2025 Hyundai Venue review, first drive – the sub-4m Creta?

Although the Venue has been a very successful sub-4m SUV, it has never been as dominant in its class as the Creta. This little SUV is about to receive its biggest makeover to yet. This second-generation model feels and looks more upscale and is noticeably larger. Can it, then, significantly alter the course of this segment?

2025 Hyundai Venue Styling, dimensions, boot space

The Hyundai Venue is now 30 mm wider, and its wide grille, flared panels, and bigger lighting components give it a considerably more substantial appearance. When you stare directly at the new Venue, you get the impression that you are looking at a car from a higher segment.

Particularly when viewed in profile, the former venue appeared to be very small. Hyundai has now worked hard to give it a more SUV-like appearance. The height gain of 48 mm is beneficial. In addition to having a respectable 195 mm of ground clearance, the wheelbase has increased by 20 mm. The big rear quarter glass is a design feature that effectively gives the Venue a more SUV-like appearance.

The 2017 Hyundai Venue keeps its 16-inch wheels in contrast to the industry standard. They may appear quite diminutive, but as we will see later, there are advantages to this. The back is now much more aggressive than it was. The H-pattern lighting has maintained the basic idea, but the large bumpers and clever details—such as the cleverly integrated reverse lamps and the encased Venue logo—stand out.

Boot space has increased by 25 liters to 375 liters as a result of this generational shift. Although it’s still not the greatest in the category, it’s really helpful. A deep floor and a level area with minimal wheel well intrusion make it easy to pack a family’s worth of luggage. It is a bit of a pain to pack a hefty luggage because the sill is rather high. If additional space is required, you have a 60/40 split arrangement.

2025 Hyundai Venue Interior, practicality, infotainment

The design is elegant but uncomplicated. It adheres to the H-pattern motif of contemporary Hyundai vehicles and makes use of clean surfaces. When it comes to the tactile feel of the controls, the Venue is the best car in this class. This is evident in the heavy feel of the redesigned air vents and indicator stalks. The fact that Hyundai has provided us with real tactile buttons for the complete climate control system is fantastic, but we hope they won’t replace them with touch panels during the course of the vehicle, as they did with the Creta. Currently, you have toggle switches and rotary knobs, which make it easy to use when on the go.

It’s worth mentioning the redesigned steering wheel. The wheel’s size and shape make it comfortable to grip, and you can now see the Hyundai emblem in Morse code. Here, the metallic paddles and buttons maintain the wonderful tactile quality.

With its larger 12.3-inch screens, the curved panel perfectly complements this motif. Hyundai’s newest interface is now available to them. You now have an instrument cluster that is entirely digital. Large letters and fluid images make it simple to read and navigate menus.

The touchscreen now has a more contemporary tiled theme and widget. It is easier to get used to and appears to be more responsive. Additionally, you have additional related features. Most significantly, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now available.

Despite the track widths staying the same, Hyundai has been astute in making the most of its K1 architecture with the new Venue. Large windows and a light color scheme are helpful, but the dash has been altered to take up less space in the interior, and the door cards have been trimmed. Thus, compared to the previous venue, there is a lot more elbow room here.

A roomy center console with a conveniently located wireless charger provides adequate storage. There are enough Type-C charging connections for every passenger in the cabin, and the door bins are also reasonably sized.

2025 Hyundai Venue rear seat

From the rear seat, you can tell Hyundai is modeling the Venue after the Creta since, if you’re familiar with the Creta, the shape of the seat instantly reminds you of it. The thigh support and wide reclining angle are very comparable to the Creta, but there is a little more bolstering than we’ve seen in other Hyundai vehicles.

Although it has been fixed, the previous Venue’s cramped rear seat—which was one of the main complaints—is still not nearly as roomy as some other vehicles in this class. More headroom is made possible by the 20 mm increase in wheelbase, and this impression has been enhanced by the front seats being scooped out. Therefore, you should be rather comfortable if you are shorter than six feet. The front seats are positioned fairly high, giving you plenty of room for your feet. The scooped-out headliner has created a significant amount of headroom, thus the absence of a panoramic sunroof is advantageous.

Additionally, the seat is wider than it was previously. A toddler and two adults can fit on the flat bench. including previous Hyundai vehicles, this one has nice creature comforts including USB ports, rear sunshades, and a reclining seat. However, there aren’t many storage spaces. The back door bins are tiny, and there are no door pockets.

