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2021 Hyundai Venue review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise
7 photos

Hyundai Venue highlights

Customer rating

RepairPal reliability rating

(data not available)

Pros

  • Feature packed for the price
  • Roomy, considering the small size
  • Easy to understand controls

Cons

  • Engine feels unrefined at higher speeds
  • All-wheel drive is unavailable
  • Smaller than its already-small rivals

Mileage (EPA estimate)

30 city, 33 highway, 31 combined

Pricing for current inventory

(no current inventory)

7 photos
Price
Year

The small and versatile Hyundai Venue SUV is automatic-only for the 2021 model year

Introduced for the 2020 model year as Hyundai’s entry-level SUV, the tiny 2021 Hyundai Venue carries on with only one noteworthy change: the manual transmission option has been dropped. Otherwise this subcompact SUV remains a solid choice for those looking for a value-packed, roomy (if you’re not too tall), feature-laden small car.

Powering the front wheels only (no AWD here) with a small four-cylinder engine, the Venue has decent power for around town, and it’s surprisingly comfortable for road trips as well. The EPA-estimated combined fuel economy score of 31 mpg is easily competitive for the class, which includes the Nissan Kicks and Toyota CH-R. Fuel economy figures are based on EPA estimates for when vehicle sold as new. Fuel economy may vary for reasons like driving conditions and vehicle history. Unless specified, figures are for vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission. See fueleconomy.gov.

Hyundai packs a lot into the Venue. Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ are standard, and so are basic driver assist functions like automatic emergency braking and lane keeping assist. Higher trim levels offer more equipment, but the Venue is a budget-conscious choice, so note that luxury items like leather seats aren’t on the menu, and neither are more advanced assist features like adaptive cruise control.

All Hyundai Venue years

What is new for the 2021 Hyundai Venue?

  • Venue trims have been upgraded with Satellite Radio Ready as standard equipment this year.
  • The SEL trim now comes with Blind Spot Monitor as standard equipment.
  • The SE trim now comes with Alloy Wheels as standard equipment.

2021 Hyundai Venue trims

Curious how Hyundai Venue trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

SE:

  • 121-hp, 113-lb-ft of torque 1.6L
  • Cloth Seats
  • Rear View Camera
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Power Mirrors
  • Side Airbags
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Traction Control
  • Cruise Control
  • View our Hyundai Venue SE inventory

SEL:

Denim:

Hyundai Venue photos

5 reasons to buy the 2021 Hyundai Venue

What We Like

Value: The Venue packs in a long list of standard features, making it a tough-to-beat value proposition. Its top-notch build quality is compounded by upscale-feeling touches like an available leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, helping the Venue feel like it punches above its price tag.

Storage and cargo: On one hand, the Venue’s 18.7 cu-ft of cargo space behind the rear seats doesn’t sound like much, but the space itself is very usable thanks to how Hyundai has laid out the cargo area. On top of that, there’s an adjustable load floor and a stowable cargo cover. The Venue’s hatch opens wide and has a low loading height, making it easy to get heavy items inside. There’s also decent space up front for your various personal items.

Interior and technology: If you’re not much taller than 6 feet, the Venue’s interior offers up decent space in front, and it’s easy to get in and out. The thoughtful interior design also has logically arranged and clearly labeled buttons and knobs. Considering the price, the Venue has good technology as well, with its standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus basic driver assist systems.

What Needs Improvement

Driving fun: With the deletion of the manual transmission, the Venue loses the little bit of driving fun it once had. While it nails the basics, we wish it had a bit more responsiveness in the steering, or a little more playfulness from the suspension to elevate the driving experience.

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

3.3 out of 5

3 customer reviews

Hyundai Venue features and specs

Denim 2WD 4D Sport Utility

Standard Features

  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Alloy Wheels
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Android Auto
  • Apple CarPlay
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • Cruise Control
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Leatherette & Cloth
  • Navigation System
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear View Camera
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Side Airbags
  • Smart Key
  • Traction Control

Drive Wheels

Front Wheel Drive (2WD)

Engine size

1.6L

Horsepower

121

Torque (ft-lbs)

113

Engine type

Gas

Fuel capacity

11.9

Wheelbase

99.2"

Overall length

159.1"

Width

69.7"

Height

61.6"

Leg room

F 41.3"/R 34.3"

Head room

F 39.4"/R 38.6"

Front tires

P205/55HR17

Rear tires

P205/55HR17

Seating capacity

5

Transmission

Automatic

2021 Hyundai Venue FAQ

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