2024 Hyundai Venue vs 2023 Volvo XC90

The 2023 Volvo XC90 marked a significant departure from Volvo's past boxy designs, showcasing a purposeful yet understated aesthetic. Its front end appeared solid without being ostentatious, and the grille was assertive without excessive flashiness. The recognizable “Thor’s Hammer” headlights added a modern touch absent in older models. The XC90’s dimensions leaned toward a rectilinear shape, but it was far from the toaster-like designs of the past. The test vehicle featured 21-inch wheels and a Platinum Gray paint with subtle brown undertones, adding depth to its appearance. Inside, the XC90 exuded elegance with two-tone leather, metal speaker covers, a crystal shift knob, and luxurious Nappa leather upholstery. The minimalist interior design included wood deco inlays, contributing to a clean and natural look.

In contrast, the 2024 Hyundai Venue, particularly in Limited trim, offered a more youthful and stylish design. The Ecotronic Gray paint lent a mature appearance to the compact hatchback. Despite its affordability, the Venue displayed genuine style, with unexpected interior elements like striped seat piping and white dashboard trim. The digital instrumentation and 8-inch touchscreen infotainment display were highlights, providing a modern and user-friendly experience. The Venue’s design was thoughtfully executed, offering a high-quality feel for a small SUV.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 introduced new B5 and B6 engines with mild-hybrid technology, replacing older powertrains. The B5 engine produced 247 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, while the B6 offered 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet. These engines improved fuel efficiency slightly and provided a smoother operation. The XC90’s driving experience was enjoyable, with quick acceleration and a responsive eight-speed automatic transmission. Despite its size, the XC90 handled corners well and maintained a quiet cabin. The brakes were solid, and the vehicle’s simplicity in driving dynamics was appreciated, though some might find it lacking in customization.

The 2024 Hyundai Venue featured a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with 121 horsepower and 113 pound-feet of torque. Weighing 2,612 pounds, the Venue’s CVT maximized power for city and suburban driving. However, the suspension struggled on rough roads, leading to a busy ride quality. On highways, the Venue maintained speed but sounded strained under pressure. Lacking AWD, the Venue relied on front-wheel drive, but its 6.7 inches of ground clearance helped in snowy conditions. The Venue achieved an EPA rating of 31 mpg combined, though real-world testing showed slightly lower efficiency.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 offered a peaceful front-seat experience but lacked storage space for small items. The second row was comfortable but challenging to adjust, and accessing the third row was difficult with the standard bench seat. Cargo space was decent, with 12.5 cubic feet behind the third row and 65.5 cubic feet with all seats folded. The XC90 drove like a smaller vehicle, which was a plus for maneuverability.

The 2024 Hyundai Venue’s higher ground clearance made entry and exit easy. Front seats were comfortable, with manual adjustments and heated cushions. The back seat was cramped for three, and storage was limited. Cargo space was comparable to a compact car, with 18.7 cubic feet available, expanding to 31.9 cubic feet with the rear seats down.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 featured a 9-inch touchscreen with Google OS, integrating Google Maps, Spotify, and Google Assistant. While the system was advanced, it required interaction with the screen for many functions, which could be frustrating. Over time, users might adapt to this setup.

The 2024 Hyundai Venue had an 8-inch touchscreen with modern graphics and logical menus. Standard features included Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Limited trim added navigation and a wireless charger, though it required wired connections for smartphone integration. Despite this, the infotainment system was sophisticated and user-friendly.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 was renowned for safety, earning a five-star NHTSA rating and IIHS Top Safety Pick+. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, contributing to Volvo’s Pilot Assist technology.

The 2024 Hyundai Venue included Hyundai SmartSense, offering forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and more. The Venue received Good ratings in IIHS crash tests and a four-star NHTSA rating. However, it lacked adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist.