2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs 2021 Hyundai Venue

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee maintained its timeless appeal, combining rugged utility with upscale sophistication. Its design, characterized by big wheels and flared fenders, contributed significantly to its success. The Grand Cherokee defied easy categorization, offering a range of trims from the affordable Laredo to the luxurious Summit, and even performance models like the SRT and Trackhawk. The Summit trim, with its premium leather and wood interior, exuded luxury, although the aging interior design hinted at the need for a redesign.

In contrast, the 2021 Hyundai Venue presented a stylish and modern look that seemed unlikely to age poorly. Its upright stance, horizontal roofline, and steep tailgate gave it a unique presence. The Venue's grille was well-proportioned, and its design elements, like split headlights and patterned taillights, added to its charm. The Venue's exterior updates for 2021 included alloy wheels across trims, enhancing its appeal. The top-line Denim trim stood out with its distinctive paint job and white roof, while the SEL trim offered excellent value with standard features previously part of an extra-cost package.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee came standard with a 3.6-liter V6 engine, delivering 295 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, capable of towing up to 6,200 pounds. For those seeking more power, the optional 5.7-liter Hemi V8 offered 360 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, with a best-in-class towing capacity of 7,200 pounds. The V8's cylinder deactivation technology aimed to improve fuel efficiency, though it achieved only 17 mpg in combined driving. The Grand Cherokee's Quadra-Trac II 4WD system and Quadra-Lift air suspension enhanced its off-road capabilities, while its tight turning radius and effective brakes made it versatile in various driving conditions.

The 2021 Hyundai Venue featured a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine producing 121 horsepower and 113 pound-feet of torque. While not the most powerful in its segment, the Venue's lightweight design allowed it to feel lively in lower-speed areas. Front-wheel drive was the only option, with a CVT managing power delivery. The Venue's performance was adequate for city driving, but its lack of turbocharging or larger engine options limited its highway prowess. Despite this, the Venue's compact size and weight made it nimble and efficient for urban environments.

Inside the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit, occupants found supportive seats with quilted leather and a heated steering wheel. The front seats offered eight-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation, though controls embedded in the infotainment system could be distracting. Rear-seat legroom was somewhat limited, and the optional entertainment system added to a sense of claustrophobia. The Grand Cherokee provided 36.3 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 68.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, though this was modest for a midsize SUV.

The 2021 Hyundai Venue offered ample headroom and legroom in the front seats, with practical storage solutions like a tray for small items. The back seat was tighter, with limited legroom for adults. Cargo space was limited, with 18.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 31.9 cubic feet with them folded. While the Venue's hatchback design allowed for more cargo than a compact sedan, it lagged behind competitors in terms of capacity. However, its compact size and ground clearance made it suitable for urban driving.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee featured the Uconnect 4C with Nav infotainment system, offering a user-friendly experience with navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The system's voice recognition worked well, and the Summit trim boasted a 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. While the Grand Cherokee's tech was considered "tech lite," it provided essential features and advanced driving assistance systems.

The 2021 Hyundai Venue impressed with its tech offerings, including 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 Venue's interface was designed for simplicity, and its radio interface featured charming tube-amp-style bulbs. Despite its low price, the Venue offered a well-rounded tech package.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee received mixed safety ratings. While it earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA with 4WD, its performance in IIHS tests was less impressive, with "Marginal" and "Poor" ratings in certain crash scenarios. The Grand Cherokee offered a range of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring, enhancing its safety profile.

The 2021 Hyundai Venue, despite its small size, offered a commendable suite of safety features. Standard equipment included 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 crash tests, demonstrating its commitment to occupant safety.