2021 Jeep Cherokee vs 2021 Hyundai Venue

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee's styling had evolved since its debut, with opinions softening over time. While the short grille and swept-back headlights initially divided opinions, familiarity over seven years improved its perceived proportions. The Cherokee's appearance varied significantly with trim levels. The entry-level Latitude with 17-inch wheels and FWD resembled many rental options, whereas the 80th Anniversary Edition with 19-inch Granite Crystal wheels and painted lower body cladding offered a more refined look. Jeep's expertise in roof design was evident with the Cherokee's optional panoramic sunroof, enhancing its distinctiveness in a crowded SUV market. Its resemblance to the larger Grand Cherokee, especially from the front, ensured it stood out in parking lots.

The 2021 Hyundai Venue, on the other hand, was praised for its timeless design. Its upright stance, horizontal roofline, and steep tailgate gave it a substantial appearance, defying its compact size. The grille was appropriately sized, complementing the overall design without overwhelming it. Roof rails and distinctive lettering added to its crossover appeal. The Venue's headlights and taillights featured unique patterns, enhancing its stylish look. Minimal changes from the 2020 model included upgraded wheels across trims. The top-line Denim trim, with its white roof and unique paint, was particularly eye-catching. Despite its budget-friendly price, the Venue's interior, though filled with plastic, managed to feel modern and airy, thanks to its design and features like heated seats.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee offered three engine options. The base 2.4-liter four-cylinder produced 180 horsepower, while the 3.2-liter V-6 delivered a more robust 271 hp. The top-tier 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder offered 270 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, slightly outperforming the V-6 in torque. Despite these options, acceleration was modest, with 0-60 mph times around 7.2 to 7.4 seconds. All models featured a nine-speed automatic transmission, praised for its efficiency. The Cherokee's off-road capabilities shone in the Trailhawk model, equipped with features like Jeep Active Drive Lock and Selec-Speed Crawl Control. While FWD was available, it was less common among buyers.

The 2021 Hyundai Venue housed a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 121 horsepower and 113 lb-ft of torque. This modest powertrain was the sole option, paired with a CVT. Despite its limited power, the Venue's lightweight design allowed for nimble handling in urban settings. FWD was standard, with no AWD option, though a drive mode for snowy conditions was available. The Venue's performance was comparable to rivals like the Nissan Kicks and Ford EcoSport, but its light weight made it feel lively in city driving.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee positioned itself between the Renegade and Grand Cherokee, competing with compact crossovers like the Honda CR-V. However, its cargo space was limited, offering 26 cubic feet with seats up and 55 cubic feet with them folded, trailing behind competitors. Passenger volume was 102 cubic feet, competitive within its class. The interior was straightforward, with variations in material quality across trims. Higher trims like the Trailhawk and Latitude Lux offered more upscale features, such as suede inserts and Nappa leather.

The 2021 Hyundai Venue, despite its compact size, provided ample front-seat headroom and legroom. Storage solutions were practical, though limited in size. The back seat was tighter, suitable for short trips. Cargo space was modest, with 18.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 31.9 cubic feet with them folded, less than many hatchbacks. Compared to rivals, the Venue offered less cargo volume but slightly more ground clearance. Its interior was functional, with basic cupholders and effective climate control.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee featured the acclaimed Uconnect infotainment system, available with 7-inch or 8.4-inch touchscreens. Both sizes offered Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though wired. The system included a 4G WiFi hotspot and Amazon Alexa integration. Remote start was available, enhancing convenience. The interface was user-friendly, with straightforward climate controls.

The 2021 Hyundai Venue boasted an 8-inch touchscreen with high resolution and responsive swipe functionality. Physical buttons provided easy access to media and settings, with customizable options. The infotainment system supported Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Driver profiles allowed for personalized settings, appealing to families. The Venue's tech offerings were impressive for its price point.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee received "Good" scores in crashworthiness from the IIHS but lacked a Top Safety Pick award. NHTSA gave it a four-star overall rating. Standard safety features included lane departure warning, forward collision warning, and blind spot monitoring. Adaptive cruise control was limited to higher trims.

The 2021 Hyundai Venue offered standard safety features like automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring. NHTSA rated it four stars for front collision and rollover. The Venue's safety systems were well-integrated, minimizing driver distraction.