2020 Hyundai Kona vs 2021 Hyundai Venue

The 2020 Hyundai Kona was a standout in its segment, offering a sleek, sporty, and dramatic exterior that set it apart from its competitors. Despite being shorter than many of its rivals, the Kona's design cleverly masked its compact dimensions with features like tiered lighting, a tall grille, and matte plastic trim that made it appear larger. The vehicle's two-tone wheels, sloping roof, and ground-hugging stance contributed to its premium vibe. However, the interior did not match the exterior's excitement, with hard plastics and lackluster finishes. While the layout was functional, the tactile quality lagged behind competitors like the Mazda CX-30 and Honda HR-V.

In contrast, the 2021 Hyundai Venue boasted a timeless design that seemed unlikely to age poorly. Its upright stance, horizontal roofline, and steep tailgate gave it a substantial appearance despite its small size. The Venue's grille was well-proportioned, and its roof rails and wide-spaced lettering added to its stylish appeal. The 2021 model saw minor updates, such as the replacement of 15-inch steel wheels with alloys and the inclusion of 17-inch alloys on higher trims. The top-line Denim trim, with its unique paint job and white roof, was particularly eye-catching. Inside, the Venue's materials were budget-friendly, but the design remained modern and functional, with ample light entering the cabin.

The 2020 Hyundai Kona offered a compelling powertrain, particularly in its turbocharged 1.6-liter inline-four engine, which delivered 175 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, provided strong acceleration and confidence in various driving conditions. The Kona's handling was impressive, with fast and direct steering, a stable suspension, and minimal body roll. However, the ride was stiffer, and the cabin was noisier compared to more refined competitors. Fuel economy was average for the class, with the turbocharged AWD model achieving 26 mpg city and 29 mpg highway.

The 2021 Hyundai Venue, on the other hand, featured a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine producing 121 horsepower and 113 pound-feet of torque. This engine, coupled with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), offered adequate performance for its size. The Venue's lightweight design allowed it to feel lively in lower-speed areas, but it lacked the power for more thrilling driving experiences. Front-wheel drive was the only option, and while the Venue's powertrain was not the most exciting, it was sufficient for everyday driving needs.

The 2020 Hyundai Kona struggled with interior space, offering seating for four and limited cargo capacity. With 19 cubic feet of cargo space and 46 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, it lagged behind competitors like the Honda HR-V and Buick Encore GX. The Kona's controls were user-friendly, and the infotainment system was straightforward, but its utility was limited compared to other vehicles in its class.

The 2021 Hyundai Venue provided ample headroom and legroom in the front seats, along with practical storage solutions. However, the rear seat was tighter, and cargo space was limited to 18.7 cubic feet with the seats up and 31.9 cubic feet with them down. While the Venue's hatchback design offered more space than a compact sedan, it fell short compared to other hatchbacks and direct competitors like the Nissan Kicks and Ford EcoSport.

The 2020 Hyundai Kona came equipped with a range of standard features, including a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims offered additional amenities like heated seats, leather upholstery, and an 8-inch touchscreen with navigation. The Kona Ultimate trim featured advanced driver-assistance systems and lane-centering capabilities, enhancing its appeal.

The 2021 Hyundai Venue impressed with its technology offerings, featuring an 8-inch touchscreen with high resolution and intuitive controls. The infotainment system included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, with the ability to set up driver profiles. The Venue's interface was designed for ease of use, and its charming radio interface added a touch of personality.

The 2020 Hyundai Kona received high safety ratings, earning five out of five stars from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and a driver attention monitor. However, pedestrian detection was limited to the Ultimate trim, and the Kona lacked front knee airbags and rear side airbags.

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 received four out of five stars in NHTSA crash tests, demonstrating its ability to protect occupants despite its small size.