2021 Hyundai Venue vs 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE was a vehicle that, despite its prestigious brand, did not quite capture the visual allure expected from a luxury SUV. Its exterior design, while featuring an aggressive nose and a sloping hood, seemed to lose its distinctiveness past the A-pillar, making it hard to differentiate from its predecessors. The flat taillights and contoured rear attempted to add some flair, but the overall look was overshadowed by competitors like the BMW X5 M and Porsche Cayenne Turbo. However, the interior of the GLE was a different story, offering a luxurious experience with high-quality materials and a striking red and black color scheme. The interior design was both cohesive and opulent, with features like twin arching grab handles and LED lighting enhancing the sense of luxury.

In contrast, the 2021 Hyundai Venue presented a stylish and timeless design that seemed unlikely to age poorly. Its upright stance, horizontal roofline, and steeply dropping tailgate gave it a unique presence that belied its small size. The grille was well-proportioned, drawing attention without overwhelming the design. The Venue's exterior updates for 2021 included new alloy wheels for the SEL and Denim trims, enhancing its appeal. Inside, the Venue offered a practical and modern cabin, with a focus on functionality rather than luxury. While the materials were inexpensive, the design was thoughtful, providing a sense of space and light, especially with the large windows and thin A-pillars.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE excelled in performance with its advanced air suspension and turbocharged engines. The GLE 350 featured a 255 hp engine, while the GLE 450 offered a turbo 3.0-liter inline-six with 362 hp. The AMG GLE 53 took it further with 429 hp, and the GLE 580 boasted a twin-turbo V8 with 483 hp. The top-tier AMG GLE 63 S delivered a staggering 603 hp. The GLE's hybrid system, integrated with a 48-volt battery, provided additional power and seamless engine start-stop functionality. Despite its power, the GLE's fuel efficiency was average, with the GLE 450 achieving 21/26/23 mpg. The GLE's towing capacity of 7,700 pounds was impressive, and its ride quality and steering were exceptional, making it feel agile despite its size.

The 2021 Hyundai Venue, on the other hand, was equipped with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine producing 121 hp and 113 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with a CVT, provided adequate performance for city driving but 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 competitors. Front-wheel drive was the only option, and while it lacked the power of larger engines, the Venue's small size and weight made it maneuverable and efficient for everyday use.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a spacious interior with optional third-row seating, accommodating up to seven passengers. The second-row seats featured power controls for added comfort, and cargo capacity was generous, with 34 cubic feet behind the second row and 75 cubic feet with all rows folded. The Coupe variant, however, had reduced cargo space due to its sloping roofline. The GLE's MBUX infotainment system was user-friendly, with touchpad controls and easy-to-use seat and suspension controls. The interior was luxurious, with high-quality materials and thoughtful design elements.

The 2021 Hyundai Venue, despite its compact size, provided ample headroom and legroom in the front seats. Storage space was practical, with trays and bins for small items. The back seat was tighter, suitable for short trips, and cargo space was limited, with 18.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 31.9 cubic feet with them folded. The Venue's hatchback design offered some versatility, but it lagged behind competitors in cargo capacity. The interior was functional, with basic cupholders and climate control, making it a practical choice for city driving.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE was packed with advanced technology, featuring a 12-inch touchscreen with gesture controls and a customizable head-up display. The infotainment system was intuitive, with search bars and large type for easy navigation. The AMG models included a Track Pace app for performance tracking. The GLE also offered features like seat kinetics, ambient lighting with 64 colors, and a natural voice assistant. The semi-automated driving features added convenience and safety, making the GLE a tech-savvy choice.

The 2021 Hyundai Venue impressed with its tech offerings, including an 8-inch touchscreen with high resolution and quick response. The interface was user-friendly, with physical buttons for easy access to media and settings. The Venue's infotainment system supported driver profiles, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The SEL and Denim trims offered additional features, making the Venue a tech-forward option despite its budget-friendly price.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE received the Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, with top scores in crash tests and standard forward emergency braking. Optional safety features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and a 360-degree camera system. The GLE's Pre-Safe Sound and Pre-Safe Impulse Side features added extra protection in the event of a crash, making it a safe choice for families.

The 2021 Hyundai Venue offered 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 crash tests, providing a reasonable level of safety for its size. The Venue's safety features were well-integrated, offering peace of mind without being intrusive.