2020 Hyundai Venue

Into the rapidly growing subcompact utilities segment comes the 2020 Hyundai Venue. The brand family resemblance is clear, but with slightly more compact dimensions than the Kona, and more rugged looking than rivals like the Nissan Kicks. 

Hyundai’s all-new entry-level SUV is clearly a 5-door urban runabout, so front-drive only. Powering this tiny Hyundai, is a tiny 1.6-liter I4, rated at only 121-horsepower. A 6-speed manual is standard on the base model…  higher trims use a CVT. The combination proved up to the task during our drive from Miami to Key West. The suspension set up is what you’d expect at this price level…  MacPherson Struts up front and a torsion beam in the rear. The ride naturally isn’t as plush as more well-equipped models… but comfortable for a daily commuter.

"The Venue maneuvers really well and it’s easy to park. It does not have AWD but does have a 3-mode traction control system which offers normal, sport and snow. Once in snow mode getting the Venue to move from stop to start is pretty easy."

As with most direct rivals, interior space seems narrow, and Venue cargo space is less than the Kicks. Most controls and 8-inch touchscreen, however, are easy to use. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard. The Venue includes features grander than its size suggest…like Emergency Braking, Lane Keeping Assist, and Blind-Spot Collision Warning.

With car’s disappearing and SUV prices climbing… the 2020 Hyundai Venue is proof affordable, efficient, and capable daily transportation is still available. On sale now, the price starts at just over $17,000.