2024 Toyota RAV4 vs 2024 Hyundai Venue

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 aimed to project a rugged appearance, with its aggressive front design and angular body cladding. Despite its tough exterior, the performance didn't quite match the visual promise. The TRD Off-Road model, priced at $41,925 with options, featured Army Green paint and additional tech packages. The RAV4's interior emphasized utility, with practical storage solutions and easy-clean surfaces. Higher trims offered more luxurious touches, but the focus remained on functionality.

In contrast, the 2024 Hyundai Venue presented a more compact and stylish design. The Limited trim, priced at $24,735, featured Ecotronic Gray paint and carpeted floor mats. The Venue's design was appealing, with a mature look despite its affordable price. Inside, the Venue offered unexpected style with striped seat piping and white dashboard trim. The digital instrumentation and 8-inch touchscreen added to its modern feel, making it a thoughtfully designed small SUV.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 was equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. The TRD Off-Road model included AWD, off-road suspension, and all-terrain tires. Despite its off-road features, it offered the same ground clearance as other RAV4 models and struggled with approach angles. The RAV4's engine was powerful for its class but noisy and unrefined. It achieved an EPA rating of 28 mpg combined, with our test averaging 26.6 mpg.

The 2024 Hyundai Venue featured a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with 121 horsepower and 113 pound-feet of torque. Weighing 2,612 pounds, it was agile in urban settings. The CVT maximized power, but the Venue's suspension struggled on rough roads. It lacked AWD, offering 6.7 inches of ground clearance. The Venue achieved an EPA rating of 31 mpg combined, with our test averaging 30.3 mpg. It performed well on highways but was less suited for heavy loads.

The RAV4's interior focused on practicality, with ample storage and oversized controls. The TRD Off-Road trim featured SofTex upholstery and optional heated seats. It comfortably seated four adults, with a spacious cargo area of 37.6 cubic feet, expanding to 69.8 cubic feet with seats folded.

The Venue offered decent comfort despite its size. The driver's seat had manual adjustments, and the rear seat was better for two passengers. Storage was limited, and it lacked rear air vents. Cargo space was 18.7 cubic feet, expanding to 31.9 cubic feet with seats down.

The RAV4's infotainment system included an 8-inch or optional 10.5-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It offered various connected services, though some interface issues were noted. The optional digital rear-view mirror provided a clear view when fully loaded.

The Venue's 8-inch touchscreen featured wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with Bluelink connected services. The Limited trim added navigation and a wireless charger, though it required wired connections for smartphone integration. The infotainment system was sophisticated, with effective voice recognition.

The RAV4 came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, offering a range of driver-assistance features. However, it lost its IIHS Top Safety Pick due to lower crash test ratings. The adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist were adequate but not flawless.

The Venue included Hyundai SmartSense, with features like forward-collision warning and lane-keep assist. The Limited trim added cyclist detection. It received Good ratings in several IIHS crash tests and a four-star NHTSA rating, though it lacked adaptive cruise control.