Navigating the Compact SUV Landscape: 2024 Hyundai VENUE vs. 2024 Subaru Crosstrek

Finding a compact SUV that meets all your needs is a tough challenge, as factors such as lifestyle, taste, driving needs, and desires play a key role in your final decision. When you add to that the current competitive state of the compact SUV segment, it's no wonder why it's such a difficult task. 

The 2024 Hyundai VENUE and 2024 Subaru Crosstrek are prime examples of this dilemma. They're often compared for their versatility, efficiency, and striking looks. So, if you're considering buying one of them, our team at McGrath City Hyundai wants to help you make an informed decision. Join us as we explore both models and discover what sets them apart. 

Design and Aesthetics

Blue Hyundai Venue Parked on a Parking Lot by Hyundai Motor Group is licensed with Pexels License

Externally, the 2024 Hyundai VENUE offers an urban-inspired design with modern touches and a sleek side profile, while the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek features a rugged and sculpted body with bold and imposing finishes. The Crosstrek has higher ground clearance and a sleeker roofline than the VENUE, but both models offer a sunroof for extra interior light. 

As for color, both offer several options, including a rich mix of blues, hot reds, grays or silvers, and blacks. For those driving on busy roads, the VENUE offers body-colored side mirrors on all trims, while the Crosstrek offers them only on higher trims. 

Inside, both models seat up to five people, but the Crosstrek has cushier seats and a more composed ride and handling. The Crosstrek is a bit roomier, so taller people will appreciate the extra head and legroom. 

Both models have a utilitarian interior design with only the essential knobs and buttons a driver might need. However, the VENUE has a few more interesting features, such as an illuminated vanity mirror. Cloth upholstery is standard on lower trims of both models, while leatherette and leather-trimmed seats are available on higher trims. 

Performance and Efficiency

The 2024 Hyundai VENUE is powered by a 121-horsepower four-cylinder engine with front-wheel drive and a continuously variable transmission (CVT) in all models. The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek comes with a 152-horsepower 2L or 182-horsepower 2.5L four-cylinder engine, standard all-wheel drive, and a CVT or six-speed transmission. 

Both models are perfect for city driving, but the VENUE is slightly more suited to city life. The VENUE is perfect for cruising the streets of Chicago, Illinois, thanks to its peppy engine. In terms of fuel economy, the VENUE also comes out ahead as it provides better gas mileage in the city, earning you 29 mpg, while the Crosstrek only earns 26 mpg.

However, if you're looking for a multipurpose SUV that can perform well in urban and off-road environments, you should choose the Crosstrek. This SUV has more off-road capability than most in its class, boasts up to 8.7 inches of ground clearance, and comes with hill-descent control and hill-start assist. 

Technological Features

The 2024 Hyundai VENUE and 2024 Subaru Crosstrek offer advanced technology to keep you and your passengers connected and entertained throughout the trip. Regarding entertainment, the VENUE offers a standard 8-inch touch-screen infotainment display, while the Crosstrek offers a 7-inch touch-screen display on lower trim levels and an 11.6-inch one on higher versions. 

Both models share some infotainment features, including standard and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, navigation, stereo, voice assistant, wireless phone charging, and Bluetooth hands-free audio streaming. In both models, higher trim levels unlock access to additional features.

Overall, the technology in both models is advanced and up to date. However, the Crosstrek's infotainment system isn't as user-friendly and predictive as the VENUE's, so it may take some time to get used to it. As for other tech features, such as driver assist, both models give you everything you need to stay safer on the road. More on that below. 

Safety and Driver Assistance

Throughout this article, you've seen several examples of how one model stands out more than the other in certain categories. But, when it comes to passenger safety, the two are tied. Hyundai and Subaru are committed to making the safest cars, so it's no surprise that both models offer a range of advanced technology features to make your driving experience better and safer.

The VENUE uses Hyundai's SmartSense, while the Crosstrek has Subaru's EyeSight Driver Assist Technology. Both systems are incredibly intuitive and give you everything you need to park, change lanes, and drive better. 

Although most safety features on both models go by different names, they sometimes serve the same purpose. Here are some of them:

• Blind-spot monitoring. 

• Collision warning. 

• Rearview camera.

• Lane-keeping assist.

• Driver attention warning.

• Pre-collision braking. 

• Adaptive cruise control.

• Rear cross-traffic alert. 

Pricing and Value

We know that price is important when deciding which car to buy. In this section, we'll discuss the trim levels of each model and their value. 

The 2024 Hyundai VENUE has three trim levels: the SE, SEL, and Limited. The starting MSRP for each is $19,000, $21,900, and $23,250, respectively. The base model offers all the essentials you need to thrive in the city, but for just $3,350, you can enhance the entire experience and unlock features such as heated front seats, a denim-like exterior paired with an all-white roof, and more infotainment and driver-assist features. 

The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek offers five trims: the Base with an MSRP of $25,195, the Premium at $26,345, the Sport at $29,195, the Limited at $31,095, and the Wilderness at $32,195. Choosing the right trim level depends on your needs, driving habits, and budget. The upper trim levels are perfect for people who do a lot of off-roading. If you want the best of both worlds, we recommend the Sport because it gives you access to off-roading and premium features without breaking the bank.

2024 Hyundai VENUE vs. 2024 Subaru Crosstrek: Which One Fits Your Needs? 

After reading this, which one will you choose? Here at McGrath City Hyundai, we're committed to providing our customers with the best automotive service in all of Chicago, Illinois. Whether you want to test-drive or purchase the 2024 Hyundai VENUE, we'd love to make it happen. Contact us today, and a member of our team will get in touch shortly.