2021 Hyundai Venue vs 2022 Volvo XC90

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. 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 unique paint job and white roof, was particularly appealing to those drawn to the Venue's fashion-forward style. Inside, the Venue's cabin was filled with light, thanks to its thin A-pillars and big windows, creating a greenhouse effect. Despite the prevalence of plastic materials, the interior managed to look modern and offered features like heated seats in the SEL trim.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 represented a significant evolution from Volvo's boxy past, embracing a more upscale and luxurious image. The XC90's design was sleek and athletic, with a long roofline and pronounced wheel arches. The interior was a testament to Scandinavian Modern and Swedish Luxury, featuring natural wood and metal trim, a sliding wood tambor cover, and a crystal gear selector handle. Volvo's commitment to going leather-free by 2030 was evident, with options for Nappa leather or a tailored wool blend upholstery. The XC90's interior was spacious and airy, enhanced by a panoramic moonroof, and the air-conditioning system performed admirably even in high temperatures and humidity.

The 2021 Hyundai Venue was powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 121 horsepower and 113 pound-feet of torque. This small, economical engine was designed to provide just enough power for the Venue's lightweight frame, which weighed in at 2,612 pounds. The Venue's performance was adequate for city driving, with its front-wheel-drive setup and continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). However, it lacked the power for more spirited driving or highway acceleration, and all-wheel drive was not an option.

In contrast, the 2022 Volvo XC90 offered a range of powertrains, starting with the T5 model's turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The T6 model added a supercharger, increasing output to 316 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The T8 plug-in hybrid combined a supercharged/turbocharged engine with an electric motor, producing a total of 455 horsepower and 523 pound-feet of torque. The XC90's driving experience was superb, with minimal body roll and smooth power delivery, especially in the T8 Inscription extended range model. The XC90's engines required premium gasoline, and fuel economy varied depending on the powertrain, with the T8 offering an electric range of up to 36 miles.

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. Compared to its competitors, the Venue lagged in cargo capacity, offering less space than the Nissan Kicks, Toyota C-HR, and Ford EcoSport.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 provided more versatility with six- or seven-passenger configurations. The third row was suitable for children, while the second row offered easy access with a one-handed slide and fold mechanism. Cargo capacity was generous, with 15.9 cubic feet behind the third row, 41.8 cubic feet with it folded, and up to 85.7 cubic feet with both the second and third rows down. The XC90 could also tow between 4,000 and 5,000 pounds, depending on the configuration. The interior was well-designed for family use, with ample storage options and a comfortable, airy cabin.

The 2021 Hyundai Venue featured an 8-inch touchscreen with a user-friendly interface, physical buttons for quick access, and high-resolution graphics. The infotainment system supported Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, with the base SE trim set to receive wireless CarPlay in the future. The Venue's tech offerings were impressive for its price point, providing a range of features that enhanced the driving experience.

The 2022 Volvo XC90's Sensus infotainment system offered tablet-like functionality with a nine-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen. However, it was occasionally glitchy and slow to respond. The system worked better with Apple CarPlay, and the XC90 also supported Android Auto. The digital instrument panel and optional head-up display provided clear and customizable information. The XC90's audio options included a standard Harman Kardon system and an optional Bowers & Wilkins upgrade. The vehicle also featured multiple USB ports, a WiFi hotspot, and the Volvo Care smartphone app for remote vehicle control.

The 2021 Hyundai Venue came equipped with standard safety features like automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and driver-attention warning. The SEL and Denim trims added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Venue received four out of five stars in NHTSA's front collision and rollover tests, demonstrating its commitment to occupant safety.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 continued Volvo's legacy of safety with a comprehensive suite of features, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and Pilot Assist. The XC90 earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation and a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, underscoring its status as one of the safest vehicles on the road.