2021 Hyundai Venue vs 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid, positioned between the Lexus UX and RX, featured a design that was both sharp and familiar. Its streamlined profile and distinctive face set it apart from traditional SUVs, yet the styling had remained largely unchanged over the years. The NX shared its platform with the previous-generation Toyota RAV4, which was evident in its engineering. The F Sport Black Line model showcased a larger mesh grille, dark-finish 18-inch wheels, and a striking Grecian Water blue paint, offering a bold contrast to the subdued palettes of other brands. Inside, the NX's design, once radical, had become familiar. The interior featured a stepped center console and lacked traditional luxury elements like wood trim. The F Sport package added unique touches like a heated steering wheel and aluminum pedals, but the material quality leaned more towards mainstream than luxury.

The 2021 Hyundai Venue, on the other hand, boasted a timeless design that seemed unlikely to age poorly. Its upright stance, horizontal roofline, and steep tailgate gave it a substantial appearance despite its compact size. The grille was well-proportioned, and the Venue's design included roof rails and distinctive lighting elements. Updates from the 2020 model included 15-inch alloys on the base SE trim and 17-inch alloys on the SEL and Denim trims. The top-line Denim trim stood out with a unique paint job and white roof, while the SEL trim offered great value with standard features like 17-inch wheels and advanced driver-assistance systems. Inside, the Venue used inexpensive materials but managed to avoid feeling spartan. The cabin was bright and airy, thanks to large windows and thin A-pillars, and the heated seats in the SEL trim added comfort.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, delivering a total of 194 horsepower and standard all-wheel drive. Despite its sporty F Sport styling, the NX Hybrid was not a performance vehicle, with a 0-60 mph time of 9.1 seconds and a top speed of 112 mph. The hybrid system prioritized fuel efficiency over excitement, with a clunky transition between electric and gasoline power. The sport-tuned suspension in the Black Line package improved handling, but the steering felt numb, and the drive modes offered minimal impact on performance.

The 2021 Hyundai Venue housed a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine producing 121 horsepower and 113 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission, provided adequate power for its size. The Venue's lightweight design allowed for sprightly movement in lower-speed areas, though it lacked the power for thrilling highway driving. Front-wheel drive was the only option, with no all-wheel drive available. The Venue's performance was comparable to rivals like the Nissan Kicks and Ford EcoSport, but its small size and weight gave it a lively feel in urban settings.

The Lexus NX Hybrid offered limited interior space, with the least front headroom in its segment and cramped rear seats. Front-seat legroom was generous, and the seats provided excellent support. The dashboard and door design aimed for a sporty feel, with controls easily accessible. Cargo space was limited, with 16.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 53.7 cubic feet with them folded. Features like a power-folding second row and power liftgate were available but not standard.

The Hyundai Venue provided ample front headroom and legroom, with practical storage solutions like a tray ahead of the gear selector. The back seat was tighter, suitable for short drives, but offered plenty of headroom. Cargo space was limited, with 18.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 31.9 cubic feet with them folded. Compared to competitors, the Venue lagged in cargo capacity but offered extra ground clearance.

The Lexus NX Hybrid's infotainment system was a weak point, featuring an 8-inch display with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. The lack of a touchscreen and reliance on a touchpad made it difficult to use while driving. The system felt dated, with text-heavy menus and basic graphics. An eight-speaker audio system was standard, with a 14-speaker Mark Levinson system available on higher trims.

The Hyundai Venue excelled in technology, with an 8-inch touchscreen offering high resolution and responsive swipe functionality. Physical buttons provided easy access to media and settings, and the interface was user-friendly. The infotainment system included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, with the option to set up driver profiles. The Venue's tech features were impressive for its price point.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid earned a “Top Safety Pick+” from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It came standard with the Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, including forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and more. The NX offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, though it lacked a 360-degree camera system.

The 2021 Hyundai Venue included 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 received four out of five stars in NHTSA crash tests, providing a solid level of safety for its size.