2021 Hyundai Kona vs Venue

The market for subcompact SUVs models is hot right now. So much so that many brands are beginning to produce multiple subcompact SUV models that compete alongside rivals and among each other. For Hyundai, the development of the 2021 Kona and the 2021 Venue has given buyers two subcompact SUV selections to choose from. Staying vested in the Hyundai brand, shoppers can evaluate each of these models against each other to decide which one best matches their specific needs. Passenger accommodations, powertrain components, and safety elements are just some of the most basic comparisons that must be considered between the 2021 Hyundai Kona and the 2021 Hyundai Venue.

With so many vehicle options to choose from, why should one consider purchasing a 2021 Hyundai Kona or a 2021 Hyundai Venue? To begin with, these two subcompact SUVs feature a different look than most others. While many vehicles of this size stick with their signature brand styling, the Kona and the Venue dare to take their appearance outside the bounds of the Hyundai brand. The features within both models are so enticing that buyers are instantly drawn in. Yet, their design elements and aesthetic are so different buyers can have a hard time choosing between them. Simply put, the 2021 Hyundai Kona and 2021 Hyundai Venue are different from the others. It is this exclusivity that buyers are interested in.

If smaller SUVs that are loaded with equipment are attractive to you, you will find two exceptional models to choose from in the newest Hyundai lineup. The 2021 Hyundai Kona and the 2021 Hyundai Venue compete fiercely for the top spot as an affordable subcompact SUV, so let us see which one will take it.

Size and Styling

Despite their eccentric style efforts, the 2021 Hyundai Kona still boasts the look of a standard athletic crossover. Its sporty black accents and bold demeanor take an aggressive stance. Although it appears smaller in size than the 2021 Hyundai Venue, the Hyundai Kona is longer, wider, and boasts a vaster wheelbase. Yet, the boxlike exterior structuring of the 2021 Hyundai Venue gives it an advantage over the Hyundai Kona in terms of height. When shopping for a subcompact SUV, nobody expects these models to tower over the competition. However, a little extra space for passengers and cargo does not hurt, either.

These models each hold up to five passengers in their current seating capacity, but passengers are inherently more comfortable in the larger 2021 Hyundai Kona. Boasting three more inches of passenger volume and more shoulder room, the 2021 Hyundai Kona offers more room for stretching within its cabin. In many areas, including leg room and hip space, however, the 2021 Hyundai Venue is nearly identical to the 2021 Hyundai Kona. You will not find much difference in the innate comfort of the seats in either of these models, as well. The Kona and the Venue are both accompanied by optional cloth seats and second-row bench seats.

Cargo space is always a serious concern in any new vehicle purchase, but especially so in a vehicle like the Kona and Venue that are meant to be more accommodating than others. The 2021 Hyundai Kona excels in the incorporation of extra space for cargo storage, and it implements 45.8 cubic feet of cargo area in the rear. Comparatively, the 2021 Hyundai Venue offers just 31.9 cubic feet of cargo space. When the rear seat it folded up, however, these two models offer nearly the exact same amount of room for storage. It is not until the rear seat is folded down that their differences begin to shine through.

Drivability

Performance and handling are highly considered in the evaluation of subcompact SUV models, because typically these vehicles are driven on various terrain and in rough road conditions. Once again, the 2021 Hyundai Kona goes above and beyond to prove what it is capable of. Powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, the Kona can produce 147 horsepower and is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. A turbocharged four-cylinder is also offered as an upgrade for specific Kona trims. This engine, however, is paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission which handles this type of power better.

Although the 2021 Hyundai Venue does produce as much horsepower, its four-cylinder engine can still put out 121hp at its best. However, its pairing with a continuously variable transmission shows of its modern side as an advantage over the 2021 Hyundai Kona. All Hyundai Venue models are strictly front-wheel drive for 2021, which can be disappointing for those in search of an all-wheel drive SUV. Despite this downfall, one cannot deny the 2021 Hyundai Venue is motivated under the hood giving it plenty of street credibility.

Buyers expect subcompact SUVs to be competitive in their fuel efficiency. After all, they often lack the size of a mid-size or full-size SUV, which is known for sucking down fuel quickly. The 2021 Hyundai Kona and the 2021 Hyundai Venue fit in well with rivals for their fuel efficiency. The 2021 Kona averages 32 highway mpg with its most popular turbocharged engine, while the 2021 Venue which earns a slightly better 33 highway mpg with its implementation of a CVT. Although these numbers are not anything spectacular, they are perfectly sufficient for the type of vehicle we are evaluating.

