The 2024 Hyundai Venue continues to stand out as a compelling option in the subcompact SUV segment, especially for those prioritizing affordability and urban maneuverability. Even in its top-tier Limited trim, the Venue remains accessibly priced, starting under $25,000 including destination charges. In a market where car prices are steadily climbing, the Venue offers remarkable value, providing a stylish and feature-rich alternative to more basic and less inspiring options in the same price range. For buyers seeking an entry-level vehicle that doesn’t compromise on personality, the Venue, with its starting price around $21,000, is a strong contender as one of the most budget-friendly new cars available today.
Hyundai Venue: City Driving Excellence
Where the Hyundai Venue truly shines is in the urban environment. Its compact dimensions and responsive nature make navigating congested city streets and squeezing into tight parking spaces remarkably easy. The 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, while producing 121 horsepower, delivers sufficient pep for city driving, thanks to a lively throttle response. In stop-and-go traffic and around town, the Venue feels agile and practical. However, it’s important to acknowledge the limitations of this powertrain when venturing onto the highway.
Highway Performance and Engine Considerations
The Venue’s modest horsepower becomes more apparent at highway speeds, particularly when tackling inclines or attempting to pass. While adequate for daily commuting, drivers should plan highway maneuvers carefully, as the engine needs to work harder to maintain speed, especially uphill. On steeper highway grades, the continuously variable transmission (CVT) will push the engine to higher RPMs, around 4,000 RPM at 70 MPH, resulting in noticeable engine noise. This characteristic isn’t unique to the Venue, as many vehicles in this price bracket share similar engine performance limitations. Despite this, for its intended purpose as a city car, the Venue’s powertrain is well-suited. Fuel economy is respectable, averaging around 29 MPG in combined driving, although given the engine’s output, some might expect even better figures. This mileage suggests the engine might be working hard even in regular driving conditions.
Surprisingly Spacious Interior for a Subcompact SUV
Despite its diminutive 159-inch length, the Hyundai Venue offers a surprisingly spacious interior. The boxy design maximizes interior volume, creating an airy and comfortable cabin. The driver’s seat is comfortable, and even rear passengers will find adequate space for shorter trips. While not limousine-like in the back, adult passengers will be reasonably comfortable for city commutes and errands. The cargo area also provides practical storage space for groceries and everyday items. The Venue effectively utilizes its small footprint to deliver a functional and roomy interior, exceeding expectations for a subcompact SUV.
Feature-Packed and Tech-Savvy Value Proposition
Even at its affordable price point, the Hyundai Venue is well-equipped with safety and technology features. The Limited trim, in particular, leaves little to be desired, lacking only a heated steering wheel. The 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system is user-friendly and intuitive, featuring Apple CarPlay (wired connection required), blind spot monitoring, a rearview camera, forward collision avoidance, lane keeping assist, and bright LED headlights. For its price, the Venue offers an impressive array of features that most drivers desire in a modern vehicle. While the interior materials consist largely of hard plastics, contributing to a less luxurious feel, they convey a sense of durability. The steering wheel, a key touchpoint, has a pleasant feel in hand.
Fun-to-Drive Dynamics in Urban Settings
In corners and city driving scenarios, the Hyundai Venue reveals a playful and engaging character. Its light weight and compact size contribute to nimble handling and a fun-to-drive attitude. Even at moderate speeds, the Venue responds well to driver inputs and feels balanced and light on its feet. While the steering may transmit some vibrations and road feedback, this adds to a more connected driving experience, avoiding an overly isolated feel. With more power and a sport-tuned chassis, a Hyundai Venue N version could be a truly exciting micro hot hatch. Even in its current form, the Venue encourages drivers to extract the most from its available performance, making city driving more enjoyable.
Final Verdict: Honest and Affordable City Transportation
The Hyundai Venue remains a compelling choice for budget-conscious buyers seeking a stylish and well-equipped city SUV. It’s not a dream car for everyone, but as one of the most affordable new vehicles on the market, it offers exceptional value. With a strong suite of safety features, Hyundai’s 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty for original owners, the Venue presents a genuinely attractive proposition. In a market often filled with inflated prices and compromises, the 2024 Hyundai Venue delivers honest, earnest, and affordable transportation, perfectly suited for the demands of urban life.
Pros:
- Attractive and distinctive design
- Fun and engaging driving demeanor in the city
- Excellent value for money
- Well-equipped with safety and tech features
- Spacious interior for its size
Cons:
- Engine performance is limited, especially on highways
- Engine noise at higher RPMs
- Interior uses hard plastics extensively
