2023 Jeep Wrangler vs 2024 Hyundai Venue

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler presented a bold, rugged design reminiscent of a brick on wheels, with its fourth-generation JL model showcasing a take-no-prisoners aesthetic. Available in both two-door and four-door Unlimited versions, the Wrangler allowed for a customizable open-air experience with removable doors and a foldable windshield. The iconic seven-slot grille, round headlights, and wide fenders, adorned with the American flag, added to its classic Jeep appeal. The tailgate swung out, and the rear glass lifted for easy cargo access, while the limited-edition Reign purple paint added a unique flair to the otherwise functional design. Inside, the Wrangler maintained its practicality with easy-to-clean materials and a straightforward layout, featuring a body-colored dash and chunky controls.

In contrast, the 2024 Hyundai Venue offered a more subdued yet stylish appearance, with its Ecotronic Gray paint lending a mature look to the compact hatchback. Available in SE, SEL, and Limited trims, the Venue's design was appealing for an affordable car, with unexpected style elements like seat stripes and white dashboard trim. The interior, though featuring hard plastics, did not appear cheap, and the digital instrumentation and 8-inch touchscreen infotainment display added a modern touch. The Venue's design was thoughtfully executed, providing a high-quality feel despite its budget-friendly nature.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler was a powerhouse for off-road enthusiasts, offering a range of engine options to suit various driving needs. The standard V6 engine delivered 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, while a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder offered 270 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. For those seeking more torque, the 3.0-liter Ecodiesel V6 provided 260 horsepower and an impressive 442 lb-ft of torque. The Rubicon 392 model, with its 6.4-liter V8 engine, boasted 470 horsepower and torque, capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds. The Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid offered a greener option with 21 miles of all-electric range. However, the 392's on-road performance was marred by inadequate brakes and vague steering, issues less pronounced in other trims. The Wrangler's off-road prowess was unmatched, with features like the Selec-Trac and Rock-Trac transfer cases enhancing its capability.

The 2024 Hyundai Venue, powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine producing 121 horsepower and 113 pound-feet of torque, was more suited for city and suburban driving. Weighing just 2,612 pounds, the Venue's continuously variable transmission (CVT) maximized its modest power, making it agile and easy to maneuver in tight spaces. While the Venue handled well on smooth roads, its suspension struggled with rough surfaces, leading to a less comfortable ride. On highways, the Venue maintained speed confidently, but the engine and CVT became noisy under heavy acceleration. Lacking all-wheel drive, the Venue relied on its 6.7 inches of ground clearance to navigate snowy conditions. Its fuel economy was decent, with an EPA rating of 31 mpg combined, though real-world testing yielded slightly lower results.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler offered comfortable front seats, with heated options available in the 392 or with a cold-weather package. The rear seat, while theoretically accommodating three passengers in four-door models, was a tight fit, and the small rear doors made access challenging. Storage for small items was limited, with a flat dash and tiny glove box and center console. The Wrangler's cargo space measured 72.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, slightly less than its competitor, the Bronco. The Wrangler's various top options, including the Sky One-Touch power soft top, provided flexibility for open-air driving, though some configurations were more cumbersome to operate. The vehicle was well-equipped with charging points, featuring USB-A and USB-C ports, 12-volt outlets, and a 115-volt outlet.

The 2024 Hyundai Venue's higher ground clearance facilitated easier entry and exit, and its compact dimensions offered decent comfort. The driver's seat featured manual height adjustment, and the steering wheel had tilt-and-telescopic adjustment. The front seats boasted fabric inserts and heated cushions, while the rear seat, better suited for two passengers, lacked air conditioning vents and privacy glass. Storage space was limited, but the Venue provided a useful dashboard shelf. Cargo capacity was comparable to a compact car, with 18.7 cubic feet available in the trunk and 31.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen running the Uconnect infotainment system, though our tester featured the larger 8.4-inch screen. The system, initially appearing complex, was intuitive once familiarized, offering off-road pages with detailed vehicle information. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, and a forward-facing camera aided off-road navigation. While the Wrangler lacked advanced tech features like a digital key, it provided practical auxiliary switches for aftermarket accessories.

The 2024 Hyundai Venue featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment display with modern graphics and user-friendly operation. Standard features included Bluetooth connectivity, wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, and a six-speaker sound system. The Limited trim added navigation, SiriusXM satellite radio, a wireless smartphone charger, and Bluelink+ connected services. However, the upgraded system required wired connections for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, diminishing the wireless charger's utility. Despite this, the Venue's infotainment system was sophisticated, with impressive voice recognition capabilities.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler's safety features were limited, with only a rearview camera, electronic roll mitigation, and stability control standard across all models. Advanced features like blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control were standard only on the top 392 model or available as options. The Wrangler received mixed ratings from the IIHS, with some trims' headlights rated Poor. The NHTSA awarded it four stars for frontal crash tests and three stars for rollover, with no side crash rating available.

The 2024 Hyundai Venue came equipped with Hyundai SmartSense, offering forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and a driver monitoring system. The SEL trim added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, while the Limited trim included cyclist detection. The Venue lacked adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist, but its safety systems generally performed well. The IIHS rated the Venue Good in three crash tests, with an Acceptable rating for the Limited trim's headlights. The NHTSA gave it an overall four-star rating.