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It seems almost cruel to compare one Toyota with another, but to find the best car for you it needs to be done. Toyota, one of the best-rated car manufacturers in the world has created some outstanding and capable vehicles since 1937 and the Toyota Rav4 is one of the best-selling cars of all time. Let’s see how it compares with Toyota’s luxury Venza SUV.
Both the Toyota Rav4 and the Toyota Venza are 105.9 inches in their wheelbase measurements, but the Venza is 5.7 inches longer than the Rav4. The Venza is a midsize sport utility vehicle and is larger than the Rav4 which is in Toyota’s lineup of compact crossover SUVs.
Toyota has a wide range of vehicle models to suit a broad audience and provide car solutions for everyone. The Toyota Venza, though larger than the Rav4, is smaller than a Toyota Highlander and sizing-wise lands in the middle of both. To find out more about the sizing, features, and specs of the Toyota Venza versus the Toyota Rav4 continue reading below.
Is the Toyota Rav4 Bigger Than the Toyota Venza?
No, the Toyota Rav4 is smaller than the Toyota Venza as it is a compact SUV whereas the Venza is a midsize SUV.
The measurements, however, only have one major difference.
Here is a table of the dimensions of the Toyota Rav4 and the Toyota Venza so you can clearly see where the “differences” lie:
| Specs | Toyota Venza | Toyota Rav4 |
|---|---|---|
| Wheelbase | 105.9-inches | 105.9-inches |
| Length | 186.6-inches | 181.5-inches |
| Width | 73-inches | 73.4-inches |
| Height | 65.9-inches | 68.6-inches |
| Cargo Space | 28.8 cubic feet | 37.6 cubic feet |
| Cargo Space with Folded Seats | 55.1 cubic feet | 69.8 cubic feet |
| Payload capacity | 1073lbs | Roughly 1,240lbs |
| Towing capacity | 3500lbs | 3,500lbs depending on the trim |
| Front passenger legroom | 40.9-inches | 41-inches |
| Front passenger headroom | 38.6-inches | 37.7-inches |
| Rear passenger legroom | 37.8-inches | 37.8-inches |
| Rear passenger headroom | 39-inches | 39.5-inches |
As you can see, although the Venza is a mid-size SUV, the dimensions are closely similar to the Rav4 and the only measurement that really make a difference in what makes the Venza bigger than the Rav4 is its length.
What is the Difference Between a Mid-Size SUV and a Compact SUV?
Mid-size SUVs are targeted towards middle to large size families Because their size provides ample space and balance for all passengers in the car.
Many mid-size SUVs will come with a 3rd row option to suit larger families.
A mid-size SUV is only slightly larger than a compact SUV yet slightly smaller than a standard SUV which usually has a height of around 75-inches and a wheelbase size of around 80-88-inches.
The first-ever compact SUV was the 1944 4-wheel drive (4WD) Willy’s Civilian Jeep and since then the compact SUV market has only become better, stronger, and with Toyota’s excellence in engines, better.
Compact SUVs are larger than mini-SUVs but, of course, are smaller than midsize SUVs and also known as crossover SUVs. The Toyota Rav4 is a crossover compact SUV for example and was the first of its kind, originally produced in Japan in 1994 and released on the American car market in 1996.
If you’re looking for a car that is spacious inside, handles well on the road in various conditions, and can save you money on fuel and maintenance, a compact or crossover SUV is the vehicle you have been looking for.
