2024 Hyundai Venue vs 2024 Volvo XC90

The 2024 Volvo XC90 was available in three model series: B5, B6, and Recharge T8. The B5 featured a turbocharged mild-hybrid four-cylinder engine, while the B6 added a supercharger for enhanced performance. The Recharge T8 was a plug-in hybrid, offering the most power and efficiency, with an estimated 32 miles of electric-only range. All models came standard with all-wheel drive. The XC90 was offered in Core, Plus, and Ultimate trim levels, with prices ranging from $56,000 to $79,600, excluding the destination charge. The Recharge T8 test vehicle in Ultimate trim featured seven-passenger seating, a Lounge Package with massaging front seats, a premium headliner, active air suspension, a Bowers & Wilkins audio system, and a trailer hitch, with an MSRP of $89,145. The XC90's exterior was characterized by a subdued and earthy color palette, with various wheel designs up to 21 inches. The interior, though dated, was fitted with rich materials, including wool-blend upholstery or ventilated Nappa leather, an Orrefors crystal shift knob, and natural wood trim.

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 was recommended for its improved exterior appearance and added convenience and safety features. The Limited trim test vehicle featured Ecotronic Gray paint and carpeted floor mats, with an MSRP of $24,735. The Venue's design was appealing, with a sense of genuine style. Inside, the Venue's interior featured hard plastic but did not look cheap, with unexpected style elements like 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 highlights, with controls exhibiting typical Hyundai quality. The Venue was described as a thoughtfully designed, stylishly detailed, and high-quality small SUV.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 combined an 18.8-kilowatt-hour battery and a 107-kilowatt electric motor with the B6 model’s supercharged and turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 455 horsepower and 523 lb-ft of torque. This power was delivered to all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. The battery and electric motor offered 32 miles of electric-only driving, with an average of 27 mpg in hybrid mode. In Power mode, the XC90 could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in five seconds. Recharging took about 12 hours with a standard outlet, or less than half that time with a 240-volt outlet. The XC90 featured multiple driving modes, including Pure, Power, Hybrid, Constant AWD, and Off-Road, with up to 9.9 inches of ground clearance. Despite a hot evaluation day, the XC90 provided 28 miles of electric range and 24.5 mpg in combined driving. The SUV excelled in suburban driving, with electric performance waning as the battery approached its minimum charge. The XC90 offered lively performance with the gas engine, but handling was not thrilling, with firm ride quality and a less hushed cabin than expected for its price.

The 2024 Hyundai Venue was equipped with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine producing 121 horsepower and 113 lb-ft of torque. Weighing 2,612 pounds in base SE trim, the Venue's continuously variable transmission (CVT) maximized available power for city and suburban driving. The Venue excelled in urban environments with its small size, nimble handling, and excellent visibility. However, rough pavement resulted in unsophisticated suspension behavior. On the highway, the Venue could match traffic pace but sounded unpleasant under hard acceleration. The Venue lacked all-wheel drive, with power flowing to the front wheels, but offered 6.7 inches of ground clearance. The Venue achieved an EPA rating of 31 mpg in combined driving, averaging 30.3 mpg during testing.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8, even in Core trim, was well-equipped with power-adjustable and heated front seats, leather upholstery, wood trim, and a four-zone climate control system. A panoramic glass roof added natural light, with a one-touch swipe control for the sunshade. Higher trims offered additional features like a heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats with massage, and more. The front seats had adjustable lower leg support bolsters, though they could catch on clothing. The XC90 provided a commanding driving position with good sightlines. The climate control system struggled in hot weather when driving in Pure mode. The XC90 seated seven or six with captain’s chairs, with a comfortable second-row bench and tight third-row access. Interior storage was adequate, with up to 65.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the third row folded, and 85.7 cubic feet with the second row down.

The 2024 Hyundai Venue's increased ground clearance made entry and exit easier. Despite its small size, comfort was decent, with a manual height-adjustable driver’s seat and tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel. The front seats featured fabric inserts, artificial leather bolsters, and heated cushions. The back seat technically accommodated three, but two passengers were more comfortable. Taller passengers disliked the hard plastic front seatbacks. Rear-seat USB ports were provided, but storage was limited, and there were no air conditioning vents. The Venue lacked rear privacy glass, requiring window shades for infants. Front storage was decent, with a dashboard shelf for the passenger. Cargo space was on par with a compact car, with 18.7 cubic feet of trunk space and 31.9 cubic feet with the back seat folded.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 featured a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Google Built-in technology, including Google Maps, Google Play, and Google Assistant. These features were free for four years, with subscription payments required afterward. Apple CarPlay and SiriusXM satellite radio were standard, with premium sound system options available. The infotainment system was more intuitive than previous versions, with a stereo volume knob and radio tuning buttons. The digital voice assistant was generally effective, though sometimes required different prompts. The XC90 included a 12-inch digital instrumentation panel and optional head-up display and surround-view camera.

The 2024 Hyundai Venue had an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment display with modern graphics and logical menus. Standard features included Bluetooth connectivity, wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, Bluelink connected services, and a six-speaker sound system. The Venue Limited added a navigation system, SiriusXM satellite radio, a wireless smartphone charger, and Bluelink+. However, the Limited trim switched to wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, making the wireless charger less useful. Despite this, the Venue Limited’s infotainment system was sophisticated, with an impressive native voice recognition system.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 was synonymous with safety, earning a five-star rating from the NHTSA in all assessments except rollover resistance, where it received four stars. The IIHS named it a Top Safety Pick+ in 2023. However, the XC90 lagged behind rivals in advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS), lacking a hands-free driving system. It included Pilot Assist, combining adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assist, but it struggled with certain road conditions and made a significant error during testing, shaking confidence in the technology.

The 2024 Hyundai Venue came with Hyundai SmartSense, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, a driver monitoring system, and a rear-seat reminder. The Venue SEL added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, with cyclist detection standard 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 its LED headlights. The NHTSA gave it an overall four-star rating.