2020 Ford Explorer vs 2021 Hyundai Venue

The 2020 Ford Explorer was a striking vehicle, boasting a more refined and athletic design compared to its predecessors. Its widened headlights, large grille, and distinctive "Explorer" lettering on the hood gave it a recognizable and handsome appearance. The ST version, with its black 21-inch rims and quad exhaust pipes, was particularly eye-catching. However, the interior left much to be desired, with materials that felt subpar for its price range. Despite its high cost, the Explorer's interior was criticized for its use of low-grade vinyl and hard plastics, making it less appealing compared to competitors like the Kia Telluride and Toyota Highlander.

In contrast, the 2021 Hyundai Venue was praised for its timeless and stylish design. Its upright stance, horizontal roofline, and steep tailgate gave it a unique look that defied its small size. The Venue's grille was well-proportioned, and its split headlights and patterned taillights added to its charm. The Denim trim, with its white roof and unique paint job, was particularly attractive. Inside, the Venue offered a modern look despite its budget-friendly materials. While plastic was prevalent, the cabin felt airy and bright, thanks to its large windows and thin A-pillars. The Venue's interior was functional and stylish, making it a strong contender in its segment.

The 2020 Ford Explorer offered a range of powerful engines, with the ST trim featuring a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 producing 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, delivered smooth and addictive power. The Explorer's rear-wheel-drive chassis provided excellent weight distribution, enhancing its handling and ride quality. The Explorer also offered a 2.3-liter turbo inline-four engine with 300 horsepower and a hybrid option with a net 318 horsepower. Towing capacity varied, with the V6 AWD model capable of towing up to 5,600 pounds. The Explorer's seven drive modes allowed for versatile performance across different terrains.

The 2021 Hyundai Venue, on the other hand, was equipped with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine producing 121 horsepower and 113 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission, provided adequate performance for its size. The Venue's front-wheel-drive setup and lightweight design made it nimble in urban settings, though it lacked the power for more spirited driving. The Venue's performance was comparable to competitors like the Nissan Kicks and Ford EcoSport, but it did not offer the same level of excitement as the Explorer.

The 2020 Ford Explorer excelled in interior space, offering ample room for passengers and cargo. The second row felt luxurious with air vents, USB ports, and a panoramic moonroof. The third row was more spacious than previous models, accommodating six-foot-tall adults for short trips. Cargo space was generous, with 18 cubic feet behind the third row, 48 cubic feet behind the second row, and 88 cubic feet with all seats folded. The Explorer's physical controls were intuitive, though visibility was hindered by thick D-pillars and fuzzy cameras.

The 2021 Hyundai Venue provided decent front-seat space, with ample headroom and legroom. Storage options were limited but functional, with trays for small items and a compact center console. The back seat was tighter, suitable for short trips, and cargo space was limited to 18.7 cubic feet with the seats up and 31.9 cubic feet with them down. The Venue's cargo capacity lagged behind competitors, but its hatchback design offered some versatility.

The 2020 Ford Explorer came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen featuring Sync 3 infotainment, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and 4G WiFi. Higher trims offered a 10-inch vertical touchscreen and a 12-inch digital instrument cluster. While the interface was high-resolution and well-organized, it lacked customization options and felt unfinished. The Co-Pilot360 Assist+ system offered semi-automated driving features but was not as refined as competitors.

The 2021 Hyundai Venue impressed with its tech offerings, featuring an 8-inch touchscreen with high resolution and responsive swipe functionality. Physical buttons provided easy access to media and settings, and the interface was designed for simplicity. The Venue's infotainment system included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, with future updates promising wireless CarPlay for the base model. The Venue's tech was user-friendly and well-integrated, making it a standout feature.

The 2020 Ford Explorer came with Ford Co-Pilot 360, which included forward emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, auto high beams, and lane-keep assist. The Assist+ option added adaptive cruise control and reverse braking, though it was prone to false activations. The Explorer received an Acceptable rating in the IIHS small overlap test on the driver's side.

The 2021 Hyundai Venue offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and driver-attention warning. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Venue's safety systems were well-integrated and unobtrusive. In crash tests, the Venue received four out of five stars from the NHTSA for front collision and rollover.