2021 Hyundai Venue vs 2021 Honda Pilot

The 2021 Honda Pilot aimed to balance style with reliability, safety, comfort, and performance. Despite a 2019 refresh and a 2020 Black Edition, its exterior design was still considered an acquired taste. The Pilot was available in seven trims, ranging from the base LX to the upscale Black Edition, with prices between $32,250 and $49,920. The new Special Edition trim added features like black 20-inch alloy wheels and wireless smartphone charging. The Black Edition, fully loaded with exclusive black leather upholstery and red accents, was priced at $51,435 with a Platinum White Pearl paint option. The interior featured quality materials, but the design felt more like a minivan, which, along with its exterior, did not enhance its appeal.

The 2021 Hyundai Venue, on the other hand, was praised for its timeless and stylish design. Its upright stance, horizontal roofline, and steep tailgate gave it a larger appearance than its size suggested. The grille was well-proportioned, and the Venue's design included roof rails and distinctive lighting elements. The 2021 model saw minor updates, like replacing the base SE trim's steel wheels with alloys. The top-line Denim trim, with its unique paint and white roof, was the most stylish, while the SEL trim offered better value with standard features previously part of an extra-cost package. Despite its low price, the Venue's interior, though filled with plastic, managed to feel modern and airy, thanks to its design and features like heated seats.

The 2021 Honda Pilot was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, providing a smooth and refined driving experience. It featured a nine-speed automatic transmission, with front-wheel drive standard and an optional torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system. The Pilot offered various driving modes and fuel-saving technologies, achieving an EPA rating of 22 mpg combined with AWD. Its suspension provided a comfortable ride and surprisingly agile handling, aided by the torque-vectoring AWD system and 20-inch wheels. However, its off-road capability was limited by its ground clearance and all-season tires.

In contrast, the 2021 Hyundai Venue housed a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 121 horsepower and 113 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission, was adequate for its size, though not particularly thrilling. The Venue was front-wheel drive only, with a selectable drive mode for snowy conditions. Despite its modest power, the Venue's lightweight construction allowed for lively performance in lower-speed areas. However, it lacked the power for more confident highway driving.

The 2021 Honda Pilot offered ample space for families, seating up to eight with a second-row bench seat. The front seats were comfortable, with the driver's seat offering 10-way power adjustment. Second-row captain’s chairs were optional or standard on higher trims, providing comfort and adjustability. The third-row seats were less comfortable for adults. The Pilot excelled in storage, with numerous compartments and a sizable cargo area. It offered 16.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 83.9 cubic feet with seats folded.

The 2021 Hyundai Venue, despite its compact size, provided good front-seat headroom and legroom. Storage was limited but functional, with trays and a small center console bin. The back seat was tighter, suitable for short drives for adults. Cargo space was limited, with 18.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 31.9 cubic feet with them folded. Compared to competitors, the Venue offered less cargo volume, making it less ideal for those prioritizing storage.

The 2021 Honda Pilot featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and more. Higher trims added navigation, a premium audio system, and a rear-seat entertainment system. While functional, the system's interface was not the most user-friendly, with limited HondaLink services on lower trims.

The 2021 Hyundai Venue boasted an 8-inch touchscreen with high resolution and intuitive controls. It included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto as standard. The system allowed for driver profiles and featured a charming radio interface. The Venue's infotainment was praised for its ease of use and thoughtful design, making it a standout feature in its class.

The 2021 Honda Pilot came standard with Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. While effective, the system was not the most refined. The Pilot received favorable crash-test ratings, with a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and high marks from IIHS.

The 2021 Hyundai Venue included standard safety features like automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring. The Venue's safety systems were well-integrated, avoiding unnecessary distractions. It received four out of five stars in NHTSA's crash tests, performing admirably for its size.