
We fit seven carry-on suitcases behind the rear seat and 18 in total with the rear seats folded, versus 10 and 22 for the RAV4. Not only is passenger space tighter here than in the RAV4, cargo capacity suffers as well, although most buyers will find it adequate.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargoīased on its dimensions, we expected the Venza's cabin to be slightly roomier than the smaller Toyota RAV4's but in reality we found the Venza slightly smaller inside. For more information about the Venza's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website. On our 75-mph highway fuel economy test route, we recorded 36 mpg. The EPA estimates that the Venza will deliver 40 mpg city and 37 mpg highway, which is almost double the ratings of other two-row mid-size SUVs such as the Passport and the Ford Edge.

That propulsion system endows the Venza with standard all-wheel drive and fuel economy that blows away the EPA ratings of V-6–powered rivals such as the Honda Passport and Nissan Murano. Its standard hybrid powertrain-a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with three electric motors-is essentially the same as the RAV4 Hybrid’s. The Toyota Venza competes in the ultra-competitive mid-size two-row SUV class, but its RAV4 Hybrid-based bones compromise its practicality and spaciousness compared to most of the other crossovers in the segment.
