Hyundai Venue 2023: Hyundai unveiled the Venue for the 2020 model year to appeal to younger shoppers and professionals. Despite being the smallest SUV available (only 7.4 inches longer than a Mini Hardtop at 159.1 inches), it has a reasonably roomy cabin and a high degree of standard entertainment and safety technology. During its first two years on the market, Hyundai provided a unique top-of-the-line Denim trim with distinctive interior and exterior finishes. The Denim trim is no longer available this year. However, the Limited trim debuted in 2022 and kept some of the Denim’s features for a similarly affordable price.
Hyundai sells under 30,000 Venues annually, which is a reasonable volume. Its cost and equipment level are unquestionably affordable. However, some people may find its size a barrier. It shares a showroom with Hyundai’s own somewhat bigger Kona and costs not all that much more than other only slightly larger SUVs. Other options are the Nissan Kicks, Kia Soul, Jeep Renegade, and Chevy Trailblazer. Few do, but they do have a size advantage. Few also provide the value and equipment of the Venue. The Kicks and Soul both lack an optional all-wheel drive (AWD), which may or may not make the others more desirable.
The SE ($20,295), SEL ($22,045), and Limited ($23,545) trim levels of the Venue are offered for 2023. For the 2018 model year, the crossover gained a few additional features, such as a reminder system for the backseat that helps drivers avoid forgetting about passengers or baggage. Customers of the Venue may now enjoy a standard center armrest in addition to a new 4.2-inch gauge cluster display. A 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with 121 horsepower and 113 pound-feet of torque is standard on all versions. It has a front-wheel drive and a continuously variable gearbox. (Destination fees of $1,295 are included in prices.)
Although there is no all-wheel drive option, the Venue has a snow mode that makes it more capable of navigating slick terrain. However, most of the Venue’s rivals include the feature, and Mazda made AWD a standard part on all of its SUVs, including the little (but more expensive) CX-30. Despite this, the Venue feels light-footed while navigating the city and truly performs its function as an urban runabout. On the other hand, the little Hyundai may sometimes seem jittery and anxious when driving along the highway. Additionally, there is more excellent wind and road noise than in some rivals.
Despite the Venue’s unassuming façade, the inside is surprisingly roomy and cozy. The fact that fabric is the standard material for all trimmings will gratify those who favor cloth upholstery. Although leatherette is an option for the top-tier Limited, the fabric on the Venue doesn’t feel cheap. The crossover’s sound design and large windows improve the driver’s field of vision, and including a front armrest makes the interior much more pleasant for longer trips.
Hyundai’s user-friendly infotainment software functions wonderfully on an 8-inch, standard touchscreen. If you like, Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also available. Hyundai’s software isn’t as vibrant or showy as many contemporary systems, but its simplicity makes it less distracting while driving and easier to operate. Hyundai provides a six-speaker upgrade in addition to the regular four speakers; Bluetooth is included in every model. The 2022 model of the Venue obtained a Top Safety Pick designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and a four-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), even though the 2023 model hasn’t received a complete crash test data.
Performance:Hyundai Venue
The Venue from Hyundai has only one engine and could use a little bit more oomph. A continuously variable gearbox (CVT) allows the 1.6-liter four-cylinder to send 121 horsepower and 113 pound-feet of torque to the front wheels. Amazingly, while using the same essential components as the now-discontinued Accent sedan, the Venue doesn’t weigh anymore. However, while the Venue’s acceleration and driving characteristics suit city driving, its vigor wanes at highway speeds. The steering mechanism that makes it seem so alive in town makes it feel a little jittery on wide roads and loud and slow to pass.
Compared to the competition, the Venue’s performance and driving feel—or lack thereof—are its most significant weaknesses. The closest counterpart is The Kicks, which similarly lacks much driving personality. While the Soul appears a bit sharper and more engaging, the Trailblazer is not much more thrilling to drive but offers at least one available engine for a little more vigor.
Hyundai’s Venue lacks elements that Mazda’s CX-30 combines with a premium cabin and a more enjoyable driving experience. The Mazda is much more costly than the other car, with a starting price differential of over $4,000, but if you like driving, the additional money is well spent.
Many people will find the options Hyundai provides more enticing in driving thrill. The Kona is more enjoyable to go, has better engine options, and the Kona N looks like a weird rocket ship, but its pricing is more than the Venues.
Fuel efficiency: Hyundai Venue
Fuel efficiency ratings are streamlined with just one option for powertrains. The aggregate mileage for all venues is 31 mpg (29 city, 33 highway). The 2,600-pound Venue is no exception to the rule that tiny cars have high fuel economy; yet, some somewhat bigger cars have comparable or even better fuel efficiency. Few other crossovers can match the Kicks’ fuel economy of 31 mpg in the city, 36 mpg on the highway, and 33 mpg on the combined highway without purchasing a costly hybrid model, but the others perform well.
The Kia Soul achieves 30 combined mpg unless you choose the EcoDynamics model, which reaches 31. The Chevy Trailblazer achieves 28 combined mpg with front-drive and 30 combinations mpg with the optional 1.3-liter engine in AWD. Hyundai Konas with front-drive as the standard engine is capable of 32 mpg combined. However, AWD variants only manage 28 or 29. The Mazda CX-30’s maximum possible rating is 29.
