2021 Hyundai Venue vs 2021 Honda CR-V

The 2021 Hyundai Venue was a stylish little crossover that seemed to defy the passage of time with its design. Its upright stance, almost horizontal roofline, and steeply dropping tailgate gave it a unique presence that belied its small size. The grille was appropriately sized, drawing attention without overwhelming the design, and the split headlights and patterned taillights added to its charm. The Venue's exterior updates from the 2020 model were minimal, with the most notable change being the replacement of 15-inch steel wheels with alloys on the base SE trim, and standard 17-inch alloys on the SEL and Denim trims. The Denim trim, with its white roof and unique paint job, was particularly eye-catching, while the SEL trim offered great value with standard features that were previously part of an extra-cost package.

Inside, the Venue was a testament to how an inexpensive car could still feel modern and functional. While the interior was dominated by plastic, the design allowed for plenty of light, making the cabin feel airy. The SEL trim offered heated seats and a modern look despite its low-cost build. The Venue's interior was practical, with thin A-pillars and big windows enhancing visibility. However, the materials used were not luxurious, and the sunroof's mechanical tracks were visible, detracting from the overall aesthetic. Despite these drawbacks, the Venue managed to offer a pleasant driving experience for its price point.

The 2021 Honda CR-V, on the other hand, had a design that blended in with the crowd of compact crossovers. Its styling was similar to many competitors, with few distinguishing features. The grille and some chromed plastic elements were among the few details that set it apart. The CR-V was available in eight colors, though many were shades of gray, black, or white, with more vibrant options limited to higher trims. The interior offered a modern look with angular seats and upscale materials like wood panels and chrome, especially in higher trims. However, the CR-V's design was not its main selling point, as it focused more on functionality and practicality.

The 2021 Hyundai Venue was equipped with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 121 horsepower and 113 pound-feet of torque. This small, economical engine was designed to provide adequate power for the Venue's lightweight frame, which weighed in at 2,612 pounds. The Venue's performance was comparable to competitors like the Nissan Kicks, Ford EcoSport, and Toyota C-HR, though it lacked options for more powerful engines. Front-wheel drive was standard, with no all-wheel drive option, but a selectable drive mode for snowy conditions was available. The Venue's continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) managed power delivery, and while it didn't offer a thrilling driving experience, the car's light weight made it feel lively in lower-speed areas.

The 2021 Honda CR-V, in contrast, featured a 190-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine across all nine trims. It achieved 0-60 mph in about 7.8 seconds, which was competitive within its segment. The CR-V's CVT provided smooth acceleration, though it lacked the engagement of conventional automatic transmissions found in competitors like the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available as an option. The CR-V's suspension setup, with MacPherson struts in the front and a multi-link rear, offered decent handling and ride quality, making it a reliable choice for everyday driving.

The 2021 Hyundai Venue offered a surprisingly spacious front cabin, with ample headroom and legroom. Storage options included a handy tray ahead of the gear selector and a small center console bin. 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. This was less than many competitors, including the Nissan Kicks and Ford EcoSport, which offered more cargo volume. The Venue's hatchback design provided some versatility, but it was not the best choice for those prioritizing cargo capacity.

The 2021 Honda CR-V excelled in interior space and functionality, with 102.9 cubic feet of passenger volume and 75.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded. This made it one of the roomiest options in its class. The CR-V's tailgate options varied by trim, with manual, power, and hands-free versions available. Roof rails were standard only on the top Touring trim, limiting options for carrying additional gear. Overall, the CR-V's design prioritized comfort and practicality, making it a strong contender for families and those needing ample space.

The 2021 Hyundai Venue impressed with its tech offerings, featuring an 8-inch touchscreen with high resolution and responsive swipe functionality. The infotainment system included physical buttons for easy access to media and settings, along with customizable driver profiles. Standard features included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, with wireless CarPlay planned for the base SE trim. The Venue's tech package was well-rounded, especially considering its price point.

The 2021 Honda CR-V's base LX trim had a basic 5-inch screen with Bluetooth, while other trims featured a 7-inch high-definition touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The audio system varied by trim, with the Touring trim offering a 300-watt system with a subwoofer. Charging ports were plentiful, with USB and 12-volt outlets throughout the cabin. The Touring trim also included a wireless phone charger and satellite navigation. Overall, the CR-V's tech offerings were comprehensive, catering to a range of needs and preferences.

The 2021 Hyundai Venue offered a solid 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 reasonable level of safety for its size.

The 2021 Honda CR-V excelled in safety, earning a five-star NHTSA overall crash test rating and an IIHS Top Safety Pick award. The Honda Sensing system, standard across all trims, included features like forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The only feature not standard on the base LX trim was blind-spot monitoring, which was included from the EX trim upwards. Honda's commitment to safety made the CR-V a standout choice in its segment.