2021 Hyundai Venue Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?

Hyundai has soared to the top of the automotive industry recently, due in part to their global reach and production of stylish yet affordable models. The newest addition is no exception; introducing the 2021 Venue - a modern subcompact SUV/crossover with an eye-catching design that also packs some nice surprises within its cabin.

What's New for 2021?

The Venue has been upgraded for 2021, giving drivers more convenience and style. While the manual transmission is no longer offered, this year's model boasts a Continuously Variable Automatic Transmission that creates an even smoother drive than before. Also included are alloy wheels instead of steel to add some extra pizzazz alongside driver-assist technologies on higher trims like the SEL - complete with a luxurious leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob.

 

Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2021 Hyundai Venue – The Pros

1. Easy to Afford

Budget is going to be the number one factor for many consumers. The Venue should catch the eye of anyone looking for a cheaper vehicle. The base model is priced under $19,000, and the mid-level trim has a starting price that manages to be lower than $20,000. Since $20,000 is likely going to a be a threshold for a large subset of potential buyers, this is a really key point. Even the top-level Denim trim starts at $22,050, which is still a reasonable amount.

2. Has a Versatile Cabin

The Venue boasts impressive cargo room for its small size and frame. With a 60/40 split rear seat configuration, the possibilities are virtually endless – create an abundance of storage space with up to 32 cubic feet when both sides of the backseat are folded down or access 18.7 cubic feet in seconds by leaving it as is! This versatile cabin offers plenty of options for transporting large items without compromising on passenger seating capacity.

3. Standard Technology Is Impressive

With the latest standard tech packed into the 2021 Venue, you'll always stay connected and safe on your journeys. The eight-inch touchscreen makes accessing real-time information a breeze, as well as giving compatibility with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay & Android Auto for cell phone integration conveniently done in one spot. Plus it's so user friendly that no matter how technologically savvy you are - getting up to speed is easier than ever.

4. Advanced Technology Is Available

The Denim trim and SEL models feature an advanced infotainment system, bringing navigational convenience with turn-by-turn directions. For those seeking a wider range of music options on the road, HD Radio and SiriusXM are both equipped in this package - providing crystal clear sound without signal interruptions. So don't worry about having to cling to your phone for navigation anymore; these vehicles have you covered.

5. Clever Ideas for Storage

In the back of every Venue, there's a dual-level cargo floor. The higher level is ideal for when heavy items need to be loaded, as it allows someone to easily slide the item back and forth. The lower level provides some extra vertical space in case a box or piece of furniture is particularly tall.

In addition, the cargo area comes standard with a cover. This keeps items out of sight and provides some privacy.

6. Has Great Mileage

An advantage to driving a new Hyundai Venue is that trips to the gas station could be fairly infrequent. The crossover gets an estimated 30 miles per gallon in the city and 33 miles per gallon on the highway. Having a combined fuel economy of 31 miles per gallon is excellent and makes the Venue stand out in a crowded field. This also means that long-term fuel costs will be relatively low.

7. Packed With Safety Components

Like other Hyundais, the Venue is equipped with numerous driver-assist systems. These aren't always included in other models in this price category, so they help the Venue attract more attention from people concerned about safety.

Standard on the SE are forward collision-avoidance assist (which comes with pedestrian detection), a driver attention warning program that alerts people when they need to pay more attention to the roads, and lane keeping assist. This last system can alert drivers when they're drifting to the side of their lanes and could even correct steering, in a gentle and safe manner. It doesn't work if a turn signal is activated, so there's no need to be concerned when a change in steering is intentional. With the forward collision-avoidance assist, drivers will be alerted when they're approaching other vehicles or pedestrians too quickly; if they don't react appropriately, a Venue can independently apply pressure to the brakes to try to avoid an accident.

8. The Denim Is Unique

The highest trim available with the Venue is the Denim. The Denim has a blue/denim exterior paint color and a white roof. This two-tone look is very striking and makes the vehicle feel more upscale and sporty. Inside the cabin, the color scheme continues. The Denim is also the only trim to have LED daytime running lights, LED taillights, and heated outside mirrors as standard features. Those mirrors are painted white to match the roof.

9. Comfortable Seating

The Venue is practical on many levels. Five people can sit comfortably in the cabin, as there is enough space to accommodate three passengers in the back. Cloth seats are standard, and heated front seats are standard in the Denim and available in the SEL. Keeping people comfortable from a temperature standpoint can be either a manual or automatic climate system.

10. Available High-End Features

If anyone has a taste the finer things, there's the opportunity to upgrade the Venue to match those preferences. A power sunroof is available, and it's the type where it can be slid open or tilted open to let in fresh air. Even when closed, it can be nice to have because it brings more natural light into the cabin. The SEL can be upgraded with a proximity key system, which comes automatically as part of the Denim trim. With a proximity key, the key fob can stay in someone's pocket while he/she simply touches the door handle to unlock it. Push-button start is bundled with the proximity key and is convenient as well.

 

Reasons Not to Buy a 2021 Hyundai Venue – The Cons

1. Forced To Stick With Front-Wheel Drive

There is no option for all-wheel drive with the 2021 Hyundai Venue. For some, this is a major disadvantage. All-wheel drive is highly sought after in certain regions that frequently experience snowy and icy weather. It can be helpful when hitting the trails, too.

2. Limited Upgrades

The Venue may be packed with desirable features, yet its SEL and Denim trims don't offer quite everything. If you're after the luxury touch of leather seats or ventilated front seating, as well as a warm steering wheel for those cold morning drives, this car won't provide these details but other vehicles might just fit your needs.

3. Engine Is Lackluster

The Venue is equipped with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, which provides enough power to get the job done - but don't expect anything thrilling. With only 121 horsepower and 115 pound-feet of torque available, there's no chance for an adrenaline rush while driving this vehicle. Unfortunately Hyundai has not offered any larger or turbocharged engines as options on the model either.

How it Stacks Up to the Competition:

 

2021 Hyundai Venue vs 2021 Chevy Trax

While the Trax is another competitively priced subcompact, it's not quite as affordable as the Venue is. Its base model is around the same price point as that of the Denim trim. Rear cross-traffic alert and blind zone monitoring, which are standard on two out of the three Venue trims, is only an option on the LT trim and not available on the LS trim of the Venue. The driver attention warning system that the Venue has is also not found in the Trax. One other disadvantage to the Trax in comparison with the Venue is that it's less efficient.

2021 Hyundai Venue vs 2021 Toyota C-HR

The Toyota C-HR is a solid option for those in the market for a subcompact. However, its rear seat is much smaller than the one in the Hyundai Venue, so it might not be ideal for those who plan on having adults ride in the back. Like the Venue, the C-HR feels youthful and modern, but it doesn't have an available two-tone color scheme. One final reasons why some may prefer the Venue over the C-HR is that the Hyundai has slightly better gas mileage.

Final Thoughts

While the Hyundai Venue may not have every feature that a buyer would want, its versatility and affordability make it an attractive option for many. It has a great interior design, useful features such as dual-level cargo floor, impressive safety and driver assist technologies, economic fuel efficiency and more. Despite some drawbacks such as limited upgrades with SEL and Denim trims or underwhelming engine power, the Venue still stands out among other cars in its class and has much to offer. Those looking for a comfortable ride with modern features and plenty of cargo space should strongly consider this vehicle. There will certainly be something that appeals to your needs and lifestyle.