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| The 2020 Hyundai Venue SEL. |
As I write this, California and much of the country is in the 37th day of a stay-at-home order. Car dealers are considered essential businesses, but, as you'd imagine, not a lot of people are showing up and spending money.
The good news is that the 2020 Hyundai Venue has the potential to be a strong seller when the stay-at-home orders are lifted, even---or maybe especially---if the economy is in bad shape.
The reason? Forget hot segments (now that there are none). The Venue is an economical family vehicle that offers room for people and things, strong gas mileage, desirable features and a low price.
Under the hood, it's a 1.6-liter fuel-injected four-cylinder engine, making 121 horsepower. Fast? No. More than adequate? Absolutely. Mated to an intelligent variable transmission, the Venue's EPA fuel economy estimate is 30 miles per gallon city/34 highway.
The base price of the 2020 Hyundai Venue SEL is $19,250. And here's what comes standard at that price:
- Forward Collision Avoidance Assist w/ Pedestrian Detection
- Lane Keeping Assist
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC) w/ Traction Control
- Front, Front Side Impact & Side Curtain Airbags
- Rearview Camera
- Driver Attention Warning
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System
- Hillstart Assist Control
- Drive Mode Select including Snow Mode
- Rear Disc Brakes
- 15-Inch Alloy Wheels and 185/65R15 Tires
- Roof Side Rails
- Body Color Outside Mirrors
- Body Color Door Handles
- Projector Headlights
- AM/FM/ Audio System w/ 4 Speakers
- 8-inch color touchscreen
- Smartphone/USB & Auxiliary Input Jacks
- Android Auto (TM) & Apple CarPlay (TM)
- Automatic Temperature Control
- Driver's Auto Up Window
- Steering Wheel Mounted Audio & Cruise Controls
- Tilt & Telescopic Steering Wheel
- 6-way Adjustable Driver Seat Including Height Adjustment
- 60/40 Split-Folding Rear Seat
- 2 Stage Rear Cargo Floor and Armrest Storage Box
- Remote Keyless Entry w/ Panic Alert
- Compact Temporary Spare Tire
Our tester had some extra-cost options, as well:
- Convenience Package (Power Sunroof Sliding Armrest Storage Box Leather Wrapped Steering Wheel and Shift Knob Blind-Spot Collision Warning Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning) $1,150
- Premium Package (Heated Front Seats & Side View Mirrors LED Headlights & Daytime Running Lights LED Taillights 17-Inch Alloy Wheels and 205/55R 17 Tires Proximity Key W/ Push Button Start 8-Inch Navigation Touchscreen with Android Auto(TM) & Apple CarPlay(TM) SiriusXM® Radio w/90 Day Trial; Not Available in AK & HI Blue Link® Connected Services 3-years Standard (enrollment req) $1,750
- Carpeted Floor Mats $155
With $1,120 inland freight and handling, the bottom line on the window sticker reads $23,425. That's a very reasonable price for a car with this kind of usability, versatility and fuel economy. And in uncertain times, Hyundai's 10 year/100,000 mile powertrain warranty brings some peace of mind as well.
Hyundai expected to do very well with the Venue when times were good (just a few weeks ago). Now, as a deep and potentially lengthy recession arrives, the Venue is exactly the right car for a lot of people in a new set of circumstances.
