Subcompact SUVs combine the versatility and style people love about SUVs with affordability. A couple of our favorite options in this class are the 2024 Hyundai Venue and the 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer.
The duo do share some characteristics, such as a boxy exterior. However, there are some points of separation. Let’s take a closer look to see where the two small SUVs match up well and where one claims an advantage.
2024 Hyundai Venue
With a boxy exterior and unique paint choices drawing attention, the Hyundai Venue is a standout. Colors like Denim or Green Apple, as well as a two-tone scheme with a bright white roof, help the small SUV project a fun vibe while carrying up to five passengers.
Powered by a 121-horsepower 4-cylinder engine, the Venue provides a surprising amount of zip, although not all-wheel drive (AWD). You’re not going to set any land speed records, but scooting through city traffic shouldn’t be any problem — plus parking will be a breeze. The SUV offers plenty of technology, including a proximity key and a new second-row dual USB charging port for 2024. Pricing begins at $21,275, including destination fees.
Hyundai Venue Highlights
Excellent value: The Hyundai Venue is our reigning champ for the Lowest 5-Year Cost to Own Award for a subcompact SUV, based on factors like purchase price, depreciation, insurance, maintenance costs, and fuel costs. The Venue is an excellent value when purchased and in the years to come.
Top warranty: Speaking of years to come, Hyundai vehicles are covered by an industry-leading 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. This is a big advantage for the Hyundai Venue.
Safety systems The Venue comes standard with active safety systems such as automatic emergency braking, driver attention warning, lane-keeping assist, rear occupant alert, and automatic high beams. Additional available features include blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and cyclist detection.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Venue models near you.
2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer
Chevrolet represents value and style, and the Trailblazer SUV epitomizes those qualities. The subcompact is the smallest SUV in Chevy’s lineup and the most affordable. The Trailblazer comes in four trim levels — LS, LT, Activ, and RS — and prices start at $24,395, including destination fee.
Standard equipment includes cruise control, push-button start, and an HD backup camera. On the inside, a new 11-inch infotainment system and an 8-inch digital gauge cluster provide the driver with information and control of the vehicle.
You have two engine options for the Trailblazer: a 137-hp turbocharged 1.2-liter 3-cylinder or a 155-hp 1.3-liter turbocharged 3-cylinder. The smaller engine is acceptable for such a small vehicle, but if you want to feel a little punch, you’ll need to spend $1,600 to upgrade. However, when you do, you also get all-wheel drive. The interior offers plenty of space for grownups in the front and back seats.
Chevrolet Trailblazer Highlights
Chevy Safety Assist: Standard on the Trailblazer, it bundles driver assistance features like automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-keep assist with lane-departure warning, a following distance indicator, forward collision alert, and automatic high beams.
Adventurous look: The Trailblazer’s Activ trim gives it a rugged look, plus more adventurous tires and a special off-road suspension system for added capability, especially with all-wheel drive. The Hyundai Venue doesn’t offer this type of option.
All-wheel drive: This option is available with any version powered by the 155-hp engine. If you add AWD, you also get a 9-speed automatic transmission instead of the CVT. Notably, all-wheel drive is not available for the Hyundai Venue.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Trailblazer models near you.
Similarities
The Hyundai Venue and Chevy Trailblazer offer boxy exterior styling and bright colors to attract attention. They also provide room for five passengers and a good amount of comfort and safety technologies for the money.
Conclusion
The Hyundai Venue gives consumers an attractive option in the entry-level end of the market. It’s a very strong value proposition and has an unbeatable warranty, but some might find its interior and cargo space a bit too small for their needs. Meanwhile, the Chevy Trailblazer offers a little more of everything: power, capability, and technology, plus the option of all-wheel drive. Of course, it costs several thousand more, too.
| 2024 Hyundai Venue | 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer | |
| Starting Price | $21,275 | $24,395 |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 1.6-liter 4-cylinder | 1.2-liter turbo 3-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 121 hp @ 6,300 rpm | 137 hp @ 5,000 rpm |
| Torque | 113 lb-ft @ 4,500 rpm | 162 lb-ft @ 2,500 rpm |
| Transmission | CVT | CVT |
| Fuel Economy | 29 city/33 highway/31 combined mpg | 30 city/31 highway/30 combined mpg |
| Also Available | 1.3-liter turbo 3-cylinder, AWD | |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 10 years/100,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | 4-Star | 5-Star |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 99.2 inches | 103.9 inches |
| Overall Length | 159.1 inches | 173.5 inches |
| Width | 69.7 inches | 71.2 inches |
| Height | 61.6 inches | 65.2 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 33.2 feet | 36.8 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 39.4 inches | 40.0 inches |
| Headroom, Rear | 38.6 inches | 38.4 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 41.3 inches | 40.9 inches |
| Legroom, Rear | 34.3 inches | 39.4 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 53.9 inches | 55.4 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Rear | 53.7 inches | 53.8 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 18.7 cubic feet | 25.3 cubic feet |