2025 Hyundai Venue features and safety

Although the Venue is normally well-equipped, you lose out on features like telescopic steering, fully powered seats, and a full-size sunroof. A more comprehensive software-defined architecture, LED lighting, auto headlights, wireless charging, ventilated front seats with four-way power adjustment, and an eight-speaker Bose audio system are all included.

The addition of level 2 ADAS has increased safety. Additionally, a 5-star safety rating for the venue is anticipated as a result of structural upgrades. Six airbags, an ESC, and a 360-degree camera are standard safety features.

2025 Hyundai Venue driving impressions – turbo DCT, diesel AT

The same engine options are still available for the second-generation Hyundai Venue. The 1.2-liter naturally aspirated engine, which only comes with a manual gearbox, produces 83 horsepower and 115 Nm. However, the 1.0-liter turbo with the 7-speed DCT, producing 120 PS and 172 Nm, was the variant we used the most. The new 1.5-liter diesel auto combination, which produces 115 PS and 250 Nm, was also briefly driven by us.

When you first get behind the wheel of the Venue, you’ll note that it looks much more like an SUV. The bonnet flows out in front of you like the Creta, and you are seated in a commanding manner. This venue is a little bit simpler to navigate through traffic than the previous one because it did that less well. The big windows also help, and the blind spots are not very noticeable.

Particularly cozy are the front seats. We believe that lengthier trips will be more comfortable than before because they provide a lot of support for your thighs and are perfectly cushioned.

Although the turbo DCT drivetrain feels pretty much the same, there are a few subtle enhancements, such as a slightly more linear and quieter operation. For a three-cylinder, its NVH has always been excellent, but it appears to have become better. The DCT is operating as it always has. It doesn’t like to give you hefty, high rpm shifts, but it functions flawlessly in daily driving. Although this engine was never particularly thrilling, it was always useful and efficient, and that feeling persists. Your powerband is broad and reasonably clean. You won’t ever feel as though your progress is halted if you drive slowly. You do want a little more thrill in the upper regions of the rev band, especially since you’ve purchased a turbocharged petrol, and there are now some thrilling tiny engines in this range.
The way the DCT shifts through gears at low speeds is where you can best see that there is less hesitation now. The Venue’s neutral, laid-back driving style has been enhanced.

In comparison to the turbo petrol, the diesel auto model is a little slower off the mark, but you will quickly benefit from the flat diesel torque advantage. It seems more powerful when cruising, particularly when overtaking, and has that firm, assured pull. Although it lacks the DCT’s seamlessness, the torque converter is a responsive device. Because of the motor’s increased torque, it doesn’t slur too much. Both include drive modes that alter the responses of the engine and gearbox. Additionally, the traction modes adjust the ESC to improve your grip on uneven terrain.

The way Hyundai has adjusted the handling and ride of this vehicle is the one thing that deserves praise. The way the venue travels on the road reflects the increased strength of this new building. You have the impression that you are in something more substantial and steady. You get this solid feeling over damaged areas and poor roadways. Hyundai has defied convention by adding incredibly huge wheels to a little SUV. The 16-inch wheels are still included. The Venue appears to be very comfortable on our roads because to the modified suspension and somewhat longer wheelbase.

You see that you have that layer of padding between you and the road over broken patches, until things become really nasty and you’re flung around. The fact that the high-speed stability has improved since the previous vehicle is also positive. This venue feels confident and steady, whereas the previous one wasn’t the most stable at high speeds.

The ride has a little more bounce thanks to the diesel and its increased weight. Although it is still good, this version moves more vertically over uneven surfaces than the turbo petrol. Around turns, the diesel has a little heavier nose than the gasoline.

If you want a full-fledged enthusiast vehicle, the Venue is not for you. We do wish there was a little more direct steering. As Hyundais have always been, driving in city traffic is easy and convenient. However, you wish there was a little more connection going through the wheel at faster speeds. You have that impartial attitude else. It doesn’t seem particularly sharp around turns, but it also doesn’t roll too much. However, the Venue does the job as something that will work for you every day without causing you any surprises. It must be acknowledged that Hyundai made a wise trade-off that benefits the Venue, especially considering how comfortable the suspension is.

2025 Hyundai Venue verdict

The Hyundai Venue is an expensive option, with the HX10 petrol costing Rs 14.74 lakh ex-showroom and the comparable diesel costing Rs 15.69 lakh. This is overstated because it lacks a few amenities and is still not the largest vehicle in this class. Having said that, it feels like a significant improvement over the previous model due to its more stable and cozy driving style and its well-appointed cabin. Its strong road presence also strengthens its argument.