HR-V vs Venue
Both the HR-V and the Venue sit in the subcompact suv class, and Honda and Hyundai are clearly watching each other. The HR-V has the edge in 3 of the 4 areas we looked at, most visibly in the engine & performance category.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance HR-V wins
- Fuel Economy & Range Venue wins
- Space & Practicality HR-V wins
- Off-road & Towing HR-V wins
- Engine & Performance1.7
- Fuel Economy & Range1.8
- Space & Practicality5.9
- 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
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The HR-V has 37 hp more power
The HR-V clearly leads on total system output, and 158 hp versus 121 hp is a difference that reaches well beyond the spec sheet. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
-
The HR-V has 30% more cargo space
On cargo (behind rear seats), the HR-V posts 24.4 cu ft against 18.7 cu ft for the Venue, a gap big enough to feel in everyday use. Cargo figures are measured in different ways by different makers, so small gaps may not show in practice.
-
The HR-V has 73% more maximum cargo space
This is one of the widest gaps in the whole comparison: 55.1 cu ft for the HR-V versus 31.9 cu ft for the Venue. The HR-V can swallow more with the seats down, which makes it more versatile for occasional big loads.
-
The HR-V has 25 lb-ft more torque
The Venue lists 113 lb-ft; the HR-V comes in at 138 lb-ft. That’s not a rounding error. The HR-V’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
-
The Venue has better fuel economy
It’s a fine margin, and it favors the Venue (31 mpg versus 28 mpg). The Venue uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | HR-V | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 159.1 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 69.7 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 61.4 in |
| Wheelbase | 104.5 in | 99.2 in |
Engine & Performance
HR-V leads
The Venue is outclassed on engine & performance; the HR-V leads by a clear margin. The HR-V comes with 37 hp more power. The HR-V’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed. Bottom line for engine & performance: the HR-V has the edge.
Total system output
HR-V: 158 hp Venue: 121 hp Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
Torque
HR-V: 138 lb-ft Venue: 113 lb-ft More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
Fuel Economy & Range
Venue leads
The fuel economy & range numbers point firmly in one direction: toward the Venue. The Venue scores with better fuel economy. Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold. Net result: the Venue leads this part of the comparison.
Fuel economy (combined)
HR-V: 28 mpg Venue: 31 mpg Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership.
Fuel economy (city)
HR-V: 26 mpg Venue: 29 mpg In town, driving style has a big effect, but the Venue starts from a better baseline.
Space & Practicality
HR-V leads
In this area the HR-V has a lead the Venue can’t close. Here the HR-V offers 30% more cargo space. The HR-V’s larger cargo area makes family trips and big shopping runs easier. For space & practicality, the HR-V is the one to beat.
Cargo (behind rear seats)
HR-V: 24.4 cu ft Venue: 18.7 cu ft Cargo space behind the rear seats is what you use every day for groceries, strollers and luggage.
Cargo (seats folded)
HR-V: 55.1 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
HR-V leads
If you’re keeping score, the off-road & towing point goes narrowly to the HR-V. The HR-V gives you available all-wheel drive. The HR-V offers all-wheel drive; the Venue doesn’t, which matters if you face harsh winters. So if off-road & towing tops your list, lean toward the HR-V.
AWD / 4WD available
HR-V: yes Venue: no All-wheel drive helps you get going on slippery roads, but good tires matter just as much for stopping and turning.
Safety & Tech
The safety & tech data here comes as names and types, not scores. Check the table to see what each one uses.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | HR-V | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 2.0L I4 | 1.6L I4 |
| Total system output | 158 hp (winner) | 121 hp Least powerful in class |
| Torque | 138 lb-ft (winner) | 113 lb-ft Least torque in class |
| Transmission | CVT | IVT (CVT) |
| Drivetrain | FWD (AWD available) | FWD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | HR-V | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 28 mpg | 31 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel economy (city) | 26 mpg | 29 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 32 mpg | 32 mpg |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | HR-V | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 24.4 cu ft (winner) | 18.7 cu ft Smallest cargo area |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 55.1 cu ft (winner) | 31.9 cu ft Least room, seats folded |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | HR-V | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes (winner) | No |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | HR-V | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | N/A (not specified) | 8 in |
| Driver-assist suite | Honda Sensing | Hyundai SmartSense |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | HR-V | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 159.1 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 69.7 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 61.4 in |
| Wheelbase | 104.5 in | 99.2 in |
“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 HR-V if…
- you merge, overtake or climb hills with a full load (158 hp vs 121 hp)
- you want more cargo space behind the rear seats (24.4 cu ft vs 18.7 cu ft)
- you want more room with the seats folded (55.1 cu ft vs 31.9 cu ft)
- you often drive loaded up or with a trailer (138 lb-ft vs 113 lb-ft of torque)
Choose the Venue if…
- you want better combined fuel economy (31 mpg vs 28 mpg)
- you mostly drive in town (29 mpg vs 26 mpg in the city)
- you already use other Hyundai products
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the HR-V or the Venue?
The HR-V makes more sense overall. Consider the alternative only if you know that better fuel economy would make a real difference in your routine.
Executive Summary
Cross-brand comparisons are where I find the real differences in philosophy, and the HR-V versus the Venue shows that nicely. The HR-V wins me over with 37 hp more power. Beyond that, 30% more cargo space gives the HR-V another edge. The Venue does have a strong card to play: better fuel economy.
The HR-V is for you if engine & performance tops your list; the Venue is for you if fuel economy & range does.
My pick: the HR-V for most people, with the Venue as the smarter choice if you’d trade the rest for better fuel economy.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.