There are plenty of options to be had when shopping for a compact SUV. Both the 2021 Hyundai Venue and the 2020 Ford EcoSport are among them. Both are relatively new introductions to the market too. But, when compared to one another, how do they stack up? Is the 2021 Hyundai Venue better than this year’s EcoSport? Or, is it the other way around?

The 2021 Hyundai Venue

With a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine under its hood, Car and Driver says this year’s Venue “delivers sufficient motivation around town” and is “agile in traffic thanks to its small proportions and reactive steering.” Also equipped with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), Kelley Blue Book reports that the Venue’s CVT “feels good, with impressive off-the-line response.” The Venue is fuel efficient too, and according to EPA-estimates returns 30 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. 

Offered in SE, SEL, and Denim trim levels, the 2021 Hyundai Venue offers plenty of standard features as well. Step into the SE, and standard features include an 8-inch touchscreen display with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 4-speaker audio system with AM/FM/HD Radio. And if you’re in the mood for something a bit more tech-savvy? Opt for the available 8-inch navigation system.

The 2021 Hyundai Venue offers up no shortage of safety features either. This year’s model comes standardly equipped with Hyundai SmartSense, which includes safety features such as forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and a driver attention monitoring system. 

The 2020 Ford EcoSport

The 2020 Ford EcoSport is the smallest SUV among Ford’s lineup. Driven by a 123-hp 1.0-liter turbocharged EcoBoost engine, this year’s model can also be had with a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine under the hood. According to Kelley Blue Book, the 2020 Ford EcoSport “shines brightest is on twisting roads” thanks in part to its suspension and steering.

Available in S, SE, SES, and Titanium trim levels, the 2020 model year marks the first time that the EcoSport has come standard with FordPass Connect, which includes a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot for up to 10 mobile devices. FordPass Connect also allows owners to lock, unlock, and start their EcoSport using the FordPass smartphone app.

FordPass Connect isn’t the only tech-savvy feature the EcoSport has to offer either. This year’s EcoSport is also available with an eight-inch LCD touchscreen display featuring SYNC 3. Navigation can be had on this year’s model too.

How much do these SUVs cost?

These two models are very similar in price. While the Hyundai Venue rings in at $18,750, a base Ford EcoSport will cost you $19,995. For a top-of-the-line Venue, you can expect to spend $22,050. A range-topping EcoSport, on the other hand, will cost you $27,380.

The 2021 Hyundai Venue comes with complimentary maintenance

Unlike the Ford EcoSport, the 2021 Hyundai Venue comes standard with Hyundai Complimentary Maintenance. With this perk, normal, factory scheduled maintenance is covered for up to 3-years or 36,000-miles (whichever comes first).  Unfortunately, for EcoSport buyers, Ford doesn’t offer such a benefit to its customers.

The Ford EcoSport offers more tech-savvy features

The 2020 Ford EcoSport has some pretty nifty tech features too. Unlike it’s Hyundai competition, it offers both a WiFi hotspot and Key by Amazon In-Car Delivery. With Key by Amazon In-Car Delivery, you can have Amazon packages delivered right to your vehicle.

Choosing the right SUV for your driving needs

In the end, the 2021 Hyundai Venue and its Ford competition are pretty similar. Neither will break the bank, and both offer a long list of standard and available features. To decide which is right for you? We recommend getting into the driver’s seat for a test drive.