SUVs have become the norm and it’s obvious why automakers are rushing to boost the number of SUVs in their lineup.
Hyundai is no exception, and it makes complete sense that a company known for value for money would want multiple subcompact crossover offerings.
Despite this type of small SUV making up just under 6% of the overall US car market sales, demand is steadily increasing with no signs of slowing down.
But what exactly separates the Hyundai Venue from the Hyundai Kona? Let’s take a closer look.
Quick Summary
Both belong to the subcompact segment, but the Kona is slightly larger and can carry more cargo. It’s also more capable, with a bigger engine and optional AWD. However, the Venue is otherwise very similar, while being slightly cheaper to both purchase and run.
Styling
Making its debut in 2020, the Venue looks slightly more modern. Like the Kona, it features the thin, slit-like headlamps that you find on new Hyundais, but sports a larger front-grille. Especially attractive are found on its rear-end – dainty taillights which take inspiration from the Mini Cooper and VW Polo.
The Hyundai Kona has a marginally bigger exterior and a funkier, sportier appearance. The car itself is portrayed as being more adventure-ready, and its quirky looks and vibrant color choices will certainly appeal to a younger crowd.
Overall both SUVs feature modern designs which complement the small and agile nature of these SUVs, instead of pretending to be something they’re not.
Interior
Despite being one of the most budget-friendly SUVs on the market, the Hyundai Venue’s cabin feels upscale with decent materials and sturdy knobs and dials throughout. If we’re nitpicking, the 8.0-inch infotainment looks slightly tacked-on, but otherwise it’s difficult to fault the Venue’s interior.
The Hyundai Kona’s interior is similar in function to that of the Hyundai Venue, but like its exterior, has a slightly more funky theme. If you’re willing to pay extra, the Kona has more luxurious upholstery options available than the Venue.
Performance
Hyundai designed the smaller Venue for city driving, while the Kona is more for those who want the capability of a traditional SUV.
Based on the Hyundai Accent subcompact car, the Hyundai Venue sports a 1.6-liter inline-4 engine with 121 horsepower. This is matched with a CVT transmission, which is fine on tarmac but not well-suited for driving off-road. The manual transmission option was removed for 2021.
The Hyundai Kona, on the other hand, gets a more powerful 2.0-liter inline-4 engine which can produce 147 horsepower and a higher maximum torque. The 6-speed automatic transmission it’s matched with means the Kona is better prepared for rougher driving conditions.
Tying into the Kona being the more capable vehicle, the Kona is offered with an all-wheel drive option, while the Venue is front-wheel drive only.
Both SUVs are agile on the road and great for navigating narrow roads. The turning diameter of the Venue is 33.4 ft while the Kona’s is 34.8 ft, giving the Kona a slightly wider turn. However, the highly reactive steering on both crossovers can become a tad annoying on the highway when trying to stay in the same lane.
Passenger Space and Practicality
Both are 5-seater SUVs and perfectly fine for carrying the whole family, though things might feel a little cramped on longer trips.
Passenger space is more or less equivalent, with the Venue and Kona offering similar amounts of measured leg, shoulder and hip room for front and back seats. The Hyundai Kona does technically offer slightly more space, but it shouldn’t sway your decision.
However, the Hyundai Kona has a significantly larger amount of cargo space. The Kona boasts a roomy 45.8 cubic feet when the back seats are folded down, compared to the Venue’s 31.9 cubic feet. If the back seats are up cargo volume is tied at roughly 19 cubic feet in both vehicles.
Technology and Features
Both models feature Driver Attention Warning (DAW) systems that detect inattentive driving patterns by issuing voice warnings from the front panel. Apple Carplay, Android Auto, and BlueLink connectivity features are also mutual features.
The Kona also features High Beam Assist that toggles between low and high beam headlights based on driving conditions, and Smart Cruise Control (SCC) that maintains a safe distance behind other vehicles. A HUD display on the windshield showing speed, navigation, and SCC info is included. The Kona allows for wireless device charging. The Venue lacks these options.
Fuel Economy
Both compact SUVs get similar fuel economy. The Venue’s 1.6L DPI Engine gets 31 MPG (30 City/33 Highway), while the Kona gets 30 MPG (27 City/33 Highway) with the 2.0 MPI Engine. The Limited and Ultimate models also get 30 MPG (28 City/32 Highway) with the 1.6L Turbo GDI Engine.
