2021 Hyundai Venue vs 2022 Toyota RAV4

The 2021 Hyundai Venue was a stylish little crossover that seemed to defy the passage of time with its design. Its upright stance, nearly 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 overall design. 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's cabin was filled with inexpensive materials, yet it managed to avoid feeling spartan. The interior was bright and modern, thanks to its large windows and thin A-pillars, despite the visible mechanical tracks of the optional power sunroof.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota RAV4 had evolved significantly from its original "cute-ute" roots to become a mature crossover SUV. Its exterior design was in line with current crossover trends, featuring angular wheel arches and crisp lines that contrasted with the organic shapes of the body. The RAV4's expressive headlights and snub-nosed grille gave it a playful yet aggressive look. Inside, the RAV4 boasted a layered dash with contrasting textures and colors, anchored by a straightforward center stack. The touchscreen interface was positioned for easy access, and the interior design included distinctive geometric patterns that tied various elements together. The RAV4's fit-and-finish elevated the overall feeling of quality, making it a standout in its 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), as all-wheel drive (AWD) was not available. The Venue's lightweight design allowed it to feel lively in lower-speed areas, despite its modest power output. However, it lacked the thrilling performance of more powerful competitors, and its performance was comparable to other small crossovers like the Nissan Kicks and Ford EcoSport.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 offered a choice of three powertrains, with the gasoline-only model featuring a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and offered both FWD and AWD options. The RAV4 Hybrid and RAV4 Prime models provided additional power and efficiency, with the Prime boasting 302 horsepower and the ability to run on electricity alone for up to 42 miles. The RAV4's performance was smooth and responsive, with three drive modes allowing drivers to tailor the experience to their liking. Its car-like handling and advanced suspension system contributed to its popularity among a wide range of drivers.

The 2021 Hyundai Venue offered ample headroom and legroom in the front seats, with a decent amount of storage space. 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. This was less than many competitors, making the Venue less suitable for those prioritizing cargo capacity.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4, on the other hand, provided generous interior space, with 37.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 69.8 cubic feet with the seats folded flat. It also offered a healthy payload capacity and towing capabilities, making it a versatile choice for those needing to haul more. The RAV4's interior was roomy and comfortable, with plenty of storage options and seating for up to five passengers.

The 2021 Hyundai Venue was equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering features like Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The interface was designed for ease of use, with physical buttons for quick access to various functions. The Venue's infotainment system also allowed for driver profile customization, making it appealing to families with multiple drivers.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 came with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system as standard, with options to upgrade to a 9-inch screen and an 11-speaker JBL audio system on higher trims. It offered a range of connectivity features, including Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and Apple CarPlay compatibility. The RAV4 Prime showcased advanced technology, with features like a Qi-compatible wireless charging pad and a bird’s-eye view camera system available on top trims.

The 2021 Hyundai Venue came with standard safety features like 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 for driver-side and passenger-side front collisions and rollover.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 was equipped with Toyota's Star Safety System and Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included a suite of driver-assist systems like adaptive cruise control and lane-departure alert. Higher trims offered additional features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The RAV4 received top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, making it a reliable choice for safety-conscious buyers.