Compare the2023 Ford Escape FHEVVS 2023 Hyundai Venue

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Environmental Friendliness
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Chassis
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Towing
Ergonomics
Recommendations

Safety

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For enhanced safety, the front and rear seat shoulder belts of the Ford Escape FHEV have pretensioners to tighten the seatbelts and eliminate dangerous slack in the event of a collision and force limiters to limit the pressure the belts will exert on the passengers. The Hyundai Venue doesn’t offer pretensioners for its rear seat belts.

For enhanced safety, the front seat shoulder belts of the Ford Escape FHEV are height-adjustable to accommodate a wide variety of driver and passenger heights. A better fit can prevent injuries and the increased comfort also encourages passengers to buckle up. The Hyundai Venue doesn’t offer height-adjustable seat belts.

The Ford Escape FHEV has a standard driver’s side knee airbag mounted low on the dashboard. The knee airbag helps prevent the driver from sliding under the seatbelts or the main frontal airbag; this keeps the driver better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. A knee airbag also helps keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The Venue doesn’t offer knee airbags.

The Escape FHEV has standard Post Collision Braking, which automatically apply the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The Venue doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

Over 200 people are killed each year when backed over by motor vehicles. The Escape FHEV offers an optional Reverse Brake Assist that uses rear sensors to monitor for objects to the rear and automatically applies the brakes to prevent a collision. The Venue doesn’t offer backup collision prevention brakes.

The Escape FHEV offers all-wheel drive to maximize traction under poor conditions, especially in ice and snow. The Venue doesn’t offer all-wheel drive.

The Escape FHEV offers an optional 360-Degree Camera to allow the driver to see objects all around the vehicle on a screen. The Venue only offers a rear monitor.

The Escape FHEV has a standard blind spot warning system that uses sensors to alert the driver to objects in the vehicle’s blind spots where the side view mirrors don’t reveal them. Only the Venue SEL/Limited offers a blind spot warning system.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the Escape FHEV has standard Cross Traffic Alert to warn the driver of approaching traffic and automatically engage the brakes to help avoid a collision. Only the Venue SEL/Limited offers Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning and the Venue’s Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning does not include automatic braking.

Both the Escape FHEV and the Venue have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front wheel drive, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, lane departure warning systems, rearview cameras and driver alert monitors.

The Ford Escape FHEV weighs 796 to 1056 pounds more than the Hyundai Venue. The NHTSA advises that heavier vehicles are much safer in collisions than their significantly lighter counterparts. Crosswinds also affect lighter cars more.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the Ford Escape FHEV is safer than the Hyundai Venue:

	Escape FHEV	Venue
OVERALL STARS	5 Stars	4 Stars
	Driver
STARS	5 Stars	4 Stars
HIC	143	335
Neck Injury Risk	22.5%	32%
Neck Stress	185 lbs.	270 lbs.
Neck Compression	23 lbs.	182 lbs.
Leg Forces (l/r)	188/315 lbs.	769/350 lbs.
	Passenger
STARS	5 Stars	4 Stars
HIC	102	280
Chest Compression	.5 inches	.8 inches
Neck Injury Risk	36.3%	48%
Neck Stress	181 lbs.	206 lbs.
Neck Compression	58 lbs.	70 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH and into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the Ford Escape FHEV is safer than the Hyundai Venue:

	Escape FHEV	Venue
	Front Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Chest Movement	.9 inches	1.1 inches
Abdominal Force	191 lbs.	215 lbs.
Hip Force	240 lbs.	275 lbs.
	Rear Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	97	223
Spine Acceleration	43 G’s	82 G’s
Hip Force	816 lbs.	843 lbs.
	Into Pole
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Max Damage Depth	11 inches	12 inches
Spine Acceleration	32 G’s	42 G’s
Hip Force	462 lbs.	790 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

Warranty

There are almost 4 times as many Ford dealers as there are Hyundai dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Escape FHEV’s warranty.

Reliability

The Escape FHEV has a standard “limp home system” to keep drivers from being stranded if most or all of the engine’s coolant is lost. The engine will run on only half of its cylinders at a time, reduce its power and light a warning lamp on the dashboard so the driver can get to a service station for repairs. The Venue doesn’t offer a lost coolant limp home mode, so a coolant leak could strand you or seriously damage the truck’s engine.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Ford vehicles are better in initial quality than Hyundai vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Ford above average in initial quality. With 18 more problems per 100 vehicles, Hyundai is rated below average.

Engine

The Escape FHEV’s 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder hybrid produces 79 more horsepower (200 vs. 121) than the Venue’s 1.6 DOHC 4-cylinder.

