Buying a midsize SUV is often about tradeoffs — one of the easiest being cargo space for passenger seating. If you don’t need a 3-row SUV, you can swap that third row for a load of cargo space. Two of the best examples of 2-row midsize SUVs offering generous cargo space are the 2024 Toyota Venza and 2024 Ford Edge.
Let’s take a closer look at how these two stack up.
2024 Toyota Venza
A stylish 2-row SUV with room for five, the 2024 Toyota Venza comes standard with all-wheel drive (AWD), and it’s a fuel-efficient hybrid. Looks, capability, and efficiency make it a must-see option when comparison shopping in the segment.
Check out the Venza’s cabin, and you’ll find a spacious, comfortable, premium interior complete with the latest technology. An available 12.3-inch touchscreen provides a clear look at where you’re going and what you’re listening to. With plush front seats and plenty of room for everyone, it’s easy to see why some might consider this rather than a smaller RAV4 Hybrid, which has a fuel economy of just 1 mpg better.
It comes in four trim levels, starting with the LE and then, in ascending order, the XLE, Nightshade Edition, and Limited. There is only one engine choice, a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder hybrid, so the higher trim levels just get you more technology and convenience features. Pricing starts at $36,465, including destination fee. As this is the final year for the Venza, you might be able to score a deal.
Toyota Venza Highlights
Gas sipper: With outstanding fuel economy for a midsize crossover at 40 city/37 highway/39 combined, you’ll spend less on gas so that you can move up a trim level, perhaps. These figures are far better than what the Ford Edge can muster.
Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+: The brand’s impressive suite of safety technology comes as standard equipment, including forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, and intersection assistance. A 5-Star rating from NHTSA only enhances its reputation for safety, the same top rating as the Ford Edge.
Seeing Stars: Yes, plenty of crossovers have massive moonroofs, but they often come with a fussy screen to block out the light. Not so in the Toyota Venza with its available Star Gaze fixed glass roof. When you want less light, it transforms from transparent to opaque at the press of a button.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Venza models near you.
2024 Ford Edge
When discussing the mainstays of this segment, the Ford Edge must be part of the conversation. Roomy, comfortable, and a clean-looking exterior all add up to a good option for buyers.
The Edge has the ability to carry five people and plenty of stuff — it possesses one of the largest cargo spaces in the segment. However, there are no significant updates for the 2024 model, and we should note, like the Venza, it appears to be the final year for the Edge. No replacement has been announced.
The Edge delivers excellent ride and handling with a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder, putting out 250 hp. However, moving up to the ST model gets you a 2.7-liter turbo V6 developing 335 hp, making for a quick, sporty vehicle that handles curvy roads surprisingly well. Pricing on the Edge begins at $39,960, including destination fee.
Ford Edge Highlights
AWD standard: The Edge offers a choice of two engines — a 250-hp 4-cylinder or a 335-hp V6 unmatched by the Venza. Whichever one you choose, AWD is standard equipment.
Infotainment: Every new Edge comes with a big 12-inch infotainment touchscreen to control its user-friendly system. Wi-Fi and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto phone integration are standard.
Co-pilot: Ford offers one of the industry’s better advanced driver assistance systems. Dubbed Co-Pilot360, it includes forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assistance, and automatic high beams. Adaptive cruise control, evasive steering assistance, and navigation with real-time traffic updates come with the upgrade to Co-Pilot360 Assist.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Edge models near you.
Similarities
The Toyota Venza and Ford Edge provide ample interior space for passengers and cargo for a price that’s right in line with other competitors in the segment. This year appears to be the last call for both as we know it.
Conclusion
The Toyota Venza crushes the Ford Edge when it comes to fuel economy. It’s also a more interesting-looking vehicle on the exterior. However, the Edge comes with two powertrain options — both more powerful than the Venza. It also boasts significantly more cargo space behind the second row of seats. Do you want better fuel economy or more cargo space and more spirited driving manners? Answering that can help you choose between these two great models.
2024 Toyota Venza | 2024 Ford Edge | |
Starting Price | $36,465 | $39,960 |
Popular Powertrains | ||
Engine | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder hybrid | 2.0-liter turbo 4-cylinder |
Horsepower | 219 hp @ 5,700 rpm | 250 hp @ 5,500 rpm |
Torque | 163 lb-ft @ 5,200 rpm | 280 lb-ft @ 3,000 rpm |
Transmission | CVT, AWD | 8-speed automatic/AWD |
Fuel Economy | 40 city/37 highway/39 combined mpg | 21 city/28 highway/23 combined mpg |
Also Available | 2.0-liter turbo 4-cylinder | 2.7-liter turbo 6-cylinder |
Specs | ||
Basic Warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
Powertrain Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
NHTSA Overall Safety | 5-Stars | 5-Stars |
Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Wheelbase | 105.9 inches | 112.2 inches |
Overall Length | 186.6 inches | 188.8 inches |
Width | 73.0 inches | 75.9 inches |
Height | 65.9 inches | 68.3 inches |
Turning Diameter | 36.1 feet | 39.3 feet |
Headroom, Front | 38.6 inches | 40.2 inches |
Headroom, Rear | 39.0 inches | 40.3 inches |
Legroom, Front | 40.9 inches | 42.6 inches |
Legroom, Rear | 37.8 inches | 40.6 inches |
Shoulder Room, Front | 57.4 inches | 60.3 inches |
Shoulder Room, Rear | 56.9 inches | 60.5 inches |
Cargo Volume | 28.8 cubic feet | 39.2 cubic feet |