Safety and driver support technology:
The 2023 Venue hasn’t received a rating from the IIHS, although the 2022 model did. The Venue received “Good” ratings in all crash test categories; however, depending on the configuration, the headlights received either “Acceptable” or “Marginal” ratings. The new Venue has the same driver aids and structural components as the 2022 model, so its crash test results should be comparable.
Last year, the Jeep Renegade and Nissan Kicks did not get the Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ designations, but the Kia Soul and Mazda CX-30 did. To accommodate the increasing number of heavy SUVs and trucks on the road, the IIHS modified its side crash testing standards in 2022. This test has not been performed on the 2022 Venue, which might alter the results for the 2023 model. The 2022 Venue was rated as having a four out of five-star safety rating by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Lane keeps assist, front collision warning with automated braking and pedestrian recognition, and driver attentiveness alerts are all standard safety features. Blind spot warnings and rear cross-traffic alerts are included in the midrange SEL trim, while bike recognition is added to the forward collision assist in the Limited trim.
Comfort and Space
Despite its small look, the Hyundai Venue’s interior defies expectations regarding spaciousness and comfort. Although the front seats aren’t the most luxurious buckets available, they provide adequate cushioning and support and are comfortable for extended periods. The front cabin section of the Hyundai was not given much attention during design, but the room is functional and provides the driver with decent ergonomics. Because of the vast windows and high seats, there is considerable external view.
A testimony to the restrictions of such a compact footprint is the Venue’s maximum of 34.3 inches of back legroom, the least in the market. Midsize-like vehicles include the Chevy Trailblazer’s 39.4, the Mazda CX-30’s 36.3, and even the Trailblazer’s brother, the Kona, give a little bit more at 35.2 and the Renegade 35.1. Additionally, the Kia Soul has 38.8 inches of legroom in the back seats, thanks to a wheelbase that is three inches larger than the Venues.
Some of the most critical components of the Venue’s cabin could need some polish. The armrests are made chiefly of cheap plastic and are not padded.
Infotainment: Hyundai Venue
A standard 8-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, SiriusXM radio, HD radio, and USB ports is included on the Venue. The SE has four speakers as standard, but the SEL and Limited have six. The SE and SEL come standard with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but oddly, the top-tier Limited model does not. However, the Limited does have navigation.
Although some have criticized Hyundai’s infotainment system for being too plain, it is one of the simpler systems on the market. The system is less distracting while driving since it requires fewer touches to navigate menus and modify settings. For a car in the Venue’s price range, wireless smartphone connectivity is also a significant advantage, but the more costly Limited trim needs a cable connection.
Storage & Cargo Space:
The Venue has a storage capacity of 31.9 cubic feet when the rear seats are folded flat and 18.7 cubic feet when they are upright. Although they are good results for its size, it is still the smallest SUV available in this market. The Jeep Renegade responds with 18.5 and 50.8 cubic feet in the exact measurements, while the Chevy Trailblazer delivers 25.3 cubic feet with the seat in place and an outstanding 54.4 cubic feet with the second row folded. Nissan’s Kicks provides 25.3 cubic feet behind the back seats but only 32.3 with the rear seats folded, despite being a foot longer overall on the exterior.
The Kia Soul is the sector leader for luggage space, with 23.4 cubic feet with the seats up and an impressive 62.1 cubic feet with them folded down. This is made possible by its boxy design and larger wheelbase.
Design: Hyundai Venue
Hyundai chose a mid-range design for the Venue, and the crossover’s unremarkable appearance has held up well over time. It may be more enticing to regular shoppers than the boxy Kia Soul since it doesn’t have the quirky split-headlight design of the Hyundai Kona. You can also make out the Palisade if you look closely enough. It looks more proportioned and less ungainly than the Ford EcoSport or Chevy Trax because of the lower ride height.
Hyundai chose to use the above aesthetics when designing the Venue’s interior, which is simple yet functional. The car’s cabin is crammed with cheap plastics and not the most aesthetically pleasing, but the clear labels on the buttons and strong driver ergonomics make up for it.
The Hyundai Venue from 2023 is it worth it?
It’s difficult to suggest anything other than the most costly Venue, with a pricing range of around $25,000. Even with every option—a few, such as a cargo net, roof rails, and floor mats—the Limited trim still falls short of the $25k mark. It has the most lavish amenities, technology, and the coziest interior touches. Yes, bigger SUVs are available at that price, but they often have far less equipment.
However, a midrange Kia Soul or Chevy Trailblazer may be better for individuals seeking maximum luggage capacity or more excellent rear passenger rooms. Customers searching for the segment’s most sporty entry may wish to choose a base Mazda CX-30.
How much does insurance for The Hyundai Venue cost?
Regarding insurance prices, the Hyundai Venue is approximately average compared to its rivals. Although this averages all 50 states, a typical 30-year-old female driver with a clean record may anticipate an average yearly premium of $1,720 for all three trims. In contrast, the average price for the Jeep Renegade is $1,950, $1,937 for the Kia Soul, and $1,746 for the Chevrolet Trailblazer.
Verdict
The Venue, Hyundai’s smallest crossover, expertly combines economy, design, and reasonable comfort to provide a lot of value. Even if the vehicle’s lone front-wheel drive engine lacks vigor and seems inadequate on the interstate, it can handle local transportation. Additionally, it gets 31 mpg combined, which is more than most rivals. Its upright shape provides superb visibility from the outside, while the inside takes design cues from its Hyundai Palisade midsize brother. However, it lacks in terms of baggage space and back seat legroom. However, given that the highest Limited trim costs less than $25k, its value is clear.
