by Gabrielle DeSantis

There are so many SUVs available these days that it’s sometimes confusing to figure out which one is bigger or smaller. Hyundai alone has about six SUVs that come in a range of sizes. Looking just at the 2021 Hyundai Venue and Hyundai Tucson, which is the bigger SUV?

Is the 2021 Hyundai Venue bigger than the 2021 Hyundai Tucson?

It turns out that the Hyundai Tucson is larger than the Hyundai Venue. The Tucson has a longer wheelbase at 105.1 inches, while the wheelbase of the Venue is 99.2 inches. The Tucson is more than a foot longer too. It’s 176.4 inches long, while the Venue is 159.1 inches long.

The Tucson is 72.8 inches wide, and the Venue is 69.7 inches wide. There are a few inches difference in height as well. The Tucson is 64.8 inches tall, and the Venue 61.6 inches tall, according to U.S. News.

Both the Tucson and the Venue have seating for five people, although the three passengers in the rear would be more comfortable in the Tucson. The Tucson has more overall volume for people, with 102.2 cubic feet as compared to the Venue’s 91.9 cubic feet.

Headroom, however, is very similar between the two. The Tucson has 39.6 inches of headroom in the front seats and 39.2 inches in the rear seats. The Venue has 39.4 inches in the front seats and 38.6 inches in the rear seats. The space difference shows up more in the legroom.

While the front seats have similar amounts of space (41.5 inches for the Tucson and 41.3 inches for the Venue), the rear seats are different. The Tucson has 38.2 inches of rear-seat legroom, while the Venue has 34.3 inches.

There’s also quite a bit of difference in the amount of cargo space the two SUVs have. The Tucson has 31 cubic feet, which increases to 61.9 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down. The Venue has just 18.7 cubic feet, which increases to 31.9 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down.

The 2021 Hyundai Venue

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U.S. News likes that the 2021 Hyundai Venue has good gas mileage and an easy-to-use infotainment system. It’s also easy to handle in small spaces. However, it did find the engine to be “lethargic” sometimes, and the cargo space is on the smaller side. The Venue has a 121-hp 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that has excellent fuel efficiency for its class.

Also, U.S. News named the 2021 Venue as one of the finalists for the 2021 Best Subcompact SUV for the Money award. The Venue comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen, and the infotainment system is compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The 2021 Hyundai Tucson

U.S. News likes that the 2021 Hyundai Tucson has a “balanced ride and handling.” It also has a long list of standard features. However, it doesn’t accelerate very quickly. The Tucson has two engine options: a 161-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder or a 181-hp 2.4-liter four-cylinder.

Neither engine is very powerful or fuel-efficient. The Tucson is able to tow up to 2,000 pounds with the larger engine. It has a 7-inch touchscreen, but an 8-inch display is available. The infotainment system is compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The Venue and the Tucson

The Hyundai Venue is classified as a subcompact SUV and the Hyundai Tucson is classified as a compact SUV. Their size difference is reflected in their starting prices. The Venue starts at $18,750, while the Tucson starts at $23,700. Otherwise, the two have a lot in common and are both good options for smaller, more affordable SUVs, even if they don’t have outstanding performance. 

The post Is the Hyundai Venue Bigger Than the Tucson? appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Tesla cars are considered groundbreaking in terms of powertrain and interior design. True, some of Elon Musk’s stances are questionable, and the Autopilot software isn’t always reliable. However, the latest data still proves that Tesla drivers are some of the happiest car owners.

Tesla Models X, S, and 3 all have high customer satisfaction ratings on Consumer Reports, with the Model 3 earning a CR Recommended label. What makes the Model 3 so irresistible to drivers? Here are some of the highlights from a list provided by CleanTechnica.

The Tesla Model 3 is fun to drive

While Tesla may not provide official horsepower estimates for most of its vehicles, its performance capabilities are hard to miss. There’s plenty of torque available from the starting line, and its sharp steering makes it a thrill to edge around corners. The drive is smooth and quiet while cruising, though even a Tesla fanatic will admit to increased noise at higher speeds.

The Standard Range Plus version can reach 60 mph in 5.3 seconds and has a top speed of 140 mph. The Model 3 Long Range is also quick to hit 60 mph at 4.2 seconds. The Model 3 Performance can make that in 3.1 seconds and has the highest top speed of 162 mph.

Does the Tesla Model 3 have easy charging?

Tesla owners also appreciate how simple it is to charge a Model 3. Some of Tesla’s Supercharging stations are free for owners with credits, improved for 2021 with V3 fast-charging technology. It can reportedly restore up to 175 miles in 15 minutes, making it one of the best EVs for a road trip.

Charging stations will appear on the navigation screen, and the Model 3’s battery can also be restored with solar power. Many drivers also take advantage of Tesla’s available wall connector, which can fully restore the battery with a night’s charge. The Tesla Model 3 Long Range is the most efficient, with 353 miles of range.

Fun interior quirks

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While the interior looks minimalist at first, there’s an abundance of fun features inside the massive infotainment screen. You can unlock special easter eggs or play fart noises in the cabin to delight (or gross out) fellow riders. Tesla cars are apparently so smart that you can even play chess with them or with another passenger.

While Tesla doesn’t rely on conventional smartphone integration, fun apps such as Twitch and Netflix are still accessible. There’s also a drawing app and a campfire screen that plays when you just need to relax.

The interior is also reportedly one of the most comfortable in the luxury segment and made with exclusively vegan-friendly materials. The standard heated seats come with a three-level switch, so drivers can adjust the warmth to their preference. The two-toned color scheme is aesthetically pleasing, complemented by a wood dashboard and standard panoramic sunroof.

Even under heavy throttle, the Tesla Model 3 stays cool with Cabin Overheat Protection. There’s also a Dog Mode that keeps the interior from becoming too warm when the pups have to wait outside.

Are there any downsides to owning a Tesla Model 3?

Consumer Reports liked the Tesla Model 3 for the most part, but it still failed to impress testers in a few areas. The suspension is too firm to provide the most comfortable ride, especially in the cramped rear seat. Most of CR’s team also thought that the touchscreen’s controls were more distracting than practical.

Despite those disappointments, the Model 3 still stands out for its electric capabilities, plus unique and cutting-edge technology. The Standard Range Plus model also only retails for $40,190, making it a great entry-level EV. 

The post Tesla Model 3 Owners Are the Happiest Car Owners, According to Consumer Reports appeared first on MotorBiscuit.