2021 Hyundai Venue vs 2020 Land Rover Defender

The 2020 Land Rover Defender was a nostalgic nod to the classic Land Rover design, reminiscent of the beloved LR4. Its squared-off edges, rising roofline, and round headlights evoked a sense of rugged adventure. The Defender's design was both familiar and functional, with features like step plates and a ladder for roof access, although some elements were more for show than utility. The taillights, with their rounded rectangles, paid homage to the old Defender, while the external spare tire and tailgate design added to its robust appearance. Inside, the Defender's interior was basic and industrial, with cloth seats and exposed screws, emphasizing durability over luxury. Despite its high price, the interior lacked the opulence expected from a $75,000 vehicle, feeling more like a well-built Jeep than a luxury SUV.

In contrast, the 2021 Hyundai Venue was a stylish little crossover that seemed timeless in its design. Its upright stance, horizontal roofline, and steep tailgate gave it a substantial appearance despite its compact size. The Venue's grille was appropriately sized, drawing attention without overwhelming the design. The split headlights and unique taillight patterns added to its modern appeal. Hyundai made minimal changes from the 2020 model, with updates like alloy wheels on the base trim and standard features on the SEL trim enhancing its value. Inside, the Venue's interior was practical, with plenty of light and a modern look despite its budget-friendly materials. The Venue's design was both fashionable and functional, making it a standout in its segment.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender offered a compelling driving experience, justifying its price with its quiet and plush ride. It featured a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six engine with 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque, providing ample power for various terrains. The mild hybrid system eliminated turbo lag and offered consistent power delivery. The Defender's off-road capabilities were impressive, with features like Terrain Response 2 and adjustable-height suspension. It could tackle steep inclines and deep water with ease, making it a versatile vehicle for both on-road and off-road adventures. The standard engine was a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four with 296 horsepower, suitable for the smaller two-door 90 model. The Defender's handling was reminiscent of older SUVs, with slow steering and a generous suspension lean, but it excelled in off-road scenarios.

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. While not the most powerful in its segment, the Venue's lightweight design allowed it to feel lively in lower-speed areas. The Venue was front-wheel drive only, with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) managing power delivery. Although it lacked the thrill of a more potent powertrain, the Venue's performance was adequate for city driving and short commutes. Its compact size and nimble handling made it easy to maneuver in urban environments, but it wasn't designed for off-road adventures like the Defender.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender was designed for versatility and durability, with a focus on off-road capability. Its interior was minimalist, with a rubber floor and simple controls. The Defender 90, a two-door model, offered an optional jump seat, allowing it to seat six people. The four-door 110 model had an optional third row, accommodating up to seven passengers. Cargo space varied depending on the configuration, with the two-door 90 offering 16 cubic feet and the four-door 110 providing up to 79 cubic feet with seats folded. The Defender's towing capacity was impressive at 8,200 pounds, and its rugged design was tested to withstand significant impacts.

The 2021 Hyundai Venue, despite its compact size, offered ample headroom and legroom in the front seats. Storage space was practical, with trays and bins for small items. The back seat was tighter, with limited legroom for adults on longer drives. Cargo space was modest, with 18.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 31.9 cubic feet with them folded. While the Venue's hatchback design allowed for more cargo than a sedan, it lagged behind other hatchbacks in its class. The Venue's design prioritized practicality and efficiency, making it suitable for city dwellers and small families.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender featured the Pivi Pro infotainment system, a significant improvement over previous Jaguar Land Rover systems. It included two SIM cards for streaming data and over-the-air updates, affecting up to 16 computer modules. The interface was simplified with a grayscale theme, although some user interface issues persisted. The Defender's off-road capabilities were enhanced by front cameras showing the ground beneath the hood and a rearview mirror doubling as a screen. The digital instrument panel offered full-screen maps and gauge renderings, with an optional head-up display. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 360-degree camera system.

The 2021 Hyundai Venue boasted an 8-inch touchscreen with high resolution and responsive swipe functionality. Physical buttons provided quick access to media and settings, with a customizable starred button. The Venue's infotainment system allowed for driver profiles and included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto as standard features. The interface was user-friendly, with charming design elements like tube-amp-style radio displays. The Venue's technology offerings were impressive for its price, providing a modern and connected driving experience.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender had not been rated by U.S. crash testing agencies, and it lacked knee and rear side airbags. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and 360-degree cameras. Optional features included rear cross-traffic alerts and exit alerts for passing cars or cyclists.

The 2021 Hyundai Venue, despite its small size, offered a comprehensive suite of safety features. Standard equipment included automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and driver-attention warning. The SEL and Denim trims added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Venue received four out of five stars in NHTSA's front collision and rollover tests, demonstrating its commitment to safety.