By Paul Borden
MotorwayAmerica

(August 17, 2021) After loading up the initial version with a pretty long list of standard features, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking, Hyundai took its subcompact Venue SUV up another notch for 2021.
            
The engine for all trims — SE, SEL, and Denim — remains a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder (121 horsepower, 113 pound-feet of torque), but the 6-speed manual transmission that was standard on the base SE has been junked and all trims now come with what the South Koreans call an “Intelligent” (i.e., Continuously) Variable Transmission.

There are simulated stops that allow you to manually select gear ratios, which you accomplished via the shift leaver on the console.

It’s not a particularly athletic setup, though driving in Sport mode adds some life. EPA fuel economy figures are a solid 30 miles-per-gallon city, 33 highway and 31 combined — good for the class.

The modest performance numbers make the Venue ideal for younger, inexperienced drivers though they may be looking for something with a little more in the way of distinctive styling touches. It does have spiffy wheels!

The 2021 Hyundai Venue SEL got most of the attention for upgrades. Contents in 2020’s optional Convenience Package are now standard, and the SEL, like the Denim, rides on new 17-inch alloy wheels that feature a distinctive spoke design. The SE gets 15-inch alloy wheels for 2021 versus last year’s 15-inch steel wheels.



The SEL Convenience Package offered for 2020 included a sunroof, leather-wrapped steering wheel, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. That’s all included for 2021 in the starting MSRP of $20,975 (including destination and delivery).

Other standard features on the SEL trim include roof rails, projector headlights that adjust when cornering, a 6-speaker audio system, automatic climate control, 6-way manually adjustable driver’s seat, leather covered steering wheel and shift knob, Bluetooth hands-free phone with voice recognition, and an 8-inch touchscreen for infotainment functions.

An optional Premium Package adds $2,350 to the bottom line, but includes several features that really take the SEL to a new level. Among the upgrades are heated front seats and side-view mirror; LED headlights, fog lights, and taillights; proximity key with push-button start, Sirius-XM satellite radio, and Hyundai’s Blue Link services.

The Premium Package and carpeted floor mats ran the total for my test vehicle to $23,480, a competitive number for the class. The base Venue SE starts at $19,425 including destination and delivery and the top-of-the-line Venue Denim starts at $23,225.

All things considered the SEL with the Premium Package is the preferred way to go.

What I liked about the 2021 Hyundai Venue SEL: It is packed with lots of easy-to-use technological features, including standard safety systems like blind-spot warning and lane-keeping assist. Rear cross-traffic alert and collision warning also are standard. Seats are comfortable. The 8-inch touchscreen for the available navigation system is clear and easy to operate. There are knobs to adjust the climate control as well as surf the radio dial.

What I didn’t like about the 2021 Hyundai Venue SEL: I’m not a big fan of CVTs (ContinuouslyVariable Transmissions), though running the Venue in Sport mode helps liven up the performance. Unfortunately, the 6-speed manual transmission is no longer available. Adaptive cruise control is not offered on the Venue. Rear legroom can get tight depending on where the front-seat riders set their seats.

Would I buy the 2021 Hyundai Venue SEL? Yes. There’s a lot of bang for the buck here. It’s ideal for empty-nesters who spend a lot of item in urban environments as well as young, inexperienced teen drivers.