2021 Hyundai Venue vs 2021 Mazda CX-5

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 was a testament to Mazda's commitment to sleek and smooth design, standing out in a market where sharp angles and aggressive lines were the norm. Its exterior was consistent across most trim levels, with the base Sport model featuring automatic LED headlights, 17-inch alloy wheels, and a rear roof spoiler. As buyers moved up the trim ladder, they found additional features like leatherette seats, dual-zone climate control, and advanced lighting systems that enhanced both style and functionality. The top-tier Signature model offered a premium feel with Nappa leather seats and genuine wood trim, rivaling luxury brands in terms of interior quality and design.

In contrast, the 2021 Hyundai Venue presented a bold and upright design that defied its compact size. Its grille and roofline were almost perfectly horizontal, giving it a substantial presence despite its small dimensions. The Venue's design was both stylish and practical, with roof rails and distinctive taillights adding to its appeal. The top-line Denim trim stood out with a unique paint job and a white roof, while the SEL trim offered excellent value with standard features that were previously optional. Inside, the Venue's cabin was simple yet modern, with plenty of light and a practical layout, although it lacked the luxurious materials found in more expensive vehicles.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 offered two engine options, both paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine produced 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, providing a balanced performance for everyday driving. For those seeking more power, the turbocharged 2.5-liter engine delivered 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque, making the CX-5 a fun and engaging drive, especially in Sport mode. Fuel efficiency varied depending on the drivetrain, with the most efficient FWD model achieving 25 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. However, the CX-5's sporty drive came with a stiff suspension, which could be less comfortable on rough roads.

The 2021 Hyundai Venue, on the other hand, was equipped with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine producing 121 horsepower and 113 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a CVT, provided adequate performance for city driving, although it lacked the power for more spirited driving. The Venue's lightweight design allowed it to feel lively in urban settings, but its performance was modest compared to larger competitors. FWD was the only option, and while it lacked AWD, the Venue offered a selectable drive mode for snowy conditions.

Inside the 2021 Mazda CX-5, the design was both functional and stylish, with comfortable seating and straightforward climate controls. However, rear legroom was limited, especially for taller passengers. The CX-5 offered 30.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, expanding to 59.6 cubic feet with the seats folded, which was below average for the segment. The interior layout was practical, but the larger shifter and infotainment controls could be less intuitive for shorter drivers.

The 2021 Hyundai Venue provided ample headroom and legroom in the front seats, with practical storage solutions like a tray ahead of the gear selector. The back seat was tighter, with limited legroom for adults on longer journeys. Cargo space was also limited, with 18.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 31.9 cubic feet with them folded. While the Venue's hatchback design offered more space than a sedan, it lagged behind competitors in terms of cargo capacity.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 came standard with a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen, but its operating system was not as user-friendly as some competitors. While Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, the screen's positioning and lack of intuitive controls made it less convenient to use. The infotainment system's design felt outdated, detracting from the vehicle's overall premium feel.

In contrast, the 2021 Hyundai Venue featured an 8-inch touchscreen with a high-resolution display and a user-friendly interface. Physical buttons and knobs provided easy access to media and settings, while the infotainment system supported driver profiles and included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto as standard. The Venue's system was designed for simplicity and ease of use, making it a standout feature in the compact crossover segment.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 boasted a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and forward collision warning. Additional options like a head-up display and surround-view camera system enhanced safety further. The CX-5 earned top safety ratings, including a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA, making it a reliable choice for safety-conscious buyers.

The 2021 Hyundai Venue also offered a robust set of safety features, with automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and driver-attention warning standard across all trims. The SEL and Denim trims added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Venue's safety systems were well-integrated, providing peace of mind without being intrusive. In crash tests, the Venue received four out of five stars from the NHTSA for front collision and rollover safety.