2021 Toyota Venza Vs. 2021 Honda CR-V
The mid-size SUV segment is a local favorite because of the ample space, efficiency, and comfort they provide on the road. The 2021 Toyota Venza and the 2021 Honda CR-V are two crossovers that consistently make it to the top of the list, so we’ve put together this comparison to help shoppers decide which is the right mid-size SUV for them.
Performance & Efficiency
The 2021 Toyota Venza is equipped with a standard hybrid powertrain made up of a 2.5L engine and 3 electric motors that put out 219 combined net horsepower and is paired with a smooth-shifting electronically-controlled variable transmission (ECVT). Every Venza comes standard with performance-enhancing features like all-wheel drive, Hill Start Assist Control, Active Cornering Assist, and 7.8-inches of ground clearance so you can get wherever you need to go with ease.
In contrast, the 2021 Honda CR-V comes standard and a 190-hp 1.5L gas engine. If you move up from the base trim level, you can get a hybrid powertrain that is a 2.0L engine with 2 electric motors that puts out only 212 combined net horsepower, less powerful than the 2021 Venza’s setup. The 2021 CR-V doesn’t come standard with all-wheel drive, active cornering assist, or some other performance features that are bundled into the Venza’s base price, but it does have the same amount of ground clearance at 7.8-inches. So, in conclusion, if you sometimes stray from the beaten path or need to drive in rougher terrain and weather conditions, then the 2021 Venza is the better choice since you won’t be paying extra for that added capability.
As for fuel efficiency, the hybrid Venza is obviously the winner. The 2021 Toyota Venza gets an EPA-estimated 40mpg city and 37mpg highway compared to the gas-powered 2021 Honda CR-V’s EPA-estimated 28mpg city and 34mpg highway. If we want to compare apples to apples, then the 2021 Honda CR-V hybrid powertrain receives 40mpg city and 35mpg highway, which is only slightly less efficient than the hybrid Venza.
Design & Technology
Comfort & convenience on the road is one of the most important deciding factors these days when purchasing a vehicle. Luckily, Toyota designed the interior of the 2021 Venza with exactly that in mind. Every Toyota Venza comes standard with a wireless phone charger and four USB charging ports so everyone’s tech toys can stay juiced up, plus an integrated backup camera with projected path and dynamic guidelines. Unfortunately, wireless charging is only an option on the top trim level of the 2021 Honda CR-V, and USB charging ports aren’t available on the base trim. The CR-V does come standard with a rearview camera, but it doesn’t have dynamic guidelines that easily lead you into any spot like the Venza does unless you’re willing to spend more money on higher CR-V trim.
The 2021 Toyota Venza comes standard with dual-zone automatic climate control, remote keyless entry, and a leather-trimmed shift lever which, again, are comfort features only available on the higher trims of the 2021 Honda CR-V. As for cargo, they both provide the exact same amount of storage space for groceries and luggage at 39.2 cubic feet, and passenger volume is about the same as well. To pull it all together, even though the Venza and CR-V are about the same size, there is no denying the Venza will provide much more comfort at a better price.
Safety
Yes, comfort and performance are important considerations in a vehicle, but safety is the top priority. That’s why both Toyota and Honda equip their vehicles with advanced active and passive safety technology that helps prevent accidents and protect you and your passengers if the unthinkable does occur. In fact, both the 2021 Venza and 2021 CR-V were awarded a 5-star safety rating by the NHTSA and named a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS, so you can have peace of mind that whatever you choose will be adequately safe on the road.
The real difference is in the safety features that they each offer. The 2021 Venza comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.0, the Star Safety System™, and other safety features like Blind Spot Monitoring and an Audible Vehicle Proximity Notification System (VPNS) so you’re aware of the road at all times. The 2021 Honda CR-V doesn’t offer a VPNS on the base trim or the comprehensive protection features that come with the Star Safety System™ like the stolen vehicle locator that comes standard on every Venza.
Both the 2021 Toyota Venza and 2021 Honda CR-V are great vehicles with tons to offer the drivers of Glen Mills. But the Honda CR-V just can’t seem to match the value that the Toyota Venza offers with its huge array of standard features included in the price. So, if you want the most comfortable and capable crossover to carry you through Pennsylvania and gives you the most bang for your buck, then the 2021 Toyota Venza is undoubtedly the winner.
