The Venza makes sense because it shares most of its mechanical bits with the Highlander and Camry, but sells for a much higher price — thereby being a “specialty” vehicle that’s low in volume but high in profit margin. It serves a particular type of demographic that isn’t looking for a third row.
As such, Toyota has the major segments covered with the RAV4 (compact CUV) and Highlander (Midsized CUV), while any Venza sales are just gravy (extra volume and, more importantly, extra profit).
Ford, however, is less competitive due to the Edge not offering a third row. It’s much more of a direct Venza competitor, but puts Ford at a disadvantage when it comes to families looking for a 3-row crossover. Ford’s only option in that regard is the Explorer, which is larger and more expensive than the Highlander, as well as the C-MAX, which isn’t a CUV at all.
By the same token, Chevy has a similar problem. Its only 3-row offering is the huge and expensive Traverse… until the next-gen Equinox comes along and creates room for a true midsized crossover with room for 3 rows.
As for the next-gen RAV not having 3 rows — that’s a good thing, since that 3rd row was pretty much unusable for anyone over 5 feet in height.
