The new car market provides buyers with an overwhelming number of options. However, few manufacturers offer new cars for under $20,000. Many may even balk at preconceptions of the lack of amenities and capabilities such a car can afford. However, some new car offerings punch above their weight by giving buyers the opportunity for quality without a headache-inducing cost. The undisputed champ of these bargain car buys, according to Cars.com, is the 20222 Hyundai Venue, with its second year in a row taking home its Best Value Award.

Is the Hyundai Venue an SUV?

Yes, the Hyundai Venue is an SUV. In fact, the 2022 Hyundai Venue is one of a growing number of options in the subcompact crossover SUV market. The Venue competes directly with SUVs like the Nissan Kicks, Ford EcoSport, Kia Soul, and Jeep Renegade, among others. The Venue, though, has an ace up its sleeve against the competition. It boasts one of the smallest price tags of any new car in America.

2022 Hyundai Venue trim levels and features

While the Hyundai Venue only comes in three trim levels, don’t think you’ll be driving something as well-equipped as a mid-century tractor. Even the base model has an array of active safety features.

The base trim level comes supplied with a myriad of safety features, including Brake Assist (BA), Driver Attention Warning (DAW), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Traction Control System (TCS), and Vehicle Stability Management (VSM). 

The SE is also standard with the parent-loving Lower Anchors and Upper Tether Anchors (LATCH) system for belting in young ones. Additionally, the Venue SE has an 8-inch touchscreen display audio system supporting Android Auto and Apple CarPlay—all for $19,000 MSRP without destination, title, and taxes, Hyundai states.

Beginning at just over $20,000, the mid-range SEL trim level adds Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW) and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning (RCCW) on the safety side. A chrome front grille, power tilt-and-slide sunroof, automotive climate control, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob set the SEL apart from the base model.

The Venue’s top-of-the-line trim level adds Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA-Ped) with Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection to the vehicle’s impressive safety suite. LED headlights and taillights are functional upgrades, as are defrosting, power-adjustable side mirrors. 

On the interior, leatherette and cloth combination seating surfaces are optional, but standard Limited models have navigation added to the infotainment system. The Premier trim also features heated front seats and Hyundai’s Proximity Key with push-button start, all beginning at a $22,250 MSRP.

2022 Hyundai Venue Performance Specs

All Venue trim levels are equipped with a 1.6-liter Smartstream four-cylinder engine with 121 horsepower and 113 lb-ft of torque. The Venue’s standard engine comes mated to a six-speed Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT). The Hyundai Venue also provides an adequate EPA-rated 29 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. Additionally, the Venue Limited offers Sport and Snow driving modes at the flick of a knob, which alters throttle responsiveness, transmission shift points, and steering sensitivity. 

Should you buy this new Hyundai SUV?

Hyundai’s Venue is an honest vehicle; it’s the pocket T-shirt of cars. Yes, the interior is plastic-y, and it has just enough oomph to get out of its own way. Additionally, according to Cars.com, “Hyundai’s quasi-SUV is a pleasant, if basic, runabout with spacious front seating, must-have tech and user-friendly controls. The Venue’s tiny four-cylinder delivers gradual acceleration and an unremarkable EPA-rated 31 mpg combined, but it retains a substantial, planted composure even at highway speeds.” 

When deciding which Hyundai Venue to buy, go for a brand new one. Nationwide listings on Autotrader show used 2020-2022 Venues at or above new listing prices. Although Hyundai’s three-year, 36,000-mile complimentary maintenance plan is transferrable, nothing can beat tearing the plastic off the seats of a pile of value for less than $20,000.