Overview
The diminutive 2022 Hyundai Venue might look like it’d fit a piggy bank, but it definitely won’t break the bank. That’s because the Venue is one of the cheapest crossovers sold in America. Don’t confuse its bargain pricing for a lack of desirable features or a cut-rate interior. On the contrary, every Venue has a host of standard driver assists and a robust infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The subcompact ute is funky and small on the outside, but inside its spaciousness is as surprising as its quality furnishings. While it’s not available with all-wheel drive, and its engine labors on the highway, it’s perfectly suited for the speed limits and tight spaces that define urban areas. Kept in its natural habitat, the 2022 Venue is a compelling and low-cost crossover that’s really more of a high-riding hatchback.
What’s New for 2022?
The Venue lineup doesn’t undergo any significant changes for the 2022 model year. However, Hyundai makes the decision to rename the top-tier Denim trim. While there was something charming about the funky fabric moniker, the switch to the Limited model name better aligns with the marketing hierarchy on the brand’s other products.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
We think the top-of-the-line Limited trim is the one to get. Not only does it have all the content that comes on the other two models, it also has distinct exterior and interior treatments. The former includes 17-inch wheels, a white-painted roof, and an exclusive Denim paint job (also the only color available). The latter consists of leatherette upholstery with a unique Denim combination. The only options are an assortment of dealer-installed accessories.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Every Venue is powered by a 121-hp four-cylinder engine, which delivers sufficient motivation around town but has a complete lack of passing power on the highway. A continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) is the only gearbox. Shoppers who want all-wheel drive will be disappointed because all models are front-drive only. We recently drove a Venue around Miami and learned that the subcompact SUV is agile in traffic thanks to its small proportions and reactive steering. Unfortunately, that steering was touchy 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 tiny Hyundai is better suited for short commutes rather than highway road trips.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The Venue is estimated to earn 29 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. Those numbers are slightly worse than those of the Nissan Kicks, which has estimates of 31 mpg city and 36 mpg highway. The Venue that we tested on our 75-mph highway route, which is part of our extensive testing regimen, saw 31 mpg—2 mpg short of its EPA highway rating. For more information about the Venue’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Despite its small dimensions, the Venue has a roomy 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 assembled and bolstered by sturdy switchgear, and an attractive gauge cluster and infotainment system. A leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob are standard and the SEL trim; heated front seats and passive entry with push-button start are optional but standard on the Limited. Too bad there’s no dual-zone climate control, heated steering wheel, head-up display, power-operated adjustments for the front seats, or wireless phone charging. Also, base models don’t have a center armrest, and the top Limited model isn’t available with a sunroof. Still, the Venue 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 room. That volume increases to 32 cubes when the back seat is folded flat.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Every Venue comes with a user-friendly 8.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability. The infotainment system has attractive menus that responded 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. Otherwise, the base SE has an audio system with four speakers, while the SEL and Limited offer six.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Hyundai outfits every model with standard driver-assistance technology; blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert become standard starting on the mid-level SEL. For more information about the Venue’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
- Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
- Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
- Standard driver-attention monitor
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Hyundai—and its corporate counterpart, Kia—provide the best powertrain warranty on the market as well as one of the best limited warranty plans, too. Hyundai also offers complimentary scheduled maintenance that bests mainstream rivals such as Toyota.
- Limited warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers 10 years or 100,000 miles
- Complimentary maintenance is covered for three years or 36,000 miles
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