The compact crossover segment’s growing popularity not only comes from its affordability but also from its variety — there is something for everybody.
Buyers can find examples of tech-forward vehicles that offer varying levels of flexibility and capability. Two prime examples are the 2025 Subaru Forester and Hyundai Venue.
The Subaru Forester offers a roomy interior, great outward view, and impressive off-road capability with standard all-wheel drive (AWD). Meanwhile, the Hyundai Venue presents an excellent mix of value and efficiency.
Let’s check out the Subaru Forester and Hyundai Venue.
2025 Subaru Forester
The sixth-generation Forester received a complete exterior makeover this year; however, what powers it is little changed. All six trim levels come with a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine that sends 180 horsepower to all four wheels via a continuously variable automatic transmission.
The Forester’s impressive 8.7 inches of ground clearance and excellent visibility make it good for traversing off-road trails as well as squeezing into cozy curbside parking spots.
Subaru Forester Highlights
EyeSight safety features: In keeping with its more left-brain nature, every Forester comes with Subaru’s EyeSight suite of driver aids. This includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control with lane centering, automatic high-beam headlights, and a rear-seat reminder.
Outdoorsy Wilderness model: The Wilderness model adds greater all-terrain capability thanks to its 9.2 inches of ground clearance, off-road tires, underbody skid plate, upgraded all-wheel-drive system, and trim-specific front and rear bumpers.
Easy access: A motion-activated version is now available in the new Forester SUV — just wave a foot under the rear bumper.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Forester models for sale near you.
2025 Hyundai Venue
When you think of the stereotype for a compact SUV, the Hyundai Venue should be the image that comes to mind. It has a clean, simple, attractive exterior styling and an equally unassuming interior.
The Venue is powered by a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine putting out 121 hp through a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). This results in good fuel economy, 31 mpg combined, and when paired with its low sticker price, the Venue earns our Lowest Cost to Own honor in this class.
Hyundai Venue Highlights
Extra vision: Move up to the SEL trim model, and you get blind-spot monitoring, which functions like an extra set of eyes in places around the Venue that can be tough to see. It’s also particularly helpful when changing lanes on the freeway.
Ready to roll: Part of the SEL and Limited inventory, Snow mode adjusts the traction control system for optimum application of power in slippery conditions, allowing you to get where you need to go while others are just spinning their wheels.
Great coverage: Like all Hyundais, the Venue benefits from the best warranty in the industry: a 5-year/60,000-mile (whichever happens first) basic warranty, a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, and a 3-year/36,000-mile complimentary maintenance plan.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Venue models for sale near you.
Similarities
The Subaru Forester and Hyundai Venue provide good exterior looks with plenty of helpful technology.
Pricing
New 2025 Subaru Forester Prices
|
Retail Price
|
Fair Purchase Price (92620)
|
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
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$31,415
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$29,467
|
|||
|
$33,730
|
$31,399
|
|||
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$36,230
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$33,715
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|||
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$36,415
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$35,803
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|||
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$37,830
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$35,427
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|||
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$41,715
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$38,815
|
The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors.
The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for New 2025 Subaru Forester vehicles and New 2025 Hyundai Venue vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership.
These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.
Specifications
| 2025 Subaru Forester | 2025 Hyundai Venue | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder | 1.6-liter 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 180 hp @ 5,800 rpm | 121 hp @ 6,300 rpm |
| Torque | 178 lb-ft @ 3,700 rpm | 113 lb-ft @ 4,500 rpm |
| Transmission | CVT with AWD | CVT automatic |
| Fuel Economy | 26 city/33 highway/29 combined mpg | 29 city/32 highway/31 combined mpg |
| Also Available | N/A | |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 10 years/100,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | 5-Star | 5-Star |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 105.1 inches | 99.2 inches |
| Overall Length | 183.3 inches | 159.1 inches |
| Width | 72.0 inches | 69.7 inches |
| Height | 68.1 inches | 61.6 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 35.4 feet | 33.2 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 41.2 inches | 39.4 inches |
| Headroom, Rear | 39.6 inches | 38.6 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 43.3 inches | 41.3 inches |
| Legroom, Rear | 39.4 inches | 34.3 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 57.7 inches | 53.9 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Rear | 56.7 inches | 53.7 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 29.6/74.4 cubic feet | 18.7/31.9 cubic feet |
Conclusion
Although both small SUVs, the Forester and Venue aren’t exactly the same. The Forester offers more capability and room while the Venue features better fuel economy and a lower starting price tag. If you need something with all-wheel drive and want some mild off-roading capability, the choice is clear — otherwise buy the Venue.