2025 Hyundai Kona 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 appearance and added convenience and safety features. The Limited trim test vehicle, painted in Ecotronic Gray and equipped with carpeted floor mats, had an MSRP of $24,735. Despite limited options, the Venue's design was appealing, offering a mature and subdued look. Inside, the Venue featured hard plastics but maintained a stylish appearance with seat stripes, piping, and white trim accents. The digital instrumentation and 8-inch touchscreen infotainment display were highlights, showcasing Hyundai's attention to quality and thoughtful design.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona, while visually unchanged from the 2024 model, maintained a fresh and distinctive appearance in the crossover class. Its flush, single-piece grille and ultra-slim LED light bars gave it a futuristic look. The Kona's increased size, about six inches longer than its predecessor, improved interior space and road presence. The N Line S and N Line trims featured sportier designs with body-colored bumpers and cladding. The interior remained unchanged, offering a solid and airy feel. The 2025 model introduced 64-color ambient interior lighting as standard on N Line, N Line S, and Limited trims. The Kona's seating options varied by trim, with heated and ventilated front seats available on higher trims.

The 2024 Hyundai Venue was equipped with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine producing 121 horsepower and 113 lb-ft of torque. Weighing 2,612 pounds in base SE trim, the Venue's CVT maximized available power for city and suburban driving. Its nimble handling and excellent visibility made it ideal for urban environments. However, the Venue's suspension struggled on rough roads, resulting in a busy ride quality. On highways, it maintained pace but sounded harsh under acceleration. The Venue lacked AWD, with power directed to the front wheels, but offered 6.7 inches of ground clearance. Its EPA rating was 31 mpg combined, though real-world testing averaged 30.3 mpg.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona offered two gas-powered engine options. The SE, SEL, and SEL Convenience trims featured a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine with 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, paired with an IVT. The N Line S, N Line, and Limited trims boasted a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with 190 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. AWD was available for an additional $1,500, enhancing traction and ride quality with a multi-link rear suspension. The Kona's performance was competent, with the turbo engine providing adequate power, though it could feel flat at low revs.

The 2024 Hyundai Venue's increased ground clearance facilitated easy entry and exit. Despite its small size, the Venue offered decent comfort, with manual height-adjustable driver's seat and tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel. The back seat was better suited for two passengers, with limited storage and no rear air vents. The Venue's cargo space was comparable to a compact car, offering 18.7 cubic feet with the seats up and 31.9 cubic feet with them folded.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona provided ample cargo space, with 25.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 63.7 cubic feet with them folded. Rear legroom measured 38.2 inches, with 38.3 inches of headroom. The front seats offered a generous range of movement, and the steering wheel was adjustable. The Kona's interior featured excellent storage options, with various shelves and compartments. Upholstery varied by trim, with heated and ventilated front seats available on higher trims. Dual-zone automatic climate control was standard on most trims, with physical controls for ease of use.

The 2024 Hyundai Venue featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment display with modern graphics and logical menus. Standard features included Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, and a six-speaker sound system. The Limited trim added navigation, SiriusXM, a wireless charger, and Bluelink+ services. However, the switch to wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto was a drawback. The Venue's infotainment system was sophisticated, with native voice recognition and music streaming capabilities.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona offered a 12.3-inch central touchscreen infotainment display across all trims, with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. SEL Convenience trim and above included wireless charging and Hyundai's digital key. Higher trims featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, enhancing customization and cohesion. The N Line and Limited trims offered an eight-speaker Bose audio system, while other trims had a six-speaker setup. Bluelink connectivity allowed for over-the-air updates, ensuring features remained current.

The 2024 Hyundai Venue came with Hyundai SmartSense, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and a driver monitoring system. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were added on the SEL trim, with cyclist detection on the Limited trim. The Venue received Good ratings in three IIHS crash tests and an Acceptable rating for its LED headlights. The NHTSA awarded it a four-star overall rating.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona impressed with its standard safety features, including Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Following Assist, Blind-Spot Collision Warning, and Safe Exit Warning. Higher trims added Highway Driving Assist and enhanced Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist. Limited trim included parking assistance features. All Konas had six airbags, electronic stability control, and a tire pressure monitoring system. The Kona earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS.