2021 Hyundai Venue vs 2021 Audi Q5

The 2021 Audi Q5 was a sharp-looking crossover SUV that embodied the Audi design language while maintaining its unique character. It featured an expressive front with LED headlights and a prominent Audi Singleframe grille, emphasizing width with horizontal elements. The body had crisp character lines, and the rear showcased bold, large taillights. The Q5's classy and modern appearance was complemented by exceptional fit and finish. Inside, the Q5 maintained a classy and modern aesthetic, packed with technology yet uncluttered. The interior featured high-quality materials, including real wood and metal, with a 10.1-inch touchscreen positioned for optimal driver visibility. The second row offered standard leather seating surfaces, adding to the overall luxurious feel.

In contrast, the 2021 Hyundai Venue was a stylish little crossover that seemed timeless. Its upright stance, almost horizontal roofline, and steep tailgate gave it a unique shape that belied its small size. The grille was appropriately sized, drawing attention without overwhelming the design. The Venue's exterior updates included 15-inch alloys on the base SE trim and 17-inch alloys on the SEL and Denim trims. The top-line Denim trim, with its white roof and unique paint job, was particularly eye-catching. Inside, the Venue's price point dictated the use of inexpensive materials, but it still managed to avoid feeling spartan. The cabin was bright and airy, thanks to its shape and large windows, and the interior maintained a modern look despite its low-cost build.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV enhanced the driving experience with an additional 114 horsepower and 96 pound-feet of torque from a 14.1-kWh battery, resulting in a total combined output of 362 hp and 373 lb-ft of torque. This setup provided impressive acceleration, reaching 0-60 mph in 5.0 seconds, and achieved 65 MPGe combined. The Q5 PHEV featured a seven-speed S Tronic automatic transmission with full-time Quattro all-wheel drive and offered various driving modes for battery power management. The handling was sporty yet comfortable, with minimal body roll and powerful braking.

The 2021 Hyundai Venue housed a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine producing 121 horsepower and 113 pound-feet of torque. While not the most powerful in its segment, the Venue's lightweight design allowed it to feel lively in lower-speed areas. The Venue was only available with front-wheel drive and a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Despite the lack of all-wheel drive, the Venue offered a selectable drive mode for snowy conditions. The Venue's performance was adequate for its size, providing a sprightly driving experience in urban settings.

The 2021 Audi Q5 offered a well-balanced interior with 25.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, expandable to 53.1 cubic feet with the seats folded. The second row provided 37.8 inches of legroom, 37.7 inches of headroom, and 56.5 inches of shoulder room, accommodating two adults comfortably. The front seats were supportive and adjustable, with heating and ventilation options. The interior featured smartly laid-out storage spaces and cupholders.

The 2021 Hyundai Venue's front seats provided ample headroom and legroom, with a handy tray for small items. The center console's bin was small but functional. The 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 them folded. The Venue's cargo capacity lagged behind competitors like the Nissan Kicks and Ford EcoSport, making it less ideal for those prioritizing storage.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV featured Audi's latest MMI 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, complemented by the Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus 12.3-inch HD instrument cluster. The system offered customizable views and integrated navigation with hybrid mode optimization. The Q5 included an Integrated Toll Module and a Bang & Olufsen 3D audio system on higher trims. Wireless Apple CarPlay was standard, enhancing connectivity.

The 2021 Hyundai Venue boasted an 8-inch touchscreen with high resolution and intuitive swipe functionality. The interface included physical buttons for easy access to media and settings. The infotainment system supported driver profiles, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Venue's tech features were impressive for its price, offering a user-friendly experience.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV had not been rated by the IIHS, but the 2020 gasoline model received top ratings except for headlights. The NHTSA awarded the 2021 gasoline model five stars. Safety features included six airbags, Audi Pre Sense, and various driver-assistance options like adaptive cruise control and a top-view camera system.

The 2021 Hyundai Venue included standard safety features like automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assist. The SEL and Denim trims added blind-spot monitoring. The Venue received four out of five stars in NHTSA crash tests. Hyundai's ADAS were well-integrated, providing a seamless driving experience.