2021 Ford Bronco vs 2020 Hyundai Venue

The 2020 Hyundai Venue filled a gap in Hyundai's lineup by offering a more affordable subcompact SUV option. While the Kona, introduced in 2018, was also a subcompact SUV, it was positioned as a more premium offering with features like all-wheel drive. The Venue, on the other hand, was designed as a budget-friendly people-mover with a more upright design. It featured distinctive touches such as a white contrasting roof on the Denim trim and a large chrome grille reminiscent of the larger Hyundai Palisade. Inside, the Venue boasted a modern and clean cabin with ample space for both front and rear passengers, providing excellent visibility due to its upright layout and large side windows. The Venue was available in SE, SEL, and Denim trims, with the SEL trim recommended for its additional features and optional Premium package.

The 2021 Ford Bronco, after years of anticipation, made a grand return with a design inspired by the original 1966 model. Embracing a "Retrofuturism" approach, the Bronco combined classic design elements with modern technology and materials. The Bronco's exterior featured a single-piece grille with bold B-R-O-N-C-O lettering, round headlights, and removable off-road sights on the hood. It offered both two-door and four-door configurations, with a range of wheel and tire options, including the Sasquatch package's 35-inch tires. The Bronco's interior was a blend of retro styling and modern technology, with a color touchscreen, digitized cluster, and rugged materials. The Bronco's modular design allowed for easy removal and replacement of parts, catering to off-road enthusiasts and customization fans.

The 2020 Hyundai Venue was powered by a single engine option: a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 121 horsepower and 113 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a manual transmission on the base trim, while most trims featured a continuously variable automatic transmission (IVT). The Venue was front-wheel drive only, lacking an all-wheel-drive option, which limited its off-road capabilities. Despite its SUV classification, the Venue's performance was more akin to a compact hatchback, with underwhelming acceleration and a noisy engine. The Venue offered drive modes like Normal, Snow, and Sport, but its lack of power affected its ability to handle tight spots and emergency situations. Fuel economy was a strong point, with the CVT achieving 30 mpg city, 34 highway, and 32 combined.

The 2021 Ford Bronco offered two engine options: a standard 2.3-liter turbocharged inline-four with 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, and an optional 2.7-liter twin-turbocharged engine with 310 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque. The 2.3-liter engine came with a seven-speed manual transmission, while the 2.7-liter was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. All Bronco models featured standard four-wheel drive, enhancing their off-road capabilities. The Bronco excelled in both on-road and off-road performance, with the 2.7-liter engine providing ample power and smooth delivery. The Sasquatch package's 35-inch tires and advanced off-road technologies made the Bronco a formidable off-roader, capable of handling various terrain conditions with ease.

The 2020 Hyundai Venue, while not particularly fast or sporty, offered a practical interior with ample head- and legroom for front passengers. However, its cargo space was limited, with only 31.9 cubic feet available with the rear seats folded, compared to the Kona's 45.8 cubic feet. The Venue's control layout was user-friendly, with traditional buttons and dials for key functions. The SEL and Denim trims featured automatic climate control with a unique display design. Overall, the Venue's interior demonstrated Hyundai's attention to real-world usability.

The 2021 Ford Bronco's design emphasized modularity and customization, with removable doors, fenders, and bumpers. The Bronco's cargo hold provided dedicated storage for the removable doors, complete with protective bags and QR codes for video instructions. The Bronco's interior featured thoughtful design elements, such as easily accessible controls for off-road settings and auxiliary equipment. The Bronco's modular design and rugged features made it a versatile and practical choice for off-road enthusiasts.

The 2020 Hyundai Venue came equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system across all trims, featuring Bluetooth, USB ports, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Hyundai's logical touchscreen layout minimized distracted driving, with large icons and fonts and redundant hard buttons for major functions. The screen placement allowed for easy use while driving, enhancing the overall user experience.

The 2021 Ford Bronco featured the latest SYNC 4 infotainment system with enhanced voice recognition. The standard 8-inch touchscreen could be upgraded to a 12-inch display with the High Package. The Lux Package added a 10-speaker B&O sound system, voice-activated navigation, and a wireless charging pad. The Bronco's G.O.A.T. system offered multiple drive modes for various terrains, enhancing its off-road capabilities. The Bronco's technology package catered to both everyday driving and off-road adventures.

The 2020 Hyundai Venue offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including a reversing camera, traction control, tire-pressure monitoring, and a full array of airbags. It also included advanced driver-assistance technologies like forward-collision avoidance with pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist, and a driver-attention warning. The SEL trim added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert with the Convenience Package.

The 2021 Ford Bronco's safety features were packaged according to trim levels. The Base model included airbags, while higher trims like Big Bend and Black Diamond could add the Mid Package, which included Ford Co-Pilot 360 with pre-collision assist, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping system, and more. The High Package added a 360-degree camera and forward-sensing system. The Bronco's side curtain airbags were designed to deploy appropriately in off-road situations, enhancing safety without compromising off-road capabilities.