2020 Toyota Land Cruiser vs 2021 Hyundai Venue

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser was a vehicle whose design elements became more appreciated over time. It wasn't flashy, but its subtle styling choices, like the dished hood, were practical, enhancing forward visibility for the driver. The fenders, slightly bulging from the vehicle's sides, provided space for wheel travel and indicated the SUV's width. The Land Cruiser Heritage Edition added a touch of retro flair with blackened trim, a unique grille, and bronze BBS wheels, while the interior offered a near-luxury experience with black perforated leather seating and a functional, if somewhat plain, dashboard.

In contrast, the 2021 Hyundai Venue was a stylish little crossover that seemed designed to remain timeless. Its upright stance, horizontal roofline, and steep tailgate gave it a larger appearance than its actual size. The grille was well-proportioned, and the split headlights and patterned taillights added to its charm. The Venue's exterior updates from 2020 to 2021 were minimal, focusing on wheel upgrades across 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 previously part of an extra-cost package.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser was powered by a robust 5.7-liter V8 engine, producing 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. This naturally aspirated engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time 4WD, delivered a confident driving experience. Despite its size, the Land Cruiser managed a serene and relaxing ride, thanks to its Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System and Multi-Terrain Select control. It boasted impressive off-road capabilities with an approach angle of 32 degrees, a departure angle of 24 degrees, and a breakover angle of 21 degrees, along with 8.9 inches of ground clearance.

The 2021 Hyundai Venue, on the other hand, featured a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, generating 121 horsepower and 113 pound-feet of torque. This engine, coupled with a CVT and front-wheel drive, provided adequate performance for its size. While it lacked the power of larger vehicles, the Venue's lightweight design allowed it to feel lively in lower-speed areas. The absence of AWD and a more potent powertrain limited its appeal for those seeking more robust performance, but it remained a practical choice for city driving.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser offered a versatile interior with a three-row configuration in the standard model, accommodating up to eight passengers. The second-row seats were heated and adjustable, while the third row featured folding headrests. The Land Cruiser's split tailgate design was both practical and charming, making loading and unloading easy. It also boasted a towing capacity of up to 8,100 pounds, with integrated towing features and Trailer-Sway Control.

In contrast, the 2021 Hyundai Venue provided ample headroom and legroom in the front seats, with decent storage options. However, the back seat was tighter, with limited legroom for adults. Cargo space was modest, offering 18.7 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 31.9 cubic feet with them folded. While the Venue's hatchback design allowed for more storage than a compact sedan, it lagged behind competitors in cargo capacity. The Venue's compact size and ground clearance made it suitable for urban environments, but it wasn't ideal for those prioritizing cargo space.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser featured a 9-inch touchscreen with Toyota Premium Audio, including 14 JBL speakers and integrated navigation. While it lacked Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, it offered a Qi-compatible charging station and an Enhanced Multi-Terrain Monitor camera system. The interface was functional but appeared dated compared to newer competitors with larger screens.

The 2021 Hyundai Venue, on the other hand, boasted an 8-inch touchscreen with high resolution and responsive swipe functionality. It included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto as standard features, with the option for wireless CarPlay in the future. The Venue's infotainment system allowed for customizable driver profiles, making it user-friendly for families with multiple drivers. The interface was designed for simplicity and ease of use, with physical buttons for quick access to essential functions.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense P, featuring advanced driver assistance systems like pre-collision detection, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. It also included the Star Safety System, with stability control, traction control, and anti-lock brakes. While it hadn't been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS, its robust build and safety features provided peace of mind.

The 2021 Hyundai Venue offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and driver-attention warning as standard. The SEL and Denim trims added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Venue received four out of five stars in NHTSA's front collision and rollover tests, demonstrating its commitment to occupant safety.