Choose Your Perfect Size: 2025 Hyundai VENUE vs. KONA
February 27 2025,
Finding the right SUV means balancing size, features, and capabilities with your daily needs. Hyundai offers two distinct options in the compact SUV segment that cater to different priorities while maintaining the brand's reputation for value and technology. The 2025 VENUE stands as the urban-friendly entry point, while the slightly larger KONA expands your options with additional space and powertrain choices.
Both vehicles showcase Hyundai's promise to thoughtful design and practical innovation, but crucial differences exist beneath their stylish exteriors. Understanding these distinctions helps you select the perfect match for your lifestyle – whether you prioritize maximum maneuverability, versatile cargo capacity, or the option for electric power.
Exterior Design and Dimensions
The 2025 VENUE embraces bold simplicity with its compact footprint. Available in seven exterior colors including Atlas White, Abyss Black, and Ultimate Red, the VENUE offers distinctive two-tone options on Essential and Preferred trims for added style. Progressive wheel designs evolve from 15" steel wheels on the Essential trim to 17" alloys on the Ultimate.
The 2025 KONA takes a more adventurous approach to styling with a slightly larger stance. Its expanded color palette includes unique options like Meta Blue (exclusively on Preferred with Trend and N Line models) and Soultronic Orange. The KONA N Line stands apart with exclusive front and rear fascias, special emblems, and available 19" alloy wheels that signal its sportier character.
Interior Experience and Technology
Inside the VENUE, you'll find a straightforward, functional cabin with cloth seating on Essential models that progresses to Premium cloth with leatherette bolsters on the Ultimate trim. The 8" infotainment touchscreen includes wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as standard across all models.
The KONA enhances the interior experience with additional space and available premium touches. Interior options range from black cloth to a distinctive sage green leatherette on select models, with the N Line offering performance-inspired suede and leather combination seating with red accents. Technology options expand with an available 12.3" digital instrument cluster and touchscreen with navigation on upper trims.
Performance and Efficiency
The 2025 VENUE delivers urban efficiency with its 1.6L DOHC Continuously Variable Valve Timing engine paired with a Smartstream Intelligent Variable Transmission. This combination achieves an impressive 7.5L/100km combined fuel economy while providing 121 horsepower – plenty for confident city driving and highway merging.
The KONA offers more powertrain variety to match different driving needs. The gas KONA includes available HTRAC All-Wheel Drive and a Sport package option with 19" wheels. For those ready to embrace electrification, the KONA Electric provides zero-emission driving with its 201 horsepower electric motor and 64.8 kWh battery pack, completely eliminating fuel stops from your routine.
Safety and Driver Assistance
Both SUVs prioritize your protection with comprehensive safety systems. The VENUE includes Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Keeping Assist, and Driver Attention Warning as standard features across all trims. Moving up to Preferred adds Blind-spot Collision Warning and Rear Cross-traffic Collision Warning.
The KONA builds on this foundation with available Remote Smart Parking Assist, Blind View Monitor, and Surround View Monitor on upper trims. The KONA Electric further enhances safety with Highway Driving Assist standard on all models, providing semi-autonomous driving capabilities on highways.
Practical Versatility
The VENUE maximizes utility within its compact dimensions, offering 60/40 split-folding rear seats that adapt to varying cargo needs. The Ultimate trim adds a power sunroof, automatic temperature control, and LED lighting for enhanced convenience and ambiance.
The KONA expands your options with slightly larger dimensions and practical features like roof rails standard on Preferred models. The KONA Electric includes the added benefit of a front trunk ("frunk") storage area, giving you additional space for smaller items when your main cargo area is full.
Which Hyundai SUV Fits Your Life?
The 2025 VENUE stands as your ideal choice if urban maneuverability, parking ease, and maximum efficiency within a smaller footprint matter most. Its straightforward trim structure and comprehensive standard features provide exceptional value for first-time SUV buyers.
The 2025 KONA makes sense if you desire more interior space, available AWD capability, or the option to go fully electric. Its expanded feature set and powertrain options support more diverse driving needs and growing families who need additional versatility.
Experience both models firsthand to truly appreciate their distinct personalities and capabilities. Visit Central Nova Hyundai today to test drive the 2025 VENUE and KONA, and let our team help you find your perfect size in Hyundai's SUV lineup.
