2026 Subaru Crosstrek Base vs 2026 Hyundai Venue SE

On paper, the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Base wins on 59 more hp, 65 more lb-ft torque, 17.3″ longer. The 2026 Hyundai Venue SE has to win you at the dealer. Key numbers: 180 vs 121 hp, 29 vs 31 MPG.

The short answer

The Crosstrek Base leads on 59 more hp, 65 more lb-ft torque. The Venue SE leads on $6,445 less, 2 MPG better. The spec table compares 7 specifications head to head.

N/A
Price Gap
59 HP
HP Diff
2 MPG
Efficiency Diff
Vehicle A
2026 Subaru Crosstrek Base
Starts at $26,995
VS
Vehicle B
2026 Hyundai Venue SE
Starts at $20,550

Key Differences at a Glance

Engine
2.5L flat 4
vs
1.6L I4
Horsepower
180 hp
vs
121 hp
Torque
178 lb-ft
vs
113 lb-ft
Drivetrain
AWD
vs
FWD
Fuel Economy
29 MPG combined
vs
31 MPG combined

What's Actually Different

These two vehicles differ in 7 specifications.

MSRP
$26,995Crosstrek Base
$20,550Venue SE
Engine
2.5L flat 4Crosstrek Base
1.6L I4Venue SE
Horsepower
180 hpCrosstrek Base
121 hpVenue SE
Torque
178 lb-ftCrosstrek Base
113 lb-ftVenue SE
Drivetrain
AWDCrosstrek Base
FWDVenue SE
City MPG
26Crosstrek Base
29Venue SE
Combined MPG
29Crosstrek Base
31Venue SE
Fuel Tank
16.6 galCrosstrek Base
11.9 galVenue SE
Curb Weight
3,296 lbsCrosstrek Base
2,738 lbsVenue SE
Wheelbase
105.1"Crosstrek Base
99.2"Venue SE
Length
176.4"Crosstrek Base
159.1"Venue SE
Width
70.9"Crosstrek Base
69.7"Venue SE
Height
62.8"Crosstrek Base
61.6"Venue SE
Bumper-to-Bumper
3yr/36kCrosstrek Base
5yr/60kVenue SE
Powertrain
5yr/60kCrosstrek Base
10yr/100kVenue SE
Corrosion
5yr/unlimitedCrosstrek Base
7yr/unlimitedVenue SE
Roadside Assistance
3yr/36kCrosstrek Base
5yr/unlimitedVenue SE

Full Specification Comparison

Specifications and pricing reflect available data as of early 2026 and may not match current manufacturer figures. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision.

Spec2026 Subaru Crosstrek Base2026 Hyundai Venue SE
Pricing
MSRP$26,995$20,550
Powertrain
Engine2.5L flat 41.6L I4
Horsepower180 hp121 hp
Torque178 lb-ft113 lb-ft
Transmissioncontinuously variable-speed automaticcontinuously variable-speed automatic
DrivetrainAWDFWD
Fuel Economy
City MPG2629
Highway MPG3333
Combined MPG2931
Fuel Tank16.6 gal11.9 gal
Annual Fuel Cost (EPA)No published data$1,400/yr
Dimensions
Curb Weight3,296 lbs2,738 lbs
Wheelbase105.1"99.2"
Length176.4"159.1"
Width70.9"69.7"
Height62.8"61.6"
Safety
NHTSA OverallNo published data4/5 stars
Warranty
Bumper-to-Bumper3yr/36k5yr/60k
Powertrain5yr/60k10yr/100k
Corrosion5yr/unlimited7yr/unlimited
Roadside Assistance3yr/36k5yr/unlimited

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the price difference between the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Base and 2026 Hyundai Venue SE?

The 2026 Hyundai Venue SE starts at $20,550, $6,445 less than the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Base at $26,995. On a 60-month loan that is roughly $113/month. All prices are MSRP before destination and dealer fees.

Who should choose the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Base?

