2021 Lexus RX vs 2021 Hyundai Venue

The 2021 Lexus RX showcased a modern design aesthetic that was emblematic of the brand's styling. It featured a large grille, angular headlamps, and a shapely body with a floating roof. Inside, the RX offered sumptuous seating with perforated leather upholstery, although the center console was criticized for its dated appearance. The RX was available in five variants, including the performance-focused RX F Sport and the extended-body RXL models. Standard features included 18-inch aluminum wheels and LED lighting, with options for larger wheels and additional exterior upgrades. The interior was well-appointed, offering a range of standard and available features, though the infotainment system was noted for its functional yet outdated design.

The 2021 Hyundai Venue, on the other hand, was praised for its stylish and timeless design. It had an upright stance with a properly sized grille and a horizontal roofline. The Venue's exterior featured split headlights and unique taillight patterns, with roof rails adding to its crossover appeal. The Venue's top-line Denim trim was particularly noted for its fashion-forward style, while the SEL trim offered great value with standard features that were previously optional. Inside, the Venue used inexpensive materials but managed to avoid a spartan feel. The cabin was bright and airy, thanks to large windows and thin A-pillars, although the back seat and cargo space were limited compared to competitors.

The 2021 Lexus RX was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The RX Hybrid models offered 308 horsepower with a combination of a V6 engine and three electric motors. The RX's fuel economy varied, with the FWD RX 350 achieving 23 mpg combined, while the RX Hybrid models managed up to 31 mpg in the city. The RX's suspension and handling were improved for 2020, providing a dynamic driving experience, though some body roll was noted at higher speeds. The RX F Sport model added performance features like adaptive variable suspension and sport seats. The RX's top speed was limited to 124 mph, with a 0-60 mph time of 7.7 to 7.9 seconds, depending on the drivetrain.

In contrast, the 2021 Hyundai Venue was equipped with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 121 horsepower and 113 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and offered only front-wheel drive. The Venue's performance was modest, with its lightweight design allowing for sprightly movement in lower-speed areas. However, it lacked the power for more thrilling driving experiences. The Venue's small size and weight made it feel lively in city driving, but it was not designed for high-speed performance.

The 2021 Lexus RX offered a functional interior with seating for five in the two-row models and up to seven in the three-row RXL versions. Front and second-row seating provided ample space, while the third row was tight. Cargo space was limited, with 18.4 cubic feet behind the second row and 56.3 cubic feet with seats folded in the two-row models. The three-row RXL offered even less cargo space, with just 7.5 cubic feet behind the third row. A power liftgate was standard, with a hands-free option available.

The 2021 Hyundai Venue provided ample headroom and legroom in the front seats, with decent storage space. The back seat was tighter, suitable for short drives for adults. Cargo space was limited, with 18.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 31.9 cubic feet with seats folded. The Venue's cargo capacity lagged behind competitors like the Nissan Kicks and Ford EcoSport. Despite its compact size, the Venue offered a bright and airy cabin, though the cupholders were basic and prone to spills.

The 2021 Lexus RX came standard with dual-zone automatic climate control, an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, and a suite of connectivity features including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Upgrades included a 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless charging, and a premium Mark Levinson sound system. The infotainment system, while functional, was criticized for its complexity and lack of wireless smartphone integration. The Remote Touch controller was less refined than competitors' systems, taking up valuable console space.

The 2021 Hyundai Venue featured an 8-inch touchscreen with a user-friendly interface and high resolution. The infotainment system included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto as standard, with the base SE model set to receive wireless CarPlay in the future. The Venue's system allowed for driver profiles and featured charming design elements like tube-amp-style radio displays. Physical buttons provided easy access to media and settings, making the system intuitive and straightforward.

The 2021 Lexus RX received a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS, with Good marks in crashworthiness tests. The NHTSA rated the RX 350, RX 350L, and RX 450h with four out of five stars overall. Standard safety features included a rearview camera, 10 airbags, and the Lexus Safety System+ 2.0 suite, which offered a range of driver-assist technologies. However, the RX lacked the advanced hands-off driving features found in some competitors.

The 2021 Hyundai Venue came standard with automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and driver-attention warning. The SEL and Denim trims added blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. The Venue's safety features were well-integrated, avoiding intrusive alerts. In NHTSA crash tests, the Venue received four out of five stars for front collision and rollover ratings, providing a reasonable level of safety for its size.