All versions of the Hyundai Venue are powered by a 1.6L 4-cylinder engine making 121 horsepower with that power being sent to the front wheels via either a 6-speed manual transmission or through Hyundai's IVT. The IVT, like other continuously variable transmissions on the market, doesn't have set gears and is instead able to adjust ratios on the fly for maximum efficiency. Though the Venue makes only modest power, it's light enough that the vehicle doesn't feel too sluggish and the upshot is about 34 mpg on the highway, excellent for a crossover vehicle.
There are only three trim levels for the Venue's first year on the market starting with the base SE version. Standard features include an 8-inch color touchscreen in the dash housing both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, a USB input and auxiliary input jacks for smartphone and device connectivity, Bluetooth, a rearview camera, Hyundai's Lane Keep Assist, Forward Collision Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian Detection systems and power adjustable rear view mirrors.
The SEL comes standard with the IVT transmission and also includes better rear brakes, roof rails, 15-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, a drive mode selector with an included snow mode, automatic temperature control for the HVAC system, dual USB ports, steering wheel mounted audio controls and an upgraded stereo.
Two option packages are available on the SEL, the Convenience package includes a sunroof, more interior storage, a leather wrapped steering wheel and a blind-spot warning system. Meanwhile the Premium Package includes heated front seats and mirrors, LED headlights, taillights and running lights, 17-inch wheels and satellite navigation.
The top of the line version of the Venue is dubbed the Denim trim. It comes in only one exterior color (blue) though it does get a funky paint scheme owing to its white-painted roof. The interior of the Denim gets partial leatherette seating surfaces, front seat heaters, LED headlights and taillights, LED daytime running lights, a blind spot warning system, 17-inch alloy wheels, heated exterior mirrors and a chrome grille.
Inexpensive Price
Extroverted Styling
Good Use Of Interior Space
Fun Color Options
Fuel Economy
The Hyundai Venue is all new for the 2020 model year. It is the smallest crossover vehicle in their lineup, as well as the least expensive, starting at just a few thousand dollars less than the Hyundai Kona. Hyundai has aimed its marketing at urban millennials where the Venue's combination of compact size, practicality, looks and fuel economy should make it a consideration for anyone looking into buying a small crossover.
The Venue competes with other subcompact crossover vehicles such as the Ford EcoSport and the Nissan Kicks. While the Venue starts at several thousand dollars less than the Ford EcoSport, it also manages to undercut the Nissan Kicks by over a thousand dollars. Unlike those two, the Venue seems unashamed of what it is, with stand-out styling, bright color choices and even the option of a two-tone paint job from the factory. The Venue also packs a surprising amount of technology into the small Crossover with innovative safety features such as Lane Keep Assist standard on even the base model.
