2021 Hyundai Venue vs 2021 Nissan Kicks

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 robust appearance that belied its small size. The grille was appropriately sized, drawing attention without overwhelming the car's design, and the split headlights and unique taillight patterns 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. The top-line Denim trim, with its white roof and unique paint job, was particularly appealing to those drawn to the Venue's fashion-forward style.

Inside, the Venue offered a modern look despite its budget-friendly build. While the interior was dominated by plastic, the design allowed for plenty of light, making the cabin feel airy. The SEL trim, which included features like heated seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, provided good value. However, the Venue's interior materials were not luxurious, and the sunroof's visible mechanical tracks detracted from its appeal. Despite these drawbacks, the Venue managed to offer a comfortable and modern driving experience.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks underwent significant exterior changes, aligning its design with other Nissan models like the Armada and Rogue. The front featured a bold, double V-motion design, while the rear showcased a new bumper and LED taillights, giving the Kicks a proportionate and stylish look. The two-tone paint job option, with a floating roof tinted Super Black, added an upmarket feel, and the wraparound rear glass completed the design. The Kicks SR trim, with its LED headlights, fog lights, and sporty accents, further enhanced its aesthetic appeal.

Inside, the Kicks offered higher quality materials, drawing inspiration from the 2020 Nissan Sentra. The interior featured new seat and door designs, a full center console armrest, and Prima-Tex-appointed seating in the SR Premium Package. The Kicks provided ample front seat legroom, though the hip room was somewhat limited for larger drivers. The rear seats were spacious enough for adults, and the available tonneau cover offered hidden storage. Overall, the Kicks combined style and substance, making it a standout in the subcompact class.

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 paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive (FWD). While the Venue's power figures were modest, its lightweight design allowed for a lively driving experience in lower-speed areas. However, the lack of all-wheel drive (AWD) and the absence of more powerful engine options limited its appeal for those seeking a more dynamic performance.

In contrast, the 2021 Nissan Kicks also featured a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 122 horsepower and 114 pound-feet of torque. Paired with Nissan's Xtronic CVT and FWD, the Kicks offered a nimble driving experience, aided by its electric power-assisted steering and independent strut stabilizer bar suspension. While the Kicks was not particularly zippy, its power-to-weight ratio was well-suited for its size. The Kicks SR trim included features like an integrated dynamic-control module and adaptive cruise control, enhancing its driving dynamics. The Kicks also boasted impressive fuel efficiency, with an EPA rating of 31 mpg city, 36 mpg highway, and 33 mpg combined.

The 2021 Hyundai Venue offered decent front seat headroom and legroom, with a handy tray for small items 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 the seats folded down. Compared to its competitors, the Venue lagged in cargo capacity, making it less suitable for those prioritizing storage space.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks, on the other hand, made efficient use of its interior space. It featured easy-to-reach controls, good small-item storage, and multiple smartphone storage options. The Kicks offered best-in-class front seat legroom, though the hip room was somewhat limited. The rear seats were spacious enough for adults, and the available tonneau cover provided hidden storage. The Kicks' interior design and functionality made it a practical choice for everyday use.

The 2021 Hyundai Venue was equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering features like Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system was user-friendly, with physical buttons for quick access to various functions. The Venue's infotainment system also allowed for driver profile customization, appealing to families with multiple drivers. However, wireless CarPlay was only available on the base SE trim.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks offered a comprehensive suite of technology features, including a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth. The Kicks SV added features like Nissan Intelligent Key, automatic climate control, and a 7-inch driver information screen. The Kicks SR Premium Package included a class-exclusive Bose Personal Plus sound system, providing an immersive audio experience. The Kicks also offered a surround-view monitor and a WiFi hotspot, enhancing its tech appeal.

The 2021 Hyundai Venue came standard with 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, demonstrating its commitment to safety.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks was equipped with Nissan Safety Shield 360, which included features like automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, and rear automatic braking. The Kicks also had 10 airbags and a driver alertness monitor on the SV and SR trims. While the 2021 model had not been crash-tested, the 2020 model received favorable ratings, indicating a strong safety performance.