Which 2021 Hyundai Venue variant should you buy? [Comparison Guide] 

A year ago, Hyundai brought it the Venue and by far, it is the Korean marque’s smallest, and most affordable crossover model for the Philippine market. Despite being the smallest crossover in Hyundai PH’s lineup, it is filled with a lot of desirable features. Then again, which of its two variants, the Venue GL and Venue GLS, should you buy? Are there vast differences between the two? Let’s find out. 

Let's point out the differences between the Venue GLS and GL 

Hyundai Venue Variants: Exterior 

Size-wise, both the Venue GL and GLS have the same overall length at 4,040mm, and the same width at 1,770mm. The GLS however, has a slightly taller height of 1,590mm, while the GL is shorter at 1,595mm. Other than that, both also share the same wheelbase length of 2,520mm. 

The Hyundai Venue is a five-seater subcompact crossover

As for exterior equipment, they’re pretty similar as well. Both come with halogen headlamps and LED taillights, power-folding side mirrors, and turn signal side repeaters. The GLS however does come with roof rails, while the GL does not. Also, the top-spec GLS rides on a larger set of 17-inch alloy wheels, whereas the GL uses a smaller 16-inch alloy set. 

Hyundai Venue Variants: Interior 

Inside, the Venue can comfortably fit up to five occupants, and it also has a default cargo capacity of 355 liters. Both also come standard with an automatic air-conditioning system, fabric-covered seats, and rear seats with a 60:40 split.  

For the driver, both the Venue GLS and GL variants provide a tilt and telescopic steering wheel, an analog gauge cluster, digital trip computer, and steering wheel-mounted controls. However, the top-spec GLS’s steering wheel is covered in leather. Meanwhile, the GL’s steering wheel uses a urethane material, while its gearshift lever uses soft PVC. The top-spec variant also comes with a Smart Key, but the entry-level GL does have a keyless entry. 

The Venue's cockpit

For on-board entertainment, both the GLS and GL variants are fitted with an eight-inch touchscreen that’s capable of connecting via Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and USB. The one on the GLS however, is linked to a six-piece speaker system, while the GL only has four speakers. 

Hyundai Venue Variants: Engine and Performance 

Under the hood of both the Venue GLS and GL is a 1.6-liter inline-4 gasoline engine, which can produce up to 121 horsepower and 151 Nm of torque. Both of the Venue’s variants come with a front-wheel-drive, front engine layout, and both utilize a six-speed automatic transmission.  

There are also no differences between the two variants when it comes to suspension systems. Both use a MacPherson strut front suspension, and a rear torsion beam suspension. Also standard is a ventilated front disc brake, and a rear solid disc brake. 

Hyundai Venue Variants: Safety 

For safety, the GLS is equipped with dual front airbags, side airbags, and curtain airbags. The GL meanwhile, only has dual front airbags. The top-spec variant also comes with parking sensors, which are absent on the GL.  

Regardless, both the GLS and the GL are equipped with stability and traction control, anti-lock braking with electronic brake-force distribution, ISOFIX child seat tethers, and a rear parking camera.  

Hyundai Venue Variants: Price 

Hyundai Venue Variants: Conclusion 

Mechanically, the Venue GLS and GL are identical. They even have the same infotainment system. The top-spec GLS however, comes with more niceties like its leather steering wheel and gear lever, more audio speakers, and the smart key system. And of course, the GLS also has more in the way of airbags.  

The Hyundai Venue looks great from any corner

So, if you’re concerned about crash safety, better sound quality from the audio system, and a better-feeling steering wheel and gear lever, the Venue GLS might be your thing. Other than that, they don’t offer that much difference, and either is a well-equipped crossover especially at their price points. 

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