America’s cheapest SUV is a tiny subcompact SUV from Hyundai. The Hyundai Venue starts at just $19,650. Even its final configuration is affordable. Here are two reasons to get the Hyundai Venue and two reasons to skip it.

The Hyundai Venue provides great value for the money

The Hyundai Venue is almost miraculously affordable compared to its rivals. Even its South Korean cousin, the Kia Soul, costs slightly more.

If the Venue can last for 150,000 to 200,000 miles, or 10-14 years, then it’s worth the money long term. When it comes to affordability, the Venue can’t be beaten. In this period of economic hardship, affordability is something that millions of consumers value. Car and Driver praises its “attractive starting price.”

You can go configuration-crazy with the Venue and not worry about the price

One of the coolest things about the Hyundai Venue is that its final configuration, the Venue Limited, is actually more affordable than some base model subcompact SUVs. So, drivers can get a Venue Limited with every option Hyundai has to offer for a reasonable price.

The 2023 Hyundai Venue Limited starts at $22,900. It comes standard with heated side mirrors, proximity key entry with push-button start, and roof rails. The Venue Limited also includes cloth/leatherette combination seating surfaces, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and wireless device charging.

It features driver assistance and safety features like a tire pressure monitoring system, driver attention warning, and lane-keeping assist. The Venue Limited is the ideal configuration for drivers that want to experience the subcompact SUV’s full potential. It comes with plenty of great tech and creature comforts that are normally reserved for much more expensive SUVs.

Pass on the 2023 Hyundai Venue because it’s underpowered

The first reason to pass on the Hyundai Venue is its powertrain system. The 2023 Venue uses a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine to make 121 horsepower and 113 lb-ft of torque.

If you want exhilarating driving dynamics, the Venue probably isn’t for you. Its lethargic powertrain is one of the reasons that the subcompact SUV is so affordable.

This engine option is the only powertrain option for the tiny SUV, so even if you get the Limited trim, you’re stuck with the same engine. Some drivers will be able to see past the Venue’s power output, but its lack of driving verve is enough to make plenty of consumers consider alternatives.

The Hyundai Venue is far from the best model in its segment

The 2023 Hyundai Venue gets a gold star for affordability, but it’s completely eclipsed by other subcompact SUVs in rankings. Its segment is dominated by models like the Kia Soul, Hyundai Kona, and Mazda CX-30.

The Venue may have a decent value proposition, but Hyundai Motor Company and its sub-brands produce several superior subcompact SUVs. The Kona is a fun and affordable subcompact SUV that rivals the CX-30 for the top spot. Even the quirky Kia Soul has an edge over the Venue. So, sure, the Venue is within the price range of most drivers, but is it really the subcompact SUV that you want?

Let us know in the comment section below.