Hyundai Venue 2022-2025

Hyundai has unveiled the second-generation 2025 Venue, which is slated to launch on November 4. It now packs a throughly modern design, updated with the latest kit and gets an automatic transmission with the diesel engine. Fancy taking a closer look? Our unveiling story will give you a thorough overview of the new 2025 Hyundai Venue. 

When the Venue was first launched in 2019, it gave a rather sedate segment a shot of features and premiumness which made it stand out immediately from its rivals. Now though, things are a whole lot different with rivals such as the Tata Nexon, Mahindra XUV 3XO, Kia Sonet turning on the heat in terms of feel-good factor and features. 

Should you consider the Venue despite all the newer offerings in the segment? 

The new-generation Venue's styling is a complete departure from the outgoing model. The 2025 Venue gets a sharper look that's inspired from the Exter, Creta and Alcazar. To see how different the new Venue looks when compared to the outgoing version, you chould check out our in-depth old vs new design comparison story. 

Back to the older Venue. Hyundai hasn’t dramatically changed its styling. In essence, it remains identical to the pre-facelift car, but gathers a lot more attention now.

Grabbing most of that attention is the revised grille, which is in sync with larger Hyundai SUVs such as the Tucson and the Palisade. It helps the Venue look more dominant and also wider than it actually is. Hyundai has cleverly used dark chrome instead of ‘regular’ chrome, which, in my opinion, looks much more tasteful. 

Lower down, the bumper has been made sportier with contrast coloured accents and a more prominent skid plate. What buyers will also appreciate are the white LED projector headlamps. However, the indicators are still halogen bulbs and look out of place on this revised face.

The side features bolder 16-inch dual tone alloy wheels on the top-spec SX and SX (O) variants. Lower variants get either a 15-inch steel wheel or a 16-inch ‘styled’ steel wheel (steel wheels that look like alloys), depending on the powertrain you choose. Subtle details such as the turn indicators on the ORVMs, roof rails, chrome door handles and shark fin antenna have been carried forward. Interestingly, the ORVMs also house puddle lamps.

From the rear, the Venue looks properly modern. It was one of the first compact SUVs to hop on to the ‘connected taillight’ trend, and it still looks modern. The LED treatment looks unique with connected strip and block lighting for the brakes.

Hyundai offers just four colour options with the Venue: Fiery Red, Titan Grey, Atlas White and Abyss Black. All colour options look great on the Venue, but I’m slightly partial to the white and black for their timeless appeal.

 Hyundai has confirmed some key feature additions in the new 2025 Venue, which should make it a more solid package than before.

Design and Quality

Compared to the exterior, the interior has remained relatively unchanged since the Venue first debuted in 2019. The dashboard design is simple and practical, with a floating touchscreen taking centre stage. Other design highlights here include the circular knobs for the climate control interface and the steering wheel from the Creta.

Hyundai offers the Venue with two interior colour options. You can choose between a black-greige combination or a full-black interior (with brass accents) that’s offered in the ‘Knight Edition’ models. 

For the seats, the top-spec versions get part-leatherette upholstery and the steering wheel gets a smooth leather wrap — both of which add to the upmarket feeling of the cabin. Here too, the seats get two-tone upholstery in the standard top-spec version and full-black upholstery in the Knight Edition variants. 

From a quality and fit-finish standpoint, the Venue initially set the benchmark in the segment. Even by today’s standards, the cabin remains impressive, giving the feel of a vehicle from a segment above. Hyundai has used interesting textures on the dashboard and doorpad plastic trims, giving them a premium feel. 

Front Seats

The doors of the Venue open in a three-stage action, making it convenient to open and close in tight spaces as well. You can simply walk into the cabin which makes ingress-egress easy even for the elderly.

The seats themselves are comfortable, even for people with larger frames. There’s adequate support for the back and shoulder. Cushioning is on the firmer side, which, along with the front armrest should be ideal for longer drives. 

