2024 Hyundai Venue vs 2025 Subaru Outback

The 2024 Hyundai Venue was available in SE, SEL, and Limited trims, with prices ranging from $21,275 to $24,525. 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 hard plastics that didn’t appear cheap. The digital instrumentation and 8-inch touchscreen were highlights, contributing to a high-quality feel.

In contrast, the 2025 Subaru Outback stood out as one of the few remaining wagons, embracing crossover trends with rugged design elements. The test model in Crimson Red Pearl paired well with its black leather interior, though earthy shades were preferred. Subaru focused on off-road capabilities, appealing to adventurous buyers. The Outback's design was practical, with a rugged exterior and a well-executed interior, featuring easy-to-read gauges and a small digital display for essential information.

The 2024 Hyundai Venue featured a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine producing 121 horsepower and 113 lb-ft of torque. Weighing 2,612 pounds, it was paired with a CVT that maximized power efficiently. Best suited for city driving, the Venue offered nimble handling and good visibility. However, its suspension struggled on rough roads, and the engine became noisy under pressure. Lacking AWD, it had 6.7 inches of ground clearance and achieved 31 mpg combined, though real-world tests showed 30.3 mpg.

The 2025 Subaru Outback offered two engine options: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 182 hp and 176 lb-ft of torque, and a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine with 260 hp and 277 lb-ft. Both engines used a CVT and standard AWD. The turbocharged version provided better acceleration, recommended for those who could afford the upgrade. With 8.7 inches of ground clearance and X-Mode for off-road conditions, the Outback excelled on rough terrain. It offered a smooth ride, though the stop/start technology was intrusive, and the CVT occasionally lagged.

The 2024 Hyundai Venue's increased ground clearance facilitated easy entry and exit. The interior, though compact, offered decent comfort with adjustable front seats and heated cushions. The back seat was cramped for three, and storage was limited. Cargo space was 18.7 cubic feet, expanding to 31.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2025 Subaru Outback's wagon shape provided practicality with easy entry and a lower roof for loading. It offered 32.6 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 75.6 cubic feet. Passenger space was generous, with 109 cubic feet of total volume. The Outback's towing capacity increased to 3,500 pounds with the turbo engine, making it versatile for various needs.

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 and SiriusXM, though it required wired connections for smartphone integration. Despite this, the infotainment system was sophisticated, with a strong voice recognition system.

The 2025 Subaru Outback's 11.6-inch touchscreen was bright but slow to respond. It included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a Harman Kardon audio system in higher trims. The dashboard had a mix of physical controls, and the Touring trim even included a CD player. The tech package was functional but could be cumbersome for tech-savvy users.

The 2024 Hyundai Venue came with Hyundai SmartSense, offering forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and more. The Venue received Good ratings from the IIHS and a four-star rating from the NHTSA.

The 2025 Subaru Outback featured EyeSight technology with adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring. It earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA.