Hyundai Venue: A Comprehensive Review of the Compact SUV

The Hyundai Venue is a compact SUV designed for urban commuters and small families. It combines practicality with modern styling, making it a popular choice in its segment. The 2025 model retains the Venue’s signature boxy design but adds subtle updates to keep it fresh. Inside, the cabin is spacious for its class, with comfortable seating for five and a user-friendly layout. The infotainment system is intuitive, featuring an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Safety is a priority, with standard features like forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and a rearview camera.
Design and Exterior
The Hyundai Venue’s exterior design is characterized by its compact dimensions and upright stance. The 2025 model features a refreshed grille, updated headlights, and new wheel designs. Despite its small size, the Venue offers a surprising amount of cargo space, with 18.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and up to 31.9 cubic feet with the seats folded down. The high roofline ensures ample headroom for passengers, while the large windows provide excellent visibility.
Interior and Comfort
Inside, the Venue boasts a well-designed cabin with high-quality materials for its price range. The seats are comfortable, even on long drives, and the driver’s seat is adjustable to accommodate various body types. The infotainment system is easy to use, with physical buttons for essential functions and a responsive touchscreen. Standard features include Bluetooth connectivity, USB ports, and a six-speaker audio system. Higher trims add amenities like a sunroof, heated seats, and wireless charging.
Performance and Fuel Efficiency
The Hyundai Venue is powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 121 horsepower and 113 lb-ft of torque. It comes paired with either a six-speed manual transmission or a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Front-wheel drive is standard, with no all-wheel-drive option available. While the Venue isn’t the most powerful SUV in its class, it delivers adequate performance for city driving and highway cruising. Fuel economy is a strong point, with the CVT model achieving an EPA-estimated 30 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway.
Safety and Technology
Safety is a highlight of the Hyundai Venue, with standard features including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and a rearview camera. Higher trims add blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. The Venue also excels in technology, offering an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as available navigation and a premium audio system.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Hyundai Venue | Kia Soul | Nissan Kicks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $19,000 | $20,000 | $21,000 |
| Engine | 1.6L 4-cylinder | 2.0L 4-cylinder | 1.6L 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 121 hp | 147 hp | 122 hp |
| Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 30/33 mpg | 29/35 mpg | 31/36 mpg |
| Cargo Space | 18.7 cu. ft. | 18.8 cu. ft. | 25.3 cu. ft. |
| Infotainment Screen | 8-inch | 10.25-inch | 7-inch |
Final Thoughts
The Hyundai Venue is a well-rounded compact SUV that offers great value for money. Its combination of modern design, practical features, and strong safety ratings make it a standout in its segment. While it may lack the power and cargo space of some competitors, its affordability and fuel efficiency more than make up for it. If you’re in the market for a small SUV that doesn’t compromise on features, the Hyundai Venue is worth considering.
References:
Hyundai Official Website
Kia Official Website
Nissan Official Website