2023 Mazda CX-5 vs 2024 Hyundai Venue

The 2023 Mazda CX-5, despite its age, continued to be a strong contender in the compact crossover SUV market. It was praised for its stylish design and high-quality materials, giving it the feel of a small luxury SUV. The available turbocharged engine provided impressive power, and the model boasted a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS. Mazda's decision to transition the CX-5 to the CX-50 was part of a broader marketing strategy, similar to Infiniti's renaming of its G37 models. The CX-5 was available in eight versions, with prices ranging from $26,700 to $39,650, offering a range of options for consumers. The 2.5 Turbo Signature model, with its premium features and Rhodium White metallic paint, was priced at $41,655, including destination charges.

The 2024 Hyundai Venue was offered in SE, SEL, and Limited trims, with prices from $21,275 to $24,525, including destination charges. The Venue SEL was recommended for its enhanced exterior appearance and added safety features. The Limited trim, with Ecotronic Gray paint and carpeted floor mats, had an MSRP of $24,735. The Venue's design was appealing, with a sense of style not always found in affordable cars. Inside, the Venue featured hard plastics but maintained a stylish look with striped seat piping and white dashboard trim. The digital instrumentation and 8-inch touchscreen infotainment display were highlights, offering quality finishes and operation.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 offered two engine options: a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, and a turbocharged version with up to 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium fuel. Both engines were paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. The turbocharged engine provided a thrilling driving experience, with responsive performance and a firm, connected ride quality. The CX-5's updates in 2022 improved its structural rigidity, suspension, and noise reduction, enhancing its luxury feel. However, the turbocharged engine's fuel economy was lower than expected, averaging 21.4 mpg in testing.

The 2024 Hyundai Venue was equipped with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine producing 121 hp and 113 lb-ft of torque. Weighing 2,612 pounds, the Venue's CVT maximized its power for city and suburban driving. The Venue's suspension struggled on rough roads, but it handled well on smooth surfaces. On highways, the Venue maintained speed but sounded noisy under acceleration. The Venue lacked AWD, but its 6.7 inches of ground clearance allowed it to handle snow with winter tires. The Venue's fuel economy was rated at 31 mpg combined, but it averaged 30.3 mpg in testing.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5's 2022 updates improved front seat comfort, with height-adjustable seats and power adjustments available on higher trims. The Signature trim featured luxurious Nappa leather upholstery. However, the CX-5's interior space was limited, with small storage areas, cramped rear seats, and a cargo capacity of 30.9 cubic feet, expanding to 59.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2024 Hyundai Venue's higher ground clearance made entry and exit easier. The driver's seat had manual height adjustment, and the steering wheel offered tilt-and-telescopic adjustment. The Venue's back seat was tight for three passengers, and taller occupants found the hard plastic front seatbacks uncomfortable. The Venue offered limited storage space and lacked rear air conditioning vents. Cargo space was 18.7 cubic feet, expanding to 31.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5's Mazda Connect infotainment system featured a 10.25-inch display with sophisticated graphics but was frustrating to use. The system lacked effective voice recognition and required awkward physical controls. Despite these issues, it offered Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a three-year trial of Mazda Connected Services. Upper trims included a Bose audio system and a surround-view camera system.

The 2024 Hyundai Venue's 8-inch touchscreen infotainment display was user-friendly, with logical menus and simple operation. Standard features included Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Limited trim added navigation, SiriusXM, and a wireless charger. However, the switch to wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto was a drawback. The Venue's infotainment system was sophisticated, with a native voice recognition system.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 featured i-Activsense driver assistance technology, with most features standard except for a few exclusive to the 2.5 Turbo Signature. The system operated smoothly, with adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and a head-up display. The CX-5 received five-star ratings from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS.

The 2024 Hyundai Venue included Hyundai SmartSense, with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. The Venue SEL added blind-spot monitoring, and the Limited trim included cyclist detection. The Venue received Good ratings in IIHS crash tests and a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA.