The Hyundai Venue is set for a major overhaul in 2025, debuting as a 2026 model in many markets. In North America, the 2026 Venue will largely carry over the current model’s design and powertrain – Hyundai has made only minor updates for the 2026 model year in the US. But in India and other markets, insiders report that Hyundai is preparing a next-generation Venue (codenamed QU2i) with bold new styling, upgraded features and fresh technology.
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A Bold New Exterior: Inspired by its Bigger Siblings
A new Venue is expected to feature a boxy, rugged look that echoes Hyundai’s larger SUVs. Spy photos and renders show the 2026 Venue with a squared-off front grille and split LED headlamps – a departure from the softer styling of today’s model. The grille is taller and more rectangular, flanked by vertically-stacked LED headlights and inverted L-shaped daytime running lights (DRLs) for a modern face . The bumpers are freshened as well, sporting chunkier lower valances and larger air intakes. On the sides, chunkier wheel-arch cladding and all-new two-tone alloy wheels, along with black roof rails will accentuate the SUV vibe. Around back, the tailgate is reshaped and now spans full-width LED taillights that are connected by a light bar, giving the Venue a more upscale presence.
Overall, the new Venue’s silhouette remains recognizable but feels tougher and more angular. Hyundai seems to have drawn design cues from models like the Alcazar and Creta, effectively giving the subcompact Venue a premium makeover. From spy images we also see a longer roof spoiler and revised rear bumper (complete with parking sensors) hinting at a more modern rear-end design.
A Tech-Forward and Premium Interior Overhaul
Inside, the 2026 Venue’s cabin looks poised for a significant upgrade. Reports indicate a dual-screen cockpit: a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster paired with a matching 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, a layout already used on larger Hyundai models. Connectivity and convenience are likely to improve as well. For example, the new Venue is expected to support wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on its touchscreen, eliminating the need for cables. Climate control is upgraded to automatic, and a panoramic sunroof is tipped to be offered – a first for the Venue – letting in more light and a feeling of space.
Comfort features will move upmarket. Ventilated (cooled) seats are likely on both front and rear seats, and even the rear bench may get reclining and sliding adjustability for extra legroom. The driver’s seat is expected to gain full power adjustment, whereas it was manual-only before. Overall fit and finish should feel more premium, with upgraded upholstery patterns and ambient lighting.
Expected key interior features include:
- Dual 12.3-inch digital screens (infotainment + instrument cluster).
- Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and built-in navigation.
- Ventilated front seats (and even cooled rear seats in higher trims).
- Panoramic glass sunroof and automatic climate control.
- Hands-free smart key, push-button start, and possibly a wireless charging pad for smartphones.
- A Level-2 ADAS safety suite with features like lane-keep assist, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring.
Safety will also be boosted: the new Venue is expected to come standard with six airbags (up from two) and equipment like a 360-degree surround-view camera system. In short, the interior is moving from “basic economy” to “premium budget” territory.
Powertrain with Familiar Performance
Mechanically, Hyundai appears to be playing it safe. Spy reports and leaks indicate the 2026 Venue will carry over the existing engines unchanged. That means the same familiar trio: a 1.2-liter naturally-aspirated petrol (around 81 hp), a 1.0-liter turbocharged petrol (about 118 hp), and a 1.5-liter diesel (around 100 hp). Transmission choices are likewise expected to continue: a 5-speed manual and a 6-speed clutchless iMT (for the 1.2 and 1.0), a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic (for the 1.0 turbo), and for the diesel a 6-speed manual or 6-speed torque-converter automatic. Early test cars even show the same “DCT” badge on the fender, confirming the 7-speed dual-clutch will remain.
One new powertrain wrinkle may be a factory-fitted CNG kit for the 1.2-liter petrol, at least in India. Some analysts expect Hyundai to offer an OEM CNG option (unlike aftermarket kits) to tap demand for ultra-efficient Compressed Natural Gas models. In addition, there are rumors that Hyundai will finally give the diesel Venue an automatic transmission (a feature absent from the current gen diesel, which only has a 6MT). However, all of these reports are unconfirmed, and no hybrid or EV version of the Venue is expected – the focus for electrification is on larger models like the Creta EV or Kona EV instead.
