2025 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2024 Hyundai Venue

The 2024 Hyundai Venue was available in SE, SEL, and Limited trims, with prices ranging from $21,275 to $24,525, including the destination charge. The Venue SEL, priced at $23,275, was recommended for its enhanced exterior appeal and added convenience and safety features. The Limited trim test vehicle, painted in Ecotronic Gray, had an MSRP of $24,735. While the color was subdued, it lent a mature look to the Venue's stylish design. Inside, the Venue featured hard plastics that didn't appear cheap, with stylish seat stripes and white trim accents. The digital instrumentation and 8-inch touchscreen infotainment display were highlights, showcasing Hyundai's attention to quality and design in this small SUV.

In contrast, the 2025 Chevrolet Traverse impressed with its exterior styling, continuing Chevrolet's trend of attractive SUV designs. The interior, however, was let down by hard, glossy plastics and artificial leather that didn't convincingly mimic the real thing. The Traverse was offered in LT, Z71, High Country, and RS trims, with base prices from $41,095 to $55,495. The Z71 trim, designed for off-road use, featured Radiant Red paint, a panoramic sunroof, and additional driving packages, bringing the MSRP to $55,900. Despite its higher price, the Traverse's interior materials didn't match its cost, though its design and layout were appealing.

The 2024 Hyundai Venue was equipped with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine producing 121 horsepower and 113 pound-feet of torque. Weighing 2,612 pounds in base SE trim, the Venue's CVT maximized its power for city and suburban driving. Its small size and nimble handling made it ideal for urban environments, though its suspension struggled on rough roads. On highways, the Venue maintained speed but sounded harsh under heavy acceleration. Lacking AWD, the Venue's 6.7 inches of ground clearance allowed it to handle snow with winter tires. It achieved an EPA rating of 31 mpg combined, averaging 30.3 mpg in testing.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse featured a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 328 horsepower and 326 pound-feet of torque. In FWD mode, it exhibited torque steer, but AWD provided controlled acceleration. The Z71 trim, with 7.7 inches of ground clearance, was suited for light off-roading. It included all-terrain tires, a skid plate, and a Twin Clutch AWD system. The Traverse handled trails well, with its suspension absorbing rough terrain. On paved roads, the Z71's tires offered good grip and minimal noise. The Traverse achieved an EPA rating of 21 mpg combined, slightly exceeding expectations in testing.

The 2024 Hyundai Venue offered increased ground clearance, making entry and exit easier. Despite its small size, it provided decent comfort with manual height-adjustable front seats and heated cushions. The back seat was cramped for three, with limited storage and no rear air vents. Cargo space was comparable to a compact car, with 18.7 cubic feet behind the seats and 31.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse boasted significant interior space, especially in width. The front seats were comfortable, with power adjustments and heating. The Z71 trim's second-row captain's chairs offered good support, though it lacked window shades. The third row was adequate for adults but lacked USB ports and visibility. The Traverse provided 22.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 97.6 cubic feet with seats folded. However, folding the third row required adjusting the second row, complicating cargo management.

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

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse excelled with a 17.7-inch touchscreen offering Google Built-in, Alexa compatibility, and OnStar services. It included wireless smartphone integration and charging, with a user-friendly interface. The digital instrumentation panel offered customizable views, and optional features like a digital rearview mirror and surround-view camera enhanced convenience. The Traverse's tech package was comprehensive and intuitive, with effective voice commands and easy-to-use controls.

The 2024 Hyundai Venue came with Hyundai SmartSense, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. The SEL trim added blind-spot monitoring, while the Limited trim included cyclist detection. The Venue received Good ratings in IIHS crash tests and a four-star NHTSA rating, though it lacked adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse offered a robust safety suite, including adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. The Driver Confidence Package added a surround-view camera and traffic sign recognition, while the Enhanced Driving Package featured Super Cruise and remote parking. The Traverse earned a five-star NHTSA rating and a "Top Safety Pick" from IIHS, highlighting its comprehensive safety features.