Comparison: Hyundai Exter vs. Hyundai Venue

With compact SUVs becoming the new norm, automotive manufacturers are fiercely competing to capture consumers’ attention. In one such clash, we have Hyundai’s newly launched Exter and the refreshed version of Venue vie for supremacy in the highly competitive compact SUV segment in the Indian market.

While the Exter and the Venue appear more or less the same on the outside, there’s plenty of difference in their features, powertrain, and much more. Here’s a detailed comparison of the sibling SUVs from Hyundai to help you decide which one suits your personality and needs better.

Hyundai Exter vs. Hyundai Venue: Dimensions

When it comes to cars, everything matters—dimensions, design, features, even more so when you are picking the right vehicle for your lifestyle. Dimensionally, the Hyundai Venue is longer, wider, and has a bigger wheelbase than the Exter. However, despite having a smaller wheel size, the Exter is 60 mm taller than the Venue. The Exter also gets better cargo space, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer weekend getaways.

Styling-wise, the Hyundai Exter and the Hyundai Venue come with clear differences. The Hyundai Exter looks more youthful and funky with its unique design elements like H-shaped DRLs, a dual grille with split LED headlamps, dual-tone alloy wheels, roof rails, and a sporty rear spoiler. In contrast, the Venue takes a different route, looking more premium and sophisticated with its cascading grille, connected tail lamps, projector fog lamps, 16-inch alloy wheels, and chrome accents.

Hyundai Exter vs. Hyundai Venue: Engine & Transmission

Both the vehicles from the Hyundai come with different engine configurations to suit different needs. The Exter comes with two engine options – a 1.2-litre Kappa petrol engine that produces 83 PS horsepower and 113.8 Nm of torque, and a 1.2-litre Bi-fuel petrol with CNG engine with 69 PS and 95.2 Nm of torque. Both of them come mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. While the specs on the paper look modest, factoring in its 999 kg curb weight and responsive nature, the performance feels more than adequate to keep most owners satisfied.

The Hyundai Venue, on the other hand, comes with three different engine options: a 1.2-litre MPi Kappa Petrol engine with 83 PS horsepower and 113.8 Nm of torque, a 1.0-litre Turbo GDi Kappa Petrol with 120 PS horsepower and 172 Nm of torque and a U2 1.5-Litre CRDi VGT Diesel that produces an astounding 116 PS of power and 250 Nm of torque. Out of all the three engine options, what’s nice about the diesel engine is that it is much smoother and refined at both idle and city speeds.

Similar to the Exter, the Venue does not offer the AMT transmission choice. While its entry-level 1.2-litre MPi Kappa petrol engine is mated to a 5-speed transmission gearbox that also accounts for half of Venue sales, its turbocharged models are available with a 6-speed clutchless manual gearbox (iMT) or a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

Hyundai Exter vs. Hyundai Venue: Features and Comfort

Starting with the Hyundai Exter, the fit and finish levels are top-notch. It’s got stalks and buttons made from hard plastics, which give it a premium feel. The digital instrument cluster and the first in the segment voice-enabled smart electric sunroof add loads of appeal to the Exter’s interior and are a true testament to modern design and functionality. Stepping inside the Exter, you’ll find ample room for the head, knee, and foot, even for tall folks. But the rear is slightly cramped and can accommodate only two adults comfortably.

Moving on to the technology aspect, the Exter comes integrated with a dash cam that supports full HD video resolution and allows users to capture pictures from both front and rear cameras and a familiar 8-inch touchscreen with connected car tech as well as Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Now, let’s take a look at the Venue. With new additions like the electric adjustment for the driver’s seat, ambient lighting, a new user interface for the 8-inch touchscreen, and an air purifier embedded in the armrest, the Venue showcases Hyundai’s commitment to providing a feature-rich vehicle that enhances the comfort and convenience of the occupants. To top it off, the Venue comes with drive modes (normal, eco, and sport) that are available in the turbo-petrol DCT engine, allowing drivers to tailor the driving dynamics to suit their preferences and road conditions.

Both of these contenders from Hyundai redefine the meaning of comfort and convenience, standing out as true pillars of modern automotive innovation for the younger generation.

Hyundai Exter vs. Hyundai Venue: Safety Features

Hyundai has left no stone unturned by integrating 26 safety features in the Exter, which include 1st in segment features like ESC (Electronic Stability Control), VSM (Vehicle Stability Management), and HAC (Hill Assist Control). While the new generation vehicle hasn’t been crash tested yet, the integration of 6 airbags as standard, Headlamp Escort function, and rear defogger ensures a positive step towards enhancing the vehicle’s safety performance. With over 40 advanced safety features, including Segment First safety features such as a Dashcam with a dual camera, TPMS (Highline), and Burglar Alarm, the Exter creates a benchmark in terms of comprehensive safety offerings among vehicles in its class.

The Venue is no less impressive and comes fully loaded with a host of sophisticated safety features that solidify its commitment to offering superior safety to its occupants. With a robust body structure with AHSS parking assist rear camera and dynamic guidelines, a headlamp escort function that ensures optimal visibility during low-light conditions, vehicle stability management (VSM), and six airbags, the Venue sets a new standard for safety in its class. The Venue, with a suite of safety features, is designed to protect drivers and passengers, making it an ideal choice for safety-conscious individuals.

Hyundai Exter vs. Hyundai Venue: Prices & Variants

Hyundai has launched the new Exter in India at a starting price of Rs. 6 lakh (ex-showroom) for its base model EX. Apart from the base variant, the Exter is available in six other variants –  EX(O), S, S(O), SX, SX(O), and SX(O) Connect. The price for its top model SX (O) Connect Dual Tone is maxed out at Rs. 10.10 lakh, making it a competitive option in the subcompact SUV segment. Moreover, the Exter is also available in two CNG variants, priced at Rs. 8.24 lakh (S CNG) and Rs. 8.97 lakh (SX CNG).

In comparison, the Hyundai Venue comes in 16 variants. With a starting price range of Rs. 7.77 lakh that goes up to Rs. 13.18 lakh for the top variant, the Venue makes for a formidable contender in its space. Although the Hyundai Venue does not offer any CNG engine option, it offers a lot of choices for users to choose from as per their needs and preferences.

Hyundai Exter vs. Hyundai Venue: Summary

In this showdown between the Hyundai Exter and the Hyundai Venue, both bring their A-game to the table, impressing car buyers with their advanced features. Both vehicles ticked almost all the boxes and garnered a tremendous amount of enquiries and bookings within their first month of announcement. While the two contenders are certainly giving competition to each other in the subcompact SUV segment, ultimately, the choice will depend on the lifestyle, budget, and the buyer’s needs.