2020 Chevrolet Equinox vs 2021 Hyundai Venue

The 2020 Chevrolet Equinox, especially in its Premier trim, presented a sophisticated appearance with its clean design and absence of overt SUV styling cues. It featured a more powerful engine, all-wheel drive, and a panoramic sunroof, with a price tag of $40,040, including destination charges. However, Chevrolet often included rebates and incentives, reducing the cost significantly. The Equinox Premier's exterior was enhanced by 19-inch wheels, gray contrast cladding, roof rails, and chrome detailing, which added to its appeal. Inside, the cabin was outfitted with Jet Black and Brandy leather, a panoramic sunroof, and metallic accents, giving it an upscale look, though the presence of hard plastics detracted from the overall feel.

In contrast, the 2021 Hyundai Venue was a stylish little crossover that seemed timeless in its design. Its upright stance, horizontal roofline, and steep tailgate gave it a unique look that belied its small size. The Venue's grille was appropriately sized, drawing attention without overwhelming the design. Roof rails and wide-spaced letters spelling its name added to its charm. The Venue's exterior updates from 2020 to 2021 included replacing 15-inch steel wheels with alloys and standardizing 17-inch alloys on higher trims. The top-line Denim trim, with its white roof and unique paint job, was particularly eye-catching. Inside, the Venue's cabin was practical, with plenty of light and modern styling, despite the use of inexpensive materials.

The 2020 Chevrolet Equinox offered two engine options. The standard 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine delivered 170 horsepower and 203 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. It provided adequate performance for most drivers, though it fell short of the EPA's fuel economy ratings. The optional 2.0-liter turbo engine, with 252 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, offered better performance and a higher towing capacity of 3,500 pounds. This engine was paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission, providing lively acceleration and a more engaging driving experience. Both versions had firm ride qualities and some road noise, but the Premier's 19-inch wheels improved handling on winding roads.

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, paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), was the only option available. While not the most powerful in its segment, the Venue's lightweight design allowed it to feel lively in lower-speed areas. Front-wheel drive was standard, with no all-wheel-drive option, though a selectable drive mode for snowy conditions was available. The Venue's performance was adequate for city driving, but it lacked the power for more spirited driving or highway acceleration.

The 2020 Chevrolet Equinox offered a comfortable interior with options for cloth or leather upholstery, power-adjustable seats, and heated features. The sliding rear seat allowed for flexible passenger and cargo space, with generous legroom in the rear. Cargo volume was 29.9 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 63.9 cubic feet with the seats folded down. The Equinox also provided ample storage throughout the cabin, including a large center console bin and various trays and cubbies.

The 2021 Hyundai Venue, despite its compact size, offered ample headroom and legroom in the front seats, with practical storage solutions like a tray ahead of the gear selector and a small center console bin. The back seat was tighter, with limited legroom for adults. Cargo space was limited, with 18.7 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 31.9 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Venue's cargo capacity lagged behind competitors, but it offered a bit more ground clearance.

The 2020 Chevrolet Equinox featured several infotainment options, with 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen displays, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. Upgrades included a high-definition display, navigation, and a Bose premium sound system. The technology was intuitive and easy to use, with options for wireless smartphone charging and a rear-seat entertainment system.

The 2021 Hyundai Venue boasted an 8-inch touchscreen with high resolution and a user-friendly interface. Physical buttons provided quick access to media and settings, and the system included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Venue's infotainment system allowed for driver profiles and featured charming design elements like classic tube-amp-style radio displays. Wireless CarPlay was expected for the base SE trim in the future.

The 2020 Chevrolet Equinox came standard with Chevy Safety Assist, which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and more. Additional safety features were available, such as adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring. The Equinox earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, making it a safe choice for families.

The 2021 Hyundai Venue included standard safety features like automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Venue's safety systems were well-integrated, providing a seamless driving experience. In crash tests, the Venue received four out of five stars from the NHTSA for front collision and rollover.