2026 Hyundai Venue: Back by popular demand
Subcompact crossovers sell like pancakes for combining the versatility and compactness of a hatchback with the height and ruggedness of a sport-utility vehicle.
Hyundai Motor Philippines (HMPH) understands the immense potential of this segment, especially for first-time buyers, young professionals and small families. That’s why the South Korean carmaker reintroduced its Venue last September at its Hyundai Mobility Experience display in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City.
The Venue had originally been introduced in October 2020 under the South Korean carmaker’s previous Philippine distributor, which was succeeded by HMPH in June 2022. Three variants are available – the GL 6MT, the GL 6AT and the top-spec GLS 6AT.
Adorable looks
The Venue stands out from rivals like the Toyota Raize and Kia Sonet with its puppy-like appearance.
High-mounted turn signals flank a large grill that is shaped like the half an hourglass. But what really makes the little Hyundai distinct on the road are its separate halogen headlights, which include LED daytime running lights and steering-dependent static bending in the GLS variant.
The Venue’s side profile combines a sharp roofline and a strong character line that runs from the front fender to the taillights, along with a prominent C-pillar. Only the GL 6AT and GLS variants get power-folding side mirrors with turn-signal repeaters.
In addition, the GL 6MT gets 15-inch steel wheels, while the GL 6AT sports 15-inch alloy wheels. Moving up to the GLS gets you 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 205/55 series tires, along with four-wheel disc brakes.
Out back, this little Hyundai features a fairly upright tailgate to maximize cargo space. The taillights (LED in the GLS variant) are mounted fairly high, while the reverse lights flank the license plate in the lower bumper.
Room for 5
Inside, the Venue has functional cabin that offers good accommodation for five, despite its petite dimensions.
All variants come with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The GL 6AT adds a digital gauge cluster, a tilting-and-telescoping steering wheel and power-folding side mirrors, while the top-of-the-line GLS has a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a push-start button and three selectable drive modes (Normal, Eco and Sport).
Safety-wise, all Venue models get a driver’s airbag and child-restraint anchors – the GL 6AT also packs a passenger’s airbag and reverse parking sensors, while the GLS adds electronic stability control and hill-start assist.
Most powerful in class
Helping the Venue power ahead of its competition is its class-leading powertrain – a 1.6-liter, twin-cam, 16-valve inline-4 gasoline engine producing a hearty 121 horsepower and 151 Newton-meters of torque, which is mated to either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission.
All Venue variants are available in four colors, namely Denim Blue, Abyss Black Pearl, Ecotronic Gray Pearl and Atlas White. Prices start at P778,000 for the GL 6MT, going up to P898,000 for the GL 6AT and P998,000 for the GLS 6AT.
“The return of the Hyundai Venue reaffirms HMPH’s commitment to making the Hyundai ownership experience more within reach, while maintaining the brand’s renowned quality and reliability,” said HMPH managing director Cecil Capacete in a press statement.
“We are proud to reintroduce this vehicle, which offers the right balance of premium features, trusted engineering, and smart value; which we think is the perfect blend for the modern Filipino – especially those who wish to join the Hyundai family for the first time,” he added.
If you’re in the market for your first car or if you want a small and practical runabout, then the 2026 Hyundai Venue might just be the place to be.