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Base is the stronger pick when the extra 59 hp matters for your commute or driving style; you drive in snow, rain, or unpaved roads where AWD keeps you planted; you want the larger footprint for passengers or cargo.

Who should choose the 2026 Hyundai Venue SE?

The 2026 Hyundai Venue SE is the stronger pick when you want to keep $6,445 in your pocket and the 2026 Hyundai Venue SE covers your needs; lower running costs matter to you, roughly $93/year less on fuel; you prefer a smaller vehicle that is easier to park and maneuver.

Which gets better fuel economy, the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Base or 2026 Hyundai Venue SE?

The 2026 Hyundai Venue SE rates 31 combined MPG, 2 MPG ahead.

Which is more powerful, the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Base or 2026 Hyundai Venue SE?

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Base produces 180 hp, 59 more than the 2026 Hyundai Venue SE at 121 hp. The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Base also leads in torque at 178 lb-ft vs 113 lb-ft. The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Base runs a 2.5L flat 4; the 2026 Hyundai Venue SE uses a 1.6L I4. Drivetrains differ too: AWD on the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Base, FWD on the 2026 Hyundai Venue SE.

Is the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Base bigger than the 2026 Hyundai Venue SE?

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Base is 17.3″ longer at 176.4″ vs 159.1″. The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Base has a 5.9″ longer wheelbase, which typically means more rear-seat legroom.

Do the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Base and 2026 Hyundai Venue SE have the same drivetrain?

No. The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Base comes with AWD, while the 2026 Hyundai Venue SE uses FWD. If you drive in snow, heavy rain, or on unpaved roads, the all-wheel or four-wheel drive option provides better traction. If you mostly drive on dry pavement, the two-wheel drive option saves fuel.

How do the warranties compare?

The Subaru Crosstrek comes with 3yr/36k bumper-to-bumper and 5yr/60k powertrain. The Hyundai Venue offers 5yr/60k bumper-to-bumper and 10yr/100k powertrain. Longer warranty coverage can offset higher maintenance costs over time.

Explore more: Subaru trims, Subaru Crosstrek trims, Hyundai trims, Hyundai Venue trims

Official sources

Crosstrek vs Venue: What This Matchup Is Really About

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Base and 2026 Hyundai Venue SE sit in the compact SUV class, where cargo room, ride comfort, and family-friendly features define the competitive landscape. The $-6,445 gap adds up to $113/month on a 60-month loan. That is real money, so the pricier option needs to earn it with capabilities you will actually use.

Under the Hood

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Base runs a 2.5L flat 4; the 2026 Hyundai Venue SE uses a 1.6L I4. The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Base has 59 more hp (180 vs 121). You will feel the difference merging, passing, and driving with a full car. The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Base adds 65 more lb-ft of torque (178 vs 113), giving it stronger low-end pull off the line. The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Base comes with AWD; the 2026 Hyundai Venue SE uses FWD. If you deal with snow, rain, or gravel roads, that traction advantage matters.

Running Costs: Crosstrek vs Venue

The 2026 Hyundai Venue SE saves roughly $93/year on fuel at $3.50/gallon and 12,000 annual miles. Over five years, that is $465.

How Each One Fits Your Daily Life

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Base is 17.3″ longer, which translates to more room inside but a larger footprint in parking lots and garages. The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Base has a 5.9″ longer wheelbase, typically meaning a smoother ride and more rear-seat legroom. The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Base weighs 558 lbs more. Heavier vehicles tend to feel more planted at highway speed but use more fuel and are harder to stop quickly.

Bottom Line

Choose the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Base when the extra 59 hp matters for your commute or driving style. Choose the 2026 Hyundai Venue SE when you want to keep $6,445 in your pocket and the 2026 Hyundai Venue SE covers your needs.

Specifications shown combine licensed third-party automotive data with official manufacturer, EPA, and NHTSA source material. Actual pricing, features, and availability may vary by region and dealer. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision. TrimAtlas is not affiliated with Subaru or Hyundai or any dealership.

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