Which Used Hyundai Venue Should You Buy? A Guide to All Variants

The Hyundai Venue showed up in 2019 and instantly cemented its name in the sub-4m SUV segment. As of 2025, it’s already one of the most common sights in the used space. It is not just because Hyundai sold more than 7 lakh of them, but because it kept tweaking engines, gearboxes, and trims to fit very different buyers. And with so many trims out there, used Hyundai Venue variants can get confusing.

Browse the listings and you will find everything, starting with a bare-bones 1.2 petrol E, to a top-spec turbo-petrol SX(O) DCT with all the connected technology. Diesels, iMTs, Knight Editions: they are all there. It is not that hard to find a Venue second hand, it is just that you need to know the variants that are actually worth paying for, compared to ones that just look good on paper.

How the Variants Evolved Over the Years

The Venue has been through a few key phases, and understanding them helps you judge what any car is really worth today.

• 2019 Launch: Started with E, S, SX, SX+, and SX(O). Engine options were 1.2 petrol, 1.0 turbo-petrol, and 1.4 diesel (phased out quickly).
• 2020–2021: Diesel came back as a 1.5, and the turbo added Hyundai’s new iMT gearbox alongside manual and DCT. SX(O) started becoming the premium go-to.
• 2022 Facelift: Brought a new grille, LED light bar at the rear, and an updated cabin with a digital cluster in higher trims. Engines stayed the same, but features got shuffled. 
• 2023–24: Knight, Adventure, and other editions were introduced. Mostly cosmetic, but they still affect demand and pricing in the used space.

That’s why looking at used Hyundai Venue variants is not straightforward. The same SX badge could mean a simple petrol with basics or a turbo-diesel with more kit, depending on the year.

Breaking Down the Used Hyundai Venue Variants

Each Venue trim has its own character and here is what you actually get when you step up the ladder.

E

The Venue E is the starting point of the lineup. It comes with the 1.2-litre Kappa MPi petrol engine (82 bhp, 113.8 Nm) paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox. The setup is simple and reliable, perfect for buyers who want the SUV shape without spending extra on features.

On equipment, it covers the basics: dual front airbags (do note that six airbags became standard from the late-2023 model onwards for all Hyundai cars), ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors, ISOFIX child-seat mounts, seatbelt reminders, and speed-sensing auto door locks. Inside, you get manual AC, front power windows, tilt steering, and fabric upholstery, while outside, there are halogen headlamps, body-coloured bumpers, and steel wheels with covers.

E Plus

The E Plus was introduced recently as a step above the base trim, keeping the 1.2-litre petrol with a 5-speed manual but adding more convenience. It is aimed at buyers who want a little extra practicality without moving too high up the range.

The E Plus features rear power windows, a rear parcel tray, and a height-adjustable driver seat. It also offers an electric sunroof, which was a standout for an entry-level compact SUV. Safety is the same as the E with dual airbags, ABS, parking sensors, and ISOFIX, since the switch to six airbags came only after 2024.

S

The S builds on the entry trims with better cabin finish and extra equipment. It still uses the 1.2-litre petrol with 5-speed manual, but adds comfort features such as rear AC vents, electrically adjustable ORVMs, central locking with a foldable key, and a 4-speaker audio system with Bluetooth, USB and steering-mounted controls.

Safety in the 2019–2023 S trims included dual airbags as standard, along with ABS with EBD, rear sensors, and immobilizer. Higher safety features like ESC, HAC, VSM, and six airbags became standard after the 2024 update, so older S cars will differ in equipment.

S+ / S(O) / S(O)+

The S+, S(O) and S (O)+ sit above the S trim and are the first real point in the lineup where buyers can choose from all three engines: the 1.2-litre petrol with 5-speed manual, the 1.0-litre Turbo GDi petrol with either 6-speed iMT or 7-speed DCT, and the 1.5-litre diesel with a 6-speed manual. This gives these variants much wider flexibility than the lower trims. Do note that during the initial years, S+ was only available with the 1.2 litre petrol and a manual transmission. 

Feature-wise, they bring in an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, six speakers, rear AC vents, rear camera with dynamic guidelines, electrically adjustable and foldable ORVMs, and cruise control on higher trims. On safety, these variants offer dual airbags as standard in older models, but later updates added ESC, VSM, HAC and TPMS. From 2024, six airbags became standard across the Venue, including here.

SX Executive

The SX executive variant sits above the S and S(O), and is where the Venue lineup starts to feel more advanced. It comes with the same 1.2 litre petrol engine with a manual transmission. 

In terms of features, it adds wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, a digital cluster with TFT MID, idle stop & go (ISG), front tweeters for better sound, a centre armrest with storage, and motor-driven power steering. On safety, you get ESC, brake assist, rear parking sensors, tyre pressure monitoring system (highline), speed-sensing auto lock and impact-sensing unlock, rounding it off as a balanced trim for tech and performance.

SX 

The SX lineup offers the 1.2-litre petrol with a 5-speed manual and the 1.5-litre diesel with a 6-speed manual, giving buyers a choice of easy city drive or high-mileage diesel performance.

Features take a big leap: 16-inch diamond-cut alloys, LED projector headlamps with DRLs, electric folding ORVMs, a smart electric sunroof, push-button start, cruise control, 60:40 split rear seats, and Bluelink-connected tech with OTA updates. Inside, there’s a 20.32 cm HD touchscreen, wireless charger, height-adjustable driver’s seat, and voice-enabled functions. Safety is strong with ABS, ESC, VSM, HAC, TPMS and dual airbags on older cars, 6 on older SX(O) variants, with the move to six airbags across all trims only from 2024.

SX Knight

The SX Knight is a cosmetic spin on the SX trim, made for buyers who want the premium features of SX with a bolder look. It’s powered by the same 1.2 petrol MT engine, but with distinctive design upgrades.

The Knight edition adds black-painted alloys, brass-coloured inserts on bumpers and interior, an exclusive Knight emblem, red brake calipers, and black-painted ORVMs. The rest of the kit mirrors the SX such as a sunroof, 8-inch touchscreen with Bluelink, push-button start, wireless charger, cruise control, and smart safety systems. It’s all about standing out visually while enjoying the same features and mechanicals as the SX.

SX(O)

The SX(O) is the flagship Venue trim and the one loaded with everything Hyundai could pack in. It brings both the 1.0-litre Turbo GDi petrol (with 6-speed iMT or 7-speed DCT) and the 1.5-litre diesel with 6-speed manual, giving buyers both punchy turbo performance and long-distance diesel efficiency.

Features read like a premium car: voice-enabled smart electric sunroof, wireless charger, 20.32 cm HD infotainment with Bluelink and OTA, digital instrument cluster, ambient lighting, auto healthy air purifier, rain-sensing wipers, and a 4-way powered driver seat. It’s also where Hyundai SmartSense ADAS is available (late 2023 onwards), including forward collision avoidance (car, pedestrian, cycle), lane keeping assist, lane following assist, driver attention warning, high beam assist, and leading vehicle departure alert. Safety is topped by six airbags, ESC, VSM, HAC, TPMS and ISOFIX, making this the most complete Venue.

SX(O) Knight

The SX(O) Knight is the halo of the range, it includes the same premium kit and engine choices as the SX(O), but dressed in Knight-exclusive styling. That means blacked-out grille, alloys and ORVMs, brass cabin inserts, exclusive Knight badging, and red brake calipers.

All the top-end features carry over: ADAS, connected car suite, power driver seat, digital cluster, wireless charging, and sunroof. The Knight extras are purely cosmetic but add attitude, especially for buyers who want their Venue to stand apart without compromising on the flagship spec. Underneath, it’s the full SX(O) experience, wrapped in a darker, sportier package.

Other Notable Variants

Though the main Venue lineup is built around the E, S, S+/S(O), SX, and SX(O) trims, Hyundai has also offered a handful of other editions over the years. These aren’t as widely available in the market, but they add to the variety of the range.

• Executive (Turbo): In some runs, Hyundai slotted in an Executive trim with the 1.0-litre Turbo GDi petrol engine, paired with either a 6-speed manual or 7-speed DCT. It offered most of the S(O)’s convenience with stronger performance at a friendlier price than the SX(O).

• SX (Sport): A sport-focused, aesthetically enhanced trim that came with 1.0 Turbo petrol and 1.5 diesel options. It stood out with sporty red accents, unique wheels and a slightly more aggressive styling package.

• Adventure Editions: Hyundai introduced these as adventure-themed styling packs. They were spread across multiple levels:
  • S(O)+ Adventure with the 1.2 petrol manual. 
  • SX Adventure with the same 1.2 petrol manual setup. 
  • SX(O) Adventure carrying the 1.0-litre Turbo DCT for those who wanted the full flagship drive with rugged design cues.
     
• Knight Editions (lower trims): While SX Knight and SX(O) Knight get most of the attention, there was also an S(O) Knight running the 1.2 petrol manual. It kept the S(O)’s kit but layered Knight-specific cosmetic changes like black alloys, brass inserts and exclusive badging.
   
• SX(O) Executive: A variant offered with the 1.5 diesel manual, giving diesel buyers top-tier kit without going all-in on the turbo-petrol/DCT combo.

Note

The features, safety equipment, and engine options mentioned above are based on official Hyundai brochures and updates across different model years of the Venue. Availability can vary depending on the year of manufacture and specific trim package. From 2024 onwards, Hyundai made six airbags standard across all Venue variants, so earlier models may differ in their safety equipment. Buyers should always verify the exact specifications of the car they are considering before finalising.

Which Used Venue Variant Should You Actually Buy?

Not every trim makes sense for every driver, so here’s how the variants stack up depending on your usage.

• Best for City Use: The S or SX with 1.2 petrol. Simple, cheaper to run, and perfect if you don’t drive long distances. The resale is softer, which means you can often negotiate a solid deal.
• Best for Mixed Driving: The SX turbo with iMT. Gives you better performance than the 1.2 but keeps costs lower than the DCT. These cars are less abused in the used market compared to DCTs, making them a safer middle ground. 
• Best for Performance & Features: The SX(O) turbo-DCT. This is the one enthusiasts and tech lovers chase. If you find one with a clean service history and the gearbox checks out, it’s the closest thing to a new Venue experience at a cut price.
• Best for High Mileage Users: The 1.5 diesel SX or SX(O) (pre-facelift). If your running is heavy, the diesel still makes financial sense. Just check the service records carefully, especially for clutch and injector work.

You can easily pick any 2019-2022 Hyundai Venue model that fits your requirements from these and get the best of comfort, ride quality, features and solid resale value.

Price Expectations in 2025

Before you start browsing the classifieds, here is what the different trims usually go for in today’s used market.

• E / S (1.2 Petrol): ₹6–8 lakh
• SX (1.2 Petrol or Turbo Manual/iMT): ₹8–10 lakh 
• SX+ Turbo DCT: ₹9.5–11.5 lakh 
• SX(O) Turbo / Diesel: ₹11–13.5 lakh 
• Facelift (2022+) SX(O): ₹12–14.5 lakh 
• Special Editions (Knight/Adventure): Slightly above SX(O), often ₹13–15 lakh depending on demand

Prices vary by city and mileage, but this is the ballpark you’ll see in classifieds.

Summary

The Venue has grown into one of the most versatile compact SUVs on Indian roads, which is why the used Hyundai Venue variants market is stacked with options. The E and S trims keep things affordable, the SX hits the sweet spot for most buyers, while the SX(O) remains the aspirational pick. Special editions add style but don’t change the core package.

If you’re after peace of mind, clean SX(O) cars from 2019 onwards are the safest bet. For value hunters, the SX turbo with iMT is where you stretch your money best. And if your budget is limited, don’t ignore the simpler S trim: it may not have the bells and whistles, but it gets the job done without straining the wallet.

A venue second hand only makes sense if you buy with your needs in mind, because the trims can get frustrating to understand at times. If you want a shortcut to inspected stock and transparent pricing, CARS24 listings make the search easier. And if you’re also curious how the Venue stacks up against other compact SUVs, you can always check our detailed blogs on rivals in the same segment.