Still Hyundai’s Most Accessible SUV
The Hyundai Venue is the Korean marque’s entry point into its rich SUV lineup. It’s small, simple, and cheap to run, but it’s not exactly a strong seller. As of October, Hyundai managed to move only 23,728 units of the Venue in the US this year – a number that trails even the electric Ioniq 5. Still, the Venue fills an important role in the range: it’s the most attainable Hyundai you can buy.
For 2026, the formula remains much the same as it was when the model was introduced in 2020, with minor equipment reshuffling rather than a full overhaul. The model sticks to its urban crossover roots and retains its position as the budget-conscious SUV in the lineup.
Drew Phillips
Fewer Choices, More Focus
The biggest news for the 2026 Venue is the removal of the range-topping Limited trim. That version previously offered modern niceties otherwise found in most cars, such as LED lighting, plus it had heated mirrors and a contrasting roof option, starting at over $23,000. With its departure, Hyundai has streamlined the Venue range down to two trims – SE and SEL.
While that might seem like a cutback, Hyundai has softened the blow by shifting several features from the old Limited into the SEL. Heated mirrors, a wireless smartphone charger, and heated front seats now come standard on the mid-tier trim. However, LED headlights are gone across the lineup, leaving both SE and SEL with projector halogen units. The reshuffle simplifies the model range and keeps prices in check, though the absence of premium lighting does underline its cost-conscious positioning.
SE vs SEL: Basic or Barely Better
With the Limited gone, the SEL now becomes the de facto top trim. It gains a few convenience features but doesn’t stray far from the Venue’s minimalist mission. The SE remains the budget pick, retaining drum brakes at the rear and smaller 15-inch wheels. The SEL upgrades to 17-inch alloys and adds notable features such as selectable drive modes, heated front seats, a wireless charger, a sunroof, dual automatic climate control, dual USB ports in the back, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and an optional contrasting roof. Both versions still rely on the same 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine driving the front wheels through a CVT.
For buyers seeking simple, reliable transportation with a touch of modern convenience, the Venue delivers. Just don’t expect it to feel more sophisticated than its price tag suggests.
