2021 Lexus RX vs 2020 Hyundai Venue

The 2020 Hyundai Venue filled a long-standing gap in Hyundai's lineup by entering the subcompact SUV segment. Despite the earlier introduction of the Kona, the Venue distinguished itself as a more affordable option with a straightforward design. Its upright stance and features like the contrasting white roof on the Denim trim and a large chrome grille gave it a unique presence. Inside, the Venue offered a modern and clean cabin with ample space for both front and rear passengers, ensuring comfort and visibility. The Venue's trims, SE, SEL, and Denim, provided a range of features, with the Denim trim offering a two-tone exterior and denim upholstery, showcasing Hyundai's innovative approach to interior materials.

The 2021 Lexus RX exemplified the modern design aesthetic of Lexus with its bold styling, including a large grille, angular headlamps, and a floating roof. The RX was available in five variants, each catering to different preferences, from the base RX to the performance-focused RX F Sport and the extended RXL with a third row. The RX's design updates from 2020, such as elongated headlights, remained, enhancing its appeal. Standard features included 18-inch aluminum wheels and LED lighting, with options for larger wheels and advanced lighting systems. Inside, the RX offered a luxurious experience with standard NuLuxe-trimmed seats and available upgrades like semi-aniline leather upholstery and heated seats, though the center console design was considered dated.

The 2020 Hyundai Venue was powered by a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 121 horsepower and 113 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a manual transmission on the base trim, while most trims featured a continuously variable automatic transmission (IVT). The Venue was front-wheel drive only, lacking an all-wheel-drive option, which limited its capability compared to other SUVs. Acceleration was modest, with the engine making noticeable noise during attempts to reach highway speeds. Despite its taller setup, the Venue handled corners with composure, though it communicated road imperfections clearly. Fuel economy was a strong point, with the CVT achieving 30 mpg city, 34 highway, and 32 combined.

The 2021 Lexus RX, RXL, and RX F-Sport were equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine delivering 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The RX Hybrid models combined a V6 with three electric motors, producing 308 horsepower and featuring an electronic continuously variable transmission (e-CVT). The RX offered both front-wheel and all-wheel drive, with fuel economy ranging from 20 mpg city to 31 mpg city for the hybrid models. The RX's suspension and handling improvements made it more dynamic, with the F Sport Handling package adding adaptive suspension and sport seats. The RX accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 7.7 to 7.9 seconds, depending on the drivetrain.

The 2020 Hyundai Venue, while not particularly fast or sporty, offered a practical interior with ample head- and legroom in the front seats. The rear seats provided decent legroom even with the front seats adjusted for taller drivers. However, cargo space was limited, with only 31.9 cubic feet available with the rear seats folded, compared to the Kona's 45.8 cubic feet. The Venue's control layout was intuitive, with traditional buttons and dials for radio and climate controls, though the automatic climate control display could be misleading.

The 2021 Lexus RX provided a functional interior with seating for five in the two-row models and up to seven in the three-row RXL. Front and second-row seats offered ample space, while the third row was tight. Cargo space was limited compared to traditional SUVs, with 18.4 cubic feet behind the second row and 56.3 cubic feet with seats folded. The RXL offered even less space, with just 7.5 cubic feet behind the third row. A power liftgate was standard, with a hands-free option available.

The 2020 Hyundai Venue featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, USB ports, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The layout was user-friendly, with large icons and redundant hard buttons for major functions. The screen placement allowed for easy use while driving, enhancing safety.

The 2021 Lexus RX came standard with dual-zone automatic climate control, an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, and connectivity features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. Upgrades included a 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless charging, and a premium audio system. The infotainment system, while functional, was not the most intuitive, and the Remote Touch controller took up valuable console space. The RX lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which could be a drawback for tech-savvy buyers.

The 2020 Hyundai Venue came with standard safety features such as a reversing camera, traction control, and a full array of airbags. It also included driver-assistance technologies like forward-collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, and a driver-attention warning. The SEL trim added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert with the Convenience Package.

The 2021 Lexus RX received the IIHS Top Safety Pick designation, with Good marks in crashworthiness tests. The RX 350, RX 350L, and RX 450h received four out of five stars overall from NHTSA. Standard safety features included a rearview camera, 10 airbags, and Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, which offered a suite of driver-assist technologies. However, the RX lacked the advanced hands-off piloting systems found in some competitors.