Toyota Venza vs RAV4- what's different?

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One question that often comes up at the dealership is, "What makes the Toyota Venza different than the RAV4?" I mean, they're both SUV's, after all! Don't they serve the same purpose? Well, yes and no.

The RAV4 is technically considered a crossover, which means a vehicle that has a mix of features from both SUV's and midsize sedans, such as station wagons and hatchbacks. Crossovers are smaller than those huge, full sized SUV's you might remember from the early 2000's, but still have plenty of room, which is why they've become one of the most popular vehicles among families. 

How does the Venza compare? I asked our salesman Jimmy Conaway for his thoughts, and the first thing he told me was that even though the Venza is also considered a crossover vehicle, it's better to think of it as "70% car, 30% SUV."

Just from looking at the photo below, right away you can tell that the Venza isn't quite as tall as the RAV4. It looks and feels more like a Camry than a traditional SUV (such as the Highlander). Other key differences?

• While the Venza only has two rows of seating for up to 5 (the RAV4 can seat up to 7 with an optional 3rd row added) it does have more spacious, luxurious seats. Heated, leather-trimmed seats are standard in both the LE and XLE models of the vehicle.
• The Venza comes standard with many additional technology features such as dual zone automatic climate control, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and Homelink, which can be used to activate household devices such as garage doors, RF-controlled lighting, and gates.
• A V6 engine is available on the XLE model for those that want a ride that can zip along faster. The 2013 RAV4, in comparison, is only offered with a 4-cylinder engine.
• MPG wise, the RAV4 is more efficient, capable of 24 city/31 hwy, compared to the Venza's 20 city/26 hwy.
• Need to carry bikes or other over-sized cargo? The Venza does not come equipped with roof rails, whereas it is optional on the LE RAV4, and standard on the XLE and top of the line Limited model.
• The RAV4 has 38.4 total cubic feet of cargo space behind the seats, compared to the Venza's 36.2.

So, which vehicle is for you? Jimmy likes to equate the Venza to being a SUV version of the Toyota Avalon. It's available with many additional features to give that feel of luxury, and is a perfect choice for drivers who want a SUV-like ride with maximum comfort. The RAV4 is a better choice for larger families and those who need to accommodate more cargo. It's also more well suited for long trips, thanks to its improved fuel efficiency.

Which vehicle do you prefer?