2024 Hyundai Venue vs 2024 BMW X5

The 2024 BMW X5, last redesigned in 2019, maintained a timeless appeal, though the M Sport treatment was less favored, giving it a station wagon-like appearance. The test vehicle featured optional 21-inch “741M” wheels with staggered-width summer tires, enhancing its look despite the potential cost of tire replacement. The X5 offered various powertrains, including a turbocharged inline six-cylinder, a turbo-six PHEV, and a turbocharged V8, with options for Sport and M Sport trims. The xDrive50e M Sport model tested came with Brooklyn Grey paint and a full suite of equipment packages, priced at $88,075. Updates for 2024 included a BMW Curved Display and modernized interior controls, while retaining high-quality materials.

The 2024 Hyundai Venue was available in SE, SEL, and Limited trims, with prices from $21,275 to $24,525. The Venue SEL was recommended for its improved exterior and added features. The Limited trim test vehicle, priced at $24,735, featured Ecotronic Gray paint and carpeted floor mats. Despite limited options, the Venue's design was stylish and mature. Inside, it had hard plastics but maintained a stylish appearance with striped seats and white trim. The digital instrumentation and 8-inch touchscreen were highlights, offering quality finishes and operation, making the Venue a thoughtfully designed small SUV.

The 2024 BMW X5 xDrive50e PHEV featured a new mild-hybrid system with a powerful electric motor and a 19.2 kWh battery, offering 38 miles of electric range and 22 mpg in hybrid mode. It produced 483 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, accelerating to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds. The PHEV excelled in efficiency, achieving 33.7 mpg on a suburban journey and 38.8 mpg on a 95.5-mile evaluation drive. The adaptive damping air suspension provided a smooth ride, and the vehicle handled well on challenging roads, with excellent acceleration and grip. The PHEV was favored for its balance of performance and efficiency.

The 2024 Hyundai Venue had a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with 121 horsepower and 113 lb-ft of torque, paired with a CVT. Weighing 2,612 pounds, it was agile in city settings, though less powerful on highways. The Venue's suspension struggled on rough roads, leading to a busy ride. It managed highway speeds with one occupant but struggled with additional weight. Lacking AWD, it had 6.7 inches of ground clearance, suitable for light snow. The Venue achieved 31 mpg combined, but only 30.3 mpg on a mountainous test loop, falling short of expectations.

The 2024 BMW X5 xDrive50e offered a spacious interior for five, with a cargo area expanding from 33.1 to 71.2 cubic feet. The split liftgate design provided seating but required stretching to access deep cargo. The test vehicle featured Sensafin artificial leather, standard sport seats, and a Climate Comfort Package with 20-way adjustable front seats, four-zone climate control, and heated features. Rear passengers enjoyed comfort and a panoramic sunroof. The X5 no longer offered a third-row seat, requiring a step up to the X7 for that feature.

The 2024 Hyundai Venue's higher ground clearance facilitated easy entry and exit. Despite its small size, it offered decent comfort with manual height-adjustable driver’s seat and tilt-and-telescopic steering. The front seats had fabric inserts and heated cushions. The back seat was cramped for three, with limited storage and no rear air vents. Cargo space was 18.7 cubic feet, expanding to 31.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The Venue lacked rear privacy glass, necessitating window shades for infants.

The 2024 BMW X5 featured a BMW Curved Display with a 12.3-inch digital panel and a 14.9-inch touchscreen running iDrive 8.5. It included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, and over-the-air updates. The Harman Kardon sound system was excellent, but the Intelligent Personal Assistant struggled with voice recognition, causing navigation issues. The head-up display and augmented video navigation were highlights, though reliant on accurate voice commands.

The 2024 Hyundai Venue had an 8-inch touchscreen with modern graphics and intuitive menus. Standard features included Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a six-speaker system. The Limited trim added navigation, SiriusXM, and a wireless charger, though it required wired connections for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Despite this, the Venue's infotainment was sophisticated, with effective voice recognition and music streaming capabilities.

The 2024 BMW X5 introduced Highway Assistant for hands-free driving, effective in specific conditions but occasionally braking unexpectedly. The adaptive cruise control and lane-centering worked well, though the system misinterpreted obstacles. The X5 received high IIHS ratings but missed an award due to headlight ratings, and earned a four-star NHTSA rating.

The 2024 Hyundai Venue included Hyundai SmartSense with forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and more. The SEL added blind-spot monitoring, and the Limited had cyclist detection. The Venue lacked adaptive cruise control and lane-centering. It received Good IIHS ratings and a four-star NHTSA rating, with some limitations in crash protection due to its size.