2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs 2020 Hyundai Venue

The 2020 Hyundai Venue filled a gap in Hyundai's lineup by entering the subcompact SUV segment, which had been missing for years. Although the Venue seemed redundant after the introduction of the Kona in 2018, it distinguished itself with a more affordable and upright design. The Venue's exterior featured unique touches like a contrasting white roof on the Denim trim and a large chrome grille reminiscent of the Hyundai Palisade. Inside, the Venue offered a modern and clean cabin with ample space for both front and rear passengers, providing excellent visibility due to its upright layout and large windows. The Venue was available in SE, SEL, and Denim trims, with the SEL being the recommended choice when paired with the Premium package for added features.

In contrast, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS, a continuation of the third generation introduced in 2020, offered a more luxurious and spacious experience. The GLS, originally the GL-Class, evolved into a lavish family SUV with three rows of seating. Its design featured softened angles and a futuristic cabin dominated by a massive digital screen. The GLS was available in three trims: GLS 450, GLS 580, and the performance-oriented AMG GLS 63. Standard features included a host of luxury and tech amenities, with various option packages available to enhance comfort and convenience. The AMG GLS 63 stood out with aggressive styling and performance-inspired interior elements, making it a top choice for those seeking a high-performance luxury SUV.

The 2020 Hyundai Venue was powered by a single engine option: 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. Despite its SUV appearance, the Venue's performance was more akin to a compact hatchback, with underwhelming acceleration and a noisy engine. It offered drive modes like Normal, Snow, and Sport, but even in Sport mode, it struggled to reach highway speeds quickly. The Venue's fuel economy was commendable, with the CVT achieving 30 mpg city, 34 highway, and 32 combined.

In contrast, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered a range of powerful engine options. The entry-level GLS 450 featured a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine with 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The GLS 580 boasted a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 with 483 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. The AMG GLS 63, with its hand-crafted 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, delivered an impressive 603 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque. All engines were paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and Mercedes' 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system. The AMG GLS 63 could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.1 seconds, showcasing its remarkable performance capabilities. The GLS also featured an adaptive air suspension system, multiple drive modes, and E-Active Body Control for a smooth and composed ride.

The 2020 Hyundai Venue, while not particularly fast or sporty, offered a practical interior with ample head- and legroom for front passengers. The rear seats provided decent legroom even with the front seats pushed back. However, the Venue's cargo space was limited, with only 31.9 cubic feet available when the rear seats were folded. The Venue's control layout was user-friendly, with traditional buttons and dials for essential functions. The SEL and Denim trims featured automatic climate control with a unique display design.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS excelled in interior space and versatility. It offered three rows of seating, with generous headroom and legroom for first- and second-row occupants. The third row, while not as spacious, could accommodate full-size adults. The GLS provided 17.4 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats up, expanding to 42.7 cubic feet with the third row folded. The power-folding third row and ample storage compartments added to its practicality. The GLS's interior featured luxurious materials and thoughtful design, making it a top choice for those seeking a spacious and comfortable SUV.

The 2020 Hyundai Venue came equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system across all trims. It included Bluetooth, USB ports, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Hyundai's logical touchscreen layout minimized distracted driving, with large icons and redundant hard buttons for major functions. The screen placement allowed for easy use while driving, enhancing the overall user experience.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS featured the advanced MBUX infotainment system, which included a massive touchscreen and a trackpad for control. The system supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though it required a USB-C cable for connection. MBUX's voice-control system responded to commands like "Hey Mercedes," offering a seamless user experience. The digital dash extended to the fully-digital instrument panel, controlled by touch-sensitive pads on the steering wheel. While there was a learning curve, the system provided a comprehensive and intuitive interface for managing the GLS's extensive technology.

The 2020 Hyundai Venue offered standard safety features such as a reversing camera, traction control, a tire-pressure monitoring system, and a full array of front- and side-impact airbags. It also included driver-assistance technologies like forward-collision avoidance with pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist, and a driver-attention warning. The SEL trim, with the Convenience Package, added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, which were standard on the Denim trim.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS came with a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features, including Active Brake Assist, forward-collision avoidance, rain-sensing wipers, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic high beams. Additional safety features included automatic parking assist, a surround-view camera system, a driver-drowsiness monitor, and crosswind assist. Optional safety tech included lane-keep assist, lane-change assist, adaptive cruise control, and stop-and-go cruise control. The GLS also featured a full array of airbags, traction control, self-tensioning seatbelts, and a tire-pressure monitoring system.