In terms of space, even six-footers will be comfortable here with ample headroom. That said, the cabin does feel slightly narrow (especially compared to rivals such as the XUV 3XO and Nexon) and you’d find yourself quite close to the co-driver. 

Hyundai provides driver seat-height adjustment from the S+ variant onwards. The top variant gets a 4-way powered driver’s seat along with a manual seat height adjuster. Coupled with the tilt-adjust steering, it’s quite easy to find a comfortable driving position. With slim A-pillars, narrow dashboard and a large glass area, even newer drivers will feel confident driving the Venue around.

Rear Seat

Compared to the older model, the rear seat experience is better. Hyundai has scooped out the front seat backs to provide more kneeroom. At the same time the angle of the seat base has been tweaked to offer better underthigh support. The seat also features a 2 step backrest recline which adds a layer of personalised comfort for the occupants.

Here, there’s space for a six-footer to be comfortably seated behind an equally tall driver. Kneeroom, legroom and headroom are satisfactory, if not exceptional. However, the Venue struggles to seat three people in comfort in the rear seat. 

Owing to a narrow cabin, the middle occupant will not be comfortable, especially on long drives. There’s a proper three-point seatbelt and adjustable headrest for the middle passenger, however. I think the Venue is best used as a four-seater.

Storage and Practicality

Hyundai has in-cabin storage covered comprehensively with large bottle holders in all four doors, a well-sized glovebox and some storage space under the arm rest. There’s a shelf of sorts above the glovebox and a tray under the climate control panel. You also get twin cupholders up front for your beverages. A seat back pocket is provided on the passenger side.

Charging Options

Front occupants get a 12V charger, and a USB type-A and type-C charger along with a wireless charger. Rear seat occupants get a single USB type-C charger.

Features

The feature list of the Venue is quite impressive, even by today’s standards. Here’s a quick look at the basics:

• Keyless Entry

• Push-button Start Stop

• Auto-dimming IRVM

• Automatic Headlamps

• Cruise Control

• Automatic Climate Control

• Rear AC Vents

• Single-pane Sunroof

• 4-way Powered Driver’s Seat

• Ambient Lighting

Hyundai provides an 8-inch touchscreen from the one above base S model. This screen now feels small and the user interface also seems slightly outdated. It does support wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. It serves as the display for the reverse camera, and comes paired with a decent-sounding 6-speaker audio system.

There’s a ‘digital’ instrument cluster too, which houses a small 4.2-inch TFT screen that functions as the MID. Here, you get a host of information from the trip details, distance to empty to the tyre pressure read outs.

We think Hyundai could have made the feature list a little more expansive by including bits like front seat ventilation, a larger touchscreen, a full digital driver’s display and a branded audio system. Even a few basics such as telescopic steering adjust and automatic wipers are missing in the package.

Standard safety features on the Venue include 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, ISOFIX mounts, electronic stability program (ESC), hill-hold assist, and rear parking sensors. A tyre pressure monitoring system, rear parking camera and rear defogger get added in the higher variants.

Hyundai was among the first in the segment to offer Level 1 ADAS. This is a camera-based ADAS system (which means functionality in heavy rains/fog will be limited) that has features such as forward collision warning, auto emergency braking, and lane keep assist. It does not have adaptive cruise control or blind spot detection. 

The India-spec Hyundai Venue has not been crash tested by Global NCAP or Bharat NCAP yet.

• The Venue’s boot can easily store a suitcase set (large, medium, and small suitcase) and still have space left for some small bags or items.

• The rear seats get 60:40 split, so you can fold them to store some larger items if needed.

One of the biggest disadvantages in the Venue is that it lacks a diesel-automatic powertrain. With the second-generation model, Hyundai has addressed that and provided the 1.5-litre diesel engine with a torque converter automatic transmission. If you want to see how the new Venue's diesel engine fares against its sub-4 metre rivals, check out this detailed comparison report. Meanwhile, if you had your eyes set on the 1-litre turbo-petrol, this report will give you an idea on how its specs compare against its rivals. 