As tested in Motor Trend the Ford Escape FHEV is faster than the Hyundai Venue:

	Escape FHEV	Venue
Zero to 60 MPH	8.7 sec	9.4 sec
Quarter Mile	16.7 sec	17.2 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	84.7 MPH	80.7 MPH

Fuel Economy and Range

On the EPA test cycle the Escape FHEV gets better mileage than the Venue:

			MPG
Escape FHEV
	FWD	2.5 4-cyl. Hybrid	42 city/36 hwy
	AWD	2.5 4-cyl. Hybrid	42 city/36 hwy
Venue
	FWD	1.6 DOHC 4-cyl.	29 city/33 hwy

Regenerative brakes improve the Escape FHEV’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The Venue doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

In heavy traffic or at stoplights the Escape FHEV’s engine automatically turns off when the vehicle is stopped, saving fuel and reducing pollution. The engine is automatically restarted when the driver gets ready to move again. The Venue doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.

The Escape FHEV has 2.4 gallons more fuel capacity than the Venue (14.3 vs. 11.9 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

The Escape FHEV has a standard cap-less fueling system. The fuel filler is automatically opened when the fuel nozzle is inserted and automatically closed when it’s removed. This eliminates the need to unscrew and replace the cap and it reduces fuel evaporation, which causes pollution. The Venue doesn’t offer a cap-less fueling system.

Environmental Friendliness

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the Ford Escape FHEV higher (8 out of 10) than the Hyundai Venue (5). This means the Escape FHEV produces up to 13.5 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the Venue every 15,000 miles.

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the Escape FHEV’s brake rotors are larger than those on the Venue:

	Escape FHEV	Venue
Front Rotors	13 inches	11 inches
Rear Rotors	11.9 inches	8” drums
Opt Rear Rotors		10.3 inches

The Ford Escape FHEV has standard four-wheel disc brakes for better stopping power and improved directional control in poor weather. Rear drums are standard on the Venue. Drums can heat up and make stops longer, especially with antilock brakes that work much harder than conventional brakes.

The Escape FHEV stops shorter than the Venue:

	Escape FHEV	Venue
60 to 0 MPH	122 feet	125 feet	Motor Trend
60 to 0 MPH (Wet)	135 feet	138 feet	Consumer Reports

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the Escape FHEV has larger tires than the Venue (225/65R17 vs. 185/65R15). The Escape FHEV’s tires are larger than the largest tires available on the Venue (225/65R17 vs. 205/55R17).

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Escape FHEV has standard 17-inch wheels. Smaller 15-inch wheels are standard on the Venue. The Escape FHEV’s optional 19-inch wheels are larger than the 17-inch wheels on the Venue SEL/Limited.

Suspension and Handling

For superior ride and handling, the Ford Escape FHEV has fully independent front and rear suspensions. An independent suspension allows the wheels to follow the road at the best angle for gripping the pavement, without compromising ride comfort. The Hyundai Venue has a rear torsion beam axle, with a semi-independent rear suspension.

The Escape FHEV has standard front and rear stabilizer bars, which help keep the Escape FHEV flat and controlled during cornering. The Venue’s suspension doesn’t offer a rear stabilizer bar.

The Escape FHEV has vehicle speed sensitive variable-assist power steering, for low-effort parking, better control at highway speeds and during hard cornering, and a better feel of the road. The Venue doesn’t offer variable-assist power steering.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Escape FHEV’s wheelbase is 7.5 inches longer than on the Venue (106.7 inches vs. 99.2 inches).

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the Escape FHEV is 1.6 inches wider in the front and .5 inches wider in the rear than the average track on the Venue.

The Escape FHEV AWD executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver quicker than the Venue Limited (28.3 seconds @ .6 average G’s vs. 28.7 seconds @ .56 average G’s).

Chassis

The front grille of the Escape FHEV uses electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The Venue doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

Passenger Space

The Escape FHEV has 10.3 cubic feet more passenger volume than the Venue (102.2 vs. 91.9).

The Escape FHEV has .6 inches more front headroom, 1.1 inches more front legroom, 3.1 inches more front hip room, 3.7 inches more front shoulder room, .7 inches more rear headroom, 4.6 inches more rear legroom, 9.8 inches more rear hip room and 2.3 inches more rear shoulder room than the Venue.

Cargo Capacity

The Escape FHEV has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat up than the Venue with its rear seat up (34.4 vs. 18.7 cubic feet). The Escape FHEV has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the Venue with its rear seat folded (60.8 vs. 31.9 cubic feet).

A low lift-over cargo hatch design makes loading and unloading the Escape FHEV easier. The Escape FHEV’s cargo hatch lift-over height is 27.9 inches, while the Venue’s liftover is 30 inches.