Pricing
Expect to pay anywhere around $3,000 to $5,000 more than the Venue for a similarly equipped Hyundai Kona.
The 2021 base Venue model SE starts at $18,750, while the SEL model starts at $19,800. Each of these comes with different collision detection systems. If you prefer a Denim interior and exterior, that model starts at $22,050, but it lacks the safety systems of the other models.
The 2021 Kona models come with the 147-hp 2.0L engine, giving slightly more horsepower than the Venue, except for the higher priced Limited and Ultimate models, both sporting a 175-hp 1.6L Turbo GDI Engine (Limited starts at $26,200, Ultimate at $28,050). The base model SE starts at $20,400 and the SEL trim at $22,200. Both have different safety features, while the SEL model has a Proximity Key with a push-button start. The SEL Plus trim starts at $24,050 and features an 8-way power driver’s seat, BlueLink system and wireless device charging.
Safety
Hyundai has been equipping their newer vehicles with the latest technology that prevents accidents and keeps everyone safe. Both models feature Forward-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection (FCA-Ped), Blindspot Collision Warning, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning, and Lane Keeping Assist systems.
Lower-priced trims of the Venue and Kona come with safety features such as collision warning and Driver Attention Warning systems. Similar compact SUV models such as the Chevrolet Trax and the Honda HR-V lack this Driver Attention Warning feature.
Verdict
Both models come with similar fuel economy, safety features, and can provide a comfortable ride for a small family. The decision to purchase one over the other comes down to the kind of trips you plan to take and how much cargo space you would prefer.
We’d recommend the Hyundai Venue to city drivers who don’t plan on taking cross-country trips outside of the odd one here and there. It is cheaper to run, even easier to park and matches almost all the features of the Kona, for less.
The Hyundai Kona optioned with all-wheel drive comes recommended for those who want to be better prepared for harsh weather conditions or driving on rougher roads. Its higher sticker price might also be worth it if you regularly transport large loads.
Comparable SUVs
The Hyundai Venue is considered relatively small within the subcompact SUV segment, and these kinds of crossover SUV are only just beginning to gain momentum in the US market. Key rivals to the Venue include the Kia Soul and Nissan Kicks.
Meanwhile, the Hyundai Kona shares the same platform with the Kia Seltos, which is another subcompact worth looking into. Those willing to pay slightly more for more off-road capability might be interested in the Subaru Crosstrek – read our full comparison.
If you’re looking for a bigger compact SUV than the Hyundai Kona, see how it compares with the Hyundai Tucson, which is the next size up in Hyundai’s SUV range.
Comparison Table
| 2021 Hyundai Venue | 2021 Hyundai Kona | |
|---|---|---|
| Trim | ||
| Price | $18750 | $20500 |
| Performance | ||
| Engine | 1.6L Inline-4 Gas | 2.0L Inline-4 Gas |
| Horsepower | 121 hp @ 6300 rpm | 147 hp @ 6200 rpm |
| Torque | 113 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm | 132 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm |
| Transmission | Continuously Variable Automatic (CVT) | 6-Speed Automatic |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Handling | ||
| Steering Type | Rack-Pinion | Rack-Pinion |
| Rear Suspension | Torsion Beam | Torsion Beam |
| Rear Wheel Size | P185/65HR15 | P205/60HR16 |
| Front Suspension | Strut | Strut |
| Front Wheel Size | P185/65HR15 | P205/60HR16 |
| Turning Diameter (ft.) | 33.4 | 34.8 |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| MPG/MPGe - Hwy | 33 | 33 |
| MPG/MPGe - City | 30 | 27 |
| MPG/MPGe - Combined | 31 | 30 |
| Gas Tank Size (gallons) | 11.9 | 13.2 |
| Cruising Range - Hwy (miles) | 392.7 | 435.6 |
| Size and Weight | ||
| Height (in.) | 61.6 | 61.0 |
| Length (in.) | 159.1 | 164.0 |
| Weight (lbs) | 2612 | 2890 |
| Max Width (in.) | 69.7 | 70.9 |
| Wheelbase (in.) | 99.2 | 102.4 |
| Interior Dimensions | ||