The Hyundai Venue gets three engine options: 1.2-litre, naturally aspirated petrol, 1-litre turbo-petrol, and a 1.5-litre diesel engine.

Hyundai Venue 1.2 Petrol

This engine is among Hyundai’s oldest and most dependable engines. It also powers the Grand i10 Nios/Aura, Exter and even the i20. This four-cylinder engine is known for its refinement and silent operation. Even when you’re pushing the car, you’ll barely feel any vibrations or feel that the engine is too loud. This engine is best-suited for those who intend on using the Venue as mostly a city car.

City Performance

With a super light clutch and easy gear changes, driving the 1.2-litre petrol engine even in peak city traffic is not a bother. However, it’s almost imperative that you be in the right gear. This engine makes most of its power and torque higher up in the rev range. Therefore, it requires a downshift if you want to make quick progress. It’s very well suited to a relaxed driving style, where it’s likely to give better fuel efficiency too. You can expect around 11-13kmpl from this engine for heavy city usage.

Highway Performance

With this engine, the Venue might seem a little underpowered for heavy usage. With a full load or on inclines/hilly roads, you will need to be in lower gears to get any substantial performance from this engine. If you only intend on cruising on highways, it’s best you stick to speeds between 80-100kmph. Anything beyond that and the engine begins to run out of steam rather quickly. A calm cruise on the highway will see the Venue petrol return 14-16kmpl.

Hyundai Venue Turbo Petrol

This 3-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine was introduced to India with the Venue in 2019. It feels fairly refined (for a 3-cylinder engine) with minimal vibrations creeping into the cabin through the floorboard and pedals. It is relatively silent too, getting vocal only when pushed above 3500rpm.

City Performance

For city usage, the turbo-petrol engine will impress with its torquey nature. Here too, the weight of the clutch is light and the gears slot in with precision. You can drive the manual in bumper-to-bumper traffic without fatigue. This engine pulls cleanly, with minimal turbo lag. You can drive around in the city in second or third gear comfortably. In-gear acceleration might not be rapid, but it is steady and consistent letting you tackle those pockets within traffic very easily.

In case of the DCT, the crawl is smooth and the gear shifts are quick making the Venue feel effortless to drive. 

Do note that this engine is not particularly fuel efficient when used in heavy bumper-to-bumper traffic. You can expect 8-10kmpl in city conditions.

Highway Performance

For highway use, you’ll appreciate the strong mid-range punch that the Venue offers. Once you’re past 2000rpm, the pull from the engine becomes stronger and stronger. If you enjoy driving spiritedly, it’s best to keep the engine on the boil. 100kmph is dealt with at a lazy 2100rpm in sixth gear in the manual. It’s a smidge below that in seventh gear in case of the DCT.

Here too, in-gear acceleration feels strong for 60-80kmph and 80-100kmph runs. For speeds beyond that, it’s best to downshift for immediate acceleration. Fuel efficiency is likely to be around 12-14kmpl for highway drives.

Hyundai Venue Diesel

The Venue uses the same 1.5-litre diesel engine that’s found in larger Hyundai-Kia cars such as the Creta, Seltos, Alcazar and Carens Clavis. In fact, it’s offered in the same state of tune, which makes the small Venue diesel rather enjoyable if needed. 

This diesel engine is very refined and offers a good blend of performance and fuel efficiency. It’s the engine to pick if you want an all-rounder. However, an automatic transmission option (like in the Kia Sonet) is sorely missed. 

City Performance

For a diesel, the clutch is light and the pedal travel isn’t particularly long either. What’s impressive is this engine’s low speed drivability. You can very easily roll off from a standstill in second gear if required. There’s enough torque for it to pull cleanly from low speeds in higher gears too. 

Acceleration is strong once the turbo kicks in at ~1500rpm. Even below that, it’s not particularly lazy in any manner. It’s an engine. Therefore, you’ll find yourself in mostly third gear for most of your city commutes. Fuel efficiency is a strong suite with this engine, and you can comfortably expect 15-17kmpl for city drives. 

Highway Performance

The highway feels like home in the Venue diesel. It’s super relaxed carrying 100-120kmph consistently and doesn’t feel stressed at the slightest. While the engine does not feel as lively as the higher revving turbo-petrol, there’s enough torque on offer for you to make overtakes without needing to plan too much. Of course, it’s best to downshift if you need instant acceleration. 

I found the performance to be adequate even with a full load of passengers, and on hilly road sections too. 

Fuel efficiency on the highway can very easily cross 20kmpl if you’re driving in a relaxed manner.

The Venue ranks high on ride comfort. It cushions the occupants well from the harshness of the surface, be it a speed breaker or a pothole. Sharper bumps are felt in the cabin but without making the passengers uncomfortable. 

Out on the highways, the ride remains stable and the Venue remains a good car to cover long distances in. The handling still remains good and confidence inspiring for family road trips.

From an ease of driving standpoint, the light steering is sure to make in-city drives and parking convenient. It weighs up enough at highway speeds to inspire confidence in the driver. On turns, the Venue remains stable and predictable. If you want more cornering fun, you could look towards the Venue N Line that has a revised suspension and steering setup. The standard Venue is tuned for comfort and it delivers on that aspect. 

The 2025 Hyundai Venue is available to buy in eight variants: HX 2, HX 4, HX 5, HX 6, HX 6T, HX 7, HX 8, and HX 10. If you have had your eyes set on the one-above-base HX 4 variant, you'd be disappointed to know that it's available with only one engine option. Meanwhile, the mid-spec HX 5's features list has been leaked before launch and you'd be happy to know it comes with a handful of features. 

The Hyundai Venue can be had in 13 variants: E/E+, S/S+, Executive, S+/S(O)/S(O)+, S(O)+ Adventure, S(O) Knight, SX Executive, SX, SX Adventure, SX Knight, SX(O), SX(O) Adventure, SX(O) Knight.

E/E+

• Basic styling with halogen headlights, body coloured bumpers and 15-inch steel wheels with covers.

• Covers only the most rudimentary features like manual AC, front power windows, tilt steering adjust, and type-C and 12-V charging sockets.

• E+ get an electric roof too.

• Safety kit gets six airbags, hill hold assist, ISFOXI mounts, and electronic stability program (ESP) as standard.

S/S+

• Body coloured outside mirrors, and silver roof rails are the only changes to the exterior.

• 8-inch touchscreen system with wireless Android Auto and Apple Carplay and 6-speaker sound system is the most significant addition.

• Other functional inclusions are rear power windows, electrically adjustable outside mirrors, auto headlamps, wireless phone charger, front central armrest, and rear AC vents.

• Improved safety with rear parking camera with dynamic guidelines, tyre pressure monitoring system, and rear defogger.

Executive

• Entry-level turbo variant.

• Bigger 16-inch wheels with styled wheel covers is the only change in exterior styling.

• Adds cruise control to the features list but misses out on wireless phone charger.

• No changes in the safety kit.

S+/S(O)/S(O)+

• Petrol variants sport a better look with LED projector headlamps, LED DRLs cornering lamps, and connected LED taillights. 16-inch styled wheels are limited to the turbo-petrol.

• DCT version gets a D-cut steering wheel and leatherette on the steering wheel and gear knob.

• Functional additions include a height adjustable driver seat, rear parcel tray (petrol only), cruise control (turbo-petrol only), and push button start/stop (NA petrol only).

• Drive modes and paddle shifters are exclusively available with the DCT version.

S(O)+ Adventure

• No connected LED tail lights, but gets a full LED setup at the front, black painted grille and outside mirror, black front and rear skid plate, 15-inch alloys with a black wheel cover, black shark fin antenna and side door cladding.

