Honda Elevate vs Hyundai Venue: The Battle of the Compact SUVs

Honda Elevate vs Hyundai Venue: Which Compact SUV Reigns Supreme?

In the fiercely competitive compact SUV segment in India, the Honda Elevate and Hyundai Venue stand out as popular choices, each offering a unique blend of style, features, and performance. If you’re in the market for a new SUV, deciding between these two can be a tough call. Let’s break down their key aspects to help you make an informed decision.

Price and Variants

The Hyundai Venue generally holds an advantage in terms of starting price, making it a more accessible option. Its ex-showroom prices typically range from ₹7.94 Lakh to ₹13.62 Lakh. The Venue offers a wider range of variants, including different engine and transmission options (1.2L Petrol MT, 1.0L Turbo Petrol MT/DCT, and 1.5L Diesel MT).

The Honda Elevate, positioned slightly higher, starts from around ₹11.95 Lakh and goes up to ₹16.83 Lakh (ex-showroom). It comes with a single 1.5L naturally aspirated petrol engine, available with both manual (6-speed) and CVT automatic transmissions.

Dimensions and Design

When it comes to sheer size and road presence, the Honda Elevate takes the lead. It is notably longer, wider, and taller than the Venue, offering a more commanding stance.

Honda Elevate: Length: 4312 mm, Width: 1790 mm, Height: 1650 mm, Wheelbase: 2650 mm, Boot Space: 458 litres, Ground Clearance: 220 mm.
Hyundai Venue: Length: 3995 mm, Width: 1770 mm, Height: 1617 mm, Wheelbase: 2500 mm, Boot Space: 350 litres, Ground Clearance: 195 mm.

The Elevate boasts a more upright and traditional SUV design, with a bold front grille and a strong, muscular appeal. The Venue, on the other hand, features a more compact and urban-friendly design, with a modern and sleek aesthetic, especially after its recent facelift.

Engine and Performance

The Honda Elevate is powered by a reliable 1.5-liter i-VTEC petrol engine that produces 121 bhp and 145 Nm of torque. This engine is known for its refinement and smooth power delivery, making it suitable for both city commutes and highway cruising. It offers a mileage of around 15.31-16.92 kmpl (ARAI).

The Hyundai Venue offers a more diverse powertrain lineup:

1.2-liter Kappa Petrol: 83 bhp and 113.8 Nm (with 5-speed manual). This is the most fuel-efficient option.
1.0-liter Turbo GDi Petrol: 120 bhp and 172 Nm (with 6-speed manual or 7-speed DCT). This engine offers a peppier performance.
1.5-liter U2 CRDi Diesel: 115 bhp and 250 Nm (with 6-speed manual). This option is for those seeking higher fuel efficiency and torque.

In terms of mileage, the Venue’s 1.2L petrol and 1.5L diesel engines generally offer better figures than the Elevate’s single petrol engine.

Features and Interiors

Both SUVs are well-equipped with modern features, but there are some distinctions:

Honda Elevate highlights:

Large 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system.
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Single-pane sunroof.
Honda Sensing (ADAS suite) including features like Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assist, Collision Mitigation Braking System, etc. (on top variants).
Automatic climate control.
Rear AC vents.
Digital instrument cluster.

Hyundai Venue highlights:

8-inch touchscreen infotainment system.
Connected car technology (Bluelink).
Electric sunroof (single pane).
Wireless phone charging.
Air purifier.
Paddle shifters (with DCT).
Drive modes.
Rear AC vents.
Automatic climate control.

The Elevate gains an edge with its ADAS suite, offering enhanced safety and convenience features, while the Venue counters with its connected car tech and a wider array of convenience features across its variants.

Safety

The Honda Elevate has scored a 5-star safety rating in the JNCAP (Japan NCAP) crash tests, indicating a strong commitment to safety. It comes with up to 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), Hill Start Assist, and a multi-angle rear camera. The inclusion of ADAS further bolsters its safety credentials.

The Hyundai Venue comes with up to 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), Hill Assist Control (HAC), and a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). While it hasn’t been tested by Global NCAP recently, Hyundai cars generally offer a robust build.

Verdict

Choosing between the Honda Elevate and Hyundai Venue depends on your priorities:

Choose Honda Elevate if: You prioritize a larger, more traditional SUV stance, a refined naturally aspirated petrol engine, a spacious boot, and advanced safety features like ADAS. It offers a more mature and comfortable driving experience.
Choose Hyundai Venue if: You are on a tighter budget, prefer a more compact and urban-friendly design, need a wider range of engine and transmission options (including a turbo-petrol and diesel), desire more convenience features like connected car tech, and prioritize fuel efficiency.

Both are excellent vehicles in their own right, and a test drive of both would be highly recommended to see which one aligns best with your driving style and needs.