In summary, don’t expect any performance revolution: the 2026 Venue’s horsepower and fuel-economy targets should be very close to today’s model. Instead, the updates concentrate on refinement (better NVH, nicer cabin) and added tech.
Launch Timeline and Expected Pricing
Hyundai is targeting a late-2025 launch for the new Venue. In India, company insiders have teased a launch “just after Diwali” 2025 – a major time for car sales in India. In fact, one industry report specifically dates the unveiling to October 24, 2025, shortly after the festive season. Spy photos show Indian-spec test mules with local plates, reinforcing the idea that the new Venue could go on sale by the end of 2025. Hyundai will likely sell the updated Venue alongside the outgoing version for a short overlap (as it did with past model transitions), but by mid-2026 the new car should fully replace the old one.
In other markets, timing may vary. There is no firm word on the Venue’s schedule for North America or Europe, but given that the US model is barely changed for 2026, a heavily revised Venue might not reach the US until the 2026 calendar year or even as late as early 2027 as a 2027 model. (North American Venues are built on a different platform and lack diesel or CNG variants, so Hyundai may adapt the new design more slowly.) Globally, Hyundai has said the Venue will continue to be part of its lineup, so expect most markets that currently sell the Venue (except perhaps a few outside India and USA) to get the facelifted model.
Pricing is still speculative, but analysts believe the improved Venue will be positioned at a slight premium over today’s model. In India, the current Venue’s range is about ₹8–14 lakh (ex-showroom). The new model’s starting price is rumored to creep up a bit (perhaps ₹8–9 lakh) because of all the added equipment. Don’t expect a bargain-basement price; Hyundai will ask a bit more for all the features, while still undercutting larger rivals like the Creta.
Competition
The Venue competes in a very crowded “subcompact SUV” segment. In India, its key rivals include the Kia Sonet, Maruti Suzuki Brezza, Tata Nexon, Renault Kiger, Mahindra XUV 3XO, and Nissan Magnite. All of these models have been updated in recent years, and most offer similar engines and feature content. The new Venue will need its tech upgrades and fresh styling to stand out against these popular models.
For a global audience, think of Venue as Hyundai’s cheapest crossover. In the US, its nearest peers are things like the Nissan Kicks, Chevy Trax (also sold as the Buick Envista), or Kia Soul – compact, 2-row crossovers that prioritize city driving and affordability. (The Venue used to compete with the Ford EcoSport in the US, but Ford has since discontinued that model.) While we lack a direct citation for each of these models, industry websites group the Venue with competitors like Nissan’s Kicks, Kia’s Soul, and VW’s Taos as similarly sized crossovers. Globally, any front-wheel-drive sub-four-metre SUV (and some small crossovers with similar footprint) would be a competitor.
Each rival will respond in its own way. For example, Maruti’s Brezza just got a refresh and could itself be re-engineered by 2026. Kia’s Sonet received a recent update too. Tata’s Nexon is a segment up in size and offers its own EV version. The Venue’s advantage will come from Hyundai’s strong network and the appeal of its new tech package.
A Promising Evolution
The 2026 Hyundai Venue facelift promises to be a make-or-break update. Hyundai is clearly moving beyond the Venue’s original “value” roots to offer a more premium product, packing it with up-to-date safety and infotainment tech. What we’ve heard so far – from multiple spy shots and insider reports – paints the picture of a Venue that looks bigger and richer, even if the underlying engines are the same. With a likely late-2025 reveal, fans shouldn’t have too much longer to wait to see the final production model.
We’ll be watching for official teasers and the actual launch. Until then, this summary covers all the confirmed and expected changes – exterior and interior designs, features, powertrains, timing, and rivals – that make the 2026 Venue one of the most anticipated small SUVs in the world. Stay tuned to Hyundai’s announcements over the coming months for the full spec sheet and pricing details.
