2019 Nissan Kicks v 2020 Hyundai Venue

A Contest of Sport Utility

Here at Crowfoot Hyundai in Calgary, we’re putting these two sport utility titans to the test. Here’s what we found out.

The Venue is Hyundai’s new entry-level sport utility vehicle, in almost direct competition with Nissan’s Kicks. Now despite the Kick’s long wheelbase and body, the Venue’s total passenger volume is rated 57 litres higher. That means more space for you and your family. And what a beautiful package the Venue comes in: a sturdy upright design unique and bold among the other cars in its league. On the other hand, the Kicks is styled in a cooler way, tighter and with spunk, likely with the younger generation in mind. Personally, we prefer the brave and robust design of the Venue. Where the Nissan has a compact and almost suffocating interior, the Hyundai feels open and loose, with a massive touchscreen display and slick interior panelling.

The Hyundai Venue also has a lane departure warning system (this keeps your vehicle from straying accidentally into the oncoming lane) and a driver alert monitor system, which releases a warning in case of an unexpected need to break. Unfortunately, the Kicks doesn’t offer either of these security features. This seems almost absurd considering the year. To make things worse for the Kicks, its corrosion warranty is two years shorter than the Venue’s. Its basic warranty also runs out two years earlier.

But what about fuel economy? It come down to 10.8 gallons vs 11.9, in favor of the Venue. The Hyundai has longer range for less fill-ups. Hyundai also ranked 3rd on the J.D. Power and Associate’s 2019 Initial Quality Study. Nissan was ranked 7th. This could have something to do with the Venue’s larger brake rotors and better stopping power; its extra wheel lug for better wheel bearing life; its tighter turning circle radius; its 400 less pounds; or even its 10.1 less inches. All this translates to better handling and maneuverability on Calgary’s city streets, and safer trips to Airdrie or Cochrane.

From what we’ve seen here at Crowfoot Hyundai in Calgary, there’s no contest between these rivals. The Hyundai Venue is simply a more reliable vehicle.