2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport vs 2024 Hyundai Venue

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport was described as modernist and reductive, emphasizing a clean and simple design. It offered limited flashy options, such as Firenze Red paint and diamond-turned 23-inch wheels, but generally maintained a subdued elegance. The test vehicle featured Eiger Gray paint, silver wheels, and a Black Exterior Pack, exuding understated luxury. Inside, it showcased a Deep Garnet over Ebony theme with aluminum and black trim, highlighting its high-tech and luxurious appearance with sustainable Ultrafabrics and Windsor leather upholstery.

The 2024 Hyundai Venue, available in SE, SEL, and Limited trims, was praised for its appealing design and genuine style, despite its affordability. The Limited trim test vehicle, in Ecotronic Gray, presented a mature look. Inside, the Venue featured hard plastics but maintained a stylish interior with striped seats and white trim. The digital instrumentation and 8-inch touchscreen infotainment display were well-received, offering a high-quality feel for a small SUV.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport aimed to balance refinement and driver engagement. It offered a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology, producing 395 horsepower in the SE Dynamic model. A plug-in hybrid option provided 434 hp and 51 miles of electric range. The SUV could accelerate to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds and tow 7,716 pounds. It featured adaptive damping air suspension and advanced driving modes, but struggled with steering involvement and body roll in tight curves. Off-road, it excelled with 11.1 inches of ground clearance and advanced tech like Terrain Response.

The 2024 Hyundai Venue, with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine producing 121 horsepower, was best suited for city driving. Its lightweight design and CVT allowed for nimble handling and decent acceleration. However, the suspension struggled on rough roads, and the engine became noisy under pressure. The Venue lacked all-wheel drive but offered 6.7 inches of ground clearance. It achieved 31 mpg in combined driving, though real-world tests showed slightly lower efficiency.

The 2023 Range Rover Sport maintained a commanding driving position with a tall, airy feel. Its air suspension eased entry and exit, and the front seats offered 20-way adjustments with heating and ventilation. The rear seat was less accommodating, with limited legroom and hard seatback panels. Cargo space was generous, with 31.9 cubic feet expanding to 53 cubic feet with seats folded. Storage solutions included a deep bin and netted pockets.

The 2024 Venue provided easy access with its higher ground clearance. Front seats featured manual adjustments and heated cushions, while the rear seat was cramped for three passengers. Storage was limited, but a dashboard shelf offered extra space. Cargo capacity was 18.7 cubic feet, expanding to 31.9 cubic feet with the rear seats down.

The 2023 Range Rover Sport featured a 13.7-inch digital display and a 13.1-inch touchscreen with haptic feedback. It included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. However, the Pivi Pro system was often confusing and unresponsive. The Meridian audio system and Active Noise Cancellation were highlights, but the digital assistant struggled with basic commands.

The 2024 Venue's 8-inch touchscreen was user-friendly, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. 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, but the sound system could be improved.

The 2023 Range Rover Sport came with advanced safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and a surround-view camera. However, adaptive cruise control and steering assist were less reliable, especially on inconsistent road markings.

The 2024 Venue included Hyundai SmartSense, offering forward-collision warning, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring. It lacked adaptive cruise control, but safety systems generally performed well. The Venue received Good ratings from the IIHS and a four-star rating from the NHTSA.