2023 Nissan Pathfinder vs 2024 Hyundai Venue

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder, having undergone a redesign in 2022, maintained its modern aesthetic into 2023 with minimal changes. Its design combined futuristic elements like its headlights with traditional features, resulting in a look that was both forward-thinking and timeless. Inside, the Pathfinder offered a cabin with clean lines and a sensible layout, making it both visually appealing and practical for everyday use. The various trims, from the base S to the top-tier Platinum, provided a range of features, including different wheel sizes, upholstery options, and tech enhancements, catering to diverse consumer preferences.

In contrast, the 2024 Hyundai Venue presented a more compact and affordable option, with its design leaning towards a jaunty yet mature appearance. Despite its smaller size, the Venue's interior was thoughtfully designed, featuring hard plastics that didn't appear cheap and stylish details like seat stripes and dashboard trim. The Limited trim, in particular, offered a more sophisticated look with its digital instrumentation and well-sized infotainment display. Overall, the Venue was a stylishly detailed small SUV that appealed to those seeking a high-quality yet budget-friendly vehicle.

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder was equipped with a robust 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 284 horsepower and 259 pound-feet of torque. The Rock Creek variant offered a slight power boost, with 295 hp and 270 lb-ft, thanks to its tuned engine. Power was managed through a 9-speed automatic transmission, available in both front-wheel and all-wheel drive configurations. The Rock Creek model, with its off-road suspension and tires, provided enhanced off-road capabilities, albeit at the cost of a rougher ride on paved roads. The Pathfinder's towing capacity was impressive, with the Rock Creek capable of towing up to 6,000 pounds, making it a versatile choice for those needing to haul heavy loads.

The 2024 Hyundai Venue, on the other hand, was powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 121 horsepower and 113 pound-feet of torque. While not as powerful as the Pathfinder, the Venue's lightweight design and CVT allowed it to navigate city streets and highways with ease. Its suspension, however, struggled on rougher terrains, preferring smooth, well-maintained roads. The Venue's lack of all-wheel drive limited its off-road capabilities, but its 6.7 inches of ground clearance provided some advantage in snowy conditions. Fuel efficiency was a highlight, with the Venue achieving an EPA rating of 31 mpg in combined driving.

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder offered generous interior space, with up to 80.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity when the second and third rows were folded flat. With all seats in use, it provided 16.6 cubic feet of space, which was average for its class. The first two rows were spacious, while the third row was suitable for shorter trips. The Pathfinder's interior was equipped with numerous cupholders and storage compartments, enhancing its practicality. The Rock Creek's roof rack was particularly useful, capable of holding up to 220 pounds, though its proximity to the roof made snow removal challenging.

The 2024 Hyundai Venue, despite its compact size, offered decent comfort and accessibility. The front seats featured manual adjustments and heating, while the rear seats, though technically accommodating three passengers, were more comfortable for two. Storage space was limited, but the Venue provided a useful dashboard shelf and USB ports for rear passengers. Cargo capacity was modest, with 18.7 cubic feet available with the seats up, expanding to 31.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with higher trims offering a 9-inch version. While the system was user-friendly, some found the graphics dated. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity. Higher trims added features like a Wi-Fi hotspot, wireless device charging, and additional USB ports, ensuring passengers remained connected and entertained.

The 2024 Hyundai Venue featured an 8-inch touchscreen with modern graphics and intuitive controls. Standard tech included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a six-speaker sound system. The Limited trim added navigation, satellite radio, and a wireless charger, though it required wired connections for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Despite this quirk, the Venue's infotainment system was sophisticated, with a reliable voice recognition system and streaming capabilities.

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder was equipped with a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, collision warnings, and blind-spot monitoring. Higher trims added advanced features like ProPilot Assist, a 360-degree parking monitor, and a head-up display. The Pathfinder's off-road mode provided additional camera views for navigating challenging terrains.

The 2024 Hyundai Venue came standard with Hyundai SmartSense, offering forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and a driver monitoring system. The SEL trim added blind-spot monitoring, while the Limited trim included cyclist detection. Despite some inaccuracies in the lane-keeping systems, the Venue provided decent occupant protection. The IIHS rated it well in crash tests, and the NHTSA awarded it four stars overall.