2024 Hyundai Venue vs 2024 Lexus TX

The 2024 Lexus TX, based on the Toyota Grand Highlander, convincingly established itself as a luxury SUV. It presented an upscale appearance, distinct from the Grand Highlander's resemblance to a larger RAV4. The test model, featuring Luxury trim, showcased impressive 22-inch silver wheels, enhancing its presence. The TX's styling was more conservative compared to other Lexus models, appealing to those previously deterred by the brand's design. Available in TX 350, TX 500h F Sport Performance, and TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid series, the TX's pricing ranged from $55,050 to $69,350, with the TX 550h+ expected to start over $75,000. The TX 350, likely the most popular version, offered a turbocharged four-cylinder engine with FWD or AWD. The test vehicle, priced at $67,869, included various packages and a dark Peppercorn interior, which felt too dark despite the panoramic sunroof. However, the interior's luxury was fitting for a Lexus badge.

The 2024 Hyundai Venue, available in SE, SEL, and Limited trims, ranged from $21,275 to $24,525. The Venue SEL, priced at $23,275, was recommended for its improved exterior and added features. The test vehicle, in Limited trim with Ecotronic Gray paint, had an MSRP of $24,735. Despite limited options, the Venue's design was stylish and mature. Inside, the Venue featured hard plastics but maintained a sense of style with seat stripes and white dashboard trim. The digital instrumentation and 8-inch touchscreen were well-suited for the Venue, with controls reflecting Hyundai's quality. The Venue was thoughtfully designed, offering style and quality in a small SUV package.

The 2024 Lexus TX 350 was equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. It accelerated to 60 mph in eight seconds with FWD and 7.8 seconds with AWD. The performance was adequate, with a torque swell aiding speed. The EPA rated the TX 350 FWD at 23 mpg combined, but testing showed 20.4 mpg. AWD, costing $1,600, offered better traction and slightly quicker acceleration. The TX 350's suspension balanced firmness and comfort, with commendable body motion control and accurate steering. The interior remained quiet on highways, though the brake pedal felt soft but manageable.

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, the Venue's CVT maximized power for city and suburban driving. Its small size, nimble handling, and visibility were advantageous in urban settings. However, rough roads revealed unsophisticated suspension behavior. On highways, the Venue maintained speed but sounded unpleasant under pressure. Without AWD, the Venue's 6.7-inch ground clearance helped in snow. The EPA rated it at 31 mpg combined, but testing averaged 30.3 mpg, slightly below expectations.

The 2024 Lexus TX addressed previous Lexus SUV shortcomings. The TX 350 Luxury included premium leather, heated and ventilated seats, and a heated steering wheel. The second-row bench seat was standard, with optional captain’s chairs. The third-row seat accommodated adults, unlike previous models. Sliding the second-row seat forward improved third-row comfort but reduced second-row legroom. The TX offered ample storage, though some lacked lining, and the split front center armrest was inconvenient. Cargo space measured 20.2 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 57.4 cubic feet with seats folded, and 97 cubic feet with all rear seats down.

The 2024 Hyundai Venue's increased ground clearance facilitated easier entry and exit. Despite its size, comfort was decent, with manual seat adjustments and heated front seats. The back seat was cramped for three, with limited storage and no rear air vents. The Venue lacked privacy glass, necessitating window shades for infants. Front storage was adequate, with a dashboard shelf for the passenger. Cargo space was 18.7 cubic feet, expanding to 31.9 cubic feet with the back seat down.

The 2024 Lexus TX featured an optional Technology Package with a 12.3-inch digital panel, head-up display, digital rearview mirror, surround-view camera, and parking assist. However, the unmarked steering wheel controls and head-up display visibility issues were frustrating. The Lexus Interface infotainment system, with a 14-inch touchscreen, offered a three-year Drive Connect subscription, cloud-based navigation, and a digital assistant. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, with additional subscriptions for Service Connect, Safety Connect, Wi-Fi Connect, and Remote Connect. The optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson system provided excellent sound quality.

The 2024 Hyundai Venue's 8-inch touchscreen infotainment display featured modern graphics and simple operation. Standard features included Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluelink services, and a six-speaker system. The Limited trim added navigation, SiriusXM, a wireless charger, and Bluelink+. However, it required wired connections for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, reducing the wireless charger's utility. Despite this, the Venue's infotainment system was sophisticated, with effective voice recognition and music streaming capabilities.

The 2024 Lexus TX included Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, featuring adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and more. Proactive Drive Assist offered braking and steering assistance but was not transparent. Additional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and safe exit assist. Optional features included parking sensors, front cross-traffic alert, and traffic jam assist. The system was generally smooth and effective, though it slowed too dramatically when other vehicles cut in.

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