2021 Hyundai Venue vs 2021 Buick Enclave

The 2021 Buick Enclave was a testament to Buick's resurgence from its past struggles. Once a brand known for its grandeur, Buick had faced a decline during the Malaise Era. However, the Enclave marked a return to form, embodying the brand's historical elegance while catering to modern SUV preferences. As the largest of Buick's SUV offerings, the Enclave stood out with its impressive design, especially in the Avenir trim, which featured a distinctive grille, brightwork, and polished 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Enclave Avenir continued the upscale theme with a minimalist yet luxurious interior, featuring soft leather and polished accents, although the wood trim was not genuine. Despite a somewhat fussy electronic transmission shifter, the Enclave's interior was praised for its simplicity and elegance.

In contrast, the 2021 Hyundai Venue was a stylish little crossover that defied the typical aging process of car designs. Its upright stance, horizontal roofline, and steep tailgate gave it a unique look that belied its compact size. The Venue's grille was appropriately sized, drawing attention without overwhelming the design. The top-line Denim trim, with its white roof and unique paint job, was particularly eye-catching. Inside, the Venue offered a modern feel despite its budget-friendly materials. The cabin was bright and airy, thanks to large windows and thin A-pillars, and the heated seats in the SEL trim added a touch of comfort. While the Venue's interior was not luxurious, it was functional and stylish, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a fashionable yet affordable vehicle.

The 2021 Buick Enclave was powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine, delivering 310 horsepower at 6,800 rpm and 266 pound-feet of torque at 2,800 rpm. This engine, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, offered a choice between front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD). The Enclave's performance was robust, with strong acceleration and a maximum tow rating of 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. The nine-speed automatic transmission was smooth and precise, contributing to the Enclave's agile handling despite its size. The Avenir Technology Package, which included a premium-tuned suspension and automatic emergency braking, further enhanced the driving experience. The Enclave's fuel economy was rated at 21 mpg in combined driving, with a range of up to 460 miles on a full tank.

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 was paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive (FWD) as the only option. While the Venue's performance was modest, its lightweight design allowed for nimble handling in lower-speed areas. The Venue's powertrain was adequate for city driving, but it lacked the power for more spirited highway driving. Despite this, the Venue's small size and efficient engine made it an economical choice for urban environments.

The 2021 Buick Enclave was one of the largest SUVs in its class, offering ample space for six to seven passengers. Its cabin was designed for comfort and quietness, with features like Active Noise Cancellation and laminated windshield glass. The Avenir trim included luxurious touches such as power-adjustable seats with massage functions, heated and ventilated leather seats, and a heated steering wheel. The Enclave's interior was spacious, with a useful third-row seat and easy access through large rear doors. Cargo space was generous, with 23.6 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 97.6 cubic feet with the second-row seats folded down.

In contrast, the 2021 Hyundai Venue offered a more compact interior. The front seats provided ample headroom and legroom, with convenient storage options. However, the back seat was tighter, with limited legroom for adults. Cargo space was also limited, with 18.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 31.9 cubic feet with them folded down. While the Venue's hatchback design allowed for some versatility, it lagged behind competitors in terms of cargo capacity. Despite this, the Venue's compact size and efficient use of space made it a practical choice for city dwellers.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's infotainment system met basic expectations, with features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. However, it fell short in terms of screen size and advanced features. The Avenir's 8-inch touchscreen was the largest available, and the lack of smart home digital assistant integration and high-end audio components was noticeable. The Enclave did offer a unique rear camera mirror, providing a live video view of what's behind the vehicle.

The 2021 Hyundai Venue, on the other hand, excelled in technology despite its budget-friendly price. It featured an 8-inch touchscreen with high resolution and a user-friendly interface. The infotainment system included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto as standard, with the ability to set up driver profiles. The Venue's tech offerings were impressive for its class, providing a modern and connected driving experience.

The 2021 Buick Enclave offered a range of safety features, but many were restricted to higher trim levels. The Driver Confidence Plus Package, available on Premium and Avenir trims, included forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and more. However, advanced features like adaptive cruise control required additional packages. The Enclave received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though its frontal-impact protection was rated four stars.

The 2021 Hyundai Venue came standard with a suite of advanced safety features, including automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Venue's safety systems were well-integrated, providing a seamless driving experience. In crash tests, the Venue received four out of five stars from the NHTSA for front collision and rollover protection.