Mazda CX-30 vs Hyundai Venue

The 2026 Hyundai Venue was classified as a crossover SUV, though its design leaned more towards a tall hatchback. It featured only front-wheel drive and had a ground clearance of 6.7 inches, which was higher than a typical car but not as tall as a standard crossover SUV. The EPA classified it as a midsize car due to its interior space. The Venue's design was more crossover-like, with a small and narrow appearance reminiscent of European runabouts. It had an upright windshield, a bluff nose, and standard roof rails, giving it an SUV-like look. The Venue's exterior included lower headlights, high-set daytime running lights, and a satin metallic lower fascia. Black wheel flares and a two-tone roof added to its SUV cues. Inside, the Venue had a simple and functional look, with a digital instrument cluster and a small touchscreen that resembled an iPad on the dash. Body-color trim surrounded the air vents and shifter, bringing some of the exterior feel inside.

The 2026 Mazda CX-30 was available in eight trim levels, all equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive. The trim levels included the S, S Select Sport, S Preferred, S Aire Edition, S Carbon Edition, S Premium, Turbo Aire Edition, and Turbo Premium Plus, with prices ranging from $27,870 to $39,395. The CX-30 Aire Edition featured blacked-out exterior trim and accents, white artificial leather upholstery, and suede-like dashboard trim. The Aero Gray color provided a sharp contrast with the black exterior details, giving the CX-30 an upscale look and feel. The CX-30's control layout and displays were well-designed, though the Mazda Connect infotainment system required a learning curve. Once accustomed to it, the system was natural to use. The CX-30's overall appearance and interior treatment were considered premium, making it seem like it should cost more than it did.

The 2026 Hyundai Venue was powered by a naturally aspirated 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 121 horsepower and 113 pound-feet of torque. The power was delivered through a continuously variable transmission (CVT) to the front wheels, with no all-wheel drive option. The Venue's 0-60 mph time ranged from 8.5 to 8.8 seconds, which was better than expected given its power output. Weighing in at 2,738 pounds, the Venue felt peppy in city traffic but struggled at highway speeds. The transmission was slow to downshift, and the engine droned under heavy throttle. Sport mode made power more accessible but increased noise levels. The Venue's handling benefited from its small size and low weight, with a length of 159.1 inches and a wheelbase of 99.1 inches. It was easy to maneuver in traffic and fit into tight parking spots. The 6.7 inches of ground clearance allowed for some lean in corners, but the steering was stable and direct. The ride was generally comfortable, though the solid rear axle made it jiggly on rough roads.

The 2026 Mazda CX-30 offered a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine across all models, with higher trims featuring a turbocharger. The standard engine produced 186 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, while the turbocharged version delivered 227 hp and 310 lb-ft on regular gas, or 250 hp and 320 lb-ft on premium. Both engines were paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and Mazda's i-Activ AWD system. The CX-30's fuel economy was rated at 27 mpg combined for the standard engine and 25 mpg for the turbo. In testing, the naturally aspirated 2.5 S Aire Edition averaged 28.5 mpg on a mixed driving loop and 25.5 mpg on a mountainous route. The CX-30's turbocharged engine provided significant torque, but the standard drivetrain was lively enough for most drivers. The CX-30's handling was engaging, with G-Vectoring Control Plus technology and a brake-based limited-slip differential enhancing traction and stability. The CX-30 offered a smooth, refined driving experience, with precise steering, responsive brakes, and commendable grip. It was capable off-road, with 8.0 inches of ground clearance and standard AWD.

The 2026 Hyundai Venue's interior featured cloth and H-Tex seats with black upholstery and white contrast stitching, providing a sporty appearance. The seats were comfortable, with six-way manual adjustments for the driver. Headroom was plentiful, but legroom was limited for taller occupants. The rear seat offered just enough space for average-sized adults, but taller passengers would struggle for legroom. The rear seat could accommodate two adults comfortably, but three would be cramped. The rear seats folded flat in a 60/40 split, providing 31.9 cubic feet of cargo space, which was modest compared to typical compact crossovers. With the rear seats up, cargo space was 18.7 cubic feet. The Venue's interior featured hard black plastic surfaces, with soft-touch materials limited to the top of the center console and door armrests.

The 2026 Mazda CX-30's practicality was hindered by small door openings and a tight back seat. The front seats were comfortable but snug, with only the eight-way power driver's seat offering height adjustment. Heated front seats were standard on all trims except the base S. The air conditioning system struggled in hot weather and was loud. The back seat offered supportive cushions and soft padding but lacked space. Rear air conditioning vents helped keep passengers cool, but there were no rear USB charging ports. The CX-30's front storage space was reasonable, with a roomy bin under the center armrest, sizable cupholders, and practical door pockets. The cargo area offered 20.2 cubic feet of space, expanding to 45.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The CX-30's cargo space was smaller than many competitors, but it could hold four full-size suitcases.

The 2026 Hyundai Venue featured a simple 8-inch touchscreen for basic infotainment functions. While the screen size felt small by modern standards, it was functional, with large icons and quick response times. The system included phone, radio, media, and phone-projection connections, as well as voice memos and settings controls. It lacked navigation, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and SiriusXM satellite radio, but offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The digital instrument cluster displayed limited information and was not programmable. The Venue's audio system was a basic six-speaker unit, with no premium option available.

The 2026 Mazda CX-30's Mazda Connect infotainment system offered two screen sizes and varying functionality. The base S trim featured an 8.8-inch display with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, two USB-C ports, and basic voice recognition. Mazda Connected Services provided remote access features and Wi-Fi connectivity. Higher trims added wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, and Alexa built-in. The S Preferred trim and above featured a 10.25-inch screen with touchscreen functionality for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A 12-speaker Bose premium sound system was available on top trims, with SiriusXM satellite radio offered only on the Turbo Premium Plus trim. The system's native Mazda Connect was accessible via a center console knob, which required acclimation. The voice-recognition technology was limited, but Apple CarPlay and Android Auto provided better alternatives.

The 2026 Hyundai Venue came with a good set of standard safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, a driver-attention monitor, and a rear-occupant warning. Higher trims added blind-spot monitors and rear cross-traffic alert, but adaptive cruise control was unavailable. The Venue received a four-star safety rating from the NHTSA, with a top "Good" score in the small front overlap test from the IIHS. However, ratings for other tests were unavailable, and its headlights received "Acceptable" or "Marginal" ratings.

The 2026 Mazda CX-30 offered impressive safety features and favorable crash-test ratings. Standard driver assistance systems included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and a safe exit alert. Higher trims added parking sensors, rear automatic braking, and a surround-view camera system. The Turbo Premium Plus trim featured Mazda's Cruising and Traffic Support technology. The CX-30 received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick+" award from the IIHS, with top ratings in most assessments.