The Auto Channel
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
Official Website of the New Car Buyer

2022 Hyundai Venue - Review by Larry Nutson


PHOTO (select to view enlarged photo)

Value Galore

By Larry Nutson
Senior Editor and Bureau Chief
Chicago Bureau
THE AUTO CHANNEL


The average price paid for a new non-luxury vehicle in February 2022 was $42,467. Meanwhile, the average price of gasoline in the U.S. hit a record $4.43 per gallon and is trending upward, perhaps to as much as $5.00 per gallon.

Yes, new vehicle inventories in-stock at dealers are low, but it’s a really good time to give thought to driving a low cost and also fuel-efficient new vehicle.

A consideration that fits the bill from Hyundai is the 2022 Venue small utility vehicle (UV). The 2022 Venue has a starting base price of $19,000, plus a $1,245 freight charge, and is EPA rated at 31 mpg combined.


PHOTO (select to view enlarged photo)

The 5-passenger, front-wheel drive Venue was first introduced in 2020 as an all-new addition to the Hyundai model lineup. There have been a few minor product updates since then. Price and size make the Venue a perfect consideration for young singles or young couples. It’s a great vehicle for a first-time car buyer.

The Venue is just 159.1 inches long and has a smaller footprint than its competitors, making an easier‐to‐maneuver compact utility vehicle. And yet, the large rear hatch opens to a versatile cargo area that has 18.7 cu.ft. of space. With its 60/40 split folding rear seat there’s even more versatility and up to 31.9 cu.ft. of cargo space. The Venue is a perfectly sized urban-use vehicle.

The 2022 Venue is offered in SE, SEL and Limited trims. The Limited trim replaces the previous Denim trim. All are only available in front-wheel drive. Under the hood is a 121-hp 1.6-L engine mated to Hyundai’s Intelligent Variable Transmission—a CVT that performs continuous shifts through six gear ratios.

EPA fuel economy ratings are 29 city mpg and 33 highway mpg. The 31-mpg combined rating translates to 3.2 gallons of gasoline per 100 miles.

All Venue models are available with a complete suite of advanced driver-assist safety (ADAS) features. Noteworthy is Venue is based on the Accent sedan platform. The Venue is technically classified as a passenger car. It conforms to all applicable U.S. Federal Motor Vehicles safety, bumper and theft preventions standards for passenger cars. That includes having 5-MPH bumpers. Venue is a IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK with specific headlights (Limited trim with LED headlights).

In addition to the $19,000 SE trim level, the SEL is priced at $20,750 and the Limited at $22,250.

My recent drive experience in the 2022 Hyundai Venue was in the SEL trim finished in Galactic Grey with black interior trim. The only option fitted on this car was a set of carpeted floor mats for $155. The SEL is nicely equipped with power driver’s seat, power sunroof, 6-speaker audio system, 8-inch color touchscreen, leather steering wheel and shift knob, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and automatic climate control. On the safety front it has forward collision assist with pedestrian detection and rear cross traffic alert.


PHOTO (select to view enlarged photo)


PHOTO (select to view enlarged photo)

The Venue has a raised ride height with 6.69 inches of ground clearance. Seating is fairly upright making for easy entry and exit. The Venue has a distinct look on the outside and a relaxing and pleasant interior. Controls are well laid out and easy to use.

The engine develops 113 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,500 rpm. Acceleration and highway merging is modest but the Venue performs well around city streets. There’s a bit of noticeable engine noise when accelerating which is a characteristic of CVT equipped vehicles. Ride is comfortable overall with occasional suspension jolts from city street imperfections. Driving at highway speeds is confident with good all-around surefootedness. It’s easy to park with its compact exterior.

What you get for your money is a good value. More information on the 2022 Hyundai Venue can be found at www.hyundai.com. Hyundai’s warranty on the Venue is for 5-years or 60,000 miles. You also get 3-years or 36,000 miles of complimentary maintenance.

Venue sales rose 50 percent in 2021 and are up 39 percent for the first two months of 2022. It appears a lot of budget-conscious car buyers are looking for a good value. The Hyundai Venue has been named the Best Value Vehicle by Cars.com for its Best of 2022 Awards for a second year in a row.


PHOTO (select to view enlarged photo)

Yes, there is no all-wheel drive system available for those folks in snowy regions. But, do you really need it? When it snows have a work-from-home day or use public transit. Or, consider a set of winter tires that might do the job very well for you.

Happy Motoring!

© 2022 Larry Nutson, the Chicago Car Guy