2025 Hyundai Kona vs 2024 Hyundai Venue

In Canada, the 2024 Hyundai Venue was available in Essential, Preferred, and Ultimate trims, with prices ranging from $23,581 to $28,081, including a $1,950 destination charge. The Venue Preferred, priced at $25,581, was recommended for its enhanced exterior appeal and added convenience and safety features. The test vehicle, equivalent to the U.S. Ultimate trim, featured Ecotronic Grey paint, bringing the MSRP to $28,331. Despite limited options, the Venue's design was appealing, offering a mature and subdued appearance. Inside, the Venue's interior, though featuring hard plastics, was stylishly detailed with unexpected elements like seat stripes and white trim. The digital instrumentation and 8-inch touchscreen infotainment display were highlights, contributing to the Venue's reputation as a thoughtfully designed, high-quality small SUV.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona, while visually unchanged from the 2024 model, maintained a fresh appearance with its flush, single-piece grille and ultra-slim LED light bars, giving even the gas-powered models a futuristic look. The Kona's increased size, about 15 centimetres longer than its predecessor, improved interior space and provided a more assertive stance. The Kona N Line, with its sportier design, stood out with body-coloured bumpers and cladding. The interior, unchanged from 2024, felt solid and airy, with a drive selector on a column beneath the wiper stalk. The Kona offered a range of trims, including Essential and Preferred, with varying levels of visual enhancements and tech features. The N Line trim, with its sport seats and advanced tech options, provided a more premium experience.

The 2024 Hyundai Venue was equipped with a 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine producing 121 horsepower and 113 pound-feet of torque. Weighing between 1,200 and 1,250 kilograms, the Venue's lightweight design allowed it to perform adequately with its continuously variable transmission (CVT). It excelled in urban environments, offering nimble handling and excellent visibility. However, the Venue's suspension struggled on rough surfaces, resulting in a busy ride quality. On highways, it could maintain speed but sounded strained under heavy acceleration. The Venue lacked all-wheel drive (AWD), relying on front-wheel drive, but its 17 centimetres of ground clearance helped in snowy conditions. Fuel economy was rated at 7.5 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, though real-world testing averaged 7.8 L/100 km.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona offered a choice between a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated engine with 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, paired with Hyundai's Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT), and a more powerful 1.6-litre turbocharged engine with 190 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The turbo engine provided a broader torque band, enhancing performance, though it could feel flat at low revs. AWD was available for an additional $2,000 on Essential and Preferred trims and standard on the N Line, offering improved traction and a more sophisticated multi-link rear suspension. The Kona's ride and handling prioritized competence, making it a well-rounded choice for various driving conditions.

The 2024 Hyundai Venue's increased ground clearance made entry and exit easier, despite its compact size. The driver's seat featured manual height adjustment, and the steering wheel offered tilt-and-telescopic adjustment. Front seats had fabric inserts, artificial leather bolsters, and heated cushions. The back seat, while technically accommodating three, was more comfortable for two passengers. Cargo space was 528 litres, expanding to 902 litres with the rear seats folded.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona offered 723 litres of cargo capacity with the rear seats in place, expanding to 1,803 litres when folded. Rear legroom measured 970 millimetres, with 972 mm of headroom, providing ample space for passengers. The front seats offered generous movement, and the steering wheel was adjustable. The Kona's interior featured excellent storage options, with various shelves and compartments. Upholstery options varied by trim, with heated front seats standard in Canada. Climate control ranged from single-zone air conditioning to dual-zone automatic climate control with rear vents, depending on the trim.

The 2024 Hyundai Venue featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment display with modern graphics and logical menus. Standard features included Bluetooth connectivity, wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, and a six-speaker sound system. However, the Venue's audio quality could have been improved to match its youthful appeal.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona offered a 12.3-inch central touchscreen infotainment display across all trims, with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as standard. The Preferred trim with the Trend package and the N Line trim included wireless smartphone charging and Hyundai's digital key. The N Line trim featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, providing customization options. Audiophiles could upgrade to the N Line with the Ultimate package for an eight-speaker Bose premium audio system. Hyundai's Bluelink connectivity allowed for over-the-air software updates.

The 2024 Hyundai Venue came with standard forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and a driver monitoring system. The Venue Preferred added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. However, adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assist were not available. The Venue received Good ratings in three IIHS crash tests and an Acceptable rating for its LED headlights. The NHTSA awarded it an overall rating of four stars.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona impressed with its standard safety features, including Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Blind-Spot Collision Warning, and more. The Preferred trim added enhanced Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, while the N Line with the Ultimate package included advanced features like Highway Driving Assist. All Konas featured six airbags, electronic stability control, and a tire pressure monitoring system. The Kona was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS.