Hyundai Venue – Full Review, Price, Mileage, Features & Engine Options

When the Hyundai Venue first arrived in India, it wasn’t just another car; it was the original “connected SUV,” disrupting the segment with its feature-loaded approach and potent turbo-petrol engine. While it has since received a significant facelift and a recent technical update (including the big addition of ADAS in the latest versions), the core proposition remains the same: a compact SUV that feels a segment above its size.

This sub-4-meter SUV continues to be one of Hyundai’s strongest sellers, constantly battling for the top spot. It perfectly hits the sweet spot for the modern Indian family—compact enough for city traffic, yet boasting the high seating and road presence of an SUV.

The entry-level Hyundai Venue E 1.2 MPi Petrol starts at an aggressive ex-showroom price of approximately ₹7.90 Lakh. However, the real meat of the package lies in the mid-to-top variants, which offer the powerful turbo engine and an array of features, now including Level 1 ADAS in the top-spec models. We drive the popular 1.0L Turbo DCT and the punchy 1.5L Diesel to see if the Venue still rules the roost.

Hyundai Venue (Dragon Red color) 

QUICK SPECS TABLE (Key Highlights)

The Hyundai Venue offers an unparalleled choice of three engine options catering to every budget and driving style.

Specification1.2L MPi Petrol (NA)1.0L Turbo GDi Petrol1.5L CRDi Diesel
Engine1197 cc, 4-Cylinder998 cc, 3-Cylinder Turbo1493 cc, 4-Cylinder Turbo
Max Power83 PS (82 bhp) @ 6000 rpm120 PS (118 bhp) @ 6000 rpm116 PS (114 bhp) @ 4000 rpm
Max Torque113.8 Nm @ 4000 rpm172 Nm @ 1500-4000 rpm250 Nm @ 1500-2750 rpm
Transmission5-speed MT6MT / 6iMT / 7DCT6MT / 6AT
Boot Space350 Litres350 Litres350 Litres
Ground ClearanceApprox 195 mm (Unladen)Approx 195 mm (Unladen)Approx 195 mm (Unladen)
Fuel Tank Capacity45 Litres45 Litres45 Litres

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EXTERIOR DESIGN & ROAD PRESENCE

The current generation of the Venue received a major facelift that brought it in line with Hyundai’s global SUV design philosophy, specifically the larger Creta and Tucson.

  • Front Fascia: The key visual differentiator is the large, aggressive Dark Chrome Parametric Grille, which now dominates the front. It looks much bolder and more premium. The split headlamp setup remains—sleek upper DRLs (now with “twin-horn” LED DRLs in top trims) and the main quad-beam LED headlamps housed lower down.
  • Side Profile: Being sub-4-meter, it has a typically boxy but youthful stance. The crisp lines, muscular wheel arches, and up to R16 Diamond Cut alloy wheels give it the necessary SUV character. The subtle roof rails and bold cladding round off the look.
  • Rear End: The rear is perhaps the most distinctive part, featuring a full-width Horizon LED Tail Lamp connected by a light bar, which is a feature typically seen in premium segments. It gives the Venue a unique and sophisticated identity on the road, especially at night.

Does it turn heads on the road? Yes, the aggressive front grille and the connected rear light signature ensure the Venue looks contemporary and fresh. It looks wider and more substantial than its dimensions suggest, giving it excellent road presence for a compact SUV.

 Hyundai Venue (Titan Grey color) 

INTERIOR, COMFORT & FEATURES

Hyundai has always played the feature card better than anyone else, and the Venue’s cabin is proof of that. It balances practicality with a substantial dose of premium features.

Dashboard, Materials & Quality

  • Infotainment: The centerpiece is the 10.25-inch HD Touchscreen Infotainment system (in top trims), which is slick, responsive, and easy to use. It supports Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
  • Instrument Cluster: The top variants now get a Digital Instrument Cluster which enhances the modern feel.
  • Material Quality: The fit and finish are typically Hyundai—excellent panel gaps and quality plastics, though hard plastic dominates the dashboard. The Dual-Tone (Dark Navy & Dove Grey) interior theme in higher variants adds a welcome touch of airiness.