Here are some common differences between a mid-size and a compact SUV:
| Specs | Compact SUV | Mid-Size SUV |
|---|---|---|
| Price Range | Cheapest SUVs with typical prices between US$21,000 and US$30,000 | Prices range between US$30,000 and US$40,000 but can go higher |
| Seating options | Typically, 5 passenger seats including the driver. The third generation Rav4 offered the option of a third-row but this was not popular | Can offer a third-row seating option in some models |
| Cargo storage | When seats are folded forwards the cargo storage is similar to a mid-Size SUV | Cargo storage options are similar unless third-row seats aren’t removed |
| Towing and haulage capacity | Most compact SUVs don’t offer a large towing capacity. With regard to the Rav4, this is not the case and the Rav4 has an above-average towing and payload capacity | Mid-size SUVs tend to have a better standard towing capacity than compact SUVs |
| Fuel economy | Fuel efficiency is better in smaller vehicles, they don’t have the more powerful engines that chew through gas like larger vehicles. The average mpg for a compact SUV is 29.5mpg, for a Toyota Rav4 Prime is 38/94mpg | Mid-size SUVs have a better fuel economy than larger SUVs, but gas can still get expensive. The Average mpg for the Toyota Venza is 40/37mpg |
Toyota Venza Vs Toyota Rav4
The Toyota Venza is a much newer SUV than the Rav4 having only been first produced and released in 2008/2009. It hasn’t had as much time as the Toyota Rav4 to build up a decent reputation but considering the Rav4 got its reliable and reputable reputation in its first years, we’re not sure if the Venza will ever gain as much traction as the Rav4.
The compact Rav4 has a starting price of approximately US$26,350 for the lower LE trim level and a price of US$37,430 which for 2021 compact SUVs is on the higher end of the price scale. But if you’ve read our other Rav4 blogs you’ll see we recommend the Rav4 price is worth it.
The Toyota Venza has a starting price of US$32,670, considerably lower than the top-trim level of the Rav4, and has three trims to choose from which range up to US$40,000. Which is not that much more expensive than the Rav4 Limited.
What you really need to do is decide which Toyota SUV is better for you based on its features that suit you, your driving style, and your comfort best.
Here are some features and specs for the Toyota Rav4 and Toyota Venza to help you decide which might be right for you:
| Specs | Toyota Rav4 LE | Toyota Venza LE |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder with sport, eco, and normal modes | Hybrid powertrain with 219 horsepower |
| Mechanical | Front-wheel drive (FWD) | All-wheel drive (AWD) electronic on-demand |
| Interior Features | – | Hands-free power liftgate with adjustable height control |
| Safety | Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 | Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 |
| Interior Features | 6-way adjustable front driver seats | 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat |
| – | LED headlights and taillights | |
| – | Wireless smartphone charging | |
| Analog speedometer | Analog speedometer | |
| 1 USB port and a 12V/120V AUX power outlet | 4 USB charge ports | |
| – | Integrated back-up camera | |
| – | Leather-trimmed power tilt steering wheel | |
| Electric parking brake | Electric parking brake | |
| Climate control system | Dual-zone automatic climate control | |
| Fabric-trimmed seating | Fabric-trimmed seats | |
| Soft-touch dashboard and armrests | Soft-touch dashboard | |
| – | Leather-trimmed shift lever | |
| 8 cup and bottle holders | 8 cup and bottle holders | |
| Black interior door handles | Silver interior door handles | |
| 27 city, 35 highway, 30 combined mpg | 40 city, 37 highway, 39 combined mpg |
For this table, we have chosen the lowest trim models of each Toyota SUV with standard features. For further information on both you can visit the Toyota website for full specs and builds.
Toyota created the compact Rav4 for people who wanted an SUV that was smaller than a standard SUV but has similar AWD capabilities, can handle some off-road conditions, but is more affordable than an SUV like the Highlander.
If you’re in search of a vehicle that is compact but has the heart and ability to take some off-road journeys, then the Rav4 is for you. If you’re in search of a car that is spacious for a large family and hosts a little more luxury in the interior, perhaps the mid-size Toyota Venza is your calling.
Conclusion
The Venza is 5.1-inches longer than the Toyota Rav4, but the rest of the interior and exterior dimensions are similar enough that when sitting inside either of these Toyota SUVs you wouldn’t tell the difference.
The main differences are found in their styling, interior and exterior, and what they were designed for. The rav4 can handle some off-road adventures, especially with their top-level trims, while the Venza is more suited for family-friendly easy drives on marked roads.