Overview
As the average selling price for a new vehicle rises to $50,000, it becomes increasingly difficult to imagine that vehicles exist starting at nearly 60 percent less. The 2024 Hyundai Venue SUV, with its incredibly low base price—which includes standard driver-assist tech like lane-keep assist and forward collision avoidance assist—is just that. Its budget-conscious price means buyers will have to do without important features like all-wheel drive, while more expensive rivals from Mazda and Volkswagen can power all four wheels. The Hyundai’s interior is open and airy, though, with a surprising amount of space given its diminutive exterior dimensions. And while it struggles for passing maneuvers in highway driving, the 121-hp four-cylinder is perfectly suited for slower-moving urban environments.
What’s New for 2024?
Not much about the Venue has changed for the 2024 model year. The previously unavailable second-row USB port is now standard on SEL and Limited models. Keyless entry with push-button start—previously exclusive to the Limited trim—has flowed over to the SEL, and the base SE now receives a six-speaker audio system.
Price and Which One to Buy
We think the top Limited trim is the best to get. Not only does it have all the content found on the other two models, it can also be had with a unique Denim exterior and interior treatment that includes a dark blue exterior shade with a contrasting white painted roof. The cabin is also decorated in dark blue upholstery with denim-like fabric inserts on the seats. The Limited trim level also comes standard with 17-inch wheels, heated front seats, and in-dash navigation.
Engine, Transmission and Performance
Each Venue is powered by a 121-hp four-cylinder engine, which provides sufficient motivation around town but lacks passing power on the highway. A continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) is the only gearbox. Buyers who want all-wheel drive will be disappointed as all models are front-wheel drive only. We drove the Venue around Miami and found that the subcompact SUV is nimble in traffic thanks to its small proportions and reactive steering. Unfortunately, the steering is sensitive on the highway, and our SEL model often required our attention to stay steady in our lane at highway speeds. That makes us think the little Hyundai is better suited for short trips than road trips.
Real World Fuel Economy and MPG
The Venue is estimated to get 29 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. Those numbers are slightly worse than the Nissan Kicks, which has an estimated 31 mpg city and 36 mpg highway. The one we tested on our 75-mph highway route, which is part of our extensive testing regimen, saw 31 mpg—2 mpg less than its EPA highway rating. For more information on Venue fuel economy, visit the EPA website.
Interior, Comfort and Cargo
Despite its small dimensions, the Venue has a spacious cabin for its size. Both the front and rear seats have ample passenger space, and the cushions in both rows are comfortable. The design isn’t particularly flashy, but the interior is well put together and supported by solid switchgear, and an attractive gauge cluster and infotainment system. A leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob and passive entry with push-button start are standard on the SEL trim, while heated front seats are only available on the Limited. Unfortunately there’s no dual-zone climate control, heated steering wheel, head-up display or power-operated adjustment for the front seats. The base model now comes standard with a center console armrest. Wireless charging, absent on the Venue, is available for the Limited trim. Surprisingly, the Limited trim cannot be ordered with the optional sunroof. Still, the Venue’s cabin is a pleasant place to spend time, and with the 60/40 split-folding rear seats in use, it has 19 cubic feet of cargo space. That number increases to 32 cubes when the rear seats are folded flat.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Each Venue is equipped with a user-friendly 8.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capabilities. The infotainment system has attractive menus that respond quickly to our inputs, and the unit also has useful volume and tuning knobs below the screen. Those looking for built-in navigation with real-time traffic updates can have it on the SEL and Limited. A six-speaker audio system is now standard on all trim levels.
Safety Features and Driver Assistance
Hyundai equips every model with a standard driver assistance technology; blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert become standard starting on the mid-level SEL. For more information on Spot crash test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) website. Key safety features include:
- Standard forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking
- Standard lane departure warning and lane keeping assist
- Standard driver attention monitor
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Hyundai—and its corporate partners, Kia—provides the best powertrain warranty on the market as well as one of the best limited warranty plans as well. Hyundai also offers free scheduled maintenance that beats mainstream rivals such as Toyota.
- The limited warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers 10 years or 100,000 miles
- Free maintenance covered for three years or 36,000 miles
Specifications
Specifications
2020 Hyundai Place
TYPE OF VEHICLE
front engine, front wheel drive, 5-passenger, 4-door hatchback
PRICE AS TESTED
$23,170 (base price: $18,470)
ENGINE TYPE
DOHC 16-valve inline-4, aluminum block and head, port fuel injection
Displacement
98 in31598 cm3
Power
121 hp @ 6300 rpm
Torque
113 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm
TRANSMISSION
automatically changes continuously
CHASSIS
Suspension (F/R): torsion beam/strut
Brakes (F/R): 11.0-in vented disc/10.3-in disc
Tires: Nexen N’Priz AH8, 205/55R-17 91H M+S
C/D
TEST RESULT
Launch, 1 foot: 0.3 seconds
60 mph: 8.5 seconds
100 mph: 28.4 seconds
110 mph: 42.9 seconds
Rolling start, 5–60 mph: 9.0 seconds
Top gear, 30–50 mph: 4.5 seconds
Top gear, 50–70 mph: 6.2 seconds
¼ mile: 16.7 seconds @ 83 mph
Top speed (C/D estimate): 115 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 162 feet
Road grip, 300-foot skid pad: 0.82 g
C/D
OIL ECONOMY
Observed: 28 mpg
75-mph highway driving: 31 mpg
Highway range: 360 miles
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/city/highway: 30–32/27–30/34–35 mpg
More Features and Specifications
