The 2021 Hyundai Venue is a small SUV that Hyundai says offers “big city hustle.” But is it the best option among the ranks of compact SUVs? While it certainly has quite a few vehicles to compete with, it does make for a better buy than this particular Mazda model. Fortunately, we’re here to tell you all about what the 2021 Hyundai Venue has going for it when compared to its Mazda competition. 

The 2021 Hyundai Venue

Driven by a 121-hp 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that comes teamed to a continuously variable transmission, the 2021 Hyundai Venue certainly isn’t the fastest SUV on the lot. That doesn’t make it any less enjoyable to drive, though. 

Slip behind the wheel of this year’s new model, and you’ll find yourself surrounded by a wealth of creature comforts. Standard on all models is an 8-inch touchscreen display audio system with both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Also available are features like navigation, a power sunroof, and heated front seats.

The 2021 Hyundai Venue comes standard with Hyundai SmartSense too, which includes confidence-inspiring safety features like forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and a driver attention monitoring system. 

The 2021 Mazda CX-3

Recognized as the smallest SUV among Mazda’s lineup, the 2021 Mazda CX-3 comes powered by a 146-hp four-cylinder engine. Kelley Blue Book reports that “a well-tuned chassis and precise steering make this Mazda a remarkably pleasant daily driver.”

Standard on all CX-3 models is a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. For those in the market for a more high-end ride, the CX-3 also offers sought after features like push-button start and a 6-speaker audio system. 

If safety is a prime concern, the 2021 Mazda CX-3 has got you covered. Standard with forward-collision mitigation now with nighttime pedestrian detection, lane departure alert, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, the CX-3 aims to inspire confidence at every turn.

What makes 2021 Hyundai Venue a better choice?

Are you hoping to make the most of your next car purchase? Then the 2021 Hyundai Venue is your pick. While the 2021 Mazda CX-3 rings in with a base price of $20,640, the new Venue gets its start at $18,750.

Power-wise, however, the 2021 Mazda CX-3 is a better choice. Though, it should be mentioned that while the CX-3 can outpace the Hyundai Venue with its 146-hp engine, it is less fuel-efficient than its Hyundai competition. 

The 2021 Hyundai Venue offers more passenger volume than the Mazda CX-3 too. It not only has more headroom than the Mazda, but it also boasts more should room and more room cargo space behind the second-row seats.

Unlike the Mazda CX-3, the 2021 Hyundai Venue comes with complimentary maintenance. Under this program, factory scheduled maintenance is covered by Hyundai for 3-years or 36,000-miles (whichever comes first). Mazda, on the other hand, only offers pre-paid maintenance.

Hit the road with the 2021 Hyundai Venue

There’s a lot to like about both the 2021 Hyundai Venue and the 2021 Mazda CX-3. When it comes to comparing the two, though, it’s clear that the Hyundai Venue makes for the better pick. Though it may be a tad bit slower than its Mazda competition, it’s more competitively priced, is stocked with amenities, and comes accompanied by a complimentary maintenance plan.