Hyundai took the wraps off its new entry-level subcompact SUV at the 2019 New York International Auto Show. The 2020 Venue slots below the Hyundai Kona in both size and price, which puts it on the small end of the subcompact crossover SUV segment.
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In fact, the Venue will likely end up being the smallest vehicle in that class. At 158.9 inches long overall and 69.7 inches wide, the Venue is about two inches shorter and a shade narrower than the diminutive Ford EcoSport, and a full five inches shorter than the Hyundai Kona. Both the Venue and the Ford EcoSport ride a 99.2-inch wheelbase.
Cargo capacity doesn’t appear to be a strong point of the Venue; it trails its class rivals and even some subcompact-car hatchbacks in total cargo volume. There’s 18.7 cubic feet of space with the rear seats up and 31.9 cu. ft. with the rear seat backs folded down. For comparison, the EcoSport’s respective cargo-area measurements are 20.9 and 50.0 cubic feet.
The Venue’s sole engine is a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine that can be paired with a 6-speed manual or CVT transmission. Hyundai hasn’t released specific horsepower numbers, but the Hyundai Accent subcompact sedan uses this same basic engine, and it’s rated at 130 horsepower there. Official EPA numbers aren’t yet available, but Hyundai estimates that the Venue will deliver up to 33 mpg in combined city/highway driving. Like the Nissan Kicks and Toyota C-HR, all Venues are front-wheel drive; all-wheel drive isn’t available, at least for now.
An 8-inch touchscreen audio display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability is standard. Available features include a navigation system, Hyundai’s Blue Link Connected Car System, heated front seats and side mirrors, sunroof, and 17-inch wheels in place of the standard 15s. An available suite of advanced safety features includes forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, and a driver attention warning system.
The 2020 Hyundai Venue will be built in South Korea and is slated to go on sale in the fourth quarter of 2019. Pricing will be released closer to the on-sale date.
Test Drive: 2018 Hyundai Kona SEL
CG Says:
The new Hyundai Venue might be stingy when it comes to cargo space, but some shoppers might count its petite, urban-friendly dimensions as a plus, and we’re guessing that the small size and lack of available all-wheel drive will enable Hyundai to offer the Venue at aggressively low prices. If the Venue’s pricing comes in appreciably below the Kona’s, Hyundai should have another hit on its hands. The Venue’s styling strikes us as just right, and the color palette includes a few eye-grabbing hues–namely Intense Blue, Green Apple, and Denim—and a contrasting roof color option. “Cheap” is just fine if you’ve got a fun personality, and the Venue looks to have that.
