Trax vs Venue
For subcompact suv shoppers, the Trax from Chevrolet and the Venue from Hyundai are two of the obvious candidates. Across 5 compared areas, the Trax takes 3. The widest gap shows up under space & practicality.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Trax wins
- Fuel Economy & Range Tie
- Space & Practicality Trax wins
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Safety & Tech Trax wins
- Engine & Performance1.8
- Fuel Economy & Range2.7
- Space & Practicality6.5
- Engine & Performance0.0
- Fuel Economy & Range3.1
- Space & Practicality0.0
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
-
The Trax has 37% more cargo space
On this line of the spec sheet, the Trax is in a different league: 25.6 cu ft, next to 18.7 cu ft for the Venue. Cargo figures are measured in different ways by different makers, so small gaps may not show in practice.
-
The Trax has 70% more maximum cargo space
For cargo (seats folded), the Trax leads by a wide margin: 54.1 cu ft versus 31.9 cu ft. The Trax can swallow more with the seats down, which makes it more versatile for occasional big loads.
-
The Trax has 49 lb-ft more torque
This is a headline difference. With 162 lb-ft to the Venue’s 113 lb-ft, the Trax has a lead that’s easy to see on paper and in practice. More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
-
The Trax has 16 hp more power
You may not notice this one every day, but the Trax’s 137 hp is a step ahead of the Venue’s 121 hp. The Trax’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
-
The Trax has a 20 in longer body
The Trax goes bigger with 179.1 in; the Venue keeps it to 159.1 in. Pick the one that matches how you’ll use it. Length matters most in tight garages and city parking spaces.
Design & Size
The Trax simply takes up more room than the Venue, whether that’s on a desk, in a bag or in a parking space.
Dimensions
| Spec | Trax | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 179.1 in | 159.1 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 69.7 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 61.4 in |
| Wheelbase | 106.3 in | 99.2 in |
Engine & Performance
Trax leads
Here the Trax opens up one of its biggest leads in the comparison. On the Trax, you get 49 lb-ft more torque. Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type. For engine & performance, the Trax is the one to beat.
Torque
Trax: 162 lb-ft Venue: 113 lb-ft The Trax’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
Total system output
Trax: 137 hp Venue: 121 hp Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
Fuel Economy & Range
Too close to call
If fuel economy & range matters most to you, this section won’t make the decision for you: they’re level. Neither car gives you a reason to choose it on fuel economy & range.
Space & Practicality
Trax leads
This is one of the Trax’s strongest areas. On space & practicality, the Venue falls well short. The Trax steps ahead thanks to 37% more cargo space. Cargo space behind the rear seats is what you use every day for groceries, strollers and luggage. Net result: the Trax leads this part of the comparison.
Cargo (behind rear seats)
Trax: 25.6 cu ft Venue: 18.7 cu ft The Trax’s larger cargo area makes family trips and big shopping runs easier.
Cargo (seats folded)
Trax: 54.1 cu ft Venue: 31.9 cu ft Check the shape of the load floor too: a flat floor can matter as much as the number.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
Call the off-road & towing round a draw. Both cover off-road & towing well enough that other priorities should break the tie.
Safety & Tech
Trax leads
The Trax takes safety & tech by a nose. Here the Trax offers a bigger 11 in touchscreen. Screen size isn’t everything (physical controls and software speed matter too), but bigger is easier to read. For anyone who cares most about safety & tech, the Trax is the safer choice.
Largest touchscreen
Trax: 11 in Venue: 8 in The Trax’s larger display gives navigation and menus more room.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Trax | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 1.2L turbo I3 | 1.6L I4 |
| Total system output | 137 hp (winner) | 121 hp Least powerful in class |
| Torque | 162 lb-ft (winner) | 113 lb-ft Least torque in class |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic | IVT (CVT) |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Trax | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 30 mpg | 31 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 28 mpg | 29 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 32 mpg | 32 mpg |
| Fuel tank | 13.2 gal | N/A (not specified) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Trax | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 25.6 cu ft (winner) | 18.7 cu ft Smallest cargo area |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 54.1 cu ft (winner) | 31.9 cu ft Least room, seats folded |
| Rear legroom | 38.70 in Most rear legroom | N/A (not specified) |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Trax | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | No | No |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Trax | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | 11 in (winner) | 8 in |
| Apple CarPlay / Android Auto | Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto | N/A (not specified) |
| Driver-assist suite | Chevy Safety Assist | Hyundai SmartSense |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Trax | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 179.1 in | 159.1 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 69.7 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 61.4 in |
| Wheelbase | 106.3 in | 99.2 in |
Price
| Spec | Trax | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $20,500 Lowest price in class | N/A (not specified) |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Trax if…
- you haul strollers, luggage or sports gear every week (25.6 cu ft vs 18.7 cu ft)
- you move bulky items now and then (54.1 cu ft vs 31.9 cu ft maximum cargo)
- you want more pulling power from low speeds (162 lb-ft vs 113 lb-ft of torque)
- you want more power (137 hp vs 121 hp)
Choose the Venue if…
- you value compactness over sheer size
- you prefer staying with Hyundai
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Trax or the Venue?
On the specs compared here, the Trax makes more sense for most buyers; the Venue doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Is the Trax bigger than the Venue?
Size goes the other way: the Trax is larger (179.1 in), and the Venue is the smaller option (159.1 × 69.7 × 61.4 in).
Executive Summary
If you’ve narrowed it down to the Trax and the Venue, you’ve already done the hard part. Let me help with the rest. If I had to name one reason, it’s that the Trax brings 37% more cargo space. Beyond that, 49 lb-ft more torque gives the Trax another edge.
I’d match them like this: engine & performance to the Trax, the things a spec sheet can’t capture to the Venue.
My pick: the Trax.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.