2024 Hyundai Venue vs 2024 Lexus TX

The 2024 Lexus TX was based on the Toyota Grand Highlander, yet it distinguished itself as a luxury SUV. It presented an upscale appearance, contrasting with the Grand Highlander's resemblance to a larger RAV4. The test model featured striking 22-inch wheels in a silver finish, part of the TX 350 Executive packages, which significantly enhanced the SUV's aesthetic and presence. The TX's styling was more subdued compared to other Lexus models, resulting in a conservative design that might appeal to those previously put off by the automaker's bolder designs.

The TX 350 was likely to be the most popular version, offering a base level of specification with options for Ultra Luxury or Executive packages in Canada. It was equipped with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and standard all-wheel drive. The Ultra Luxury package added premium features like upgraded ambient lighting and semi-aniline leather upholstery. However, the interior, particularly with the Peppercorn colour scheme, felt too dark despite the panoramic sunroof. Overall, the TX 350's interior was luxurious enough to justify the Lexus badge.

The 2024 Hyundai Venue was available in Essential, Preferred, and Ultimate trims in Canada, with prices ranging from $23,581 to $28,081, including destination charges. The Venue Preferred, priced at $25,581, was recommended for its improved exterior appearance and added convenience and safety features. The test vehicle, equivalent to the U.S. Ultimate trim, featured Ecotronic Grey paint, giving the Venue a mature and subdued look. Despite its affordability, the Venue's design was stylish and appealing.

Inside, the Venue's interior had hard plastics but didn't appear cheap. The seats featured unexpected style elements like stripes and piping, and the dashboard had white trim accents. The digital instrumentation and 8-inch touchscreen infotainment display were well-sized for the Venue. The controls exhibited typical Hyundai quality, making the Venue a thoughtfully designed and high-quality small SUV.

The 2024 Lexus TX 350 was powered by a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. Despite initial concerns about this engine choice for a midsize, three-row luxury SUV, it performed adequately in typical driving situations with up to four passengers. Lexus claimed the TX 350 could accelerate to 100 km/h in about eight seconds, though it felt quicker due to the torque. The official fuel economy rating was 10.3 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, but during testing, it averaged 13.8 L/100 km. The ride and handling were well-balanced, with a firm yet comfortable suspension and accurate steering. The interior remained quiet on the highway, though the brake pedal felt too soft.

The 2024 Hyundai Venue featured a 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine with 121 horsepower and 113 pound-feet of torque. While not powerful, the Venue's lightweight design and CVT allowed it to perform adequately, especially in urban settings. The Venue excelled in city driving with its compact size, nimble handling, and excellent visibility. However, the suspension struggled on rough roads, resulting in a busy ride quality. On the highway, the Venue could maintain speed but sounded unpleasant under hard acceleration. The Venue lacked all-wheel drive, but its 17 centimetres of ground clearance and winter tires made it suitable for snowy conditions. The fuel economy rating was 7.5 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with an average of 7.8 L/100 km during testing.

The 2024 Lexus TX addressed previous shortcomings in Lexus's three-row SUVs. It offered a more comfortable and spacious interior, with premium materials like semi-aniline leather and artificial suede upholstery. Heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, and a heated steering wheel were standard in Canada. The second-row bench seat was standard, but captain's chairs were available. The third-row seat was habitable for adults, with adequate leg support and large windows. Cargo space measured 572 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,625 litres with the third row folded and 2,746 litres with the second row down. The TX had numerous storage options, though some lacked lining, potentially causing noise.

The 2024 Hyundai Venue's increased ground clearance made entry and exit easier. Despite its small size, the Venue offered decent comfort. The driver's seat had a manual height adjuster, and the steering wheel was adjustable. The front seats featured fabric inserts and heated cushions. The back seat technically accommodated three people, but two would be more comfortable. Storage space for rear passengers was limited, and there were no air conditioning vents. In the front, there was decent storage space, including a dashboard shelf. Cargo room was 528 litres, expanding to 902 litres with the back seat folded.

The 2024 Lexus TX featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a digital rearview mirror, with additional options like a head-up display, surround-view camera, and semi-autonomous parking assist in the Executive packages. The head-up display had issues with polarized sunglasses and unmarked steering wheel controls. The Lexus Interface infotainment system included a 14-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Drive Connect added cloud-based navigation and a digital assistant. The TX offered free 10-year subscriptions to Service Connect and Safety Connect, with Remote Connect free for three years. The optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system provided impressive sound quality.

The 2024 Hyundai Venue had an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment display with modern graphics and logical menus. It included Bluetooth connectivity, wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, and a six-speaker sound system. The Venue's infotainment system was user-friendly, but the sound system could have been better for its target audience.

The 2024 Lexus TX came equipped with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and more. Proactive Drive Assist was part of the system, providing braking and steering assistance. The TX also featured blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a safe exit assist system. Optional features included parking sensors, front cross-traffic alert, and traffic jam assist. The LSS+ 3.0 system was generally smooth and effective, though it slowed too dramatically when other vehicles cut in.

The 2024 Hyundai Venue included 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. The lane-keeping assist system had some inaccuracies, and the forward-collision warning issued one incorrect alert. The Venue received Good ratings in three IIHS crash tests and an Acceptable rating for its LED headlights. The NHTSA gave it an overall rating of four stars.