Should you buy 2026 Hyundai Venue? Frugality, Features, & Variants to consider
If you are a new buyer seeking a modern and feature-rich option in the sub-4 metre compact SUV space, the Hyundai Venue’s value proposition is hard to ignore. However, there is a small catch in the pricing of the top-spec variants.
The compact SUV segment in India is one of the most contested space at present, full of tempting choices and smart packaging. For a first-time car buyer or someone upgrading with a sharp eye on the budget, the decision can feel overwhelming. This article considers the buying proposition of the latest entrant into this battleground segment – the all-new, second generation Hyundai Venue.
Hyundai Venue is a decent success story in the Indian market, having been sold over 7 lakh units since its launch in 2019, although not as overpowering as its bigger sibling Hyundai Creta in demolishing its rivals. However, things are up for a change.
The new Hyundai Venue isn’t just a facelift; Hyundai calls it “all grown up”, and after seeing the car, we must agree. For new buyers focused on frugality, affordability, and a decent equipment list, the new Venue presents a compelling argument that balances the desire for premium tech with sensible economics. Not to mention the car’s well-proportioned, squared-off design and chic styling.
Frugality meets ‘Qualified’ Affordability
A crucial factor for any new car buyer is the entry price and running costs. The new Hyundai Venue scores big on both fronts, but it requires picking the right variant. The car starts at a highly competitive ₹7.89 lakh* (HX 2), which is a keen entry price for a car built on the new K1 platform. The base variants come with the tried and tested 1.2-litre petrol mill, which is best suited for daily city commutes.
It fuel efficiency is your priority, this 1.2L petrol tops with one of the highest mileage rating of 18.05 kmpl* in its class. For those who frequently hit the highway, the 1.5L diesel (MT) is a genuine mile-muncher, promising the best efficiency (20.99 kmpl) of the lineup. There is a drop in mileage (17.9) in diesel automatics (with Torque Convertor), although these variants offer exceptional refinement and smooth driving. The diesel AT is also quite pricey, although it may be justifiable if you drive more.
Related: Kia Syros: Top 5 tech features that make this revolutionary SUV a must-buy
The icing on the cake is the 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine generating 118 bhp. This option is ideal for those who prioritize a fun, punchy drive over maximizing fuel economy. The DCT auto gearbox is available only with this engine, offering a slightly higher mileage (20 kmpl) than MT variants (18.74 kmpl) despite offering a bouncy performance past the 2,000 rpm! Of course, performance-oriented driving will bring down the fuel economy of turbo petrols, so be mindful of that.
However, the catch here with Hyundai Venue’s clever packaging is the prices of variants climb sharply as you move up the range. In particular, the turbo DCT starts at a high price tag of ₹10.66 lakh (HX 5), reaching up to ₹14.74 lakhs (HX 10), placing the car among the priciest in the segment. The on-road price of the top-spec diesel AT is likely to be around ₹19.53 lakhs, which is way too much for a car of this size and type.
So, if you are price-conscious, it’s better you find a sweet spot among the base or middle variants of the Venue only. There are even better options among the car’s arch rivals or even in the higher segments that you can consider in place of the pricey top-end trims of the new Hyundai Venue.
A Grown-up contender
As in the tradition of Hyundai, the new Venue is certainly raising the bar in terms of fit and finish and equipment levels. The car’s cabin feel genuinely upmarket without a premium price tag on the mid-spec variants. Safety features are adequately loaded right from the base HX 2 trims – six airbags, ABS, ESC, VSM, and ISOFIX mounts. While rivals such as Tata Nexon and Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza may offer slightly better ride quality and interior space, the Venue scores high in overall packaging of equipment in the entry and mid-level trims.
Related: Hyundai Creta Electric: Perfect blend of SUV practicality, ‘electrifying’ drive
If you are a new buyer seeking a modern and feature-rich option in the sub-4 metre compact SUV space, the Hyundai Venue’s value proposition is hard to ignore. The car is edgy in styling, the cabin is tech-laden, and the packaging is great. The car’s wide range can accommodate the needs and aspirations of a variety of buyers. If you get your requirements and priorities straight, you can easily land on the “right” variant.
*All prices are Ex-showroom prices in Chennai, unless mentioned otherwise. The fuel-efficiency figures are ARAI-certified, as claimed by the manufacturer.
