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New SUVs can cost big bucks. Thankfully, several automakers produce affordable subcompact SUV models that won’t break the bank. South Korean automaker Hyundai Motor Company and its brand Kia produce two of the most affordable SUVs on the market. One new fully loaded SUV surprisingly starts under $23,000.

The 2023 Hyundai Venue Limited is incredibly affordable

Hyundai’s subcompact SUV comes in three configurations: the SE, SEL, and Limited. The Hyundai Venue Limited is the most expensive Venue trim and is still more affordable than most models in its segment.

The 2023 Hyundai Venue Limited starts at $22,900. It uses a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine to make 121 horsepower and 113 lb-ft of torque. The Venue Limited achieves 29 miles per gallon in the city and 33 miles per gallon on the highway.

The Hyundai Venue only comes with one powertrain option. The biggest difference between the Limited and other configurations are standard tech and creature comforts. It comes standard with cloth/leatherette combination seating surfaces, heated front seats, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

The Venue Limited features wireless device charging, heated exterior mirrors, and proximity key entry with push-button start. It comes with roof rails, a 12-volt outlet, and a driver attention warning. Hyundai’s fully-loaded subcompact SUV is well-equipped for its price. It isn’t very quick or exciting, but the Venue Limited does offer great value for the money.

Which Hyundai Venue trim is best?

A blue 2023 Hyundai Venue Limited subcompact SUV is parked in front of a city.
The 2023 Hyundai Venue Limited | Hyundai

The Hyundai Venue SE starts at just 19,650. The base model has the most attractive pricing, but it’s barebones compared to other trims and other models in its segment. Car and Driver recommends the Limited final configuration.

The 2023 Venue Limited is the best option for most drivers because it comes with standard features that are often exclusive to much more expensive vehicles. You can experience everything the Venue has to offer for a price that’s nearly as affordable as some base model subcompact SUVs.

The SE and SEL trims offer great value, but the price difference is worth paying to get the best features. When it comes to affordability, no SUV is touching the Hyundai Venue, but how does it stack up against rivals in its segment?

The Venue isn’t a top-three subcompact SUV

A blue 2023 Hyundai Venue Limited subcompact SUV is parked.
The 2023 Hyundai Venue Limited | Hyundai

Hyundai’s affordable SUV has its strengths, but it certainly isn’t one of the best in its segment. The best Hyundai Motor Company subcompact SUV is the Kona by far. The Hyundai Kona is known for its quirky exterior design and engaging driving dynamics.

The 2023 Hyundai Kona starts at $22,140. It uses a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine to make 147 horsepower. The Kona gets 30 miles per gallon in the city and 35 miles per gallon on the highway.

U.S. News & World Report claims that the Mazda CX-30 is the best subcompact SUV. The CX-30 is significantly more refined than most models in its segment. It starts at $22,950. The 2023 Mazda CX-30 uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine to make 191 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. It achieves 26 miles per gallon in the city and 33 miles per gallon on the highway. The Mazda CX-30 and Hyundai Kona dominate the subcompact SUV vehicle segment.

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