If you are in search of a subcompact or compact SUV priced at around the Rs 8 lakh-9 lakh range, Hyundai’s model line-up provides suitable options in the form of the Exter and Venue. We will be pitting the top-spec SX (O) trim of the Exter against the mid-spec HX4 trim of the Venue, especially because they fall into the above-mentioned price bracket. That said, 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 larger than the Exter.
The Venue gains 70mm more space between the front and rear wheels while adding 180mm to the length over the Exter. While both SUVs feature 15-inch wheels, the top-spec Exter utilises diamond-cut alloys instead of steelies, which are standard on the Venue. It is also 90mm wider than the Exter, which makes for a roomier cabin. In general, the Venue’s size advantage over the Exter is visible.
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 engine, which powers several of its models, including 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 tail-lamps.
Compared to the mid-spec Venue, the top-spec Exter gains niceties including diamond-cut alloy wheels, painted roof rails 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 tail-lights 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 a powered sunroof, automatic AC and a cooled glove box. 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 while 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 gap between the top-spec Exter and the 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) – making it an ideal urban runabout at a value-effective price point.
Uday Singh
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Rivan RS 
Saumil Shah
Saptarshi Mondal