Space & Comfort

  • Front: Seats are comfortable and supportive. The driver gets a height-adjustable seat.
  • Rear Space: This is the Venue’s Achilles’ heel. While headroom is adequate, Legroom is strictly average for its segment, and shoulder room is tight. Can 3 people sit at the back? It’s a squeeze. It is best suited for two adults and a child on long journeys. The presence of Rear AC Vents is a necessity and a welcome addition.
  • Features: The Venue is loaded: Electric Single-Pane Sunroof, Automatic Climate Control, Wireless Phone Charger, and most importantly, Ventilated Front Seats (in top-end models)—a segment-defining luxury that is a blessing in the Indian summer.

The Game Changer: ADAS

The latest top-spec Venue SX(O) ADAS introduces Level 1 ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems), a massive segment-first advantage. Key features include:

  • Forward Collision Warning & Avoidance Assist (Car/Pedestrian/Cycle)
  • Lane Keeping Assist (LKA)
  • Driver Attention Warning (DAW)

This inclusion drastically changes the VFM equation for the Venue and solidifies its position as a technology leader.

 dashboard and steering wheel of the Hyundai Venue.

ENGINE PERFORMANCE & DRIVING DYNAMICS

The Venue’s biggest strength is its range of powertrains, particularly the 1.0L Turbo and the 1.5L Diesel.

Turbo GDi Petrol (The Enthusiast’s Choice)

  • Engine: The 1.0L Turbo Petrol produces 118 bhp and 172 Nm of torque and feels incredibly punchy on highways. The low-end torque delivery is strong, courtesy of the turbocharger, which minimizes lag once you get moving.
  • Transmission: The 7-speed DCT (Dual-Clutch Transmission) is a marvel—it shifts quickly and seamlessly, providing the feel of a much more expensive car. The 6-speed iMT (Intelligent Manual Transmission) is also a smart city solution, offering clutch-less manual shifting for ease in traffic.

CRDi Diesel (The Mileage Master)

  • Engine: The proven 1.5L Diesel delivers a strong 116 PS and 250 Nm. This engine feels effortless. It’s perfect for the driver who does high mileage or frequently travels on the highway.

Driving Dynamics

  • City Drive: The compact dimensions (sub-4m) and the light electric steering make the Venue exceptionally easy to park and navigate through tight city lanes. The clutch (where applicable) is light.
  • Suspension: The suspension is tuned slightly towards the softer side for comfort. The suspension absorbs potholes easily at low city speeds, making the ride comfortable.
  • Highway Drive: At speeds of 100kmph+, the stability is adequate, but it doesn’t feel as rock-solid as the Tata Nexon or the Maruti Brezza at high three-digit speeds. There is a perceptible amount of body roll when taking long, sweeping curves aggressively. It is a competent highway cruiser, but comfort is prioritized over outright sporty handling.

SAFETY (Crucial Section)

Safety is a critical talking point in the Indian market, and the Venue has a respectable track record, though there’s always room for improvement.

  • Global NCAP Rating: The Hyundai Venue (earlier India-spec model) achieved a 4-Star rating for Adult Occupant Protection and a 3-Star rating for Child Occupant Protection in Global NCAP crash tests. The body shell integrity was rated as stable.
  • Airbags & ABS: The Venue now comes standard with 6 Airbags across all variants (a fantastic move), along with ABS with EBD, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), and Vehicle Stability Management (VSM).
  • Build Quality: While the rating is good, rivals have achieved 5-star ratings, which might make safety-conscious buyers look elsewhere. However, the comprehensive active safety features (ADAS) offered in the latest models are a major plus for accident avoidance.

REAL WORLD MILEAGE (The Truth)

The biggest question for any Indian car buyer: what are the real numbers? The Venue, particularly the Diesel and the Turbo-Petrol, manages impressive figures.

Fuel TypeARAI Claimed Mileage (MT/AT)Real World City MileageReal World Highway Mileage (Cruising @ 90 kmph)
1.2L MPi Petrol MT18.5 kmpl12.0 – 13.5 kmpl16.0 – 17.0 kmpl
1.0L Turbo Petrol (iMT/DCT)18.7 / 20.0 kmpl10.0 – 11.5 kmpl15.0 – 16.5 kmpl
1.5L CRDi Diesel (MT/AT)20.9 / 17.9 kmpl15.0 – 17.0 kmpl19.0 – 21.0 kmpl

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The real mileage in city traffic is surprisingly good for the Diesel, often delivering over 15 kmpl without much effort. The Turbo-Petrol’s mileage drops significantly in heavy traffic, especially with the DCT, but the performance payoff is worth it for enthusiasts.

