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 2024 Hyundai Venue and the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek.

While these vehicles are considered subcompact SUVs, each brings unique attributes. Let’s see how these two compare.

2024 Hyundai Venue

The Venue is not just Hyundai’s least-expensive SUV, it’s now the most affordable vehicle in the automaker’s lineup, with a starting price of just $21,275, including destination fee. And it’s not just inexpensive to purchase. The Venue tops our list of Lowest 5-Year Cost to Own SUVs, thanks to low fuel, maintenance, and insurance costs. The Venue sells in three trims: SE, SEL, and Limited. All use a 121-horsepower 4-cylinder engine powering the front wheels and a continuously variable automatic transmission. While 121 hp isn’t a lot of power, 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 $24,525.

Fun colors: We think the Venue is a cute and friendly-looking SUV, and it’s available in festive colors like Green Apple or Intense Blue. A two-tone treatment with a black roof/white body or white roof/blue body can be had in the Limited trim.

Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Venue models near you.

2024 Subaru Crosstrek

The Crosstrek is also the smallest SUV in its respective brand’s lineup, but it’s a Subaru through and through. And 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 is all-new for 2024 and is now in its third generation. Five trims are available: Base, Premium, Sport, Limited, and Wilderness. Base and Premium models come with a 152-hp 4-cylinder engine, while the top three trims include a more robust 182-hp 4-cylinder engine. Pricing starts at $26,540, including destination charge.

Subaru Crosstrek Highlights

All-wheel drive: Subaru was outfitting its vehicles with all-wheel drive long before other automakers caught on to the appeal of giving their cars enhanced traction regardless of road or weather conditions. And Subaru’s Symmetrical AWD system is particularly strong. It’s standard on every Crosstrek, while AWD is 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 transmission, and unique design.

Conclusion

Each model has its appeal, depending on your budget and lifestyle. If spending the least is the biggest priority, the smaller Venue is the value play with a starting price that is $3,250 less than the Crosstrek, plus class-leading 5-year ownership costs. And don’t forget that amazing warranty. If you can stretch your budget a little further, the Subaru Crosstrek will likely appeal even more. It is bigger and roomier, has better driver assistance features such as adaptive cruise control, has more power, standard all-wheel drive, and is available in a wider variety of trims.