• Cabin gets black theme with sage green inserts, semi-leatherette upholstery, designer floor mats, and metal pedals.

• Only adds a wireless phone charger over the previous variant.

S(O) Knight

• Body coloured bumper with brass inserts, and Knight emblem are the only additions to the design.

• The interior too gets black theme with brass coloured inserts.

• Feature and safety package are unchanged.

SX Executive

• Premium looks with full LED setup including connected tail lights, body coloured bumpers, and silver finished skid plates and roof rails.

• Cabin gets D-cut steering, fabric seats, and leatherette on the steering and gear knob.

• Improved rear seat comfort and versatility with rear adjustable headrests, 2-step reclining seat back and 60:40 split.

• Feature additions include electric sunroof, auto folding outside mirrors, puddle lamps, cooled glovebox, and luggage lamp.

• No changes in the safety kit save for the deletion of dashcam.

SX

• 16-inch alloy wheels are available with the diesel only.

• Remote engine start/stop, cruise control, and rear wiper and washer are add ons with the diesel only.

• Boasts connected car technology with the NA petrol engine, voice commands for the sunroof and Alexa integration for other functions as well.

SX Adventure

• Exterior and interior treatment is similar to the previous Adventure edition variant.

• No changes to the features list over the NA petrol version of the SX variant.

SX Knight

• Exterior and interior treatment is similar to the previous Knight edition variant.

• Feature and safety kit remains unchanged over SX NA petrol.

SX(O)

• Sports 16-inch alloy wheels with red finished brake calipers at the front.

• Cabin gets ambient lighting for a better look.

• New features include 4-way powered driver’s seat, cruise control, rear wiper and washer and an air purifier (petrol only).

• Only variant to offer Level-1 autonomous driving assistance features (ADAS).

SX(O) Adventure

• Similar visual exterior and interior treatment as previous Adventure editions.

• No changes in the features list over the SX(O) variant, but doesn’t get ADAS features.

SX(O) Knight

• Similar visual exterior and interior inclusions as previous Knight editions.

• Same features list as the SX(O) variant, but no ADAS in the safety kit.

CarDekho Recommends

• If you’re on a tight budget and are ready to compromise on the look and feel of the car, but not on the functional day-to-day features, then you can go  for the S/S+ variant. If you want performance in a similar package, then Executive is a good choice.

• The Adventure and Knight editions are a good option for people who want something different to the standard vehicle.

• The mid-spec SX variant offers a good value for its price, with the choice of both petrol and diesel engines.

Given its age, the Venue lacks in terms of features when compared to the competition.  However, given its price, the Venue continues to offer a very sensible package. 

It’s hard to fault in aspects that truly matter: space, ride comfort and practicality. It might not fulfill all your wants, but it definitely covers all you will need from a car this size.

For those on the fence about considering a Venue, I’d urge you to wait for a while. A brand new generation is on its way and is likely to plug all the gaps of the existing model. 

Other cars to consider instead of the Hyundai Venue

Tata Nexon

Reasons to consider 

• Better feature and entertainment package

• CNG option

• Option of an automatic with the diesel

• 5-star BNCAP safety rating

Reasons to ignore

• No ADAS

• Cabin ergonomics

• Top variants are much more expensive

• No NA petrol engine option

Kia Sonet

Reasons to consider

• Better feature and infotainment package

• Sharper styling

Reasons to ignore

• More expensive for a similar package

Mahindra XUV 3XO

Reasons to consider

• Better rear seat space

• Features Level-2 ADAS tech

• Better overall feature package 

Reasons to ignore

• Polarising styling might not suit everybody’s taste

• Top variants are more expensive

Maruti Fronx/Toyota Taisor

Reasons to consider

• Quicker turbo-petrol engine

• Option of CNG with the NA petrol

• Ride comfort

• Option of an automatic with the NA petrol

Reasons to ignore

• No diesel