas. The 10.0-inch head-up display and a nine-speaker JBL premium stereo system are also optional for top trims.
Regarding the base infotainment units, the RX’s display is bigger, and the Venza’s offers Amazon Alexa. Both are efficient and run smoothly, so we cannot pick one. Again, it boils down to your preferences.
Safety and Driver Assist Tech
In terms of safety, the Lexus RX350 and Toyota Venza both rank high. Like most Toyota cars, they feature the Toyota Safety Sense and have good crash-test scores, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Also, they share the same standard driver alert monitors and safety tech features. These include automated emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane-departure warning systems, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and a lane-centering feature. Lastly, blind spot warning systems are also standard.
Pricing
The Venza has a very low starting price compared to the RX350. However, the RX is worth the extra $13,000. A new Lexus RX350 starts at $49,950 for the base trim. Many drivers prefer the PremiumPlus trim that adds a 14.0-inch infotainment screen, leather upholstery, an ambient interior lighting system, and more for just $4,000 extra. The F Sport trim starts at $58,550, while the top Luxury trim costs $59,080.
Meanwhile, the Venza ranges between $36,465 and $44,610. The XLE trim costs $4,210 more than the base trim and offers upgraded upholstery, a power front passenger seat, 19-inch wheels, LED fog lamps, and rear parking sensors. If you want the XLE with blacked-out rear badging, alloy wheels, upper grille, and roof rails, you can opt for the Nightshade edition. It costs only $41,800, while the top trim costs $44,610.
Warranty Coverages
The Lexus RX350 and Toyota Venza have similar warranty coverages. Moreover, Venza buyers enjoy a specific eight-year or 100,000-mile warranty for hybrid components and 10-year or 150,000-mile coverage for the battery. The regular warranty covers a limited warranty for three years or 36,000 miles, a powertrain warranty for five years or 60,000 miles, and complimentary maintenance for two years or 25,000 miles.
Meanwhile, the RX350 offers limited warranty coverage for four years or 50,000 miles, powertrain warranty coverage for six years or 70,000 miles, and complimentary maintenance coverage for one year or 10,000 miles.
Let’s Wrap it Up…
The comparison between the Lexus RX350 vs Toyota Venza ends as a tie. The two cars are reliable and offer the same standard safety and driver assistance technology. Hence, your choice, in this case, depends on what you want from the car. While many drivers will favor the Lexus RX class for its comfort and intuitive tech, the Venza adds incredible road manners to its modernized appearance, which makes it popular among European car lovers. Furthermore, the RX350 offers more interior room, while the Venza aces in terms of fuel economy. Ultimately, the set of features you find more appealing determines which car you should buy.
