2025 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2024 Hyundai Venue

The 2024 Hyundai Venue was available in SE, SEL, and Limited trims, with prices from $21,275 to $24,525, including destination charges. The SEL trim, priced at $23,275, was recommended for its enhanced exterior and added safety features. The Limited trim test vehicle, painted 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 digital instrumentation and an 8-inch touchscreen.

In contrast, the 2025 Volkswagen Atlas came in five trims: SE, SE with Technology, Peak Edition, SEL, and SEL Premium R-Line. The Atlas Peak Edition had an off-road look, while the SEL Premium R-Line was sporty with standard AWD. Prices ranged from $38,200 to $53,205, excluding destination charges. The test model, an Atlas SEL Premium R-Line in Mountain Lake Blue, had an MSRP of $54,630. Its design was upscale, with polished aluminum detailing and a muscular appearance. Inside, it featured diamond-stitched leather and a high-tech infotainment system.

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, it featured a CVT that maximized power for city and suburban driving. The Venue's suspension struggled on rough roads, but it handled highways confidently. It lacked AWD, but with 6.7 inches of ground clearance, it managed snowy conditions. The Venue achieved an EPA rating of 31 mpg combined, averaging 30.3 mpg in testing.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Despite initial concerns, the engine proved refined and capable, especially in Sport mode. The Atlas returned 15.5 mpg in urban settings and 19.2 mpg overall, below its EPA ratings. The ride quality was less impressive, with a brittle suspension and excessive body motions. However, handling was predictable, and the brakes performed well.

The 2024 Hyundai Venue offered decent comfort with manual height-adjustable front seats and tilt-and-telescopic steering. 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 Volkswagen Atlas excelled in comfort and space, with a roomy third-row seat and a cavernous cargo area. The SEL Premium R-Line's front seats were heated, ventilated, and massaging. The second row accommodated three adults comfortably, and the third row provided adequate leg support. Cargo space was 20.6 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 96.6 cubic feet with seats folded.

The 2024 Hyundai Venue featured an 8-inch touchscreen with modern graphics and logical menus. Standard features included Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Limited trim added navigation and SiriusXM, but required wired connections for smartphone integration, which was less convenient.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas used the MIB3 system with a 12-inch touchscreen. It lacked traditional controls, relying on touch-sensitive buttons. The system's voice recognition was unreliable, but wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto provided better functionality. The Harman Kardon audio system was impressive, though the MIB3 system had user-experience glitches.

The 2024 Hyundai Venue included Hyundai SmartSense with forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and more. The Venue received a four-star NHTSA rating and Good IIHS ratings in some tests.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas featured IQ.Drive with adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and more. It earned a five-star NHTSA rating and was a 2024 IIHS Top Safety Pick.