How is Highway Driving Really?

9385 Views 20 Replies 17 Participants Last post by Littlebluenumber, Nov 28, 2021

RiverSong

Discussion Starter · Jul 25, 2021

I'm almost ready to pull the trigger on purchasing a 2021 Venue. One issue that I remain concerned about is the common complaint that the Venue is "underpowered" on the highway. I fully understand that it won't be a speed demon on interstate trips, and I will be test driving one soon to resolve this question for myself. However, before that happens, I figured I'd ask you all -- does anyone feel that driving a Venue on interstate highways is actually a tad unsafe? I do a fair amount of 70 mph highway driving, and I'm just wondering what your Venue experiences are with higher speeds on the road.

1 - 20 of 21 Posts

nicedream

· #2 · Jul 25, 2021

I don't feel unsafe at 70mph. Really the only time I feel like I could use a bit of extra power is when merging onto a highway, especially when there's a short merging lane.

My previous car was a VW with the 1.8 turbo, which has a very flat torque curve. So it could really take off when you hit the gas even at the lower end of the RPMs. My Venue is a manual transmission, so I can keep it in a lower gear so that it revs higher, which helps a bit. It was a bit of an adjustment, but not a big deal.

Reactions: 3

Chicago Jake

· #3 · Jul 25, 2021

I agree with nicedream. My Venue is also a six-speed stick, so merging onto the highway isn't too bad. And once you are at speed, there is no problem at all. It's much smoother and quieter than my previous car (a Scion xA) and I find myself driving considerably faster than I did in the old car.

I did test drive a Venue with the CVT and did not like the highway merge at all. Way too sluggish.

Reactions: 2

ralph_venue

· #4 · Jul 26, 2021

Manuals might be more responsive for merging/speeding up.

I have an auto Venue, and I always let cars pass me on the freeway if their cars look fast.
Rule of thumb. lol

Mochi

· #5 · Jul 26, 2021

I have an AT Venue. No issue in Orange County/Los Angeles traffic. Even did several road trips to SF without issue on merging, passing, etc.

mayo

· #6 · Jul 26, 2021

I have never felt “unsafe” in the venue. At highway speeds of 70mph the car is solid in terms of handling. Power issues only become relevant when graded roads are traveled with the ac on, but the trade off of great fuel economy more than makes up for any power issues.
The ivt does have a learning curve as it is my first ever. After driving mine for 3k miles, I continue to battle with “normal” drive mode to keep the rpms where they should be in everyday driving. It could stand a reflash imo in this mode, and I guarantee they did not test it in areas with graded roads. On flat roads it drives like a dream but in WV, good luck finding them.lol
I’m heading out on a road trip this week for this little guys first official outing. I will have some open road feedback for you if you like later this week. He will get put through all the paces up at Seneca Rocks in “sport” mode combined with some open highway travel.✌🏼

ndanaluk

· #7 · Jul 26, 2021

I drive 1k miles per week in a 2021 Venue with most of it highway. I put 132k miles on a Kona before it. The Venue has much more headroom, but the Kona is a bit sportier. The Venue rides more like an SUV than a crossover. Venue has more room and it is simple to change the oil.

VAVICTORIA

· #8 · Jul 28, 2021

RiverSong said:
I'm almost ready to pull the trigger on purchasing a 2021 Venue. One issue that I remain concerned about is the common complaint that the Venue is "underpowered" on the highway. I fully understand that it won't be a speed demon on interstate trips, and I will be test driving one soon to resolve this question for myself. However, before that happens, I figured I'd ask you all -- does anyone feel that driving a Venue on interstate highways is actually a tad unsafe? I do a fair amount of 70 mph highway driving, and I'm just wondering what your Venue experiences are with higher speeds on the road.

RiverSong said:
I'm almost ready to pull the trigger on purchasing a 2021 Venue. One issue that I remain concerned about is the common complaint that the Venue is "underpowered" on the highway. I fully understand that it won't be a speed demon on interstate trips, and I will be test driving one soon to resolve this question for myself. However, before that happens, I figured I'd ask you all -- does anyone feel that driving a Venue on interstate highways is actually a tad unsafe? I do a fair amount of 70 mph highway driving, and I'm just wondering what your Venue experiences are with higher speeds on the road.

