What SUV does the Kona compare to?

The 2022 Hyundai Venue and the 2022 Hyundai Kona are both considered subcompact, entry SUVs and both offer affordable starting prices along with similar tech, safety and convenience features. However, these two smallest of the Hyundai SUVs differ in many ways and to help you decide whether the Venue or Kona is right for you, let’s explore each one further.

The 2022 Hyundai Venue is available in three trims: SE, SEL, and Limited (formerly Denim).

The 2022 Hyundai Kona is available in four trims: SE, SEL, the sportier N Line, and Limited.

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Comparing The Appearance

While the 2022 Hyundai Venue and the 2022 Hyundai Kona may have similar sizes and both be considered as subcompact SUVs, the two look surprisingly different.

The Venue presents a more square, even boxy, profile that makes it easy to spot among other SUVs, while the Kona features a more sporty and sleek appearance that makes it look larger than its subcompact size.

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Difference in Pricing

The 2022 Hyundai Venue has a starting MSRP of $18,900 for the SE, which is the base-level trim, a starting price of $20,650 for the middle SEL trim, and has a starting MSRP of $22,150 for the top Limited trim.

By comparison, the 2022 Hyundai Kona starts at $21,150 for the front-wheel drive base SE trim model and goes up to an MSRP of $28,450 for the top trim, the Limited, in the front-wheel drive model. On the all-wheel drive model, the SE trim starts at $22,650 while you will have an MSRP of $29,950 for the Kona Limited AWD.

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Performance Comparison

The power under the hood clearly distinguishes the difference between the Venue and the Kona, with the Kona offering a choice of more powerful engines.

The 2022 Hyundai Venue is powered by a Smartstream 1.6L DPI 4-cylinder engine that generates 121-horsepower and 113 lb.-ft. of torque paired with a Smartstream Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT). In the SEL trim and above, get Drive Mode Select that lets you choose from three driving modes: Normal, Sport, or Snow, which provides enhanced traction on treacherous road conditions.

With the 2022 Hyundai Kona, you get a choice of two powertrains. On the SE and SEL trims, the Kona runs on a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder Atkinson engine that produces 147 horsepower and 132 lb.-ft. of torque and is paired with a new Smartstream Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT).

On the sporty N Line trim and the top-of-the-line Limited trim, you’ll get a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder direct-injected, turbocharged engine generating an estimated 195 horsepower and 195 lb.-ft. of torque coupled to a retuned seven-speed EcoShift® dual-clutch transmission (DCT).

The fuel economy of the Venue is 29/33/31 city/highway/combined while the Kona gets 30/35/32 for the front-wheel drive and 28/33/30 for the all-wheel drive.

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Differences in Safety & Technology - 2022 Kona VS 2022 Venue

For its entry-level status and affordability, the 2022 Hyundai Venue does provide an impressive array of standard tech and safety features, however, if you want the option of more premium offerings, such as a larger infotainment screen or Harman Kardon audio system, you’ll only find those on the Kona.

In the 2022 Venue, get a standard 8-inch Display Audio touchscreen system with AM/FM/HD Radio and standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in addition to Bluetooth® hands-free phone system with Voice Recognition. On the Venue’s SE base trim, get a 4-speaker audio system, and on the SEL and Limited trims, enjoy a 6-speaker audio system.

The standard safety features on the 2022 Hyundai Venue include Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) w/ Pedestrian Detection, Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Driver Attention Warning (DAW), and High Beam Assist. On the Limited trim, add navigation, SiriusXM, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) w/ Pedestrian Detection + Cyclist, and with the SEL trim and above, get Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW) w/ Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning (RCCW).

The 2022 Hyundai Kona standard technology features include an 8-Inch Display Audio with AM/FM Audio System and 6-speakers with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Move up to the SEL and N Line trims and add SiriusXM, HD Radio, and the Blue Link Connected Car System.

