Hyundai Venue : I’ve been following the compact SUV scene closely, and let me tell you, Hyundai’s latest Venue facelift has me hooked.
Launched late last year, this 2026 model brings fresh design flair, tech upgrades, and that signature Hyundai reliability, all tailored for Indian roads and buyers. It’s not just an update—it’s a bold step up in a crowded market.
A Striking New Look That Demands Attention
It’s grown a bit—30mm wider, 48mm taller, and 20mm longer wheelbase—making it feel more substantial without crossing into mid-size territory.
Up front, those quad LED headlights with connected DRLs give it a premium vibe reminiscent of Hyundai’s bigger Creta, while the chunky skid plate adds rugged appeal for our pothole-ridden highways.
I love how the side profile flows with 16-inch diamond-cut alloys and roof rails that blend seamlessly into the C-pillar, creating a floating roof effect.
At the rear, connected LED taillights and a wide stance make it stand out in traffic, especially in dual-tone shades like Atlas White with Abyss Black roof.
Colors pop too—Mystic Sapphire, Dragon Red, Hazel Blue—giving buyers plenty of personality options. It’s boxy yet balanced, screaming adventure without trying too hard.
Cabin Comfort Meets Cutting-Edge Tech
Step inside, and the Venue feels like a mini-Creta. The dual-tone navy blue and off-white interior uses clever packaging to maximize space—slim dashboard and door pads create an airy feel, even for taller folks.
Front seats are supportive with 4-way power adjustment on higher trims, ventilation to beat the heat, and a neutral armrest height that’s spot-on for long drives.
Rear passengers get a treat: improved kneeroom thanks to the stretched wheelbase, 2-step recline seats, AC vents, and sunshades. It’s comfy for three adults on shorter trips, with Type-C ports keeping devices charged.
Boot space? A generous 375 liters, expandable with 60:40 split-folds—perfect for weekend getaways or grocery hauls.
Tech steals the show with twin 12.3-inch curved screens: a crisp infotainment hub with wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, OTA updates, and Bose 8-speaker audio that thumps.
Voice commands, connected car tech, and ambient lighting add that wow factor. It’s intuitive, lag-free, and feels premium without overwhelming.
Powertrains for Every Drive Style
Hyundai keeps choices wide open with three engines suited to India’s diverse needs. The 1.2-liter NA petrol (83hp, 115Nm) with 5MT is smooth for city crawls, sipping up to 18kmpl ARAI.
Punchier is the 1.0-liter turbo-petrol (120hp, 172Nm), available with 6MT or slick 7DCT—great for highways, hitting 20kmpl claimed.
Diesel fans rejoice: the 1.5-liter (116hp, 250Nm) with 6MT or torque-converter AT delivers best-in-class 20.99kmpl (manual), refined and torquey for loaded runs. Real-world figures?
Expect 12-15kmpl city, 16-20 highway across options. No CNG yet, but these cover urban buzz to outstation jaunts effortlessly.
Safety First, with Smart Features
Safety isn’t an afterthought—six airbags standard, ESC, hill-hold, TPMS, and all-disc brakes across the board. Top HX10 trim brings Level 2 ADAS: adaptive cruise,
lane-keep, auto emergency braking, blind-view monitor—tuned brilliantly for chaotic Indian traffic. 360-camera and auto-hold e-brake make parking a breeze.
BharatNCAP awaits, but sibling Kia Syros’ 5-stars bode well. It’s reassuring for families, blending passive and active tech seamlessly.
Pricing and Variants That Make Sense
Starting at ₹7.94 lakh (ex-showroom) for base HX2, up to ₹15.69 lakh for loaded HX10 Diesel AT Dual Tone—on-road Delhi around ₹9-18 lakh.
Mid HX5/HX8 offer best value: sunroof, cruise, ventilated seats from ₹10 lakh. N Line adds sporty tweaks for enthusiasts.
Rivals like Tata Nexon, Kia Sonet, Mahindra XUV3XO? Venue edges with fresher design, dual screens, and diesel AT. Introductory prices till Dec ’25 made it a steal.
Also read this : Kia Seltos – Popular design SUV launched in market with safety interior features at ₹25 Lakhs
Hyundai Venue Ride, Handle, and Verdict
Driving the Venue is effortless—light steering for tight lanes, firm-yet-comfortable ride absorbing bumps without wallow.
Turbo-DCT shines in traffic, diesel cruises highways lazily. It’s stable at 120kmph, fun without drama.
Flaws? Turbo-petrol thirstier in gridlock (8-10kmpl), top trims pricey against bigger SUVs. But for city families craving features, space, and pep—it’s gold. Sales crossed 6 lakh already; this gen will push higher.
If you’re eyeing a compact SUV, test-drive the Venue. It might just park in your garage.