Two of the most affordable crossovers in the industry face off
Cars are becoming pricier every year, yet the small SUV category includes some of the most budget-friendly options available. These include the 2026 Chevrolet Trax and the 2025 Hyundai Venue, both of which have starting prices below $25,000. Although both small SUVs are reasonably priced, there are several important differences to consider.
1. The Chevy Trax provides greater cabin room
Although the Chevy Trax and Hyundai Venue are both small crossovers, they provide a surprising amount of room for cargo and passengers. Between the two, the Trax outperforms the Venue in both areas due to its 106-inch wheelbase, which is longer than the Venue’s 98-inch wheelbase.
The Trax provides as much as 98 cubic feet of passenger space, featuring 38.7 inches of rear legroom and 55.7 and 54.3 inches of front and rear shoulder room, respectively. The Venue includes 91.9 cubic feet of passenger space, with 38.6 inches of rear headroom and 41.3 inches of front legroom.
In terms of storage capacity, the Chevy Trax provides a maximum of 54.1 cubic feet when the back seats are folded. The Hyundai Venue only has 31.9 cubic feet of space when the rear seats are stowed.
2. The Hyundai Venue is more affordable
The 2026 Trax is now available, and it has a higher price tag. Compared to the 2025 Trax, which began at $20,500, the 2026 version starts at $21,600, representing an increase of $1,100. The 2025 Hyundai Venue starts at $20,200, making it more affordable than the 2026 Chevy Trax. This could change when the 2026 Venue is released, but for the time being, Hyundai’s small SUV takes the lead.
The plot remains largely similar at the higher end. The 2026 Chevy Trax 2RS and Activ models are priced the same, starting at $25,300. The Hyundai Venue Limited begins at $23,450, which is $1,850 less. According to Hyundai, the 2026 Venue will only be available in two trim levels, SE and SEL.
3. The Chevy Trax excels in performance
The Hyundai Venue features a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine paired with the manufacturer’s intelligent variable transmission, which delivers power to the front wheels. This combination generates a modest 121 horsepower and 113 lb-ft of torque. The 2025 model is expected to achieve an EPA-estimated 29 mpg in urban driving and 33 mpg on the highway for all trim options.
The Chevy Trax stands out in terms of performance, featuring a 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine. It comes with a six-speed automatic transmission that delivers power to the front wheels. This combination produces 137 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque. Although it provides more power, the Trax has a slightly lower fuel efficiency, offering up to 28 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway.
4. The Chevy Trax features a more modern design
Although neither the 2026 Chevy Trax nor the 2025 Hyundai Venue had major changes for their model years, the Trax stands out in terms of design. The Chevy compact SUV underwent a major redesign for the 2024 model. This update brought more streamlined shapes, an athletic look, increased interior room, and enhanced technology.
The Hyundai Venue is the smallest crossover vehicle in the Korean manufacturer’s range. Although the Venue isn’t unattractive in any way, it hasn’t had significant design changes since its debut in 2020. For the 2026 model year, the Venue will no longer offer its highest-level Limited trim, resulting in only two options available. This isn’t positive news, and although the Venue is expected to get a new look, it’s improbable that it will see substantial improvements as its trim levels decrease.
5. The Chevrolet Trax provides additional technological features
At the fundamental level, the Chevy Trax and Hyundai Venue are very similar, featuring eight-inch touchscreen displays, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, and a range of safety features available. Significantly, the Trax comes with standard Wi-Fi hotspot functionality and Teen Driver mode, which the Venue does not offer at any trim level.
At the highest level of the lineup, the Trax moves further ahead of the Venue. The Venue Limited includes wireless device charging, which is an optional feature on the Chevy Trax Activ. Notably, the top-trim Hyundai Venue reduces to wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support. Meanwhile, the top-spec Trax comes with an upgraded 11-inch infotainment screen and an eight-inch driver display.
Final thoughts
Compact crossovers demonstrate that you don’t need to spend a lot to get a family-friendly new car. The Chevy Trax offers ample interior room and up-to-date technology, along with a fuel-efficient yet strong engine. The Hyundai Venue is among the most affordable vehicles available, with its highest-trim version featuring premium standard features such as wireless charging and heated front seats, all starting below $24,000. If you’re working with a limited budget, a compact crossover might be your way to own a new vehicle.