I feel pretty safe at higher speeds on I-75. I drive about 4 to 6 hours a week and my usual speed is 75.

Christian Antalics

· #9 · Jul 28, 2021

I own a 2020 Venue SE with MT and by staying in the powerband I can merge and pass with reasonable efficacy for a naturally aspirated 1.6L engine. I have not tried the CVT. Even in 6th gear the car is busy at highway speeds and if you are looking for a car for long road trips I would go for a car with a longer wheelbase and a larger engine. I bought mine as a “run around” car with the occasional highway trek, and for that it seems very well-suited. For road trips I’d rather be in one of the other vehicles.

Reactions: 2

Venuelover

· #10 · Jul 28, 2021

RiverSong said:
I'm almost ready to pull the trigger on purchasing a 2021 Venue. One issue that I remain concerned about is the common complaint that the Venue is "underpowered" on the highway. I fully understand that it won't be a speed demon on interstate trips, and I will be test driving one soon to resolve this question for myself. However, before that happens, I figured I'd ask you all -- does anyone feel that driving a Venue on interstate highways is actually a tad unsafe? I do a fair amount of 70 mph highway driving, and I'm just wondering what your Venue experiences are with higher speeds on the road.

I have owned my 2021 Venue for over a year and have 9K miles. I have the IVT transmission. My previous car was a 2013 Hyundai Veloster Turbo with a 6 speed manual transmission. It took a while to get used to the IVT trans. I have no issues with the Venue at highway speeds, nor merging into traffic. The only time I feel somewhat underpowered is starting a steep incline from a complete stop. I leave the trans in "normal" mode 95 percent of the time, occasionally moving to "sport" mode when wanting more power. I usually get about 40 mpg with that type of driving. The Venue is a very solid car, and I have never felt unsafe under any driving conditions. I suggest you take a test drive. I am very pleased with my Venue!

Reactions: 2

Michaelrock747

· #11 · Jul 28, 2021

RiverSong said:
I'm almost ready to pull the trigger on purchasing a 2021 Venue. One issue that I remain concerned about is the common complaint that the Venue is "underpowered" on the highway. I fully understand that it won't be a speed demon on interstate trips, and I will be test driving one soon to resolve this question for myself. However, before that happens, I figured I'd ask you all -- does anyone feel that driving a Venue on interstate highways is actually a tad unsafe? I do a fair amount of 70 mph highway driving, and I'm just wondering what your Venue experiences are with higher speeds on the road.

I love my Venue and I just drove 200 mike round trip at 80/90 mph with now problem and when I need that extra kick I just switch it into sport mode and that does the trick. I have the 2020 SEL model that is loaded.

Dukester

· #12 · Aug 2, 2021 (Edited)

We have a 2021 SEL Venue with the IVT transmission. We also own a 2020 Santa Fe Limited 2.0t so I feel we have something to compare the Venue too. Last week we had the occasion to drive the Venue to St Louis from our home in Iowa to have the KROWN rust proofing sprayed. This was a 500 mile round trip which we accomplished in 1 day. I must say, we were pleasantly surprised by the Venue's 1.6L engine. It did everything we asked it to do as the Avenue of the Saints is 4 lane all the way from our home city to St Louis. It had plenty of power to merge onto the 4 lane, run for hours @ 70mph and yet returned 38.1 mpg. How do you beat a deal like that? Is it as powerful as our Santa Fe--NO, is it a capable and comfortable small vehicle on the interstate--ABSOLUTELY! We are extremely pleased with our Venue and have found nothing to complain about (well, except I'd really like a builtin garage opener). I highly recommend this fine small SUV, it's nimble for city driving and will get you down the highway comfortably and effeciently. Take a new Venue for a extended test drive and draw your own conclusions, only you can really decide if this is the vehicle for you!
Good Luck!!!

