2023 Lexus RX vs 2024 Hyundai Venue

The 2023 Lexus RX presented a refined exterior with a shorter height, broader width, and longer wheelbase, maintaining the same overall length as its predecessor. Despite offering more cargo space than the 2022 model, it appeared smaller due to reduced rear overhang and softer design lines. The front showcased a spindle-style grille integrated into the design, with a modern mesh texture and elevated hood. The rear featured a light-blade taillight design and sporty bumper, ensuring the RX remained recognizable yet fresh compared to its predecessor.

Inside, the RX offered a modern interior with fewer buttons, digital instrumentation, and a choice of touchscreen displays. Quality materials like NuLuxe artificial leather and real wood trims were standard, with genuine leather available. The RX 350 was available in various trims, including hybrid options, with pricing expected to remain close to the previous model's base price of just over $47,000.

The 2024 Hyundai Venue, available in SE, SEL, and Limited trims, ranged from $21,275 to $24,525. The Limited trim, with Ecotronic Gray paint, offered a mature appearance. Despite its affordability, the Venue's design was stylish, with unexpected interior touches like striped seat piping and white dashboard trim. The 8-inch touchscreen infotainment display was well-sized, and the controls exhibited typical Hyundai quality. The Venue was thoughtfully designed, offering a high-quality feel for a small SUV.

The 2023 Lexus RX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. It offered better performance at higher altitudes and improved fuel economy compared to the previous V6, though it lacked the same refinement. The RX 350 Luxury trim displayed occasional torque steer and body motion over uneven surfaces, while the F Sport Handling trim felt more secure with its adaptive suspension. The RX 350 AWD accelerated to 60 mph in 7.2 seconds, with fuel economy results slightly below expectations at 21.8 mpg.

The 2024 Hyundai Venue was equipped with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine generating 121 horsepower and 113 pound-feet of torque. Weighing 2,612 pounds, it was agile in city settings, though less powerful on highways. The Venue's suspension struggled on rough surfaces, and the engine sounded harsh under pressure. With front-wheel drive and 6.7 inches of ground clearance, it managed snowy conditions better than typical cars. The Venue achieved an EPA rating of 31 mpg, with our tests averaging 30.3 mpg.

The 2023 Lexus RX offered comfortable seating, with the F Sport Handling package providing more supportive sport seats. The RX 350 Luxury featured premium leather upholstery and advanced seat adjustments. The back seat was roomy, though taller passengers might find headroom tight. Cargo space improved over the previous model, with 29.6 cubic feet behind the back seat and 46.2 cubic feet with seats folded.

The 2024 Hyundai Venue's higher ground clearance made entry and exit easier. Front seats had manual adjustments and heated cushions, while the back seat was better suited for two passengers. Storage was limited, and the Venue lacked rear air vents and privacy glass. Cargo space was comparable to a compact car, with 18.7 cubic feet available, expanding to 31.9 cubic feet with the rear seats down.

The 2023 Lexus RX featured the new Lexus Interface infotainment system with a choice of touchscreen sizes. It included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and various connected services. The Intelligent Assistant offered voice recognition, though some responses were inaccurate. The system allowed user profiles and music streaming, though it lacked multi-panel viewing. The RX also offered a premium sound system, digital instrumentation, and optional head-up display.

The 2024 Hyundai Venue had an 8-inch touchscreen with modern graphics and simple operation. Standard features included Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Limited trim added navigation, satellite radio, and a wireless charger, though it required wired connections for smartphone integration. The Venue's infotainment system was sophisticated, with effective voice recognition, though it could benefit from better speakers.

The 2023 Lexus RX came with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, offering advanced driving assistance features like motorcycle detection and evasive steering assistance. New semi-autonomous technologies included Proactive Driving Assist and Traffic Jam Assist. However, some features, like curve-speed reduction, were less effective, and the HUD was difficult to see with polarized sunglasses.

The 2024 Hyundai Venue included Hyundai SmartSense, with features like forward-collision warning and lane-keep assist. The SEL trim added blind-spot monitoring, while the Limited trim included cyclist detection. The Venue received Good ratings in crash tests from the IIHS and a four-star rating from the NHTSA, though it lacked adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist.