2021 Hyundai Venue vs 2021 Hyundai Palisade

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy distinguished itself with a unique grille pattern, revised exterior lighting, and additional lower body trim. It featured unique 20-inch wheels and upgraded interior detailing, including a simulated suede headliner. These enhancements made the Calligraphy trim appear more luxurious than other Palisade models, drawing attention with its unconventional styling. Inside, the Calligraphy trim boasted a Beige over Navy Blue color scheme with premium Nappa leather and simulated wood trim, making it a standout in the midsize three-row SUV class.

In contrast, the 2021 Hyundai Venue presented a stylish and timeless design. Its upright stance, horizontal roofline, and steep tailgate gave it a distinctive look that belied its small size. The Venue's grille was appropriately sized, drawing attention without overwhelming the design. Roof rails and wide-spaced letters on the tailgate added to its appeal. The Venue's exterior changes for 2021 included 15-inch alloys for the base SE trim and 17-inch alloys for the SEL and Denim trims. The top-line Denim trim, with its unique paint job and white roof, was particularly eye-catching.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade was equipped with a robust 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 291 horsepower, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered front-wheel drive as standard, with an optional all-wheel-drive system. Drivers could choose from Eco, Comfort, Smart, and Sport driving modes, with AWD models adding Snow mode and a Lock function for improved traction. The Palisade's fuel economy was rated at 21 mpg in combined driving, and it delivered a firm yet comfortable ride with excellent body-motion control. It was capable of towing up to 5,000 pounds, making it a versatile choice for families.

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. It was paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and offered front-wheel drive only. While not the most powerful in its segment, the Venue's lightweight design allowed it to feel lively in lower-speed areas. It lacked the option for all-wheel drive, but a selectable drive mode for snowy conditions was available. The Venue's performance was adequate for city driving, but it didn't offer the same level of power or versatility as the Palisade.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade excelled in interior space and comfort. It featured eight-way power-adjustable front seats, heated and ventilated front and second-row seats, and a heated steering wheel. The second-row captain's chairs provided ample legroom and support, and the third-row seat was more accommodating than most in its class. The Palisade offered 18 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 86.4 cubic feet with all seats folded. Its hands-free Smart Liftgate added convenience for loading and unloading.

In comparison, the 2021 Hyundai Venue provided ample headroom and legroom in the front seats, with decent storage space. However, the back seat was tighter, with limited legroom for adults. Cargo space was limited, with 18.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 31.9 cubic feet with them folded. The Venue's hatchback design allowed for more cargo than a compact sedan, but it lagged behind competitors in terms of overall capacity. Despite its compact size, the Venue offered a practical and functional interior for city driving.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade offered two infotainment systems, an 8-inch and a 10.25-inch touchscreen display. Both systems allowed for dual smartphone pairing via Bluetooth, with the 8-inch setup offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Calligraphy trim included a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, navigation, and Blue Link connected services. Additional features included wireless smartphone charging, a Driver Talk intercom system, and a head-up display. The Palisade's technology package was comprehensive and user-friendly.

The 2021 Hyundai Venue featured an 8-inch touchscreen with high resolution and responsive swipe functionality. Physical buttons provided quick access to media sources, and the system allowed for driver profile customization. Standard features included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Venue's infotainment system was designed for simplicity and ease of use, making it an attractive option for tech-savvy drivers.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade excelled in safety, offering adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping systems as standard. Higher trims included advanced features like a Blind View Monitor and Highway Drive Assist. The Palisade received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, ensuring peace of mind for families.

The 2021 Hyundai Venue also prioritized safety, with standard automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and driver-attention warning. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Venue received four out of five stars in NHTSA crash tests, providing a reasonable level of protection for its size.