2024 Hyundai Venue vs 2025 Nissan Pathfinder

The 2024 Hyundai Venue was available in SE, SEL, and Limited trims, with prices ranging from $21,275 to $24,525, including destination charges. The Venue SEL, priced at $23,275, was recommended for its enhanced exterior and added safety features. The Limited trim, tested in Ecotronic Gray, had an MSRP of $24,735. Despite limited options, the Venue's design was stylish and mature, with a well-thought-out interior featuring unexpected style elements like seat stripes and white dashboard trim. The digital instrumentation and 8-inch touchscreen added to its appeal, making it a high-quality small SUV.

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder, tested in Rock Creek trim, was equipped for challenging conditions with 3-Peak Mud-and-Snow-rated tires and standard AWD. Redesigned in 2022, the Pathfinder featured a bold front end and protective cladding. The Rock Creek trim stood out with a unique grille and LED lighting. A metal roof rack and exposed trailer hitch highlighted its adventurous nature. Inside, the Rock Creek offered leatherette-and-cloth upholstery with bright orange logos, while higher trims provided more luxurious seating options. Despite its rugged look, the Pathfinder was a unibody crossover, lacking additional ground clearance and a full-size spare tire.

The 2024 Hyundai Venue featured a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine producing 121 horsepower and 113 pound-feet of torque. Weighing 2,612 pounds, it was paired with a CVT that maximized power for city and suburban driving. The Venue excelled in nimble handling and visibility but struggled on rough roads due to its suspension. On highways, it maintained speed but sounded harsh under pressure. Lacking AWD, it relied on front-wheel drive, with 6.7 inches of ground clearance. The Venue achieved an EPA rating of 31 mpg combined, averaging 30.3 mpg in testing.

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder offered a 3.5-liter V6 engine, with power varying by trim. The Rock Creek trim delivered 295 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque, while others offered 284 horsepower. A nine-speed automatic transmission replaced the previous CVT, enhancing towing capacity to 6,000 pounds on certain trims. The Pathfinder's soft suspension suited light off-roading but felt floaty on twisty roads. Fuel economy for the Rock Creek was 20 mpg city, 23 highway, and 21 combined. Seven drive modes and hill-descent control provided traction management, with snow mode proving effective in testing.

The 2024 Hyundai Venue's higher ground clearance facilitated easy entry and exit. Despite its small size, it offered decent comfort with adjustable front seats 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 2025 Nissan Pathfinder, though smaller than some competitors, provided ample space for a ski trip with four adults. Cargo capacity was 16.6 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 45 cubic feet with it folded, and 80.5 cubic feet with both rows down. The Rock Creek trim featured captain’s chairs and a removable center console. The EZ Flex Seating System allowed easy access to the third row without removing car seats.

The 2024 Hyundai Venue featured an 8-inch touchscreen with modern graphics and simple operation. Standard tech 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. The infotainment system was sophisticated, with a strong voice recognition system.

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder's tech lagged behind competitors, with an older interface and smaller screens. Standard features included a 6-speaker stereo, with a 13-speaker Bose system available on higher trims. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were supported, but wireless projection was limited. Navigation was standard only on higher trims, and a head-up display was exclusive to the Platinum trim.

The 2024 Hyundai Venue came with Hyundai SmartSense, offering forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. The SEL trim added blind-spot monitoring, while the Limited included cyclist detection. The Venue received Good ratings from the IIHS and a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It featured a comprehensive suite of ADAS, including blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, and ProPilot Assist on higher trims. Traffic sign recognition was available on the SL and Platinum trims.