2021 Hyundai Venue

Pros: Well equipped for the price; good interior room for its size; nimble handling around town

Cons: Ride can be a bit clunky; lack of merging and passing power; engine noise when accelerating; all-wheel drive not offered

CG Says: The 2021 Hyundai Venue drops its manual transmission and the base SE model replaces its steel wheels with alloys. The midrange SEL gains equipment that includes blind-spot alert and rear cross-traffic alert. Hyundai introduced this subcompact crossover SUV last year. The Venue is the smallest, least expensive model in Hyundai’s SUV lineup; it’s 5.1 inches shorter overall than the Hyundai Kona subcompact crossover. Some might consider the Venue a tall hatchback rather than an SUV, especially since it’s front-drive only—AWD isn’t available. However, Hyundai is marketing the Venue as a subcompact crossover, and we’ll go along with that. The sole engine is a 121-horsepower 1.6-liter 4-cylinder paired with a continuously-variable automatic transmission (CVT). Standard on all models are forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and driver-attention monitor. Apple CarPlay/Android Auto functionality is standard. Though it doesn’t completely transcend the limitations of an extra-small, entry-level vehicle—especially in terms of ride quality and engine noise—the Venue is nonetheless a remarkable value that offers good passenger and cargo room within its extra-small dimensions, balanced handling, a nicely finished interior, and an impressive list of available safety and technology features, all at very competitive prices.