Hyundai introduced the Venue SEL last year as an affordable subcompact SUV option. I was able to drive the latest 2021 release of this car for a full week. For the price point, the Hyundai Venue is pretty sweet at just under $20,000, making this a great family car or one for your college-bound teenager.
Hyundai Venue SEL
I wanted to check out the ride, the roominess, the comfort, the safety features, and all the tech a family might need. Here is what I liked.
The Ride
The engine is a 1.6 liter 4 cylinder with 121 horsepower. It has an Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT). It offers just enough power for cruising seamlessly around town. The car is front-wheel-drive and the wheels are 17-inch, which is just enough for a smooth highway ride.
Interior Cabin
The Hyundai Venue SEL is very compact. It is more of a wagon than an SUV. It has 4 doors to easily get in and out of the front and back row seats and a hatchback to access a rear cargo area.
We could fit 4-1/2 people inside. I jokingly reference a half-person because the second-row seat is a little tight for 3 teenagers or adults. It is perfect for two fully grown people and one young child. The cargo space is just enough room for our pup, a good load of groceries, or some luggage for a weekend trip.
Safety
The Hyundai Venue SEL doesn’t skimp on safety features. There are adequate airbags inside the cabin. Other safety features include:
- Driver Attention Warning (DAW)
- High Beam Assist (HBA)
- Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian Detection (FCA-Ped)
- Lane Keeping Assist (LKA)
- Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW)
- Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning (RCCW)
Technology and Entertainment
There is an 8-inch color touchscreen display with audio on the center of the dashboard. This includes a Rear View Monitor (RVM). Apple CarPlay® integration for your iPhone® and Android Auto™ integration for your Android phone are standard. The hands-free phone system is Bluetooth® integrated.
