Are high car prices getting you down? You’re not alone as the average transaction price for a new vehicle is fast approaching $50,000. That’s well above the price threshold for average Americans, which makes new car buying a significant challenge for most.
But the average transaction price is just that – an average. Just as some people consider Porsche, Lexus, or even a Bugatti, the rest of us are satisfied with what the mainstream manufacturers offer.
Among these value-oriented makes is Hyundai, which still offers a few models with a starting price below $20,000. Count the tiny Hyundai Venue among them, a front-wheel-drive-only subcompact crossover SUV designed to fit the average buyer’s budget.
2022 Hyundai Venue
Exactly what is the Hyundai Venue? Well, it is a tiny crossover, the smallest utility vehicle sold by Hyundai. It is roughly the size of the Hyundai Accent sedan and the two share a common platform.
Hyundai offers the 2022 Venue in three trims – SE ($19,000), SEL ($20,750), and Limited ($22,250). Add $1,245 for the destination charge. Thus, the Venue does cost more than $20,000, but barely. Importantly, a fully equipped model can be had for under $24,000. That is about half the average transaction cost mentioned earlier.
Trim Dissection
With three trims to consider, buyers have a few upgrades within each as they consider their purchase decision. The lone change for 2022 has Hyundai swapping out the Denim trim for the Limited. Everything else carries forward this year.
Hyundai Venue SE ($20,245)
The entry-level SE like the two trims following it comes with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission. Power shuttles to the front wheels. On paper, this model seats five, but four is ideal. Even then, the back seat is best for pre-teens and younger.
The list of standard features includes halogen headlights, automatic high beams, and 15-inch alloy wheels. Inside, the SE comes with cloth seats, a tilt steering column, full power accessories, and air conditioning. On the safety front, Hyundai equips the Venue with automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, driver attention alert, forward collision warning, and pedestrian detection.
Hyundai Venue SEL ($21,995)
Building on the SE, the SEL trim brings in 17-inch alloy wheels and upgrades the standard rear disc brakes to drum brakes. Inside, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a sliding center armrest with a center console, and a sunroof are among the upgrades.
Hyundai also adds automatic climate control, an additional USB port, and a six-speaker audio system. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert is yet another added feature for a model that costs just $1,750 more than the previous trim.
Hyundai Venue Limited ($23,495)
For just another $1,500 more, the Limited trim builds on the SEL. Thus, the price separation between all three trims is just $3,250.
?
This model gains a two-tone exterior with a white roof along with LED headlights. Inside, the Limited trim has imitation leather seats, heated front seats, and push-button start. For reasons not explained, the two smartphone compatibility features are wired here, but wireless in the SEL.
On the Road
We consider the Hyundai Venue a decent Point A to Point B model. This means there is not much exciting about it. Indeed, the engine produces a leisurely 121 horsepower and 113 pound-feet of torque and routes power to the front wheels utilizing a CVT.
This also means the Venue is geared toward fuel economy. In our first few days of driving, the Venue averaged 33.1 mpg. That is commendable for any model, but especially for a crossover. The high profile of such models makes them less efficient than sleek cars. Here, the Venue matches what many small cars deliver and without the added weight of all-wheel drive running gear.
The Venue delivers fast steering and an excellent turning radius. Size matters, but the radius was even better than what we expected. Credit Hyundai with developing a diminutive utility vehicle that does a stellar job of off-setting bumps. Its small size helps in another way – body roll is reasonable, and the Venue pulls in and exits corners with confidence.
Keep in mind that the Venue is not rated to tow. You must start your Hyundai search with the Kona to find a model with a two rating. It has a cargo capacity of 18.7 cubic feet or 31.9 cubic feet with the rear seat folded. That is not very big, but there is ample room for a week’s getaway for two.
Parting Thoughts
The Hyundai Venue is not for everyone. We believe its main appeal is to first-time car buyers or as a second vehicle in a family. It also makes for a decent commuter car.
Hyundai has not abandoned the little guy and for this reason there is much to rejoice. Along with the Accent and compact Elantra, the value is there for those who seek it.
2022 Hyundai Venue Specifications
| Hyundai | 2022 Venue |
|---|---|
| Segment | Subcompact SUV |
| Prices | $19,000 (SE), $20,750 (SEL), $22,250 (Limited) |
| Destination Charge | $1,245 |
| Standard Engine | 1.6-liter, Inline-Four |
| Horsepower | 121 hp @ 6,300 rpm |
| Torque (lb.-ft.) | 113 lb.-ft. @ 4,500 rpm |
| Transmission | Continuously variable |
| Seating | 5 |
| Curb Weight (pounds) | 2,612 to 2,738 |
| Wheelbase (inches) | 99.2 |
| Length (inches) | 159.1 |
| Width (inches) | 69.7 |
| Height (inches) | 61.6 |
| Headroom (f,r…inches) | 39.4 / 38.6 |
| Legroom (f,r…inches) | 41.3 / 34.3 |
| Shoulder room (f,r…inches) | 53.9 / 53.7 |
| Hip room (f,r…inches) | 52.1 / 43.5 |
| Storage (cubic feet) | 18.7 / 31.9 |
| Gross vehicle weight (pounds) | NR |
| Towing (pounds) | NR |
| Payload (pounds) | NR |
| Fuel | regular |
| Fuel Tank (gallons) | 11.9 |
| EPA Fuel MPG (city/highway/combined) | 29 / 33 / 31 |
| Manufacturing Plant | Ulsan, Korea |
Specifications supplied by the manufacturer.
See Also — Breaking Down the 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe
Photos copyright Stumpwater Media Group, LLC. All rights reserved.