Read more : Hyundai Tucson

THE COMPETITION (Auto-Selected Rivals)

The Hyundai Venue competes in the fiercest segment in India: the Sub-Compact SUV space.

  • Rival 1: Tata Nexon (The 5-Star Safety King)
  • Rival 2: Maruti Suzuki Brezza (The Reliable, High-Mileage King)

Hyundai Venue vs Rivals: Feature & Power Comparison

FeatureHyundai Venue (1.0L Turbo DCT)Tata Nexon (1.2L Turbo Petrol AMT)Maruti Brezza (1.5L Petrol AT)
Ex-Showroom Price (Approx.)₹13.0 Lakh₹12.40 Lakh₹13.40 Lakh
Engine Power/Torque120 PS / 172 Nm (Best Petrol Power)120 PS / 170 Nm103 PS / 137 Nm (Lowest)
Transmission7-Speed DCT6-Speed AMT6-Speed TC AT (Slower)
ADASLevel 1 ADAS (Unique Selling Point)NoNo
Safety Rating4-Star Global NCAP5-Star Global NCAP (Superior)4-Star Global NCAP (Older Test)
Key FeatureVentilated SeatsAll-Four Disc BrakesMild Hybrid Tech (Mileage focus)

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Winner: Which one provides better Value For Money (VFM)?

This is the toughest choice in the market:

  • If Safety is your absolute priority, the Tata Nexon is the clear winner with its rock-solid 5-Star GNCAP rating.
  • If Refinement, Fuel Economy (Petrol), and Hassle-Free Ownership are your goals, the Maruti Brezza’s mild-hybrid engine and smooth TC AT are compelling.

However, the Hyundai Venue takes the VFM crown for the feature-hungry, tech-savvy buyer. The combination of the responsive 7-speed DCT (superior to the Nexon’s AMT and Brezza’s TC AT), Ventilated Seats, and the segment-first Level 1 ADAS makes it the most technologically advanced and comfortable urban SUV.

FINAL VERDICT

The Hyundai Venue continues to be the benchmark for features and powertrain sophistication in the sub-compact SUV space. It offers an engine for everyone (smooth 1.2L, punchy 1.0L Turbo, efficient 1.5L Diesel) and an array of transmission options (MT, iMT, DCT). The recent addition of ADAS and the standard 6 Airbags greatly enhances its appeal, even if its rear-seat space is tight. It’s the perfect blend of style, technology, and city practicality.

Buy it if:

  • You want cutting-edge features like Ventilated Seats, ADAS, and the slick 7-speed DCT automatic.
  • You prioritize a refined and punchy turbo-petrol engine or excellent diesel mileage.
  • Your usage is primarily in the city where its compact size and light controls shine.

Skip it if:

  • Your primary concern is rear-seat space for three adult passengers.
  • You only trust the highest possible 5-Star safety rating for structural integrity.
  • You want a car with a particularly high, commanding off-road stance and very stiff suspension.

Score: 8.8/10 (A feature-loaded, powerful, and technologically superior urban warrior.)

FAQs (People Also Ask)

Q: What is the on-road price of the Hyundai Venue?

A: The on-road price for the Hyundai Venue starts around ₹9.3 Lakh for the base 1.2L Petrol manual and goes up to approximately ₹15.8 Lakh for the top-end 1.0L Turbo DCT or 1.5L Diesel Automatic/ADAS variants, depending on your city’s RTO and insurance charges.

Q: Does the Hyundai Venue have a CNG option?

A: Currently, Hyundai does not officially offer a factory-fitted CNG option for the Venue. For a factory-fitted CNG SUV, you would need to look at rivals like the Tata Nexon CNG or the Maruti Brezza CNG.

Q: Is the Hyundai Venue better than the Tata Nexon?

A: The Hyundai Venue is superior in terms of powertrain refinement (DCT), technology (Ventilated Seats, ADAS), and premium interior feel. The Tata Nexon is superior in terms of safety rating (5-Star GNCAP) and slightly better cabin space. The choice depends entirely on whether you prioritize technology/refinement (Venue) or structural safety (Nexon).

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