2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2021 Hyundai Venue

The 2021 Hyundai Venue was a stylish little crossover that seemed to defy the passage of time with its design. Its upright stance, nearly horizontal roofline, and steeply dropping tailgate gave it a robust appearance that belied its compact size. The grille was appropriately sized, drawing attention without overwhelming the car's design, and the split headlights and unique taillight patterns added to its charm. The Venue's exterior updates from the 2020 model were minimal, with the most notable change being the replacement of 15-inch steel wheels with alloys on the base SE trim, and 17-inch alloys becoming standard on the SEL and Denim trims. Inside, the Venue offered a modern look despite its budget-friendly materials, with plenty of light entering the cabin through its large windows and thin A-pillars. The SEL trim provided heated seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, enhancing the overall driving experience.

In contrast, the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L was a new addition to the Jeep lineup, offering a seven-passenger model with a third-row seat and more cargo volume. Its design was instantly recognizable as a Jeep, with a signature seven-slot grille, trapezoidal wheel arches, and familiar lighting arrangements. The Grand Cherokee L was available in multiple trims, from Laredo to Summit Reserve, with prices ranging from $36,995 to $64,235. The Summit trim, which was tested, featured luxurious quilted and perforated leather, real wood trim, and a host of advanced technology. Despite some interior materials not meeting the high price expectations, the redesigned interior was a significant improvement over the previous model. The Grand Cherokee L's styling, combined with its advanced features, made it a strong contender in the SUV market.

The 2021 Hyundai Venue was equipped with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 121 horsepower and 113 pound-feet of torque. This small, economical engine was paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive (FWD), as all-wheel drive (AWD) was not available. The Venue's lightweight design allowed it to feel lively in lower-speed areas, despite its modest power output. However, it was not the most thrilling driving experience, especially on highways where more horsepower would have been beneficial. The Venue's performance was comparable to other small crossovers like the Nissan Kicks, Ford EcoSport, and Toyota C-HR, but it stood out for its compact size and light weight.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, on the other hand, came standard with a 3.6-liter V6 engine, delivering 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. It was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and offered rear-wheel drive (RWD) or three different 4WD systems. The V6 engine provided brisk acceleration, though it was loud when revved. For those seeking more power, a 5.7-liter V8 engine was available, producing 357 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, but at the cost of reduced fuel economy. The Grand Cherokee L's Quadra-Lift adaptive air suspension and Selec-Terrain off-road modes enhanced its off-road capabilities, making it a versatile choice for various driving conditions. Despite its size, the Grand Cherokee L offered a smooth ride and capable handling, with a relatively tight turning circle and easy parking thanks to its surround-view camera system.

The 2021 Hyundai Venue offered a surprisingly spacious front cabin, with ample headroom and legroom for its size. Storage space was decent, with a handy tray ahead of the gear selector and a small center console bin. However, the back seat was tighter, with limited legroom for adults on longer drives. Cargo space was also limited, with 18.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 31.9 cubic feet with them folded down. Compared to competitors like the Nissan Kicks, Toyota C-HR, and Ford EcoSport, the Venue offered less cargo volume, making it less ideal for those prioritizing storage capacity.

In contrast, the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L excelled in comfort and space. The Summit trim featured heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats with 12-way power adjustment, along with a four-zone automatic climate control system. The second-row captain's chairs provided ample legroom and comfort, with manual side window sunshades for added convenience. The third row was surprisingly comfortable for adults, with large side windows offering a great view. Cargo space was generous, with 17.2 cubic feet behind the third row, 46.9 cubic feet with it folded, and a maximum of 84.6 cubic feet behind the front seats. The Grand Cherokee L's practical storage solutions and spacious interior made it a family-friendly choice.

The 2021 Hyundai Venue was equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering a user-friendly interface with physical buttons for quick access to various functions. The system supported Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, with the base SE trim set to receive wireless CarPlay in the future. The Venue's infotainment system allowed for driver profile customization, making it appealing for families with multiple drivers. The high-resolution screen and charming radio interface added to the Venue's tech appeal, despite its budget-friendly price.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured Jeep's latest Uconnect 5 infotainment system, offering faster response times and an improved user experience. Available with either an 8.4-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen, the system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Alexa compatibility, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The test vehicle's optional 19-speaker McIntosh audio system delivered impressive sound quality, though the logo's design felt out of place. Additional tech features included a digital instrumentation panel, a digital rearview mirror, and a Fam Cam rear-seat monitoring system. The Grand Cherokee L's advanced technology offerings made it a standout choice for tech-savvy consumers.

The 2021 Hyundai Venue came standard with automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and driver-attention warning. The SEL and Denim trims added blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. The Venue's safety features were seamlessly integrated, allowing for normal driving behavior without intrusive alerts. In crash tests, the Venue received four out of five stars in the NHTSA's driver-side and passenger-side front collision tests, as well as for rollover.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L introduced Active Driving Assist, a hands-on driving-assistance system combining adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance. While the system was good, it felt artificial in the driver's hands. The Grand Cherokee L also featured Intersection Collision Assist, which could detect threats at intersections and apply brakes if necessary. Additional safety features included Parallel and Perpendicular Park Assist. As of the review, crash-test ratings were unavailable, but the Grand Cherokee L was expected to improve upon the old model's safety performance.