2021 Land Rover Defender vs 2021 Hyundai Venue

The 2021 Land Rover Defender carried forward the legacy of its predecessors with a modern twist. It retained the iconic boxy shape, flat windshield, and round headlamps, now updated to half-round LED lights, giving it a serious demeanor. The grille appeared structural, and the floating roof and fender flares were nods to its heritage. The interior was a blend of ruggedness and luxury, with exposed structural elements, beefy controls, and high-quality materials like real metal and leather. The Defender's design was both authentic and thoughtfully crafted, offering a first-rate fit and finish.

In contrast, the 2021 Hyundai Venue was a stylish little crossover that seemed timeless in its design. It featured an upright stance with a nearly horizontal roofline and a steeply dropping tailgate, giving it a larger appearance than its size suggested. The grille was appropriately sized, and the split headlights and unique taillight patterns added to its charm. The Venue's exterior updates from the previous model year included alloy wheels across trims, enhancing its appeal. Inside, the Venue offered a modern look despite its economical build, with plenty of light entering the cabin through large windows and a greenhouse-like windshield.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender offered two powertrains in the U.S. The base model featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four engine producing 296 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. A more powerful option was the turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six mild-hybrid engine, delivering 395 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. All models came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time 4WD, equipped with Terrain Response systems for various driving conditions. The Defender boasted impressive off-road capabilities, with a 30.1-degree approach angle, 37.6-degree departure angle, and a wading depth of 35.4 inches. On-road, it was quick, with the 3.0-liter model reaching 0-60 mph in 5.8 seconds. It also had a towing capacity of 8,200 pounds and a payload capacity of over 1,700 pounds.

The 2021 Hyundai Venue, on the other hand, was powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine producing 121 horsepower and 113 pound-feet of torque. It was paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive. While not the most powerful in its segment, the Venue's lightweight design allowed it to feel lively in city driving. However, it lacked the power for more thrilling highway experiences. The Venue's performance was adequate for its size, but it didn't offer the off-road prowess or towing capabilities of the Defender.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender was built on a unibody platform, enhancing both on-road and off-road performance. It featured independent multi-link air suspension, providing a smooth ride and allowing for flexible interior configurations. The Defender offered optional seating arrangements, including a jump seat in the front and a third-row seat in the long-wheelbase 110 model. Cargo space was generous, with up to 78.8 cubic feet available in the 110 model.

The 2021 Hyundai Venue, despite its compact size, provided ample headroom and legroom in the front seats. Storage space was decent, with handy trays and a small center console bin. 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. Compared to its competitors, the Venue offered less cargo volume, making it less ideal for those prioritizing storage capacity.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender featured Land Rover's Electronic Vehicle Architecture 2.0, allowing for remote software updates. It was equipped with the Pivi Pro infotainment system, featuring a 10-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel. Standard features included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Defender also offered multiple camera views, a head-up display, and an optional Meridian sound system.

The 2021 Hyundai Venue boasted an 8-inch touchscreen with high resolution and intuitive swipe functionality. It included physical buttons for easy access to media and settings, along with customizable driver profiles. Standard features included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Venue's infotainment system was user-friendly and well-designed, offering a pleasant experience despite its budget-friendly price.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender came with a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and a 360-degree parking aid. It underwent extensive durability testing, ensuring its capability in harsh conditions. However, it lacked crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS.

The 2021 Hyundai Venue offered standard safety features like automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assist. Higher 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 safety despite its small size.