2021 Hyundai Venue vs 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV was an extended version of the standard Escalade, featuring a complete redesign for the model year. It was notably longer, measuring 226.9 inches compared to the Escalade's 211.9 inches, and slightly lower at 76.4 inches. This additional length was primarily at the rear, enhancing cargo space. The wheelbase was also extended to 134.1 inches, improving stability and design proportions, giving it a more balanced appearance. The Escalade ESV boasted a luxurious exterior with chrome styling on certain trims and blacked-out accents on others, all riding on 22-inch wheels. The grille design varied across trim levels, adding to its upscale look. Standard features included LED headlights, roof rails, and power-extending assist steps, while optional packages offered further enhancements. However, the interior, despite its high price, was criticized for its use of hard plastics and lack of unique design elements.

The 2021 Hyundai Venue, on the other hand, was a stylish little crossover that seemed to defy the passage of time with its design. It had an upright stance, a nearly horizontal roofline, and a steeply dropping tailgate, giving it a larger appearance than its actual size. The grille was appropriately sized, and the vehicle featured roof rails and distinctive lighting elements. The Venue's exterior saw minimal changes from the previous year, with alloy wheels becoming standard on higher trims. The top-line Denim trim was particularly eye-catching with its unique paint job and white roof. Inside, the Venue was not luxurious but offered a modern look with practical features. Despite the prevalence of plastic materials, the cabin felt light and airy, thanks to its design. The Venue's interior was functional, with heated seats and a greenhouse-like feel due to its large windows.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV offered two engine options: a standard 6.2-liter V8 producing 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, and an optional 3.0-liter Duramax turbodiesel inline-six with 277 horsepower and the same torque. Both engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and available in rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD) configurations. The V8 engine provided sufficient power but lacked low-end torque for high-speed passing. The Escalade ESV's weight ranged from 5,785 to 6,182 pounds, affecting its performance when towing. Fuel economy was not officially rated, but the RWD version averaged around 18 mpg during testing.

In contrast, the 2021 Hyundai Venue was equipped with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 121 horsepower and 113 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive (FWD) as the only option. The Venue's performance was modest, with no turbocharged or larger engine options available. Despite its limited power, the Venue's lightweight design allowed it to feel lively in lower-speed areas. However, it lacked the horsepower needed for confident highway driving.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV was designed for comfort and practicality, offering leatherette seating surfaces with available leather upholstery. Standard features included 12-way power-adjustable front seats, heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and tri-zone climate control. The ESV provided ample legroom in the first two rows, while the third row was less accommodating for adults. Cargo space was generous, with 126.6 cubic feet behind the first row, 81.5 cubic feet behind the second row, and 42.9 cubic feet behind the third row. The power-adjustable third row could be folded using a switch in the cargo area, although it sometimes required manual adjustment. The hands-free power liftgate was convenient but occasionally unreliable.

The 2021 Hyundai Venue offered ample headroom and legroom in the front seats, with practical storage solutions like a tray for small items. The back seat was tighter, with limited legroom for adults. Cargo space was limited, with 18.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 31.9 cubic feet with them folded. The Venue's cargo capacity lagged behind competitors like the Nissan Kicks and Ford EcoSport. Despite its compact size, the Venue provided a comfortable and functional interior with automatic climate control.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV was a technological marvel, featuring a standard 19-speaker AKG sound system with an optional 36-speaker upgrade. It included wireless charging, NFC phone pairing, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and seven USB ports. The highlight was a curved 38-inch OLED screen, offering crisp graphics and intuitive menu navigation. Cadillac's Super Cruise, an advanced driving assist system, was available, allowing hands-free driving on certain highways. However, it occasionally struggled with lane changes and required driver intervention in certain situations.

The 2021 Hyundai Venue impressed with its tech offerings, featuring an 8-inch touchscreen with high resolution and responsive swipe functionality. The infotainment system included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto as standard features. The Venue's interface was user-friendly, with physical buttons for quick access to media and settings. The system allowed for customizable driver profiles, appealing to families with multiple drivers.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV came equipped with standard safety features like front automatic braking, park assist, pedestrian detection, and lane-keep assist. Additional technologies were available, including adaptive park assist, a head-up display, and advanced adaptive cruise control. The Escalade ESV received a four-star rating from the NHTSA, with a lower score in the rollover test due to its top-heavy design.

The 2021 Hyundai Venue offered standard safety features such as automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and driver-attention warning. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Venue received four out of five stars in NHTSA crash tests, demonstrating its ability to protect occupants despite its small size.