GMC Yukon vs Hyundai Venue

The 2021 Hyundai Venue was a compact crossover that managed to maintain a stylish and timeless appearance. Its upright stance, horizontal roofline, and steep tailgate gave it a robust look that belied its small size. The grille was appropriately sized, drawing attention without overwhelming the design, while roof rails and wide-spaced letters on the tailgate added to its crossover appeal. The Venue's exterior updates from the 2020 model were minimal, with alloy wheels becoming standard across trims. Inside, the Venue offered a modern yet economical interior, with plenty of light entering the cabin due to its design. Despite the prevalence of plastic materials, the Venue's interior felt contemporary, with features like heated seats adding to its appeal.

In contrast, the 2022 GMC Yukon was a full-size SUV that embraced chrome to create a premium look, especially in the Denali trim. The Denali's front was dominated by a large chrome grille, giving it a commanding presence. The Yukon offered a spacious and tastefully crafted interior, with standard seating for eight and available second-row captain's chairs. The Denali trim featured unique interior designs with contrasting colors and natural wood details, enhancing its luxurious feel. The Yukon also provided ample cargo space, thanks to its independent rear suspension and increased dimensions, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2021 Hyundai Venue was powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 121 horsepower and 113 pound-feet of torque. This engine was designed for economy rather than performance, and while it offered adequate power for city driving, it lacked the excitement of more powerful options. The Venue was front-wheel drive only, with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) managing power delivery. Despite its modest power, the Venue's lightweight construction allowed it to feel lively in urban settings.

The 2022 GMC Yukon offered a choice of three engines, including a 5.3-liter V8 with 355 horsepower and a 6.2-liter V8 with 420 horsepower. A 3.0-liter turbodiesel engine was also available, providing 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. All engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, with rear-wheel drive standard and four-wheel drive optional. The Yukon excelled in towing capacity, with a maximum of 8,400 pounds when properly equipped. The independent rear suspension improved ride quality and handling, making the Yukon a comfortable and capable performer on and off the road.

The 2021 Hyundai Venue offered decent front-seat space with ample headroom and legroom, but the back seat was tighter, suitable for short trips only. Cargo space was limited, with 18.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 31.9 cubic feet with them folded. This was less than many competitors, making the Venue less ideal for those prioritizing cargo capacity.

The 2022 GMC Yukon provided generous space across all three rows, with significant improvements in third-row legroom. Cargo space was also enhanced, with 25.5 cubic feet behind the third row. The Yukon's increased dimensions and independent rear suspension contributed to its spacious interior. Features like power-folding seats and a power-sliding center console added convenience and practicality, making the Yukon a versatile choice for families.

The 2021 Hyundai Venue featured an 8-inch touchscreen with a user-friendly interface, offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto as standard. The infotainment system was designed for simplicity, with physical buttons for easy access to functions. The Venue's tech offerings were impressive for its price point, providing a modern and connected experience.

The 2022 GMC Yukon boasted a 12-inch reconfigurable driver information center and a 15-inch head-up display, providing essential information in a convenient location. The 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system included Google Built-In, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Denali trim featured a Bose 14-speaker audio system and a rear-seat media system with dual 12.6-inch touchscreens, offering a comprehensive and immersive tech experience.

The 2021 Hyundai Venue came equipped with standard safety features like automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and driver-attention warning. Higher 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 safety.

The 2022 GMC Yukon included GMC's Pro Safety suite, with features like automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assistance. The Pro Safety Plus package added blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert. The Yukon received a four-star overall rating from NHTSA, with high marks for side crash protection.