2024 Hyundai Venue vs 2023 Mazda CX-50

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 showcased a design that combined elegance with ruggedness. Its blunt nose, long hood, and rakish windshield gave it a seductive appeal, while the cabin's positioning toward the rear wheels added a sporty touch. The CX-50's ruggedness was evident in its fender swells, body cladding, and skid plates, which were complemented by oversized air intakes and vents. The standard black grille and mirror caps, along with available 20-inch wheels, enhanced its visual appeal. The upcoming Meridian Edition promised exclusive features like all-terrain tires and a roof-mounted load platform.

In contrast, the 2024 Hyundai Venue offered a more compact and mature design. Available in SE, SEL, and Limited trims, it ranged from $21,275 to $24,525. The Limited trim, with Ecotronic Gray paint, gave the Venue a subdued appearance. Despite its affordability, the Venue's design was stylish, with fabric inserts and artificial leather bolsters in the interior. The Venue's interior featured hard plastics but maintained a sense of style with striped seats and white trim. The digital instrumentation and 8-inch touchscreen infotainment display added to its appeal.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 offered two engine options. The 2.5 S model had a 187 hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 186 lb-ft of torque and an estimated 27 mpg in combined driving. The 2.5 Turbo variant provided between 227 hp and 256 hp, depending on fuel type, with torque ranging from 310 lb-ft to 320 lb-ft. It had a towing capacity of up to 3,500 pounds and an estimated 25 mpg in combined driving. The CX-50 excelled in smooth acceleration and offered various driving modes, though differences were subtle. Its ride quality was firm, and it handled off-road situations well, though it lacked a downhill assist control system.

The 2024 Hyundai Venue featured a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine producing 121 hp and 113 lb-ft of torque. Weighing 2,612 pounds, it was paired with a CVT that maximized power efficiently. The Venue excelled in urban environments with its nimble handling and visibility. However, its suspension struggled on rough roads, and the engine became noisy under pressure. The Venue lacked AWD but offered 6.7 inches of ground clearance. It achieved an EPA rating of 31 mpg in combined driving, though our tests showed 30.3 mpg.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 provided a comfortable interior with heated and ventilated seats, dual-zone climate control, and ample rear space. The back seat was roomy, and the rear doors opened wide for easy access. Storage was adequate, though some opportunities were missed. The cargo area offered 31.4 cubic feet, expandable to 56.3 cubic feet with the seats down.

The 2024 Hyundai Venue's higher ground clearance made entry and exit easier. The front seats were comfortable, with manual adjustments and heated cushions. The back seat was cramped for three, and storage was limited. The Venue offered 18.7 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 31.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 came with Mazda Connect, featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system had an 8.8-inch or 10.25-inch display, though it lacked touchscreen functionality for native controls. The available Bose sound system and head-up display added to its tech appeal.

The 2024 Hyundai Venue featured an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Limited trim added navigation, satellite radio, and a wireless charger. However, it required wired connections for smartphone integration. The Venue's infotainment system was user-friendly, with a strong voice recognition system.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 was expected to perform well in safety tests, with a comprehensive package of driving assistance systems. The top trim offered additional features like Traffic Jam Assist and a surround-view camera. However, the adaptive cruise control had occasional issues.

The 2024 Hyundai Venue included Hyundai SmartSense, with features like forward-collision warning and lane-keep assist. The Limited trim added cyclist detection. The Venue received Good ratings in crash tests and a four-star NHTSA rating, though it lacked some advanced features like adaptive cruise control.