2023 Mazda CX-30 vs 2024 Hyundai Venue

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 presented a choice between two models: the 2.5 S and the 2.5 Turbo. The 2.5 S featured a 191-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, while the 2.5 Turbo boasted a turbocharged version capable of up to 250 horsepower. Both models came with a six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The CX-30's design was characterized by a long hood, dramatic flanks, and a stubby rear end, giving it a nose-heavy appearance. Despite its appealing design, the excessive gray body cladding detracted from its overall aesthetic. Inside, the CX-30 offered an upscale cabin with quality materials, including leather upholstery and polished metal accents, creating an entry-level luxury SUV feel.

In contrast, the 2024 Hyundai Venue was available in SE, SEL, and Limited trims, with prices ranging from $21,275 to $24,525. The Limited trim, with Ecotronic Gray paint and carpeted floor mats, brought the MSRP to $24,735. The Venue's design was appealing, with a sense of genuine style, despite its affordable price. Inside, the Venue featured hard plastic materials but managed to maintain a stylish appearance with striped seat piping and white trim accents. The digital instrumentation and 8-inch touchscreen infotainment display added to the Venue's modern feel. Overall, the Venue was a thoughtfully designed, stylishly detailed, and high-quality small SUV.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 2.5 S models gained five horsepower, totaling 191 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque from the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. This improvement resulted in better fuel economy, with an EPA rating of 29 mpg in combined driving. The 2.5 Turbo model, when fueled with premium gas, delivered 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque. Regular gas reduced these figures slightly. Both engines were paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. The CX-30's eight inches of ground clearance and Off-Road traction assist function made it versatile, though its suspension struggled with speed bumps. Weighing 3,525 pounds, the CX-30 2.5 Turbo offered robust acceleration but had a small 12.7-gallon fuel tank, limiting its range. The CX-30 excelled on twisty roads, thanks to its G-Vectoring Control Plus and excellent steering, but its suspension felt soft. On highways, it was quiet and refined, though the brake pedal required more effort than expected.

The 2024 Hyundai Venue featured a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine producing 121 horsepower and 113 pound-feet of torque. Weighing 2,612 pounds, the Venue's CVT maximized power, making it suitable for city and suburban driving. Its small size, nimble handling, and excellent visibility made it ideal for urban environments. However, the Venue's suspension struggled on rough roads, resulting in a busy ride quality. On highways, it could maintain freeway speeds but sounded buzzy when pushed. The Venue lacked AWD, but its 6.7 inches of ground clearance allowed it to handle snow better than typical cars. The Venue achieved an EPA rating of 31 mpg in combined driving, though our test averaged 30.3 mpg.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 offered standard dual-zone automatic climate control, an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated front seats, and a power sunroof. The Turbos added a heated steering wheel. While the driver's seat was comfortable, the front passenger seat had limited adjustment. Rear passengers had standard air conditioning vents, but legroom was tight. Storage space was reasonable, with a center armrest, glove compartment, and door panel bins. The CX-30's cargo space measured 20.2 cubic feet, expanding to 45.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. However, these measurements were unimpressive for a small crossover.

The 2024 Hyundai Venue's increased ground clearance made entry and exit easier. Despite its small size, comfort was decent, with a manual height-adjustable driver's seat and tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel. The back seat accommodated three, but two passengers were more comfortable. Taller passengers disliked the hard plastic front seatbacks. The Venue lacked rear air conditioning vents and privacy glass. Front storage was decent, with a dashboard shelf. Cargo space was on par with a compact car, offering 18.7 cubic feet, expanding to 31.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30's Mazda Connect infotainment system had three significant flaws. It lacked a touchscreen display, requiring drivers to use center console controls, which could be distracting. The voice-recognition system was not conversational, causing frustration. Additionally, there was no tuning knob, making it difficult to change radio stations. Despite these issues, the 8.8-inch display was well-integrated, with pleasing graphics and a logical menu structure. Standard features included Bluetooth, HD Radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and connected services. Turbos added SiriusXM, navigation, and a 14-speaker Bose sound system.

The 2024 Hyundai Venue featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment display with modern graphics and logical menus. It included Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, Bluelink connected services, and a six-speaker sound system. The Limited trim added navigation, SiriusXM, a wireless charger, and Bluelink+. However, it switched to wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, reducing the wireless charger's usefulness. Despite this quirk, the Venue's infotainment system was sophisticated, with impressive voice recognition. It allowed for easy music streaming, though the stereo speakers could be improved.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 excelled in safety, earning a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS. It featured adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Additional features included a driver monitoring system, automatic high-beam headlights, and an E911 emergency notification system. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, traffic sign recognition, and a head-up display. The Turbo Premium Plus trim included a surround-view camera, parking sensors, and Traffic Jam Assist. The forward-collision warning system worked effectively, though it could be overly sensitive.

The 2024 Hyundai Venue came with Hyundai SmartSense, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and a driver monitoring system. The SEL trim added blind-spot monitoring, while the Limited trim included cyclist detection. However, adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist were unavailable. The Venue received Good ratings in three IIHS crash tests and an Acceptable rating for its LED headlights. The NHTSA awarded it a four-star overall rating.