Battle of the Hyundais: Hyundai Venue vs. Kona

Hyundai has some great SUV options, but which one to choose? Take a look as we compare the Hyundai Venue vs. the Kona, and find out which one comes out on top.
Written by Hannah DeWitt
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
Two of Hyundai’s subcompact SUV models, the Venue and the Kona, are great options for people looking for a small and reliable car. 
Both subcompact SUVs from
Hyundai
offer value for models that come with a starting price of $20,000 to $22,500, providing top-level equipment almost unheard of for such a price. But which one emerges on top in a Hyundai Venue vs. Kona battle?
Jerry
helps you make an informed purchase decision by looking at each model's advantages and the best car to invest in. 

The specs and features of the Hyundai Venue

The Hyundai Venue comes with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that cranks out 121 hp and 113 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed manual transmission transfers that power to the front wheels. While Hyundai enthusiasts will be disappointed that the car doesn't have an AWD system, there's an optional continuous variable transmission (CVT) which Hyundai calls Intelligent Variable Transmission. 
The Venue costs about $18,750 and vaunts standard features, such as a rearview camera, pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist, HD radio, Bluetooth, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The mid-level SEL trim ($19,800) adds a sunroof, heated front seats, satellite radio, and push-to-start button, while the Venue Denim ($22,050) comes with synthetic leather upholstery and a ton of other features. 
Hyundai built the Venue on the same platform as the Hyundai Accent. It has a high silhouette that looks strikingly like the Subaru Forester. It may not have the sexiest design in town, but the South Korea-based car manufacturer gave the car reactive steering with small proportions, enhancing its agility in traffic. 
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What to expect with the Hyundai Kona

The 2021 Hyundai Kona is available in two engine options according to
Car and Driver
. The SE, SEL, and SEL Plus trims feature a 2.0-liter inline-four engine that delivers 147 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque, and is coupled with a six-speed automatic transmission. The Limited and Ultimate models feature a more robust 175-hp turbocharged engine paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. 
For the 2021 model year, Hyundai ditched the model's two brightest exterior finishes, Lime Twist and Sunset Orange. Nonetheless, the model picked up a new Night trim, which combines the peppier turbocharged engine with gloss-black 18-inch wheels, LED exterior lighting, and exquisite interior furnishings for a bolder appearance. 
The car's interior offers comfort and convenience with its ergonomic seats, analog gauges, grain-leather-trimmed steering wheel, and integrated controls for audio settings and cruise control. The SE, SEL, and Limited trims have a standard 7-inch infotainment touchscreen, while the Ultimate model acquired a larger 8-inch unit. Other standard features include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. 

Hyundai Venue vs. Kona: which one should you buy?

If you choose the Hyundai Kona, you probably love it for three reasons. The car comes with top-class equipment, an Active Control AWD, and the availability of an electric variant. Yes, you read that right! There's an all-electric Kona with an electric range of 257 miles. With a price that falls under the $45,000 federal-incentive threshold, you can expect a $5,000 rebate, bringing the cost down to $32,000.
The Venue excels in size, measuring 4.9 inches longer, 1.1 inches wider, and 3.1 inches longer in the wheelbase. The car also provides a fun driving experience, thanks to its rear torsion-beam suspension and nimble steering for excellent street and highway performance. It features winter tires, complete with a "Snow" mode that lets it overcome the challenging driving conditions in winter. 
So, which one should you buy? According to
Driving.ca
, it would be best to purchase the Hyundai Venue. The model is cheaper, yet it delivers adequate performance and interior packages as the Kona. The Venue beats the Kona when it comes to appearance with its funkier look, and if you throw in the Urban package, you can expect it to cause a lesser dent in your bank account. 
MORE: Only 1 Compact SUV Flunked Consumer Reports Road Test

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Having researched and purchased the Hyundai Venue or Kona, it would only be right to buy cheap car insurance. If you want to save money on car insurance, the
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