2023 BMW X7 vs 2024 Hyundai Venue

The 2023 BMW X7 underwent a significant facelift, adopting a bold design reminiscent of the BMW 7 Series sedan. The front end featured LED accent lights and recessed headlights, maintaining its controversial oversized kidney grille. While the new styling aimed for a striking presence, it sacrificed some grace and cohesiveness. The interior received a modern update with a curved glass housing for the digital instrument panel and infotainment touchscreen. High-quality materials, such as supple leather and Sensafin synthetic substitutes, enhanced the luxury feel, though glossy trims were best avoided due to glare.

In contrast, the 2024 Hyundai Venue offered a more subdued yet stylish appearance, especially in the Limited trim with Ecotronic Gray paint. Despite its affordability, the Venue's design was appealing, with unexpected style elements like seat stripes and white dashboard trim. The interior, though featuring hard plastics, was thoughtfully designed with digital instrumentation and an 8-inch touchscreen. The Venue's quality and style were impressive for a small SUV, making it a practical choice for urban environments.

The 2023 BMW X7 started with the xDrive40i model, featuring a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine and a 48-volt mild hybrid system, producing 375 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. The M60i model upgraded to a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine, delivering 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque. Despite its nearly 6,000-pound weight, the X7 offered potent acceleration and composed handling, though it wasn't particularly sporty. The ride was firm yet comfortable, aligning with BMW's engaging driving philosophy.

The 2024 Hyundai Venue, equipped with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine producing 121 horsepower and 113 pound-feet of torque, excelled in city driving. Its lightweight design and CVT allowed for nimble handling and decent acceleration. However, the Venue's suspension struggled on rough roads, and the engine became noisy under pressure. Lacking all-wheel drive, it relied on front-wheel power, but its 6.7 inches of ground clearance provided some advantage in snowy conditions. The Venue achieved an EPA rating of 31 mpg combined, though real-world tests showed slightly lower efficiency.

The 2023 BMW X7 offered ample space, with a power-operated middle row for easier third-row access. The third row accommodated average-sized adults, though thigh support was limited. Cargo space was generous, with 12.8 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 90.4 cubic feet with seats folded. The split tailgate and adjustable suspension added convenience for loading.

The 2024 Hyundai Venue provided decent comfort despite its compact size. Front seats featured manual adjustments and heated cushions, while the back seat was better suited for two passengers. Storage was limited, and the lack of rear air vents and privacy glass was notable. Cargo capacity was 18.7 cubic feet, expanding to 31.9 cubic feet with the rear seats down.

The 2023 BMW X7's iDrive infotainment system, though historically praised, took a step back with fewer physical buttons and complex menus. Voice commands offered some relief, but the system's usability suffered.

The 2024 Hyundai Venue featured an 8-inch touchscreen with intuitive menus and standard connectivity options like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Limited trim added navigation and a wireless charger, though it required wired connections for smartphone integration. Despite this, the Venue's infotainment was sophisticated and user-friendly.

The 2023 BMW X7 came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including collision warnings, adaptive headlights, and parking sensors. The M60i trim added a surround-view camera and highway driving assist, which performed reliably during tests.

The 2024 Hyundai Venue included Hyundai SmartSense, offering forward-collision warning, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring. While some alerts were inaccurate, the Venue provided decent occupant protection. It received Good ratings from the IIHS and a four-star NHTSA rating.