Space is surprisingly generous in Hyundai Venue
Introverted subcompact city runner is big on saving money
BIG and brawny utility vehicles aren’t to everyone’s liking, or to their requirements. If a small-and-tall wagon-type model would suit you just fine, then there are vehicles such as the Hyundai Venue.
After introducing the full-size, eight-passenger Palisade for 2019, Hyundai addressed the opposite end of the spectrum by adding the subcompact Venue. It was also launched for 2019 and is the smallest vehicle of its type in the company’s portfolio.
The Venue’s understated yet practical styling is dominated by a fulsome grille, a tall roofline and generously sized front, rear and side glass. The body lines are crisp, with minimal front and rear overhangs, which suggests that the Venue is ready to play beyond where the pavement ends. That territory remains beyond the little Hyundai’s comfort zone, however, since allwheel drive is absent from the options list.
That shouldn’t be of major concern for buyers seeking basic transportation, but it could be a factor for people living where winter can pack the occasional wallop. The Nissan Kicks, a prime competitor, is also strictly front-wheel drive.
Compared with the Nissan, the Venue is 10 inches shorter and there’s 3 inches less distance between the front and rear wheels. In fact, of all the new subcompact cars on the market, only the Mitsubishi Mirage and the Mini Cooper cast a smaller shadow.
Diminutive as it is, the amount of passenger and stowage space with the back seat upright or folded flat is surprisingly generous. The seats are also nicely finished and feel supportive, and thanks to a tall roofline, they’re easily accessible.
For 2023, Hyundai has thoughtfully included a sliding center armrest between the front seats as standard equipment. Also added is a rear-occupant alert to remind drivers to check behind them before leaving the vehicle.
The dashboard is a paragon of simplicity, with easy-to-use knobs and switches for the audio and climate controls. The driver’s info screen is easy to read and clearly marked, as is the standard 8-inch touch screen positioned between the twin air vents. The oldschool-style manual parking brake handle is equally straightforward.
The Venue’s 1.6-liter four-cylinder is rated at 121 horsepower and 113 poundfeet of torque. It works well in stop-and-go situations and gets up to speed relatively quickly.
On the highway, however, the Venue comes up flat during passing maneuvers or when heading up inclines. The fact that it weighs about 2,600 pounds does offset the power shortfall, but only to a limited degree.
Otherwise, the Venue’s direct steering rack serves it well when cornering and the suspension delivers a comfortable ride over smooth and uneven pavement.
A continuously variable transmission is standard across the line. The available six-speed manual transmission was deleted after the 2020 model year.
When the Venue is properly equipped, it’s rated to tow 2,400 pounds.
Fuel economy is pegged at 29 mpg in the city, 33 on the highway and 31 combined.
In addition to saving money at the pumps, the Venue’s $20,800 base price, including destination charges, makes it relatively affordable.
The base SE comes with the most power-operated functions plus 15-inch alloy wheels and a four-speaker audio system with Bluetooth connectivity. Also standard is forward-collision intervention with pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist and driver-attention warning.
The midgrade SEL gets climate control, power sunroof, roof rails, six-speaker audio system and 17-inch alloy wheels. Blind-spot detection with rear cross-traffic alert is also included.
The top-level Limited gets navigation, heated front seats, wireless phone charging and LED headlights and taillights. For some reason, the Limited doesn’t come with a power sunroof that’s exclusive to the SEL.
The Venue does have its obvious limitations, but as a short-haul commuter/ grocery-getter, it checks off most boxes and might just might be your kind of niche vehicle.