2024 Hyundai Venue vs 2024 Mazda CX-5

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 retained its familiar design from the second-generation model introduced in 2017, maintaining a modern and appealing look. The new Carbon Turbo trim featured Zircon Sand paint and exclusive Terracotta leather seats, enhancing its stylish appearance. Mazda improved fuel economy for the base engine, added wireless charging, and updated connectivity features. The CX-5 lineup offered a range of trims with prices starting at $29,300, providing an upscale feel at a mainstream price.

The 2024 Hyundai Venue, available in SE, SEL, and Limited trims, offered an affordable yet stylish design. The Limited trim test vehicle, with Ecotronic Gray paint, presented a mature appearance. Despite its small size, the Venue's interior featured unexpected style elements like striped seats and white trim. The digital instrumentation and 8-inch touchscreen added to its appeal, making it a thoughtfully designed small SUV.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 Carbon Turbo delivered 256 hp with premium gas and 227 hp with regular gas. Its powertrain was more rewarding with a steady driving style, though it wasn't fuel-efficient, averaging 22.9 mpg. The CX-5 offered excellent visibility and confident handling, with a re-tuned suspension and standard AWD. It provided a smooth ride, lively handling, and could tow up to 2,000 pounds.

The 2024 Hyundai Venue featured a 1.6-liter engine with 121 hp, paired with a CVT. Weighing 2,612 pounds, it handled city driving well but struggled on rough roads. The Venue lacked AWD, offering 6.7 inches of ground clearance. It achieved 30.3 mpg in testing, slightly below expectations. The Venue was best suited for urban environments, with nimble handling and good visibility.

The Mazda CX-5 offered comfortable heated front seats with power adjustments and quality materials. Though smaller in interior space, it accommodated four adults comfortably. The rear seat provided good support, and the cargo area offered 30 cubic feet, expanding to 59.3 cubic feet with seats folded.

The Hyundai Venue's higher ground clearance made entry and exit easy. Front seats featured manual adjustments 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 seats down.

Mazda's CX-5 featured traditional controls with a 10.25-inch display, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The infotainment system was user-friendly, though the voice interface needed improvement. Mazda Connected Services provided remote features and a premium Bose sound system in higher trims.

The Hyundai Venue's 8-inch touchscreen offered modern graphics and easy operation. Standard features included wireless connectivity, with Limited trims adding navigation and a wireless charger. However, wired connections were required for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in the Limited trim. The Venue's infotainment was sophisticated, though the sound system could be improved.

The Mazda CX-5 came equipped with comprehensive ADAS, including adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring. Higher trims added advanced features like adaptive headlights and a driver monitoring system. It received five-star ratings from NHTSA, though it missed the IIHS Top Safety Pick designation for 2024.

The Hyundai Venue included Hyundai SmartSense with essential safety features. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring and cyclist detection. It received Good ratings in crash tests from IIHS and a four-star overall rating from NHTSA. However, it lacked adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist.