Hyundai Exter top-spec vs Venue mid-spec: Features, specs compared – Introduction

If you are in search of a subcompact or compact SUV priced at around the Rs 8-9 lakh range, Hyundai’s model lineup provides suitable options in the form of the Exter and Venue. A period of around two and a half years separates the two cars, with the former being slightly older. However, which one should you put your money on? Let us find out by comparing them on the basis of their features and specifications.

Hyundai Exter vs Venue: Dimensions

The Venue is a size larger than the Exter.

Parked next to each other, it is clear that the Venue is the larger car. From the sides, this is brought to the fore by its 70mm longer wheelbase and an additional 180mm of overall length. This is also the angle from which it is easy to notice that both Hyundai SUVs are fitted with 15-inch wheels. However, the top-spec Exter’s 15-inch rims are diamond-cut alloys, whereas the mid-spec Venue here gets covered steelies.

As far as measurement at the roof is concerned, the Venue HX4 trim does not come as standard with roof rails. This reduces or negates any height advantage it could have otherwise boasted over the Exter. Where the Venue’s larger size does become apparent again is when looking at these cars either from the front or the back – the Exter’s width is down 90mm over the Venue.

Hyundai Exter vs Venue: Powertrain options

The top-spec Exter offers more gearbox options than the Venue.

The primary hardware under the bonnet of these two SUVs consists of the same naturally aspirated petrol engine. The powerplant in question is Hyundai’s ubiquitous 1.2-litre four-cylinder mill that powers several of its models, which include the Grand i10 Nios, i20 and Aura. This smooth and refined petrol engine develops 83hp and up to 115Nm of torque; 114Nm in the case of the Exter. While the Venue is only offered with the 5-speed manual, Exter buyers also get a 5-speed AMT option.

Hyundai Exter vs Venue: Exterior features

The fully loaded Exter misses out on full-LED headlamps and taillamps.

Compared to the mid-spec Venue, the top-spec Exter gains niceties including diamond-cut alloy wheels, painted roof rails, H-shaped LED daytime running lights and an automatic on/off function for its projector headlamps. However, there are no LED headlamps on offer for the Exter. Meanwhile, the Venue’s taillights house modern LED units, and its door mirrors feature an auto-folding function. Despite being larger, the Venue (HX4) loses points owing to its smaller steel wheels and a lack of roof rails as standard.

Hyundai Exter vs Venue: Interior features and cabin highlights

The top-spec Exter offers some nice-to-have features.

In terms of outright feature-set, the top-spec Hyundai Exter offers more than the mid-spec Venue. Some of the kit worth pointing out here include the powered sunroof, automatic AC and cooled glovebox. The Exter SX (O) also gets part-leather seat upholstery, LED ambient lighting, and over-the-air (OTA) software updates for the infotainment system and built-in maps. However, buyers will have to contend with the narrow cabin, which makes seating three abreast at the rear a real challenge. Moreover, while it offers at least two USB ports, only one of them is a fast-charge type-C outlet.

The Venue’s cabin is wider and offers up to four USB Type-C charging ports. It also comes with a bigger touchscreen infotainment head unit, which can make interacting with it to accomplish important tasks an easier affair whilst on the move. On the flip-side, the Venue HX4 loses out on a sunroof, while its manually operated AC feels old-school. Interestingly, neither of these cars offers split-folding rear seats for added practicality.

Hyundai Exter vs Venue: Drive features

Only the Exter provides an automatic gearbox option.

The Exter SX (O) trim is the only one here that offers cruise control and push-button ignition. And while it also comes with paddle shifters, that is reserved for the automated manual transmission (AMT) version. In comparison, the Venue HX4 trim offers no drive-related features.

Hyundai Exter vs Venue: Safety features

The gap between these two is narrow on the safety side of things.

Despite being a low-spec trim of the Venue, the HX4 offers all the basics, and even throws in a rear defogger with a timer as an added extra. On the other hand, it does not come with auto-activated headlamps or front parking sensors. Since they are so close to each other, an addition here or a subtraction there should not matter a great deal in deciding between the two.

Hyundai Exter top-spec, Hyundai Venue mid-spec prices

Exter MT is cheaper than the Venue MT; no Venue HX4 automatic.

Unlike the Exter, the Venue in this particular spec does not come with any form of an automatic gearbox. In their manual guises, the price delta between the top-spec Exter and mid-spec Venue is Rs 58,000, which isn’t a bank-breaking amount of money. On the other hand, since the Venue HX4 lacks an equivalent AMT (or any automatic transmission option), the Exter AMT sits alone. Finally, neither model comes with any dual-tone exterior colour options.

Hyundai Exter top-spec vs Hyundai Venue mid-spec: Which should you pick?

The Exter SX (O) trim offers enough features to negate its smaller physical stature.

The only couple of reasons to pick the Hyundai Venue HX4 over the Exter SX (O) will be its larger footprint and an overall more contemporary design. Meanwhile, the Exter subcompact SUV (in its top trim) offers buyers a similarly smooth and hassle-free driving experience, two transmission options, and more convenience features on the inside – all of this for under Rs 10 lakh (ex-showroom) – makes it an ideal urban runabout at a value-effective price point.