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Front Seat Leg Room (in.) | 41.3 | 41.5 |
| Front Seat Head Room (in.) | 39.4 | 39.6 |
| Front Seat Hip Room (in.) | 52.1 | 53.3 |
| Front Seat Shoulder Room (in.) | 53.9 | 55.5 |
| Rear Seat Leg room (in.) | 34.3 | 34.6 |
| Rear Seat Head Room (in.) | 38.6 | 37.8 |
| Rear Seat Hip Room (in.) | 43.5 | 52.2 |
| Rear Seat Shoulder Room (in.) | 53.7 | 54.5 |
| Infotainment Features | ||
| HD Radio | Standard | Not Available |
| MP3 Player | Standard | Standard |
| WiFi Hotspot | Not Available | Not Available |
| Satellite Radio | Not Available | Not Available |
| Bluetooth Connection | Standard | Standard |
| Entertainment System | Not Available | Not Available |
| Premium Sound System | Not Available | Not Available |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | Standard | Standard |
| Smart Device Integration | Standard | Standard |
| Hard Disk Drive Media Storage | Not Available | Not Available |
| Interior Trim | ||
| Cloth Seats | Standard | Standard |
| Vinyl Seats | Not Available | Standard |
| Leather Seats | Not Available | Standard |
| Premium Synthetic Seats | Not Available | Standard |
| Bucket Seats | Standard | Standard |
| Sun/Moonroof | Not Available | Not Available |
| Leather Steering Wheel | Not Available | Not Available |
| Woodgrain Interior Trim | Not Available | Not Available |
| Comfort Features | ||
| A/C | Standard | Standard |
| Rear A/C | Not Available | Not Available |
| Telematics | Not Available | Not Available |
| Seat Memory | Not Available | Not Available |
| Seat-Massage | Not Available | Not Available |
| Keyless Entry | Standard | Standard |
| Keyless Start | Not Available | Not Available |
| Cruise Control | Standard | Standard |
| Multi-Zone A/C | Not Available | Not Available |
| Power Liftgate | Not Available | Not Available |
| Climate Control | Not Available | Not Available |
| Head-Up Display | Not Available | Not Available |
| Power Mirror(s) | Standard | Standard |
| Automatic Parking | Not Available | Not Available |
| Navigation System | Not Available | Not Available |
| Power Driver Seat | Not Available | Not Available |
| Cooled Rear Seat(s) | Not Available | Not Available |
| Hands-Free Liftgate | Not Available | Not Available |
| Heated Rear Seat(s) | Not Available | Not Available |
| Remote Engine Start | Not Available | Not Available |
| Cooled Front Seat(s) | Not Available | Not Available |
| Heated Front Seat(s) | Not Available | Not Available |
| Power Passenger Seat | Not Available | Not Available |
| Remote Trunk Release | Standard | Not Available |
| Heated Steering Wheel | Not Available | Not Available |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | Not Available | Not Available |
| Navigation from Telematics | Not Available | Not Available |
| Universal Garage Door Opener | Not Available | Not Available |
| Steering Wheel Audio Controls | Standard | Standard |
| Safety Features | ||
| ABS | Standard | Standard |
| Brake Assist | Standard | Standard |
| Night Vision | Not Available | Not Available |
| Rear Parking Aid | Not Available | Not Available |
| Traction Control | Standard | Standard |
| Stability Control | Standard | Standard |
| Blind Spot Monitor | Not Available | Not Available |
| Cross-Traffic Alert | Not Available | Not Available |
| Lane Keeping Assist | Standard | Standard |
| Tire Pressure Monitor | Standard | Standard |
| Lane Departure Warning | Standard | Standard |
| Airbags | ||
| Knee Air Bag | Not Available | Not Available |
| Driver Air Bag | Standard | Standard |
| Seatbelt Air Bag | Not Available | Not Available |
| Passenger Air Bag | Standard | Standard |
| Rear Head Air Bag | Standard | Standard |
| Rear Side Air Bag | Not Available | Not Available |
| Front Head Air Bag | Standard | Standard |
| Front Side Air Bag | Standard | Standard |
| Warranty | ||
| Basic | 5 Years / 60,000 Miles | 5 Years / 60,000 Miles |
| Corrosion | 7 Years / Unlimited Miles | 7 Years / Unlimited Miles |
| Drivetrain | 10 Years / 100,000 Miles | 10 Years / 100,000 Miles |
| Maintenance | 3 Years / 36,000 Miles | 3 Years / 36,000 Miles |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 Years / Unlimited Miles | 5 Years / Unlimited Miles |
