2020 Hyundai Venue vs 2019 Nissan Kicks Spec Comparison

A quick look at how the new Hyundai Venue compares with its direct competitor, the Nissan Kicks.

The 2020 Hyundai Venue unveiled at the 2019 New York Auto Show will be Hyundai’s new entry-level sport utility vehicle. It will be front-wheel drive only and will rely on a small-displacement petrol engine just like its main competitor, the 2019 Nissan Kicks. Two entry-level urban crossovers with a focus on space and efficiency. How do they compare? Let’s take a closer look.

Which Is More Spacious?

Nissan Kicks trunk — Nissan Kicks Trunk | Photo: Matt St-Pierre

The 2019 Nissan Kicks is marginally longer overall and its wheelbase is also longer. Despite this, the new Hyundai Venue makes excellent use of its footprint.

Total passenger volume is rated at 2,602.3 litres for the Venue while the Kicks offers 2,659 litres. Cargo space varies more with the Venue offering 529.5 litres compared the Kicks’ 716 – both are impressive given their relative sizes. Finally, with the 2nd row folded away, the Hyundai handily delivers 903.3 litres whereas the Nissan doles out 914.6 litres.

Which Is More Efficient?

As these are both entry-level SUVs for their respective companies, affordability and thus efficiency are key. Both rely on a 1.6-litre 4-cylinder engine and available continuously variable transmissions. The Hyundai Venue standard transmission is a 6-speed manual.

We know that the Nissan Kicks is rated at 7.7/6.6 L/100km which works out to an overall average of 7.2L/100km. By Hyundai’s internal calculations, its Venue will return an average of just over 7.1 L/100km. In other words, they’re dead even.

What About Style?

While it’s always difficult to discuss styling, we can say the following. At this very moment, the Hyundai Venue is more appealing if mostly because of its boxy more upright design. Its front fascia is completely unique and without a doubt the most controversial aspect on the Venue.

The issue with the Hyundai Venue, like most of Hyundai’s most recent vehicles, is that it will age quickly. the Korean brand reinvents its design language seemingly every generation which means that by the time you only have 12 or 14 payments left to make on your utility vehicle, Hyundai will revamp it completely instantly dating your vehicle and hurting its already weak-ish resale value.

The Nissan Kicks on the other hands is far more conventionally styled and will age with far more grace. If you intend to lease a Venue because you think it’s cool, go for it. If you’re in the market for a medium-term relationship (5-7 years), on this point, it might be wiser to opt for the Nissan.