Great small car.
So far, I am very satisfied with the car. I wanted a small hatchback and was disappointed to learn the Honda Fit and Nissan Versa hatchback are no longer marketed. But relying on Consumers Reports detailed comparisons and reports in various magazines, I figured the Venue was my best option balancing price, reliability, and performance. After 5000 miles, I have not been disappointed.
After the purchase, I was surprised to read the 2020 Motor Trend article that compared the Venue so unfavorably with the Kia Soul. I think the criticisms in that article are not valid. The Venue is by no means a muscle car. However, it accelerates OK when merging into freeways, it cruises OK at 80 mph on Idaho freeways. For a small, light care, its ride is fairly smooth (better than the Toyota I own in Japan). I have driven the Venue over high Rocky Mountain passes several times, and except at the steepest parts, the tachometer stays around 2500 rpm.
Recommended