2021 Hyundai Venue vs 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar presented a balanced design, sitting comfortably between the sleek Evoque and the boxy Range Rover. Its low roof and steeply-raked windshield gave it a unique profile, distinct from the traditional upright Range Rover. The Velar maintained its SUV identity with a broad front end and short overhangs, enhancing its off-road capabilities. The SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition added sportier touches, including larger air intakes and quad exhaust tips, while the interior boasted high-quality leather and metal trim, creating a cockpit-like feel.

In contrast, the 2021 Hyundai Venue was a stylish little crossover that seemed timeless. Its upright stance, horizontal roofline, and steep tailgate gave it a substantial appearance despite its compact size. The grille was appropriately sized, drawing attention without overwhelming the design. The Venue's exterior updates included alloy wheels across trims, and the top-line Denim trim offered a unique paint job with a white roof. Inside, the Venue was practical, with plastic materials but a modern look, offering a greenhouse-like feel with ample light and heated seats in the SEL trim.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar, particularly in the SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition, introduced a 5.0-liter supercharged V8 engine, delivering 550 horsepower and 502 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain allowed the Velar to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds, with a top speed of 177 mph. Despite its impressive speed, it wasn't the fastest in its class. The Velar's aluminum platform provided a solid and refined driving experience, though it felt large on tight roads. The rest of the lineup included a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four and a 3.0-liter supercharged V6, all paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive. Off-road capabilities were supported by Land Rover's Terrain Response system, though the Velar lacked a low range.

The 2021 Hyundai Venue housed 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, offered adequate performance for its size. The Venue's front-wheel-drive setup and selectable drive mode for snowy conditions provided versatility, though it lacked the option for all-wheel drive. Despite its modest power, the Venue's lightweight design allowed for a lively feel in lower-speed areas, making it suitable for city driving.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar was an in-betweener in size, larger than small luxury SUVs but smaller than midsize counterparts. Its interior space was competitive but not segment-leading, with 15.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats in place and 48.9 cubic feet with them folded. The Velar's avant-garde styling limited headroom and visibility, creating a claustrophobic feel. Towing capacity was respectable, with the SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition and V6 models capable of towing up to 5,511 pounds.

The 2021 Hyundai Venue offered ample front-seat headroom and legroom, with practical storage solutions. However, the back seat was tighter, suitable for short drives. Cargo space was limited, with 18.7 cubic feet with the back seat in place and 31.9 cubic feet with it down, lagging behind competitors. Despite its compact size, the Venue provided a decent amount of ground clearance, though it fell short in cargo capacity compared to rivals like the Nissan Kicks and Ford EcoSport.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar featured the InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system with dual 10.0-inch touchscreens, a WiFi hotspot, Bluetooth, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility. The upper screen handled smartphone and media functions, while the lower screen managed vehicle settings and climate control. Despite high-quality graphics, the system was criticized for slow responses. Additional tech included a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a head-up display.

The 2021 Hyundai Venue boasted an 8-inch touchscreen with high resolution and quick swipe functionality. Physical buttons provided easy access to media and settings, with customizable options. The infotainment system supported driver profiles, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Venue's interface was user-friendly, with charming design details like classic tube-amp-style radio displays, enhancing the overall experience.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar lacked safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and parking aids. Adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring were available as options. The Velar's driver-assist tech was less sophisticated compared to competitors, with limited standard features.

The 2021 Hyundai Venue offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and driver-attention warning as standard. The SEL and Denim trims added blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. The Venue received four out of five stars in NHTSA's front collision and rollover tests, providing a reassuring level of safety for its size.