2022 Kia Sportage vs 2021 Hyundai Venue

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 alloy wheels becoming standard across trims, enhancing its appeal without altering its core design.

Inside, the Venue was a testament to Hyundai's ability to create a modern feel with budget-friendly materials. While the interior was dominated by plastic, the design allowed for plenty of natural light, making the cabin feel airy. The SEL trim offered heated seats and a modern look despite its low-cost build. The Denim trim stood out with its unique paint job and white roof, appealing to those drawn to fashion-forward styles. The Venue's interior, though not luxurious, was practical and comfortable for its price point.

The 2022 Kia Sportage, on the other hand, had a more polarizing exterior design. While the tiger-nose grille was a signature Kia element, it didn't quite fit the Sportage's front end, giving it a somewhat awkward appearance. However, the rest of the design was spot-on, with stylish details like the four-dot running lights and a symmetrical rear fascia. The SX Turbo trim, with its 19-inch wheels, had a planted stance that added to its visual appeal.

Inside, the Sportage exuded a Germanic design influence, with a black dashboard accented by metallic touches. The SX Turbo trim offered a luxurious experience with perforated leather seats, power adjustments, and a heated steering wheel. Rear passengers enjoyed generous legroom and amenities like air conditioning vents and a USB port. While cargo space was not class-leading, the Sportage's smart liftgate technology added convenience, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2021 Hyundai Venue was powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 121 horsepower and 113 pound-feet of torque. This engine was designed for economy rather than performance, and while it didn't offer thrilling acceleration, it was adequate for city driving. The Venue's lightweight construction allowed it to feel lively in lower-speed areas, but it lacked the power for confident highway driving. Front-wheel drive was the only option, with a CVT managing power delivery. The absence of all-wheel drive and a manual transmission limited its appeal to those seeking more driving engagement.

In contrast, the 2022 Kia Sportage offered a more robust performance, especially in the SX Turbo trim. The standard 2.4-liter engine delivered 181 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque, while the SX Turbo's 2.0-liter engine produced 240 hp (237 hp with AWD) and 260 lb-ft of torque. This made the Sportage a more powerful option, particularly beneficial for those living at higher elevations. Both engines were paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, and the optional Dynamax all-wheel-drive system added versatility. The Sportage's suspension provided a smooth ride, and the SX Turbo's upgraded brakes and wheels enhanced its sporty character.

The 2021 Hyundai Venue offered a surprisingly spacious front cabin, with ample headroom and legroom. Storage solutions were practical, though limited, with small trays and a modest center console bin. The back seat was tighter, suitable for short trips, and cargo space was limited to 18.7 cubic feet with the seats up and 31.9 cubic feet with them down. This was less than many competitors, making the Venue less ideal for those prioritizing cargo capacity.

The 2022 Kia Sportage, despite its compact size, provided a roomy passenger compartment. The SX Turbo trim featured luxurious front seats with power adjustments and heating/ventilation options. Rear passengers enjoyed generous legroom and additional amenities. While the Sportage's cargo space of 60.1 cubic feet with seats down was not class-leading, it was sufficient for most needs. The smart liftgate technology added convenience, though it could be turned off if not needed.

The 2021 Hyundai Venue impressed with its tech offerings, featuring an 8-inch touchscreen with high resolution and intuitive controls. The infotainment system supported Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, with customizable driver profiles. The interface was user-friendly, with physical buttons for easy access to key functions. The Venue's tech package was a highlight, especially given its price point.

The 2022 Kia Sportage also came equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The SX Turbo trim added wireless charging and a premium Harman Kardon audio system. While the infotainment system was easy to use, the UVO Link system felt dated, lacking features like a WiFi hotspot and wireless smartphone mirroring. Despite these shortcomings, the system was straightforward and functional.

The 2021 Hyundai Venue offered a solid suite of safety features, including 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 reasonable safety for its size.

The 2022 Kia Sportage came with a comprehensive set of safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. The SX Turbo trim added adaptive cruise control. The Sportage earned favorable crash-test ratings, with the SX Turbo achieving an IIHS Top Safety Pick designation.