Mercedes-Benz GLA vs Hyundai Venue

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA had a modernized appearance, fitting neatly into the Mercedes lineup as the smallest SUV. Its proportions and styling were designed to reflect its position below the GLS, GLE, GLC, and GLB models. The GLA was slightly larger than its predecessor, with a taller stance and shorter length, giving it a more SUV-like presence. Despite its compact size, the GLA offered ample visibility from the inside, thanks to its seating positions and greenhouse design. However, the interior materials were less than premium, with surfaces prone to scratches, and the overall in-person impression did not quite match the luxury expectations set by its brand.

The 2021 Hyundai Venue, on the other hand, was praised for its timeless and stylish design. Its upright stance, horizontal roofline, and steep tailgate gave it a substantial appearance, defying its small size. The Venue's grille was well-proportioned, and its exterior featured distinctive elements like split headlights and unique taillight patterns. The Venue's design updates from the previous model year included new alloy wheels for various trims. The top-line Denim trim stood out with its unique paint job and 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, despite the use of inexpensive materials.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA offered a range of variants, including the GLA 250, GLA 250 4MATIC, and the AMG GLA 35, with the AMG GLA 45 on the horizon. The GLA 250 models were powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 221 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The GLA 250 could accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 6.8 seconds, with a top speed of 130 mph. The AMG GLA 35 featured an enhanced turbocharged engine producing 302 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, achieving a zero to 60 mph time of 5.1 seconds. The AMG GLA 45 further increased power to 382 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque, reaching 60 mph in just 4.3 seconds. The GLA's performance was complemented by various drive modes and advanced suspension systems, although it struggled with turbo lag and road noise.

The 2021 Hyundai Venue was equipped with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 121 horsepower and 113 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive. While the Venue's powertrain was not particularly thrilling, its lightweight design allowed for nimble handling in lower-speed areas. The Venue's performance was comparable to other small crossovers like the Nissan Kicks and Ford EcoSport, although it lacked the option for all-wheel drive or more powerful engine choices. Despite its modest power, the Venue's compact size and efficient engine made it suitable for urban driving.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA offered a more SUV-like seating position with its increased height, providing excellent headroom and legroom for front passengers. The rear seats, with a 40/20/40 split-fold, offered improved legroom, making them comfortable for smaller adults. The GLA's cargo space was practical, with 15.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 50.5 cubic feet with the seats folded, accommodating a family's road trip needs. The interior featured synthetic leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, and reclining rear seats, although the seats were firm.

The 2021 Hyundai Venue provided ample headroom and legroom in the front seats, along with practical storage solutions like a tray for small items. The Venue's back seat was tighter, with limited legroom for adults on longer drives. Cargo space was limited, with 18.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 31.9 cubic feet with the seats folded, falling short compared to competitors like the Nissan Kicks and Ford EcoSport. Despite its compact size, the Venue offered a practical hatchback design, although it lagged in cargo capacity compared to larger hatchbacks.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA came standard with the MBUX infotainment system, featuring two 7.0-inch display screens, touchpad controls, and standard connectivity options like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Buyers could upgrade to a 10.25-inch touchscreen, a 12-speaker Burmester audio system, and additional features like wireless charging and a WiFi hotspot. The MBUX system was user-friendly, with customizable displays and voice-activated controls, although it lacked quick scrolling through radio stations. The GLA also introduced a car-wash function for added convenience.

The 2021 Hyundai Venue featured an 8-inch touchscreen with high resolution and responsive swipe functionality. The infotainment system included physical buttons for easy access to media and settings, along with customizable driver profiles. Standard features included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, with wireless CarPlay available in future models. The Venue's infotainment system was designed for simplicity and ease of use, with charming details like classic radio interface designs.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA offered a reasonable amount of active safety features, including a rearview camera, blind-spot monitoring, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. Additional safety features were available through the Driver Assistance Package, which included adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and more. The Parking Assistance Package added a surround-view camera system and parking assist technology. However, the GLA's standard safety features were less comprehensive compared to more affordable SUVs like the Hyundai Venue.

The 2021 Hyundai Venue came standard with automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and driver-attention warning. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Venue's safety features were well-integrated, providing a seamless driving experience without excessive alerts. In crash tests, the Venue received four out of five stars in various categories from the NHTSA, demonstrating its safety capabilities despite its small size.