2024 Kia Telluride vs 2024 Hyundai Venue

The 2024 Kia Telluride was available in five core trim levels: LX, S, EX, SX, and SX Prestige. The X-Line treatment could be added to all but the LX and S trims, while the X-Pro package was reserved for the top two trims. The X-Line package provided standard all-wheel drive (AWD) with a center locking differential, increased ground clearance, improved approach and departure angles, unique grille and wheel designs, and roof rails. The X-Pro package added 18-inch matte-black wheels with all-terrain tires and heavy-duty engine cooling, increasing the towing capacity to 5,500 pounds. Prices ranged from $35,990 to $53,185, excluding the destination charge. The SX Prestige with the X-Line package, including extra features, had an MSRP of $54,270.

The Telluride's design attracted buyers with its appealing forms and proportions. The Wolf Gray paint complemented the blacked-out X-Line styling, enhancing its visual appeal. Inside, the test car featured a black interior with premium Nappa leather seats, though other color options like Mahogany brown and Sage Green were available. These colors complemented the simulated open-pore wood trim and helped hide the shiny plastic in the interior's lower portions. Despite some plastic elements, the SX Prestige nearly met luxury SUV standards with its soft leather, artificial suede headliner, dual-screen digital display, and metallic accents.

The 2024 Hyundai Venue was offered in SE, SEL, and Limited trim levels, with prices ranging from $21,275 to $24,525, including the destination charge. The Venue SEL, priced at $23,275, was recommended for its improved exterior and added convenience and safety features. The Limited trim test vehicle, with Ecotronic Gray paint and carpeted floor mats, had an MSRP of $24,735. The Venue's design was appealing, with a mature and subdued appearance in gray, offering genuine style for an affordable car.

Inside, the Venue's interior featured hard plastic but maintained a stylish look with seat stripes and piping, and white trim around the dashboard air vents and transmission shifter. The digital instrumentation and 8-inch touchscreen infotainment display were well-suited for the Venue. The controls exhibited typical Hyundai quality in finishes and operation. The 2024 Venue was thoughtfully designed, stylishly detailed, and high-quality for a small SUV.

The 2024 Kia Telluride was powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It could tow up to 5,000 pounds, with the X-Pro package increasing this to 5,500 pounds. The AWD version included a locking center differential and various driving modes, including Snow. The Telluride offered 8.0 inches of ground clearance, increasing to 8.4 inches with the X-Line and X-Pro packages. It provided a refined driving experience with responsive steering and brakes, though fuel efficiency was a downside, averaging 19 mpg in combined driving.

The 2024 Hyundai Venue featured a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with 121 horsepower and 113 pound-feet of torque. Weighing 2,612 pounds in base SE trim, it used a continuously variable transmission (CVT) to maximize power. The Venue excelled in city and suburban environments with its nimble handling and excellent visibility. However, its suspension struggled on rough pavement, and the engine sounded harsh under pressure. The Venue lacked AWD, offering 6.7 inches of ground clearance. It achieved an EPA rating of 31 mpg in combined driving, averaging 30.3 mpg during testing.

The Kia Telluride offered a comfortable interior, especially in higher trims. The SX Prestige X-Line test vehicle featured premium Nappa leather, heated and ventilated seats, and a dual sunroof. The controls were user-friendly, with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Storage space was generous, and the hands-free power liftgate added convenience. The Telluride provided 21 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 87 cubic feet with seats folded.

The Hyundai Venue's increased ground clearance made entry and exit easier. Despite its small size, it offered decent comfort with manual seat adjustments and heated front seats. The back seat was better suited for two passengers, with limited storage and no rear air vents. Cargo space was comparable to a compact car, with 18.7 cubic feet available, expanding to 31.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2024 Kia Telluride came with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, requiring a cable for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Kia Connect offered various plans, with features like remote engine starting and climate pre-conditioning. The test vehicle included satellite radio, wireless charging, and a Harman Kardon audio system. Additional tech features included a digital key, camera-based rearview mirror, and a 10-inch head-up display.

The Hyundai Venue featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Limited trim added navigation, SiriusXM, and a wireless charger. Despite switching to wired smartphone integration, the system was sophisticated with native voice recognition. The Venue's infotainment system was user-friendly, though it could benefit from better stereo speakers.

The 2024 Kia Telluride impressed with its Kia Drive Wise driver assistance features, including collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Highway Driving Assist provided semi-autonomous capabilities. The Telluride earned a five-star overall crash test rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS.

The Hyundai Venue included Hyundai SmartSense, offering forward-collision warning, lane-keep assist, and a driver monitoring system. 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 overall rating from NHTSA.