The 2024 Hyundai Venue continues to impress as a remarkably affordable and stylish subcompact SUV, proving that budget-friendly doesn’t have to mean boring. Starting at just around $21,000 and even in its top-tier Limited trim remaining under $25,000 (including destination charges), the Venue offers exceptional value in a market where prices are constantly rising. For buyers seeking an alternative to bare-bones, entry-level cars, the Venue presents a compelling option with a personality that far exceeds its price tag. Forget the mundane offerings in the same price range; the Hyundai Venue delivers a refreshing dose of character and practicality.
City Smart, Highway Aware: Performance and Driving Dynamics
While the Hyundai Venue shines as an urban runabout, its limitations become apparent on the open highway. The 121-horsepower engine, while adequate for city driving, can feel strained at higher speeds, particularly when tackling inclines. Overtaking maneuvers on the highway require careful planning, and maintaining 70 mph uphill can push the engine to 4,000 RPM, resulting in noticeable engine noise. This is a common trait among vehicles in this price segment, and the Venue’s eager throttle response makes it feel surprisingly peppy in city environments. Fuel economy is decent, averaging around 29 MPG, although some might expect more given the engine’s size and output. However, the Venue’s true strength lies in navigating congested city streets.
Urban Agility and Interior Space
The Venue’s compact dimensions, measuring just 159 inches in length, make it incredibly easy to maneuver and park in tight city spaces. Despite its small footprint, the interior is surprisingly spacious. Front passengers enjoy ample comfort, and even rear adult passengers will find adequate room for shorter trips. The boxy design maximizes interior volume, creating an airy and open feel. The cargo area is also practical, offering enough space for everyday grocery runs and city errands. The Hyundai Venue cleverly utilizes its shape to deliver a comfortable and functional interior within a subcompact frame.
Feature-Rich and Tech-Savvy
Even at its affordable price point, the Hyundai Venue is well-equipped with a range of safety and technology features. The Limited trim, in particular, leaves little to be desired, offering an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, blind spot monitoring, a rearview camera, lane keeping assist, and LED headlights. While the interior does feature hard plastics, contributing to a more utilitarian feel, the overall impression is one of sturdiness, and the steering wheel provides a pleasant tactile experience. The Venue prioritizes essential features and user-friendly technology, making it a smart choice for budget-conscious buyers who don’t want to compromise on modern conveniences.
Fun Factor and Driving Engagement
Despite not being a powerhouse, the Hyundai Venue offers a surprising degree of driving enjoyment. Its light weight and small size contribute to agile and playful handling. It feels nimble in corners and responds well to driver inputs. While the steering provides feedback and some vibrations, this adds to a sense of connection with the road, making the Venue feel more engaging than some competitors. The Hyundai Venue proves that affordable cars can still be fun to drive, especially in urban environments where agility and responsiveness are valued.
Verdict: Honest Value and City Car Champion
The 2024 Hyundai Venue remains a compelling choice for buyers seeking an affordable, stylish, and well-equipped city car. It prioritizes value and functionality, offering a generous array of features and a surprisingly spacious interior in a subcompact package. While not ideal for long highway journeys due to its modest engine, the Venue excels in urban environments, providing agile handling, easy parking, and a fun-to-drive character. Combined with Hyundai’s 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty for the original purchaser, the Venue represents an honest and practical transportation solution, especially for first-time car buyers or city dwellers. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly SUV that doesn’t skimp on style or essential features, the Hyundai Venue deserves a serious look.
Pros:
- Attractive and distinctive design
- Fun and engaging driving demeanor in the city
- Exceptional value for money
- Well-equipped with safety and tech features
- Surprisingly spacious interior for its size
Cons:
- Engine can feel underpowered on highways
- Engine noise at higher RPMs
- Interior uses hard plastics
