2021 Hyundai Venue vs 2021 GMC Yukon

The 2021 GMC Yukon was a testament to GMC's "premium grade" positioning, offering a rugged yet refined aesthetic that set it apart from its siblings in the General Motors lineup. The redesigned Yukon, available in various trims including the SLE, SLT, AT4, and Denali, was a full-size SUV that catered to those seeking substance over mere image. The Denali trim, in particular, stood out with its exclusive dashboard design, real wood trim, and leather-wrapped panels, creating an upscale cabin experience. The Yukon Denali Ultimate, with its Midnight Blue paint and 22-inch wheels, exuded a more sophisticated appearance than its Chevrolet Tahoe counterpart, though it came at a higher price point.

In contrast, the 2021 Hyundai Venue was a stylish little crossover that seemed immune to the passage of time. Its upright stance, horizontal roofline, and steep tailgate gave it a unique presence that belied its compact size. The Venue's grille was appropriately sized, drawing attention without overwhelming the design. The top-line Denim trim, with its white roof and unique paint job, was particularly eye-catching. Despite its budget-friendly price, the Venue's interior managed to look modern, with features like heated seats and a power sunroof, although the materials were understandably economical. The Venue's design and features made it a compelling choice for those seeking style and value in a small package.

The 2021 GMC Yukon offered three engine options, with the Denali trim featuring a 420-horsepower 6.2-liter V8 engine. This engine, paired with a ten-speed automatic transmission, provided robust acceleration and a satisfying V8 burble. However, fuel economy was not its strong suit, with the Denali averaging 14.4 mpg on a testing loop. The Yukon also featured an independent rear suspension and an available Four-Corner Air Ride suspension, improving ride quality and handling. The Active Response 4WD system, with its electronic limited-slip differential, enhanced cornering performance and traction. The Yukon Denali was capable of towing up to 8,400 pounds, though this was less than some competitors.

The 2021 Hyundai Venue was powered by 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), provided adequate performance for a small, lightweight vehicle. The Venue's front-wheel-drive setup and selectable drive mode for snowy conditions offered versatility, though it lacked the option for all-wheel drive. While the Venue's powertrain didn't deliver thrilling performance, its light weight allowed for sprightly movement in lower-speed areas, making it suitable for urban driving.

The 2021 GMC Yukon benefited from a new independent rear suspension, significantly improving passenger and cargo space. The Denali trim featured leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a power sliding console. The second-row seats were heated and could slide and fold flat, enhancing comfort and cargo capacity. The third-row seat offered improved thigh support, accommodating adults comfortably. The Yukon Denali provided 25.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 122.9 cubic feet with all seats folded, rivaling minivan capacities.

The 2021 Hyundai Venue, despite its compact size, offered ample headroom and legroom in the front seats. Storage solutions included a handy tray for small items and a center console bin. The Venue's back seat was tighter, with limited legroom for adults. Cargo space was modest, with 18.7 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 31.9 cubic feet with it folded. While the Venue's hatchback design allowed for more cargo than a compact sedan, it lagged behind competitors like the Nissan Kicks and Ford EcoSport in terms of capacity.

The 2021 GMC Yukon Denali, especially with the Ultimate Package, was equipped with a 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration. Upgrades included wireless device charging, a navigation system, and a 14-speaker Bose audio system. The Rear Seat Media system, with dual 12.6-inch displays, provided entertainment for passengers, though it required some setup for streaming content. The Yukon also offered a 15-inch head-up display and multiple camera views for enhanced maneuverability.

The 2021 Hyundai Venue boasted an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with high resolution and intuitive swipe functionality. The system included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto as standard features. The Venue's interface was designed for ease of use, with physical buttons for quick access to media and settings. The infotainment system allowed for driver profile customization, appealing to families with multiple drivers. The Venue's tech features were impressive for its price point, offering a user-friendly experience.

The 2021 GMC Yukon came equipped with a range of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS), including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. The Denali trim added adaptive cruise control and enhanced automatic emergency braking. The Yukon's ADAS operated smoothly, providing a seamless driving experience. Crash-test ratings were unavailable, but the Yukon's substantial curb weight offered a sense of security.

The 2021 Hyundai Venue featured standard safety equipment such as automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and driver-attention warning. The SEL and Denim trims added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Venue's ADAS were well-integrated, avoiding intrusive alerts. In crash tests, the Venue received four out of five stars for front collision and rollover from the NHTSA, demonstrating its commitment to occupant safety.