2024 Hyundai Venue vs 2024 Mazda CX-50

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 presented itself as a rugged alternative to the CX-5, with dimensions that were notably lower, wider, and longer. Its design emphasized broad-shouldered proportions with square wheel arches and faux air vents, offering a fresher look compared to the older CX-5. Available in eight trim levels, the CX-50 featured options like 17-inch wheels on lower trims and 20-inch wheels on higher ones. The 2.5 Turbo Meridian Edition, in particular, enhanced its adventurous image with all-terrain tires, a black hood graphic, and additional trim. Despite its rugged appearance, the CX-50 didn't include suspension changes or drive modes for off-road capability, unlike some competitors.

Inside, the CX-50's earthy color palette and Terracotta leather upholstery added to its appeal. The interior design was pleasing, with a well-placed infotainment screen and impressive material quality. However, Mazda's aspiration to move upscale was still a work in progress, as evidenced by standard half-leatherette seats and manually-adjustable front seats in base models. While the CX-50 aimed for a more premium feel, it retained some traditional elements that reminded buyers of its mainstream roots.

The 2024 Hyundai Venue, offered in SE, SEL, and Limited trims, was priced between $21,275 and $24,525. The Limited trim, with Ecotronic Gray paint, brought the MSRP to $24,735. Despite limited options, the Venue's design was appealing, with a mature and subdued appearance. Inside, the Venue featured hard plastics but maintained a sense of style with striped seats and white trim. The digital instrumentation and 8-inch touchscreen infotainment display were highlights, offering quality finishes and operation. The Venue was thoughtfully designed, with stylish details and high-quality execution for a small SUV.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 was equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, offering a naturally aspirated version with 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. Turbocharged models delivered 256 hp and 320 lb-ft on 93-octane fuel, or 227 hp and 310 lb-ft on 87-octane. All models featured a six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, with driving modes including Normal, Sport, and Off-road. Turbo models added a Towing mode, increasing towing capacity from 2,000 to 3,500 pounds. While the CX-50 shared powertrains with the CX-5, it offered a different driving experience, focusing more on daily driving than sporty dynamics. The Meridian Edition's all-terrain tires added noise and limited grip, making it less ideal for those not needing off-road capabilities.

The 2024 Hyundai Venue came 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, the Venue's CVT maximized power for city and suburban driving. Its small size and nimble handling made it ideal for urban environments, though the suspension struggled on rough roads. On highways, the Venue maintained pace but sounded buzzy under pressure. Without all-wheel drive, the Venue relied on front-wheel drive, offering 6.7 inches of ground clearance. It achieved an EPA rating of 31 mpg combined, averaging 30.3 mpg in testing.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 offered similar passenger space to the CX-5, with slightly less headroom but more legroom. It provided 31.4 cubic feet of cargo space with seats up and 56.3 cubic feet with seats folded. While trailing competitors in cargo space, the CX-50 had a power liftgate for easier access. The interior layout was sensible, with adequate storage and a substantial shifter and rotary infotainment controller on the console.

The 2024 Hyundai Venue's increased ground clearance made entry and exit easier. Despite its small size, comfort was decent, with manual height adjustment for the driver's seat and tilt-and-telescopic steering. The back seat was better for two passengers, with limited storage and no rear air vents. Cargo space was 18.7 cubic feet with seats up, expanding to 31.9 cubic feet with seats down.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 featured a 10.25-inch infotainment screen controlled by a rotary controller and buttons. Wireless Apple CarPlay was standard, while Android Auto required a cable. Higher trims offered wireless charging, SiriusXM, and a Bose audio system. The interface, though dated, was straightforward and less overwhelming for tech-averse buyers.

The 2024 Hyundai Venue had 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, SiriusXM, and a wireless charger, though it required wired connections for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Venue's infotainment was sophisticated, with impressive voice recognition and streaming capabilities.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 earned a 2023 Top Safety Pick from the IIHS, with top scores in crash tests and front-crash prevention. It had standard driver-assist features like automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring, with optional rear automatic braking and a 360-degree camera.

The 2024 Hyundai Venue included Hyundai SmartSense, with forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and more. 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 the NHTSA.