On the highest trim, the Limited, you gain significantly in the tech department with a larger, 10.25-inch color touchscreen with AM/FM/SiriusXM/HD Radio, Onboard Navigation and Traffic flow and incident data free via HD Radio. This larger infotainment display sets the Kona apart as you can’t get larger than an 8-inch display on the Venue.

In addition, on the Limited Kona, get a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and enjoy a Harman Kardon premium audio system with Clari-Fi Music Restoration Technology that features an external amp and 8 speakers. Regarding safety technology, the 2022 Hyundai Kona offers several standard features, including: Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist w/ Pedestrian Detection, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Following Assist, Driver Attention Warning, and Rear Occupant Alert.

On the SEL and N Line trims, get three additional features: Blind-Spot Collision Avoidance Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist, and Safe Exit Warning. On the Limited trim, add three more safety features: Parking Distance Warning - Reverse, Highway Drive Assist, and High Beam Assist.

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Let's Compare The Convenience

The 2022 Hyundai Kona further separates itself from the entry-level 2022 Hyundai Venue when it comes to those convenience features that add extra comfort, additional ease, and a luxurious feel for your overall driving experience. The 2022 Hyundai Venue offers enough features for a comfortable ride, however, the 2022 Hyundai Kona does offer a wider array of conveniences, especially at the N Line and Limited trim levels.

At all trim levels, the 2022 Venue offers a 6-way adjustable driver’s seat and 4-way adjustable passenger seat and while the 2022 Kona’s SE and SEL trims also offer the 6-way adjustable driver seat, at the N Line trim, you get an 8-way power driver’s seat, and at the Limited trim, you get an 8-way power driver’s seat with power lumbar support.

For heated seats, in the 2022 Venue, you’ll have to get the top-of-the-line Limited trim to enjoy heated front seats and side view mirrors, while in the 2022 Kona, three-step heated front seats are optional on the SEL trim and come standard on the N Line and Limited trims. Leather seats are not an option at any trim level in the 2022 Hyundai Venue, but with the 2022 Hyundai Kona, get leather-trimmed seats in the Limited trim level.

With both SUVs, you can get a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob with the option available at the SEL and Limited trims of the 2022 Venue and optional on the SEL trim of the 2022 Kona and standard with the N Line and Limited. Get a power sunroof on both the 2022 Venue and the 2022 Kona with the power tilt-and-slide sunroof available on the Venue’s mid-tier trim, the SEL, and on the top, Limited trim of the Kona.

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Size & Space Comparison

Both the 2022 Hyundai Venue and the 2022 Hyundai Kona are considered subcompact SUVs but the Kona bests the Venue in almost every size specification.

The 2022 Hyundai Venue features a wheelbase of 99.2 inches compared to the Kona’s slightly larger 102.4-inch wheelbase. The Venue is 6.5 inches shorter than the Kona with a length of 159.1 inches compared to the Kona’s 165.6 inches (166 inches for the N-Line). In width, the Venue is slimmer at 69.7 inches compared to the Kona which has a width of 70.9 inches. With a height of 61.6 inches, the Venue is taller than the Kona which has a height of 61 inches (61.4 for the N-Line).

As far as interior space, the Venue’s front headroom of 39.4 inches is comparable to the Kona’s front headroom of 39.6 but the Venue actually beats the Kona in rear headroom with 38.6 compared to the Kona’s 37.8. You’ll also get slightly more leg and shoulder room in the Kona but substantially more rear hip room as the Venue offers just 43.5 inches compared to the Kona’s 52.2 inches.

Cargo space also sets the Venue and the Kona apart as the Kona offers a cargo capacity of 45.8 cubic feet with rear seats folded down compared with the Venue’s just 31.9 cubic feet.

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2022 Hyundai Kona VS 2022 Hyundai Venue - The Conclusion

As you can see, the 2022 Hyundai Venue and the 2022 Hyundai Kona both offer a tremendous value for the money with a safe, comfortable driving experience that delivers the tech and convenience features you need. However, if you desire additional features, a more powerful engine, and more space, you should consider the Kona.

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