2020 Hyundai Venue: Details Emerge Ahead of Dinky SUV’s Arrival

Hyundai dribbled out more details on its new Venue, a tall hatchback that’s marketed — like certain others — as an SUV. On sale by the end of 2019, the 2020 Venue is a high-riding hatchback with utilitarian styling cues. It slots below the Kona, which at least offers all-wheel drive; the Venue does not, but its tall profile actually seems more SUV-like. Whatever you call it, Hyundai’s latest model has more available info for shoppers in the lead up to its on-sale date.

Related: 2020 Venue Takes Hyundai SUVs to New Places (Tiny Ones)

Among them are preliminary specs for the engine, a 1.6-liter four-cylinder, which Hyundai estimates at 121 horsepower and 113 pounds-feet of torque. That’s similar to the figures for the Hyundai Accent sedan, which has the same engine. Hyundai projects EPA combined mileage of “up to 32” mpg. That’s substantially lower than the Accent’s improved-for-2020 EPA ratings and down slightly from Hyundai’s 33 mpg estimate when the Venue debuted in April at the 2019 New York International Auto Show — but it should beat all gasoline versions of the Kona by a few mpg.

The Venue will come in two trim levels: SE and SEL. Standard features on the SE include an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto — that much we already knew — plus automatic emergency braking and lane-departure steering assist. It also comes standard with an array of typical entry-level conveniences: power windows and locks, remote keyless access, cruise control and steering-wheel audio controls with Bluetooth. A six-speed manual transmission is standard, with a continuously variable automatic transmission optional.

The SEL is CVT-only, and it also adds more stereo speakers (six versus the SE’s four), roof rails, single-zone automatic climate control and another USB port. Optional on the SEL are heated front seats, a moonroof, keyless access with push-button start, and 17-inch alloy wheels.

Editor’s note: This post was updated Sept. 20, 2019, with clarifications to the Venue’s standard safety features.

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• 2018 Nissan Kicks First Drive: A Non-SUV That’s Big on Utility
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