2021 Toyota 4Runner vs 2021 Hyundai Venue

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner, despite its age, maintained a rugged charm that appealed to those seeking a durable and utilitarian SUV. Its design, unchanged for over a decade, still resonated with buyers who appreciated its two-box body, flared fenders, and trapezoidal wheel arches. The 4Runner's interior was straightforward, with hard plastics and an old-school dashboard featuring large knobs and buttons. It offered a sense of simplicity and durability, making it a reliable choice for those who valued function over form.

In contrast, the 2021 Hyundai Venue presented a modern and stylish appearance that seemed unlikely to age poorly. Its upright stance, properly sized grille, and unique design elements like split headlights and patterned taillights gave it a distinctive look. The Venue's interior, while not luxurious, was thoughtfully designed with practical storage solutions and a modern feel. Despite its compact size, it offered a sense of spaciousness, thanks to its large windows and thin A-pillars.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner was equipped with a 4.0-liter V6 engine producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. It excelled in off-road conditions, thanks to features like A-Trac, a locking rear differential, and Multi-Terrain Select. However, on paved roads, it felt slow and cumbersome, with heavy steering and brakes. Its fuel efficiency was also a concern, averaging 16.8 mpg during testing. The 4Runner's truck-like characteristics were part of its charm, but they might not suit everyone for daily driving.

The 2021 Hyundai Venue, on the other hand, featured a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with 121 horsepower and 113 pound-feet of torque. While not particularly powerful, it was adequate for the Venue's lightweight design. The Venue's front-wheel-drive setup and CVT provided a smooth driving experience, especially in urban settings. However, it lacked the off-road capabilities of the 4Runner. The Venue's fuel efficiency was a highlight, making it an economical choice for city dwellers.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner offered a spacious interior with comfortable seating and ample legroom. Its cargo space was impressive, with up to 89.7 cubic feet available with the rear seats folded. The sliding cargo deck and roof rack added to its practicality. However, its high ground clearance could pose a challenge for shorter passengers.

The 2021 Hyundai Venue, while compact, provided sufficient headroom and legroom in the front seats. Its interior storage solutions were practical, though the rear seat was tighter, making it less suitable for long journeys with adults. The Venue's cargo space was limited, with 18.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 31.9 cubic feet with them folded. It lagged behind competitors in terms of cargo capacity.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner's technology was basic, with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. The premium audio upgrade added features like dynamic navigation and voice recognition. However, the 4Runner lacked advanced driver-assistance systems and relied on physical controls.

The 2021 Hyundai Venue impressed with its tech offerings, featuring an 8-inch touchscreen with high resolution and intuitive controls. It included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto as standard, with the ability to set up driver profiles. The Venue's infotainment system was user-friendly, with physical buttons for quick access to functions.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner came with Toyota Safety Sense P, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane departure warning. However, it lacked blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Its safety ratings were mixed, with concerns about its age affecting crash protection.

The 2021 Hyundai Venue offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including 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 received four out of five stars in NHTSA crash tests, providing a reasonable level of safety for its size.