2025 Mazda CX-30 vs Hyundai VENUE
If you're looking for a stylish and capable subcompact SUV, the 2025 Mazda CX-30 and Hyundai VENUE are two strong contenders. While both models offer city-friendly sizing, they take very different approaches. The CX-30 leans into luxury with an upscale design, premium materials, and a fun-to-drive nature. The Hyundai VENUE, on the other hand, focuses on simplicity and efficiency, making it an excellent choice for city driving. If you want an engaging driving experience with well-rounded capabilities, the Mazda CX-30 makes a strong case for itself. Let's break down what sets these two apart.
Exterior Design
The 2025 Mazda CX-30 turns heads with its sculpted design, bold grille, and sharp LED headlights. Mazda's attention to detail is evident, especially with striking color options such as Soul Red Crystal Metallic, which highlights every curve. Its stylish alloy wheels and aerodynamic shape give the CX-30 a refined yet sporty look.
The Hyundai VENUE is compact and functional, but its design prioritizes practicality over style. For 2025, Hyundai has freshened things up with a new Mirage Green paint option and a contrasting roof on the Limited trim, adding a touch of personality. Next to the CX-30's upscale and polished appearance, the VENUE feels more reserved.
Interior Design
The 2025 Mazda CX-30 feels like an improvement on the usual subcompact SUV. Its cabin is thoughtfully designed, with high-quality materials, a sleek dashboard, and a user-friendly infotainment system controlled by a rotary dial. Higher trims add leather seats and a power liftgate, giving it a premium feel that rivals some luxury brands.
The Hyundai VENUE's interior design is unassuming but practical, with durable materials and easy-to-use controls. Upper trims add extras such as a leather-wrapped steering wheel and wireless charging, but the VENUE lacks some upscale touches found in the CX-30, such as dual-zone climate control or power-adjustable seats.
2025 Mazda CX-30 Performance & Powertrain
The 2025 Mazda CX-30 is the more powerful of the two, with a standard 191-hp engine and an optional 250-hp turbo for extra punch. It has a smooth six-speed automatic that shifts confidently in any driving situation. The Hyundai VENUE sticks with a 121-hp engine and a continuously variable transmission, which works fine in the city but feels sluggish on the highway. While the CX-30 offers all-wheel drive for better traction, the VENUE remains front-wheel drive only.
On the road, the CX-30 feels sharp and composed, with responsive steering and a balanced suspension that'll bring joy to your daily commutes and spirited drives. The VENUE is light and easy to maneuver in tight spaces, but its steering feels jittery at higher speeds, making highway driving less relaxed.
How Many Miles per Gallon Does the 2025 Mazda CX-30 Get?
When it comes to fuel economy, the 2025 Mazda CX-30 delivers an estimated 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway, balancing performance with efficiency. The Hyundai VENUE offers slightly better city mileage at 29 mpg while matching the 33 mpg highway rating.
Safety Features and Ratings
The 2025 Mazda CX-30 comes standard with safety features such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automated emergency braking. Higher trims add extras such as a head-up display and traffic sign recognition for even more confidence on the road. It also earns top scores for crash safety, receiving a five-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
The Hyundai VENUE also includes important safety tech, with features such as forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and a driver-attention monitor. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are standard on midlevel trims. While it offers good protection, it holds a slightly lower four-star overall NHTSA rating.
Technology and Connectivity
Both the 2025 Mazda CX-30 and Hyundai VENUE come packed with useful tech, but Mazda takes a more premium approach. The CX-30 features a standard 8.8-inch display (upgraded to 10.3 inches on turbo models) with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a Wi-Fi hot spot. What stands out this year is that Alexa Built-in is included on most CX-30 trims, allowing voice commands without touching the screen. Higher trims add built-in navigation with real-time traffic updates, while Mazda Connected Services lets you lock, unlock, and start your car remotely through the MyMazda app.
The Hyundai VENUE keeps things straightforward and user-friendly with a standard 8-inch touch screen and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on most trims. However, the top Limited trim requires a cable for smartphone integration. Navigation and satellite radio are available on midlevel trims and above, and rear USB ports make road trips easier for passengers. The SEL and Limited trims also get Snow Mode for improved traction in slippery conditions.
Cargo Space and Practicality
If you're looking for a little extra room in the backseat, the Mazda CX-30 has the edge over the Hyundai VENUE. Rear passengers get more space to stretch out, making longer rides more comfortable. Up front, both SUVs offer similar headroom and legroom.
Cargo space is a bit of a trade-off. The CX-30 gives you 20.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats, slightly more than the VENUE's 18.7 cubic feet. The CX-30 also comes with an available power liftgate, making loading and unloading easier.
Test Drive the 2025 Mazda CX-30 in Bountiful, Utah
The best way to know if the 2025 Mazda CX-30 is right for you is to get behind the wheel. With its sleek design, premium interior, and engaging driving dynamics, it's a subcompact SUV that makes every journey enjoyable. Whether you're after advanced tech, top-tier safety, or a sporty ride, the CX-30 delivers. Bountiful Mazda in Bountiful, Utah, is ready to help you explore all its features.Contact us or just stop by to arrange a test-drive, and see for yourself why this SUV is one of the best in its class.