2021 Hyundai Venue vs 2021 Lincoln Aviator

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator was a testament to Lincoln's commitment to distinct styling, avoiding the temptation to mimic its competitors. The Aviator carried forward the design language of the Navigator, with sharp lines and a tasteful use of chrome, making it a standout in the luxury SUV segment. Inside, the Aviator offered a cabin that exuded comfort and warmth, with soft-touch materials and a 10.1-inch touchscreen that elegantly dominated the dash. The piano button shifter and soothing chimes added to the Aviator's air of class and luxury, setting it apart from its Ford counterpart.

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 unique presence that belied its small size. The Venue's grille was appropriately sized, drawing attention without overwhelming the design. The interior, while not luxurious, was modern and functional, with plenty of light streaming in through large windows. Despite its low-cost build, the Venue managed to offer a contemporary feel, with heated seats and a practical layout that made the most of its compact dimensions.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator offered a robust performance with its 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine, delivering 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. This power was channeled through a 10-speed automatic transmission, with options for rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The Grand Touring trims took it a step further with a plug-in hybrid configuration, boosting output to 494 horsepower and 630 pound-feet of torque, and offering up to 21 miles of electric-only range. The Aviator's drive mode selector included unique options like "Excite" and "Conserve," enhancing its highway and suburban driving capabilities, though it struggled with city maneuverability due to its size.

The 2021 Hyundai Venue, on the other hand, was equipped with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 121 horsepower and 113 pound-feet of torque. This modest powertrain was paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive, as all-wheel drive was not available. While the Venue's performance was not thrilling, its lightweight build allowed for sprightly movement in lower-speed areas. The Venue's power was adequate for its size, but it lagged behind competitors in terms of horsepower, making it less suitable for highway driving.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator provided ample interior space, with 18.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third-row seats, expandable to 41.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a total of 77.7 cubic feet with all rear seats down. The second row, especially in the Grand Touring model, offered a luxurious experience with captain's chairs and a digital control panel. However, the use of power-button door releases raised concerns about functionality in case of a battery failure.

In contrast, the 2021 Hyundai Venue offered a more compact interior, with plenty of headroom and legroom in the front seats, but tighter space in the back. The Venue's cargo capacity was limited, with 18.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 31.9 cubic feet with them folded, falling short compared to competitors. Despite its compact size, the Venue's design allowed for a bright and airy cabin, though its storage solutions were limited.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen running the intuitive Sync 3 infotainment system, with a landscape layout that enhanced usability. The system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with large icons for easy access. The Aviator also offered a fully digital instrument panel and an optional head-up display with crisp graphics, contributing to a high-tech driving experience.

The 2021 Hyundai Venue, despite its lower price point, was equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen and a user-friendly interface. The infotainment system included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto as standard features, with the ability to set up driver profiles. The Venue's system was designed for simplicity, with physical buttons for quick access to media and settings, and a high-resolution screen that responded well to touch inputs.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including the standard Lincoln Co-Pilot 360 package with automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The Co-Pilot 360 Plus package added advanced features like reverse automatic braking and adaptive cruise control. The Aviator received top safety ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS, earning a Top Safety Pick accolade.

The 2021 Hyundai Venue also offered a solid array of safety features, with automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and driver-attention warning as standard. The SEL and Denim trims added blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. The Venue's safety systems were well-integrated, providing a seamless driving experience. In crash tests, the Venue received four out of five stars from the NHTSA for front collision and rollover.