The Incredible Shrinking Crossover: When Does a “Utility Vehicle” Get So Small That Utility Is No Longer A Thing?


The Incredible Shrinking Crossover: When Does a “Utility Vehicle” Get So Small That Utility Is No Longer A Thing?

(By Tom Lohnes) – At what point does a Crossover get so small it becomes a lifted hatchback? I would say the line isn’t in the realm of size, but rather being 2WD-only. Hyundai is a now a fully established automaker in America and they’d like to challenge that line with the miniscule Bayon “Crossover”.

Basically a replacement for the forgettable Venue, the Bayon is a small, slow, hatchback with a lift and some clever marketing to make it seem rugged. Styling wise, it’s a love-hate thing. I like the gloss black panel situated on the rear liftgate, but dislike basically everything else about it. Move inside however, and you will find a far better place to be than any of the Bayon’s competition, with a digital gauge cluster, a 12.0-inch touchscreen, and some quirky body-color touches. Under the hood is the same 1.6-liter Inline-4 we’ve seen in the Venue, this time hooked up to a 6-speed auto rather than a CVT.

So, the Bayon, is a small, affordable “Crossover” Aimed at people who need the high-up seating position, tough styling, and whatever else a Crossover owner may need. Pricing for the Bayon starts at $20,000 flat, so it is affordable, if a bit dull.


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2 thoughts on “The Incredible Shrinking Crossover: When Does a “Utility Vehicle” Get So Small That Utility Is No Longer A Thing?

  1. Labweiler

    “High-up seating position”. Nailed it! Easier to get up into and slide out of a taller vehicle. Speaking for the Creaky Old Bones Club. 😉

  2. Travis Bickle

    You obviously didn’t do ANY research before you wrote this article because you got every single detail about this car wrong. The Bayon is not a Venue replacement, it’s not even coming state side, it’s only available in the European market. This information is stated very clearly on the Bayon’s page on Hyundai’s website.

    The engine is not the 1.6 4cyl from the Venue, the base engine is a 1.2 n/a 3cyl mild-hybrid, the next step up is a 1.0 turbo 3cyl mild-hybrid. Transmission choices are 5 or 6spd manual, or a 7spd dual clutch automatic. There is no 12″ touchscreen, the instrument cluster has a 10.25″ display, and the infotainment center has an 8″ touchscreen. Starting price for a base Bayon is approx £18,000 ($24,875 usd).

    Please do you homework before reviewing a car so you don’t look like an idiot…

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