Toyota Venza and Lexus RX Are Top Safety Picks

The all-new 2009 Toyota Venza and redesigned 2010 Lexus RX received Top Safety Pick awards from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. To earn Top Safety Pick status, vehicles must rank Good — the institute’s top crash rating — in front, side and rear impacts. They also must be equipped with electronic stability control.

The two models join 20 other Top Safety Picks in the midsize SUV category. Cars.com’s David Thomas recently reviewed the new Venza and thought it was an attractive buy for small families. Mike Hanley took on the updated Lexus, which is one of the company’s most popular models.

2010 Lexus RX 450h review (Cars.com) 
2009 Toyota Venza video (Cars.com)

Comments

wow, these cars look ALOT alike. toyota could have put a little more into differentiating the lexus from the toyota...

Cody,

I agree. It reminds me of rebadging.

So is Toyota starting to follow the ranks of GM, Ford and Chrysler? I know all brands share platforms, drive-trains, etc. but this is the first time I've seen Toyota actually making two separate branded cars look alike.

I don't particularly care for the looks of either of these cars however when you see them in person they look quite different. The Venza is stocky whereas the Lexus is more upright. Toyota can do this as they build reliable quality vehicles. Ford may be the exception but none of the three can compete w/ Toyota. Personally I'd take a Subaru Outback and the difference in cash.

After seeing these two side by side, why spend the extra cash for the Lexu$?

The two are pretty different in two main areas.

The Venza is quite low to the ground and is much easier to get in and out of and load cargo into.
The RX rides higher like a traditional SUV.

Luxury: while the Venza is a VERY nice Toyota in terms of luxury interior, the Lexus is a marked step up. For luxury buyers it is enough of a justification. if you're not a luxury shopper it probably wouldn't matter anyway.

In terms of space they're nearly identical.

I haven't driven the RX enough to give a good comparison in that regard.

The only justification is the L on the grill and the L on the steering wheel.

And I thought that to get the top safety pick, the car had to meet the new roof strength criteria? Did these?