Lincoln Nautilus vs Hyundai Venue

Most premium automakers pursue power and sportiness. Luxury is Lincoln's only consideration, and the 2026 Nautilus is a perfect example. It offers dashing good looks, smooth power delivery, and a new take on interior technology — but most of all it’s about opulence.

Verdict: The 2026 Lincoln Nautilus is for the buyer for whom comfort, luxury, and technology are more important than outright power and sporty handling. Its take on technology splashes the interior with screens, which some will find overwhelming. But the Nautilus is also roomy, and its hybrid powertrain is the clear choice in the lineup, even though it doesn’t achieve top-notch fuel economy.

Automakers have traditionally had a hard time making money on entry-level subcompact cars because they have low profit margins. But North America has largely moved away from cars to crossover SUVs — and higher prices. That allows car companies to offer an entry-level subcompact SUV for thousands more than a similar sedan or hatchback.

Such is the case with the Hyundai Venue, which costs more than its predecessor, the subcompact Accent that was dropped in Canada after the 2020 model year. While the price is higher, the advantage for buyers is a vehicle that generally has more cargo space and is more practical. We recently drove the 2026 Hyundai Venue to find out if a subcompact crossover is a better buy than a cheaper subcompact car.

Verdict: The Hyundai Venue sacrifices refinement for a price point that isn’t as low as a comparable subcompact car. We’d be tempted to spend a little more for a slightly larger compact car with more power, features, and refinement.