The Escape FHEV’s cargo area is larger than the Venue’s in almost every dimension:

	Escape FHEV	Venue
Length to seat (2nd/1st)	36.7”/68.3”	25.4”/57”
Max Width	57.3”	47.5”
Min Width	41.4”	42.5”
Height	32.8”	28”

To make loading and unloading groceries and cargo easier, especially for short adults, the Escape FHEV offers an optional power liftgate, which opens and closes automatically by pressing a button. The Venue doesn’t offer a power liftgate.

Towing

The Escape FHEV has a 1500 lbs. towing capacity. The Venue has no towing capacity.

The Escape FHEV can be flat towed on all four wheels (dinghy towed), allowing recreational vehicle owners to bring it with them on the road. When they reach their destination, the Escape FHEV can be unhitched and driven around locally. The Venue can’t be towed flat on the ground.

Standard Trailer Sway Control on the Escape FHEV uses the AdvanceTrac® sensors to detect trailer sway, then uses individual brakes to counteract any swaying and help keep the tow vehicle and trailer steady. The Venue doesn’t offer electronic trailer sway control.

Ergonomics

When three different drivers share the Escape FHEV, the optional memory seats and mirrors make it convenient for all three. Each setting activates different, customized memories for the driver’s seat position and outside mirror angle. The Venue doesn’t offer a memory system.

The Escape FHEV’s optional easy entry system glides the driver’s seat back when the door is unlocked or the ignition is switched off, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The Venue doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

The Escape FHEV Elite/Platinum offers an optional heads-up display that projects speed and navigation instruction readouts in front of the driver’s line of sight, allowing drivers to view information without diverting their eyes from the road. The Venue doesn’t offer a heads-up display.

The Escape FHEV’s power parking brake sets with one touch and releases with one touch or automatically. The Venue has a lever-type parking brake that has to be strenuously raised to engage properly. It has to be lifted up more and a button depressed to release it.

The Escape FHEV SEL/Titanium’s front and rear power windows all open or close fully with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside the car. The Venue SEL/Limited’s passenger windows don’t open or close automatically.

In case you lock your keys in your vehicle, or don’t have them with you, you can let yourself in using the Escape FHEV’s available exterior PIN entry system. The Venue doesn’t offer an exterior PIN entry system, and its Blue Link can’t unlock the doors if the vehicle doesn’t have cell phone reception or the driver can’t contact the service.

The Escape FHEV’s standard speed-sensitive wipers speed up when the vehicle does, so that the driver doesn’t have to continually adjust the speed of the wipers. The Venue’s manually variable intermittent wipers have to be constantly adjusted. The Escape FHEV Elite/Platinum’s standard wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically according to the amount of rainfall on the windshield.

The Escape FHEV’s LED headlights produce a whiter, brighter light (up to 3x) using five times less power than the Venue’s standard projector halogen headlights and light instantly. LED lights also last over twenty times longer than halogen.

Consumer Reports rated the Escape FHEV’s headlight performance “Good,” a higher rating than the Venue’s headlights, which were rated “Fair.”

On extremely cold winter days, the Escape FHEV’s optional heated steering wheel provides comfort, allowing the driver to steer safely and comfortably before the vehicle heater warms up. The Venue doesn’t offer a heated steering wheel.

The Escape FHEV offers an optional center folding armrest for the rear passengers. A center armrest helps make rear passengers more comfortable and it can provide a boundary between children. The Venue doesn’t offer a rear seat center armrest.

The Escape FHEV’s standard dual zone air conditioning allows the driver and front passenger to choose two completely different temperatures so people with different temperature preferences won’t have to compromise. This makes both the driver and front passenger as comfortable as possible. The Venue doesn’t offer dual zone air conditioning.

Both the Escape FHEV and the Venue offer rear vents. For greater rear passenger comfort, the Escape FHEV offers optional rear air conditioning vents to keep rear occupants cool in summer or warm in winter. The Venue doesn’t offer rear air conditioning vents, only heat vents.

To keep a safe, consistent following distance, the Escape FHEV offers an optional Adaptive Cruise Control, which alters the speed of the vehicle without driver intervention. This allows the driver to use cruise control more safely without constantly having to disengage it when approaching slower traffic. The Venue doesn’t offer an adaptive cruise control.

The Escape FHEV Elite/Platinum’s optional Active Park Assist 2.0 can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, starting, stopping and changing direction automatically. The Venue doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

Recommendations

Consumer Reports® recommends the Ford Escape FHEV, based on reliability, safety and performance. The Hyundai Venue isn't recommended.

Consumer Reports performed a comparison test in its May 2020 issue and the Ford Escape FHEV AWD won out over the Hyundai Venue SEL.

The Ford Escape outsold the Hyundai Venue by over five to one during 2022.