Hyundai Venue vs Mercedes-Benz GLB

The 2021 Hyundai Venue was a compact crossover that managed to maintain a stylish and timeless appearance. Its upright stance, horizontal roofline, and steeply dropping 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 headlights and taillights featured unique designs, enhancing its modern aesthetic. Despite its budget-friendly price, the Venue's interior was functional, with plenty of light entering the cabin due to its thin A-pillars and large windows. However, the use of inexpensive materials was evident, with plastic dominating the interior surfaces.

In contrast, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB offered a more luxurious and high-tech experience. Positioned between the GLA and GLC in Mercedes' lineup, the GLB was available in GLB250 and AMG GLB35 specifications. The AMG GLB35, in particular, boasted a more powerful drivetrain and exclusive design elements like vertical grille bars. The GLB's design was functional, with a steep windshield angle and short overhangs, but the AMG GLB35's 21-inch wheels added style and presence. Inside, the GLB's cabin was a testament to Mercedes' tradition of luxury, featuring high-definition displays, artistic air vents, and ambient lighting. However, the controls required some acclimation, and the road noise was noticeable, especially with the optional 21-inch wheels.

The 2021 Hyundai Venue was powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 121 horsepower and 113 pound-feet of torque. This small, economical engine was paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive, as all-wheel drive was not available. While the Venue's performance was adequate for city driving, it lacked the power for more spirited driving. The Venue's lightweight construction allowed it to feel lively in lower-speed areas, but it was not designed for high-speed performance.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB, particularly in the AMG GLB35 specification, offered a more exhilarating driving experience. The AMG GLB35 featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 302 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. This was a significant increase over the GLB250's engine. The AMG GLB35 also included an AMG SpeedShift eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, AMG Performance variable 4Matic AWD, and an AMG Sport Exhaust system. It could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.1 seconds. However, the AMG GLB35 prioritized performance over comfort, with a firm ride and noticeable throttle lag in less aggressive driving modes.

The 2021 Hyundai Venue offered a surprisingly spacious front cabin, with ample headroom and legroom. Storage options were decent, with a handy tray ahead of the gear selector and a small center console bin. However, the back seat was tighter, with limited legroom for adults. Cargo space was also limited, with 18.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 31.9 cubic feet with them folded down. The Venue's cargo capacity lagged behind competitors like the Nissan Kicks and Ford EcoSport.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB provided a more versatile interior, with an optional third-row seat suitable for children. The GLB's front seats were comfortable, with dual-zone automatic climate control and power-adjustable options. The rear seats offered decent legroom, but the optional third row reduced cargo space. The GLB's cargo area measured 22 cubic feet with the rear seats in place and 62 cubic feet with them folded down. A power rear liftgate was standard, enhancing convenience.

The 2021 Hyundai Venue impressed with its technology offerings, featuring an 8-inch touchscreen with high resolution and intuitive controls. The infotainment system included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto as standard features. The Venue's interface was user-friendly, with physical buttons for quick access to media and settings. The system also allowed for driver profile customization, appealing to families with multiple drivers.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB boasted the advanced Mercedes Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system. In the AMG GLB35, this included a 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster and touchscreen infotainment system. Standard features included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, along with Mercedes Me connected services. The optional Premium and Multimedia Packages added satellite radio and a navigation system with augmented reality. The MBUX system offered multiple interaction methods, including voice recognition and touch controls, making it accessible to users familiar with modern smartphones.

The 2021 Hyundai Venue came equipped with standard safety features like automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and driver-attention warning. The SEL and Denim trims added blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. In crash tests, the Venue received four out of five stars in the NHTSA's driver-side and passenger-side front collision tests, as well as for rollover.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB, despite its higher price, lacked the optional Driver Assistance Package in the test vehicle. This package included advanced safety features like adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance. However, the test vehicle did include Active Brake Assist, blind-spot monitoring, and Mercedes-Benz emergency call service. Crash-test ratings for the GLB were unavailable.