2021 Hyundai Venue vs 2021 Kia Sorento

The 2021 Kia Sorento marked a significant departure from its predecessor's design, embracing a more athletic and muscular silhouette. The SX Prestige trim with the X-Line package added roof rails and a shark fin antenna, enhancing its rugged appeal. The front featured an expanded tiger-nose grille, flanked by headlights with running lights, creating a bold and cohesive look. The Sorento's design was modern yet cautiously styled, ensuring it would age gracefully. Inside, the Sorento offered high-value features like heated mirrors, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and keyless entry. The interior was comfortable, with options for leatherette or real leather upholstery, and the panoramic sunroof provided ample natural light.

In contrast, the 2021 Hyundai Venue boasted a timeless design that seemed unlikely to age poorly. Its upright stance, horizontal roofline, and steep tailgate gave it a distinctive appearance. The grille was appropriately sized, and the Venue's name was boldly displayed at the rear. The Venue's exterior updates included 15-inch alloys for the base SE trim and 17-inch alloys for the SEL and Denim trims. The Denim trim, with its unique paint job and white roof, stood out as the most stylish option. Inside, the Venue's materials were budget-friendly but didn't feel spartan. The cabin was bright and airy, thanks to its large windows and thin A-pillars, and the heated seats added a touch of comfort.

The 2021 Kia Sorento offered a range of powertrains, with the most common being a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. However, the test car featured a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine, delivering 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque through an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. This setup provided ample power for highway driving and merging. The Sorento also offered a hybrid version with a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine and electric motor. The AWD system with torque vectoring and a center-locking differential enhanced traction, while the suspension provided a smooth ride. Various drive modes allowed for tailored performance, with Sport mode offering improved throttle response.

The 2021 Hyundai Venue housed a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine under its hood, producing 121 horsepower and 113 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with a CVT, provided adequate power for city driving but lacked the excitement of more potent powertrains. The Venue's lightweight design allowed it to feel lively in lower-speed areas, despite its modest power output. Front-wheel drive was the only option, and while AWD wasn't available, the Venue offered a selectable drive mode for snowy conditions. The Venue's performance was comparable to competitors like the Nissan Kicks and Ford EcoSport, but its small size and weight made it feel nimble in urban environments.

The 2021 Kia Sorento, as a three-row SUV, was best suited for four passengers in its top trims, with second-row captain's chairs providing comfort. The third row was tight, and cargo space behind it was limited to 12.6 cubic feet. However, folding the third row expanded cargo capacity to 75.5 cubic feet, comparable to compact crossovers. The Sorento offered ample legroom in the front and second rows, and thoughtful storage solutions like a phone spot and cupholders added convenience.

The 2021 Hyundai Venue, despite its compact size, provided ample headroom and legroom in the front seats. Storage options included a tray for small items and a center console bin for essentials. The back seat was tighter, with limited legroom for adults on longer journeys. Cargo space was modest, 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 suitable for those prioritizing storage.

The 2021 Kia Sorento featured an 8-inch touchscreen on lower trims and a 10.25-inch screen on higher trims. The larger screen required a wired connection for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and its layout limited usable space. The Sorento offered numerous USB ports but lacked USB-C options. The optional Bose stereo provided decent audio quality, while the navigation system needed improvement. Most drivers would likely rely on smartphone integration for navigation.

The 2021 Hyundai Venue impressed with its tech offerings, featuring an 8-inch touchscreen with physical buttons for easy access to media and settings. The interface was user-friendly, with high-resolution graphics and smooth swipe functionality. The Venue's infotainment system allowed for driver profiles and included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The SEL and Denim trims offered a well-rounded tech experience, despite the Venue's budget-friendly price.

The 2021 Kia Sorento came equipped with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and driver-attention warning. The test car also featured a surround-view camera and adaptive cruise control, enhancing safety and convenience. The Sorento received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS, with some trims receiving lower ratings for their headlights.

The 2021 Hyundai Venue offered standard safety features like automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assist. The SEL and Denim trims added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Venue's safety systems were well-integrated, avoiding excessive alerts. In crash tests, the Venue received four out of five stars from the NHTSA for front collision and rollover protection.