If you're like most Americans, you either have an SUV or are considering one for your next vehicle. Yes, many of us may stamp our feet and complain about how these things are overtaking the automotive landscape (and they are); however, it is easy to see why people like these things. They typically offer plenty of cargo space, comfort, all-wheel-drive and aren't actually half bad nowadays when it comes to fuel efficiency. Additionally, there is arguably a larger selection of SUVs than that of any other vehicle. There is, however, one major drawback to owning one of these larger vehicles: The price.
According to Edmunds.com, the average cost of a new vehicle in America was $40,179 at the beginning of the year. Keeping in mind that SUVs typically are more expensive than that of other vehicles in their respective lineups, you could be looking at around $45,000 or even $50,000! Some models like that of the upcoming 2022 Jeep Wagoneer are expected to start at $60,000! Now before you panic, there are SUVs that are available for way below this price. Specifically, if you want the cheapest SUV offering in America, you'll be looking at the 2021 Hyundai Venue.
How about we take a look at this financially savvy South Korean SUV and see what you get for you money.
It's Not What You Might Call Powerful
Let's get one thing straight right from the get-go, performance figures were not discussed whatsoever at any board meeting when making this thing. No matter which of the three trims you pick, you will be stuck with a 1.6L 4-cylinder engine that puts out around 121 horsepower. The petite motor can then only be mated to Hyundai's Intelligent Variable Automatic Transmission (IVT). This power (or lack of it) is then exclusively sent to the front two wheels, as an all wheel drive option is not available. Ultimately, all of these factors will get you roughly 31 miles per gallon.
Backpedaling to the talk of trim levels, you have the choice of an SE, SEL, or Denim package. The SE is the base model and can be yours for around $18,750. If you want to make the country's cheapest SUV a little more expensive, you can pay about $22,050 for the "alluring" Denim edition. Basically all the former gives you is slightly bigger wheels, some driving modes (that likely don't do anything), and an exclusive jean colored paint job and interior.
Business As Usual In The Styling Department
The Venue take design cues from many vehicles that we have begun to associate with the modern small SUV/crossover segment. It has the increasingly common thin headlights up front, as well as a large chrome grill that has been inserted into the front fascia. In the back, it looks quite similar to the 2021 Chevy Trailblazer regarding its design and shape (you even have the choice of having a white roof like the Chevrolet). All in all, it's pretty middle of the road in the styling department.
Like most small SUVs these days, the Venue is basically a hatchback on stilts. As a result of this lift, the car sits roughly 6.69 in above the road. While this isn't enough to get you to the end of the Dakar Rally, it may be just enough to clear roadkill or some debris. For most people, that is probably more than enough.
Surprisingly Spacious And Comfortable On The Inside
When it comes to the interior of America's cheapest SUV, you thankfully do not find yourself surrounded by cheap, squeaky, and scratchy plastics. While it is not the most exciting thing to look at, the interior is relatively simple and seamless. Like most vehicles made in the 2020s, the Venue gets a nice touchscreen in the center of the console with Android Auto/Apple Car Play connectivity as standard. Additionally, you also get Blue Tooth and steering wheel phone/audio controls.
The Venue has enough room to comfortably seat 5 average-sized adults. Despite the fact that the seats are made of your typical cloth upholstery, they are relatively comfortable. Additionally, the little SUV offers a surprisingly capacious cargo area of 19 cubic feet. The space increases to 32 cubic feet (or enough room to store a bunch of gardening pots and baskets according to Hyundai) when you drop the seats.
It Is The Cheapest SUV For A Reason, But That Doesn't Make It Bad
The Venue is probably not an SUV that will garner a second look from passing motorists and pedestrians as you trundle down the road. This, however, does not matter. What does matter is that Hyundai is currently able to get you into the most popular class of vehicle for a sub $20,000 price. While it's not very powerful nor' an off-roading fiend, the Venue does do everything that the more expensive small SUVs can do. In fact, when you pair these facts with the average $40K price tag of an SUV; you may actually find yourself considering the little Hyundai quite a good bargain.
Sources: Auto Trader, Car And Driver, Edmunds, Financial Samurai, Hyundai, USA Today