2021 Hyundai Venue vs 2021 Genesis GV80

The 2021 Genesis GV80, as Genesis' first SUV, was a fresh design that managed to balance innovation with the brand's emerging signature style. It featured a long hood, short front overhang, and a distinctive grille with a diamond mesh and the Genesis flying "G" badge. The SUV's design was further enhanced by the "Quad Lamp" LED headlight array and large wheel arches over aluminum-alloy wheels. The rear design echoed the front with Quad Lamp taillights and twin trapezoidal tailpipes. Inside, the GV80 offered a luxurious experience with a sleek dashboard, real wood, metal, and leather materials, and a 14.5-inch high-definition display, creating a sophisticated and uncluttered environment.

In contrast, the 2021 Hyundai Venue presented a stylish and timeless design that defied its compact size. Its upright stance, horizontal roofline, and steep tailgate gave it a substantial appearance. The grille was appropriately sized, and the Venue's name was prominently displayed at the back. The headlights were split, and the taillights featured a unique pattern. The Venue's exterior updates included alloy wheels for all trims, enhancing its appeal. Inside, the Venue offered practicality with ample headroom and legroom in the front, though the rear was tighter. The cabin was filled with plastic materials, but it maintained a modern look with features like heated seats and a sunroof.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, and a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 with 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. The V6 models came with standard all-wheel drive, while the four-cylinder models had rear-wheel drive with an all-wheel-drive option. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The GV80's suspension system included independent multi-link suspension and options for self-leveling and electronically-controlled suspension. The 2.5T model provided sufficient power for its weight, while the 3.5T offered a smoother and more powerful experience. Fuel economy for the 2.5T was 21 mpg city/25 mpg highway/23 mpg combined with RWD, and 21/25/22 with AWD, while the 3.5T AWD achieved 18 mpg city/23 mpg highway/20 mpg combined.

The 2021 Hyundai Venue was equipped with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 121 horsepower and 113 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive. The Venue's performance was adequate for its size, offering a lively feel in lower-speed areas due to its lightweight of 2,612 pounds. However, it lacked the power for more thrilling driving experiences. The Venue's fuel economy was not specified, but its small engine and lightweight design suggested efficiency.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 featured a sophisticated interior with advanced technology and ergonomic design. The center console and stack included a rotary gear selector, a circular multimedia controller, and capacitive touch buttons for HVAC controls. The second row offered comfort and space for two adults, with power seats and window shades available. A third row was standard on specific models, increasing passenger capacity to seven. The GV80's interior was a blend of luxury and functionality, with features like three-row climate control and power rear-door closure.

The 2021 Hyundai Venue provided ample headroom and legroom in the front seats, with practical storage solutions like a tray for small items. 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. The Venue's hatchback design offered more space than a compact sedan but less than other hatchbacks. Despite its compact size, the Venue's interior was functional, with features like automatic climate control and basic cupholders.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 boasted a sixth-generation Genesis UX infotainment system with a 14.5-inch HD screen, supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system offered user-configurable split-screen displays and cloud connectivity for over-the-air updates. Android users could use a digital key function, while Genesis Connected Services provided features like remote start and destination search. A head-up display and a 12.3-inch 3D digital instrument cluster were available on higher trims. The audio system included a standard 12-speaker setup, with an optional Lexicon Quantum Logic Surround system with 21 speakers.

The 2021 Hyundai Venue featured an 8-inch touchscreen with high resolution and quick swipe functionality. The infotainment system included physical buttons for easy access to media and settings, along with customizable driver profiles. Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto were standard, with wireless CarPlay planned for future models. The Venue's interface was designed for simplicity and ease of use, with charming details like tube-amp-style radio displays.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but Genesis aimed for top safety ratings. The GV80 came with 10 airbags, including a front-center airbag, and a suite of safety features like blind-spot collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, and forward collision-avoidance assist. Adaptive cruise control with machine learning and highway-driving assist were also included, along with Remote Smart Parking Assist for automated parking.

The 2021 Hyundai Venue offered standard safety features like automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and driver-attention warning. 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. Hyundai's ADAS were seamlessly integrated, providing safety without being intrusive.