Hyundai Venue 2024: The Economical Option

The automotive industry has undergone significant transformation in recent years. While the massive influx of electric vehicles has marked the sector, what has suffered the most is the apparent abandonment of affordable vehicles by consumers. Is this really the case? In my opinion, it seems more like manufacturers have deliberately stopped producing genuinely interesting, affordable vehicles simply because it is less profitable. Fortunately, there are exceptions to this rule, as demonstrated by Hyundai with the Venue. Despite its attractive price, the Korean manufacturer's SUV offers everything one could wish for in a modern vehicle. Moreover, sales prove that this formula works, with the Venue being far from the least popular model in the brand's lineup.

Hyundai has made some minor improvements for the year 2024. It is also worth noting that the manual transmission is no longer available for the Venue, as the vast majority of buyers have opted for the CVT, leading to its elimination.

Range and Prices

The 2024 Hyundai Venue range essentially consists of three versions. Firstly, the Venue Essential, despite its name, offers much more than the essentials. Indeed, this version features an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as heated seats. These are features that most entry-level versions do not offer, even for models significantly more expensive than the Venue. Next is the Preferred version, which offers a very interesting level of equipment for $25,571. Finally, the Ultimate version sits at the top of the range with a starting price of $28,071. What makes the purchasing process even more enjoyable is the fact that the Hyundai Venue does not offer too many options. Therefore, the bill hardly changes from the moment you select a version.

Category and Competition

After subcompact cars, the subcompact SUV category is one of the most threatened with disappearance at the current pace. Fortunately, the popularity of the few models still in place seems to deter manufacturers from eliminating them. The Hyundai Venue is a major player in its segment.

Rivals: Chevrolet Trax, Kia Soul, Nissan Kicks

Design and Technologies

Designing an affordable vehicle that has everything to offer is not easy, but Hyundai's engineers have experience in this area, as evidenced by the past success of the Accent. Thus, we have a vehicle like the Venue, both stylish, modern, and elegant. Ultimately, the Venue is a success in every way.

This is particularly evident in the interior of the Korean SUV, which benefits from well-thought-out ergonomics and an interesting design. The Venue's interior is surprisingly spacious and highly functional, not to mention that the small Korean SUV offers an impressive technological level.

Performances

The 2024 Hyundai Venue offers a single mechanical combination, starting with a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine. Despite its 121 horsepower and 113 pound-feet of torque, this engine is well-suited for a small SUV like the Hyundai Venue. As for the transmission, a continuously variable transmission (CVT) is available. Personally, it's not my preferred type of transmission, but one eventually gets used to it. Finally, the small Korean SUV only offers front-wheel drive. This feature is criticized by some, but I sincerely believe that such an affordable small vehicle doesn't need to offer all-wheel drive to be appealing quite the opposite. Regarding fuel consumption, Hyundai claims an average of 7.9 L/100 km in the city and 6.9 L/100 km on the highway for its small SUV. This makes it one of the most fuel-efficient non-hybrid SUVs on the market, even surpassing the majority of hybrid SUVs in this regard.

Weak Points

It is not particularly well-insulated, and the quality of the interior finish leaves something to be desired in some places. However, can we really demand so much from one of the most affordable vehicles on the market?

Strong Points

Its price, complete standard equipment, and friendly personality are just a few of the elements that allow the Hyundai Venue to stand out among other vehicles. It is a very enjoyable small vehicle to drive in the city and surprisingly comfortable.

Signature Element

I am forced to admit that the Hyundai Venue boasts one of the best value-for-money ratios on the market.

Final Word

In a market where the average cost of a vehicle exceeds $60,000 and where it is rare to find a new model below $30,000, the Hyundai Venue makes enthusiasts happy with its price range oscillating between $23,571 and $28,071. Yet, it is far from being an incomplete and rudimentary vehicle. The small Korean SUV has everything it takes to please and appeal to a wide audience.

Jean-Sébastien Poudrier