Shopping for a compact SUV from Jeep? How about Hyundai? Odds are, you have the 2021 Hyundai Venue and the 2021 Jeep Renegade on your list. And why not? After all, both compact SUVs have plenty to offer. But when it really comes down to it, which compact SUV is the right choice for you? As it turns out, it all depends on how much you’re willing to spend.

The 2021 Jeep Renegade offers multiple engine options

Unlike the 2021 Hyundai Venue, this year’s new Jeep Renegade offers multiple engine options. Standard under the hood is a 2.4-liter engine that churns out a modest 180-hp. For added power, choose a Jeep Renegade equipped with its available 1.3-liter turbo, which offers up 177-hp and 210 pound-feet of torque. Regardless of which engine you prefer, you can expect a nine-speed automatic transmission as standard.

Getting back to the 2021 Hyundai Venue, you can expect this year’s model to come powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that comes teamed with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive. Unfortunately, the Venue’s lone engine only offers up 121-hp, which, according to Car and Driver, makes the compact SUV “better suited for short commutes rather than highway road trips.”

Is the 2021 Hyundai Venue available with all-wheel drive?

If it’s an all-wheel drive compact SUV that you’re after, you’re going to want to steer clear of the 2021 Hyundai Venue. Unfortunately, all models are standard with front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive isn’t even an option. The good news is that the 2021 Jeep Renegade is available with all-wheel drive. Although, that shouldn’t be too much of a surprise. The Renegade is a Jeep, after all.

Unlike the Venue, this year’s new Jeep Renegade is available with a Selec-Terrain Traction Management System too. This system is designed to help this year’s Renegade adjust to various surfaces, including snow, sand, and mud. Opt for a Trailhawk model, and you’ll benefit from an exclusive Rock Mode too.

The 2021 Hyundai Venue earned better safety ratings

If you value safety, you really can’t go wrong with this year’s new Hyundai Venue. It comes stock full of driver-assist features, including forward collision-avoidance assist with pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist, and driver attention warnings. The IIHS also tapped this year’s model as a Top Safety Pick. 

As for the 2021 Jeep Renegade? This year’s model is standard with driver-assist features like blind-spot monitoring with rear cross path detection and lane departure warning with lane-keep assist. However, the bad news is that the IIHS didn’t recognize this year’s model as a Top Safety Pick. 

The 2021 Jeep Renegade offers significantly more space

Now, both of these options are compact SUVs. That being said, you shouldn’t expect either of them to offer as much space as, say, a three-row SUV. However, it is worth noting that when it comes to interior space, the Jeep Renegade does have the edge over its Hyundai competition. In fact, it’s not even close.

Unlike the Hyundai Venue, the 2021 Jeep Renegade offers a ton of headroom for front and rearseat passengers. It also offers up significantly more shoulder room for all passengers, along with more rear legroom. The Renegade offers considerably more cargo room with its rear seats folded down too.

Does the Jeep Renegade cost more than the 2021 Hyundai Venue?

There’s really no getting around it. When it comes to pricing, the Jeep Renegade will cost you more than the Hyundai Venue. While a base model Renegade will have you spending $22,850, a base model Venue will only cost you $18,750. That’s a pretty remarkable price difference. 

Here’s the thing, though. If you’re shopping for a spacious compact SUV that’s available with all-wheel drive, you really can’t go wrong with the Jeep Renegade. And if you don’t need all-wheel drive? Then saving a few bucks and choosing the 2021 Hyundai Venue instead might not be such a bad idea after all.