See less See more

Reactions: 3

justin1138

· #13 · Aug 3, 2021

mayo said:
I have never felt “unsafe” in the venue. At highway speeds of 70mph the car is solid in terms of handling. Power issues only become relevant when graded roads are traveled with the ac on, but the trade off of great fuel economy more than makes up for any power issues.
The ivt does have a learning curve as it is my first ever. After driving mine for 3k miles, I continue to battle with “normal” drive mode to keep the rpms where they should be in everyday driving. It could stand a reflash imo in this mode, and I guarantee they did not test it in areas with graded roads. On flat roads it drives like a dream but in WV, good luck finding them.lol
I’m heading out on a road trip this week for this little guys first official outing. I will have some open road feedback for you if you like later this week. He will get put through all the paces up at Seneca Rocks in “sport” mode combined with some open highway travel.✌🏼

Do you have the base SE model? The SEL and Denim have different modes like "sport" and "snow", so presumably the sport mode would shift later and let you keep the RPM's higher.

I haven't used Sport mode yet. My Venue only has 1,900 miles, so I am being gentle on the engine until it's broken in more.

As far as highway driving, I've been to Pittsburgh and back twice so far and it felt great. I like the driver's assist features -- takes away some of the work/worries of driving.

It's not a full size Cadillac/Lexus, etc. so it's not as comfortable as they would be on the highway, but it's fine. To OP, definitely take it out on a highway when you test drive it to see if you like the highway feel.

mayo

· #14 · Aug 4, 2021

Denim trim here.
I have found a new friend in sport mode as of late. I like yourself stayed away from it at first during break in, but with 3k plus on the engine I have been using it more.
In normal mode the ivt is great until graded roads are traveled, and in WV we have our share. Switching to sport mode is a great option and I use it more now.
Great for merging on highways/interstates as well. I should have been using it the whole time honestly. As long as you keep the rpms under 4K during breakin, you are fine. This is easily done in sport mode with proper throttle input and is a good thing imo for proper break in. Stretching the engine to 4K back and forth is best when breaking in an engine, instead of “dogging” around at 2k the whole time.✌🏼

Reactions: 2

Tequila_Vex

· #15 · Aug 6, 2021

I'm driving around 80 mph everyday and I don't notice any issues. Feel very safe and no instability at all. I use my sport mode when I'm in a spot with lots of traffic and need to get in quick. I have fun driving in sport mode, so I don't mind turning it on almost Everytime I want to merge. Lol.

I also let others pass when I think they are going faster than me. I don't mind so I don't have done crazy jackass doing something stupid and causing me problems.

Reactions: 1

Chicago Jake

· #16 · Aug 6, 2021

Tequila_Vex said:
I also let others pass when I think they are going faster than me. I don't mind so I don't have done crazy jackass doing something stupid and causing me problems.

Yeah, that's the great thing about an ~~underpowered~~ modestly powered car like the Venue: when you know you have a tendency to be an idiot, it keeps you from getting into too much trouble.

Reactions: 4

Littlebluenumber

· #17 · Nov 18, 2021

Still breaking in my '22 SEL. If I'm going up a steep grade on an Interstate, I just shift into manual and drop down a couple of gears, making sure I keep revs below 3500. Not exactly eager, but rock steady at 65-70. Mostly drive solo though.

Reactions: 1

mayo

· #18 · Nov 19, 2021

Above 3500 there is no power to find anyways.🤣
Manual mode does have purpose now doesn’t it, but actually it can be bypassed with proper throttle control. Took me a while to get that right. The CTV responds much better to a linear throttle press and it hates throttle mash, I have found.

Slowhand

· #19 · Nov 20, 2021

I had no problem travelling the high mountain passes on Hwy 1 in British Columbia in September.

MTCca

· #20 · Nov 27, 2021

I have had my Venue since August 2021 with ultimate package with sport select automatic transmission. I also have a Jeep Grand Cherokee which has power but eats gas. I have driven 1500km 4 times from Saskatchewan to interior BC with my new venue and it has been comfortable and with he sport function I have not felt unsafe passing as it gives great boost to pass as well as climbing the mountain highways. I am so far impressed with my Venue. Selling my Jeep.

1 - 20 of 21 Posts

This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.