Comfort, Options and Performance

For every area in which the 2021 Hyundai Kona and 2021 Hyundai Venue are compared, the Kona tends to take the lead. It is not until we consider the style of these two subcompact SUVs that the Venue triumphs over its rival in the Kona. Eccentric on the outside and charismatic on the inside, the 2021 Hyundai Venue takes pride in its style. From the time you lay your eyes on the 2021 Hyundai Venue, you can tell this SUV offers a different kind of style. From its two tone interior to its superior gauge cluster to its modern infotainment system, the 2021 Hyundai Venue is stylish and sophisticated with a twist. Yet, this subcompact SUV is lacking many tech amenities that would allow it to actively compete with rivals in its class.

In comparison, the 2021 Hyundai Kona offers a more down-to-earth style. Heated front seats, simple gauges, and automatic climate control allow the Kona to take the edge over the Venue. These attributes are present even in the base model of the 2021 Hyundai Kona, which gives all buyers access to this functional technology. Even the Kona's steering wheel has definitive stitching and a leather and wood grain appearance with audio controls nicely situated atop. However, the interior of the 2021 Hyundai Kona still looks inferior to that of the 2021 Hyundai Venue.

How these models feel when they are being driven also makes a big impact on consumer preference between the two. The 2021 Hyundai Venue is playful, spunky, and immediately reactive to commands. In fact, this model is so enthusiastic that it can be difficult to maintain when traveling at highway speeds. Comparatively, the 2021 Hyundai Kona does a better job of smoothing out any bumps in the road and creating a seamless ride for passengers. The Kona feels heavy while driving and its agility creates a sense of fun and excitement for drivers.

Safety

Modern safety amenities make it easier than ever to improve crash avoidance and promote passenger safety in new models. Unfortunately, some vehicles still fail to implement safety features that could provide these advantageous qualities. Such is the case for the 2021 Hyundai Venue, which only receive a four-star safety rating from the NHTSA and was not named as a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS. It is lackluster headlights and inefficient child LATCH car seat safety system were the culprits of this model's downfall from this safety rating agency.

Still yet, the 2021 Hyundai Venue offers several driver assistive safety attributes to promote awareness during driving activities. Forward-collision warning, automated emergency braking, and lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist are all found as standard amenities for the 2021 Hyundai Venue. Despite its lack of award-winning safety attributes, the Hyundai Venue is still equipped with driver assistive safety features for the benefit of passengers.

In comparison, however, the 2021 Hyundai Kona seems to have performed better in crash testing efforts and safety evaluations. In fact, this subcompact SUV was awarded a five-star safety rating by the NHTSA and was named as a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS. These are the most prestigious safety rankings that can be achieved by either of these entities. The standard safety equipment of the 2021 Hyundai Kona is likely to appease buyer in search of the latest driver assistive safety amenities. Not only does this model feature a driver-attention monitor as a standard enhancement, but it also includes automated emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high-beam headlamps as standard across all models, as well.

Which Model to Choose?

To begin the process of comparing two vehicle models for purchase, one must weigh all the ways in which they can differ and begin prioritizing the qualities that mean the most to them. In this case, we reviewed the performance, comfort, design, and safety of the 2021 Hyundai Kona and 2021 Hyundai Venue to decide which subcompact SUV is a better model overall. What we found is that these models each excel in different areas, which makes it difficult to choose one over the other. Yet, when you begin comparing the characteristics you find to be useful and attractive in an SUV, the right model for you becomes a bit clearer.

If you are looking for a reliable vehicle that is traditional, but well-equipped, the 2021 Hyundai Venue fits the bill. Other than its eccentric exterior appearance, there is not much that stands out in this model from other subcompact SUV models. It is largely normal in its interior elements and safety achievements, as well as its fuel economy. Although the 2021 Hyundai Venue is much different than rivals in its exterior appearance, there is not much that stands out from other options within its cabin. However, its affordability does make it a strong competitor in its respective market segment.

Comparatively, nearly everything about the 2021 Hyundai Kona is fresh and new. It has received exemplary safety ratings from two different agencies, pours on innovative tech amenities, and boasts a larger engine with an option to upgrade. The 2021 Hyundai Kona is everything you could want in a subcompact SUV, and the best part is that it does not cost that much more than the 2021 Hyundai Venue. For two thousand dollars more, buyers can gain access to extra features and more tech amenities. This is a trade-off many shoppers are willing to make.

For this reason, we consider the 2021 Hyundai Kona to be the clear winner over the 2021 Hyundai Venue. The 2021 Hyundai Venue is perfectly fine if it meets your simplistic style and budget-friendly attitude, but you can just get so much more out of the 2021 Hyundai Kona for a similar price.