Subcompact SUVs may be small, but they connect with large swaths of buyers and loyal fans. These are the kind of shoppers who realize that even the smallest SUVs today offer a host of features and good driving manners while delivering substantial value. Two such examples are the 2025 Hyundai Venue and the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek.
While these vehicles are considered subcompact SUVs, each brings unique attributes. Let’s see how these two compare.
2025 Hyundai Venue
The Venue is not only Hyundai’s least expensive SUV but the most affordable vehicle in the automaker’s lineup, with a starting price of just $21,550, including destination fee. In fact, the Venue has the lowest base price in the subcompact SUV segment. Hyundai offers it in three trims: SE, SEL, and Limited. All use the same 4-cylinder engine powering the front wheels and a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). While its 121 horsepower isn’t a lot, the Venue isn’t a lot of vehicle. We’ve found it holds its own both around town and on longer highway treks.
Hyundai Venue Highlights
Warranty: Like every other new Hyundai, the Venue has an exceptional warranty. The Venue is backed by a 5-year/60,000-mile warranty and powertrain coverage that lasts 10 years/100,000 miles. That coverage is far and away better than what Subaru offers.
Surprising features: We didn’t expect to find heated seats, a wireless phone charger, blind-spot monitoring, and built-in navigation in the last Venue we tested. But there they were in the top-line Limited model, which only costs $24,800.
Wireless phone integration: Cable-free Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard in the Venue. We appreciate not needing to fuss with and keep track of cables. However, wireless only applies to the SE and SEL grades. For some odd reason, a cable is still required in the range-topping Limited trim.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Venue models near you.
2025 Subaru Crosstrek
The Crosstrek is also the smallest SUV in its respective brand’s lineup, but it’s a Subaru through and through. By that, we mean it offers what Subaru SUVs are known for: standard all-wheel drive, ample ground clearance, high practicality, and an appetite for adventure.
The Crosstrek was all-new for 2024 and is now in its third generation. Five trims are available: Base, Premium, Sport, Limited, and Wilderness. The Base comes with a 152-hp 4-cylinder engine, while the top four trims include a more robust 182-hp 4-cylinder engine. Pricing starts at $27,230, including destination charge.
Subaru Crosstrek Highlights
All-wheel drive: Subaru was outfitting its vehicles with all-wheel drive (AWD) long before other automakers caught on to the appeal of giving their cars enhanced traction regardless of road or weather conditions. Subaru’s Symmetrical all-wheel-drive system is particularly strong and standard on every Crosstrek. It’s not even offered on the Hyundai Venue.
Wilderness trim: This year marks the first time the Crosstrek has gotten Subaru’s Wilderness treatment, which amps up the off-roadworthiness of this little SUV. When we tested the Crosstrek Wilderness in the actual wilderness, we were delighted at how well it performed.
Subaru EyeSight: Every new Subaru Crosstrek model comes with this comprehensive suite of driver-assist features that include adaptive cruise control (unavailable in the Venue), lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, and more.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Crosstrek models near you.
Similarities
The Hyundai Venue and Subaru Crosstrek are subcompact SUVs with a 4-cylinder engine, continuously variable automatic transmission, and unique design.
Pricing
New 2025 Subaru Crosstrek Prices
|
Retail Price
|
Fair Purchase Price (92620)
|
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
$27,230 |
$25,656 |
|||
$28,480 |
$26,665 |
|||
$31,030 |
$29,425 |
|||
$32,930 |
$31,227 |
|||
$34,030 |
$32,270 |
The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors. The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for New 2025 Hyundai Venue vehicles and New 2025 Subaru Crosstrek vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership. These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.
Specifications
| | 2025 Hyundai Venue | 2025 Subaru Crosstrek |
| Popular Powertrains | | |
| Engine | 1.6-liter 4-cylinder | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 121 hp @ 6,300 rpm | 152 hp @ 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | 113 lb-ft @ 4,500 rpm | 145 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm |
| Transmission | CVT automatic | CVT automatic |
| Fuel Economy | 29 city/33 highway/31 combined mpg | 27 city/34 highway/29 combined mpg |
| Also Available | N/A | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder |
| Specs | | |
| Basic Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 10 years/100,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Rating | 5-Star | 5-Star |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 99.2 inches | 105.1 inches |
| Overall Length | 159.1 inches | 176.4 inches |
| Width | 69.7 inches | 70.9 inches |
| Height | 61.6 inches | 63.0 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 33.4 feet | 35.4 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 39.4 inches | 39.8 inches |
| Headroom, Rear | 38.6 inches | 38.0 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 41.3 inches | 42.9 inches |
| Legroom, Rear | 34.3 inches | 36.5 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 53.9 inches | 56.8 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Rear | 53.7 inches | 55.3 inches |
| Cargo Volume, Seats Up/Down | 18.7/31.9 cubic feet | 19.9/54.7 cubic feet |
Conclusion
Each of these small SUVs has its appeal, depending on your budget and lifestyle. If budget crunching is one of your bigger priorities, the smaller Venue is the value play with a starting price that is $5,680 less than the Crosstrek. And don’t forget that amazing warranty. If all-wheel drive is on your must-have list and you can stretch your budget to accommodate the higher price, the Subaru Crosstrek has compelling appeal. It is bigger and roomier, has better driver assistance features such as adaptive cruise control, has more power, and standard all-wheel drive, while offering a wider variety of trims.
