Parents often struggle when deciding what type of vehicle is best for their young driver. Is it better to get an older car that won’t lose too much value if it ends up dented or scratched? Or should they go with a new model with modern safety features? It’s even difficult to tell if there’s more of an advantage to the agile handling of cars than the increased height of an SUV. Well, parents, the 2021 Hyundai Venue might be the answer to all your questions.

The Venue starts under $20,000, and it offers incredible value for the money. Your kid will love the prospect of driving a new vehicle rather than a hand-me-down or an old beater. This might even incentivize them to take better care of it as well.

What makes the 2021 Hyundai Venue stand out from other subcompact SUVs? It’s difficult to point to just a single factor. Instead, the 2021 Venue offers a combination of traits that makes it the perfect choice for drivers in this age group.

The 2021 Hyundai Venue delivers value in the right places

Teen drivers can be superficial, and it’s hard to blame them. Everyone wants a stylish car that has all the latest features. Thankfully, the 2021 Hyundai Venue fits that mold, and it does so on a tight budget.

This subcompact SUV has a starting MSRP of just $18,750, and shoppers can get a fully-loaded version for under $24,000. It may not include the finest upgrades Hyundai offers, but the 2021 Venue can fool the average onlooker. It features a bold design, which can be outfitted with an available two-tone denim and white exterior paint job. Plus, buyers can add a power sunroof via the Premium package on the SEL trim level.

Meanwhile, the 2021 Hyundai Venue has all the features you’ll want to keep your young driver happy and safe. Its infotainment system with an eight-inch touchscreen display comes standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Additionally, a navigation system is optional on SEL models and standard on the top-tier Denim trim.

The 2021 Hyundai Venue keeps your young driver safe, too

Of course, safety is always a primary concern when it comes to your young driver getting behind the wheel. The Hyundai Venue delivers in this category, as the U.S. News & World Report gave the 2020 Venue a 9.4 safety score. The publication has yet to rate the 2021 iteration in this category. 

This subcompact SUV comes standard with a rearview camera, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, driver drowsiness monitoring, lane-keep assist, and pedestrian detection. Buyers can also add blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert for extra protection.

Shortcomings prove to be advantageous for new drivers

The 2021 Hyundai Venue isn’t a perfect vehicle, and one of its weakest points is performance. However, its standard 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine’s lack of power may give parents some peace of mind. This powertrain only delivers 121 horsepower, which can almost act as a built-in parental speed control system. You certainly won’t have to worry about your child gunning it at stoplights.

Meanwhile, new drivers should be able to master the fundamentals of driving due to this subcompact SUV’s added height and car-like handling. Plus, the 2021 Venue’s EPA-estimated 31 MPG city/highway combined fuel economy rating should be easy on their – or your – wallet.

The Venue also lacks an all-wheel-drive system, but it still has features that’ll help drivers battle the elements. The SEL and Denim trim levels come standard with drive mode selection, which includes a ‘snow mode’ feature that provides extra traction on slippery roads. Additionally, the Premium package comes with heated seats and heated side mirrors.

The 2021 Venue puts your teen driver on the right course

Subcompact SUVs aren’t for everyone, but they undoubtedly make great starter cars. The 2021 Hyundai Venue might be the best of the bunch due to its unique balance of affordability, safety, tech, and performance. The Venue also comes with Hyundai’s impressive warranty.

However, interested buyers should consider upgrading to the SEL or Denim trim level to get the most that this vehicle has to offer.