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2025 Hyundai Venue First Drive Review: More Than An Evolutionary Step
The second-generation Hyundai Venue was recently launched in India with a starting pice of at ₹7.90 lakh (ex-showroom). The second-gen Hyundai Venue arrives six years after the sub-4-metre SUV arrived on our shores in 2019.
The new Hyundai Venue comes with a host of major changes inside and out, including over 60 updates compared to the previous model. Key highlights include fresh styling, advanced features, and an expanded powertrain line-up. We recently drove the new 2025 Hyundai Venue and here are our thoughts after a few hours behind the wheel...
Hyundai Venue Review – Exterior Highlights
The Venue features a bold new front design with a dark chrome grille, large silver skid plate, and full LED headlamps. The headlamp unit includes four LED pods for low and high beams, while the Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) connect across the front in a clear plastic casing for a modern look.
At the sides, the Venue gets 16-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels as standard. The N Line variant offers larger 17-inch wheels. The Venue also gets body cladding, a dark chrome finish on the door handles, roof rails and a sunroof while sharp creases run from the headlights to the tail-lamps. The new Venue which offers a ground clearance of 195 mm and is now longer than its predecessor by 20mm in the wheelbase.
The rear showcases new full LED tail-lamps with a connecting light bar, Venue badging, and a silver-finished skid plate. The tailgate opens up to a 375-litre boot, which can be expanded using the 60:40 split-folding rear seats. Te boot also plays host to a subwoofer for the revised audio setup inside.
Hyundai Venue Review – Interior Highlights
Inside, the Venue now features dual-tone upholstery. Seats combine black bases with beige backrests and headrests. The rear provides an armrest with cup holders and dedicated AC vents, along with two type-C charging ports. Rear sunshades are included for added comfort.
The front seats of the Venue are now ventilated, while the dashboard is dominated by dual 12.3-inch curved displays with the one on the left acting as the main touchscreen infotainment hub. There is also a smaller screen for climate control settings.
The new Venue key features a distinctive design with the Hyundai emblem. Storage options include door pockets, a cubby hole, and a centre console. The cabin gets a Bose surround sound system with eight speakers, including a subwoofer.
The dashboard has new vertical AC vents and a mix of beige and black trim. The steering wheel is wrapped in leather and features four dots in place of the 'H' logo, representing Hyundai in Morse code. The driver’s seat is four-way electronically adjustable, while the passenger seat is manually adjustable. Only tilt adjustment is available for the steering wheel.
Other features include an auto-dimming inside rear-view mirror (IRVM) with SOS and roadside assistance buttons, a sunroof, wireless charging, and three-level ventilated seat. Multiple charging options, drive and traction modes, and an electronic parking brake are provided.
The new Venue safety suite includes 6 Airbags, ABS with EBD, Electronic Stability Control, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System, Hill Assist, all-wheel disc brakes, and Level 2 advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) which adds features like - automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control.
Hyundai Venue Review – Powertrain Options
The new Venue is offered with three engine choices. The 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine comes with a five-speed manual gearbox. The 1.5-litre turbo diesel engine is paired with a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic (new on this generation).
The 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine is available with either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic (DCT). The turbo petrol engine produces 120 bhp and 173 Nm of peak torque.
Hyundai Venue Review – Driving Impressions
The 2025 Hyundai Venue with the 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine delivers 120bhp and 172Nm of torque, paired with a seven-speed DCT that offers quick, seamless gear shifts and minimal lag. The different Drive modes alter throttle response and is Sport mode the Venue feels lively when pushed.
The new Venue's steering feels chunky and comfortable to hold, light enough for city use while also weighing up nicely at higher speeds. However, the lack of telescopic adjustment remains a miss. The seats have got some extra cushioning this time around, and the Venue feels comfortable to be in even on longer drives.
The suspension setup is slightly firm, which benefits handling while maintaining good ride comfort. It absorbs bumps and potholes with ease, and body roll is well controlled, giving the Venue a planted feel even at higher speeds.
Noise insulation is well-tuned, keeping the cabin quiet over rough patches. The front bumper vents add a touch of aerodynamic function while also helping cool the brakes. Speaking of which, the all-four-disc setup offers confident stopping power with a strong brake bite.
Hyundai Venue Review – Verdict & Final Thoughts
The new Hyundai Venue stands out with its fresh design, modern features, and wide range of engine and gearbox options. It performs well on the road, offers good comfort, and comes loaded with safety equipment.
For buyers seeking a compact SUV with strong features and value, the Venue is a compelling choice in its segment.
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