Hyundai Motor Group produces Hyundai and Kia vehicles that travel on the road. This is also the company that makes the luxury Genesis nameplate. But are Hyundais good cars? How do they compare to other brands?
Hyundai makes good cars, especially when you consider some of the top rated cars for reliability and safety. Most of the range is also affordable, which helps lower the cost of ownership. However, there were some models with serious flaws.
In this guide, I look at what Hyundai does well and what needs improvement. I also look at the top models you can choose from if you are looking for a reliable bargain.
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Are Hyundais good cars?
1. Security
Hyundai vehiclesIt regularly outperforms other brands on the road in terms of safety ratings. Many models have even earned an excellent NHTSA 5-star rating or are one of themThe best choice for IIHS security.
In addition, Hyundai includes some of the most advanced safety features in vehicles. You can find older models with the latest technology and still save some money.
2. Engine
Some engines developed between 2011 and 2016 have serious flaws. In fact, the problems were so severe that Hyundai had to pay fines and repair the engines.
Since 2015 alone, there have been almost ten safety recalls due to various engine problems. The problems seem to have been solved in the newer models, but you have to be careful with used Hyundai vehicles.
3. Rust and bodywork
The Hyundai range is not the most expensive. However, there doesn't seem to be much of a problem with rust.
Even the oldest Hyundais on the road will still be in good shape if properly maintained. You still need to watch out for paint chips and bodywork imperfections that can easily rust if not repaired.
4. Resources and technology
Hyundai is one of the technological leaders. The automaker continues to offer some of the best technology and comfort features.
Whether you're looking for advanced safety features or something to keep little ones entertained, Hyundai has it all. Even older models are well stocked.
5. Performance
Hyundai outperforms the competition on all fronts. If you're looking for fuel economy, you'll find it in Hyundai sedans.
On the other hand, there are also models with the most powerful engines that ensure a spirited ride. Some Hyundai SUV models even allow towing or off-road driving.
6. Availability
Hyundai Accent is one of the cheapest and most reliable cars on the market. However, the entire line is well priced, especially when compared to other brands.
When Hyundai arrived on the market, it was perceived as a "cheap" brand. However, the company has made its mark over the years and has proven to be inexpensive but well built.
7. Cost of Ownership
There are several factors that make Hyundai vehicles a reasonable cost of ownership. First, many vehicles are fuel efficient, which means you spend less on the pump.
You can also expect lower insurance costs as vehicles typically have a lower value than others. In addition, Hyundai vehicles depreciate at a normal rate, which increases the value of your investment.
8. Repair and maintenance costs
You can expect an average amount of repair and maintenance costs, unless you buy a car with a damaged engine. It shouldn't be a problem to get parts.
In addition, almost any qualified technician can work on Hyundai vehicles. In most cases, only a few major repairs will suffice.
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Hyundai reliable?
Hyundai is a trusted brand, regularly occupying top positions in the rankings of the most important publications. Consumer Reports ranked the brand 6th out of 26 automakers. Just behind Honda, but ahead of Toyota, Lexus and Mazda.
In the first qualitative survey, J.D. Power 2019, Hyundai Motor Group took first place. However, there were a few models that were not as reliable, mainly due to a faulty engine.
Hyundai history
Hyundai Motor Company began in 1947 as Hyundai Engineering and Construction Company. Then South Korean businessman Chung Ju Yung founded the original company. However, it took two decades before it became known as the company it is today and launched its first model, the Cortina.
By 1974, Hyundai had assembled a solid group of executives ready to mass-produce the vehicles consumers wanted. In 1974, Hyundai released the "Pony". This four-door sedan had to compete in the Korean market with Kia Brisa and Saehan Gemini. However, it went so well that Hyundai was able to produce a three-door hatchback, station wagon and pickup truck as well.
Although the pony made it to Canada, it could not be imported to the United States because it did not meet strict emissions standards. However, this did not prevent the company from being successful. In 1985, Hyundai produced its one millionth vehicle.
Hyundai finally entered the US market in 1986 with the Excel. It was one of the cheapest cars on the market and even won several awards. However, production of this model ended in 2000.
The Hyundai Sonata was also released and featured some of the best technology seen today. This first model was equipped with cruise control, power seats and headlight washers. In 1990, the automaker produced its four-millionth vehicle.
In 1993, Hyundai created its own engines. The first 1.3-liter four-cylinder engine produced by the company was part of the Hyundai Scoupe and generated 71 horsepower. The company also created its first gearbox, which made it possible to make a vehicle from all Hyundai parts. In 1998, Hyundai acquired Kia Motors to avoid bankruptcy.
In 1999, Chung Mong Koo (Yung's son) took over the management. This is also the year the company introduced the 10-year/100,000-mile warranty. To attract more attention, Hyundai became a sponsor of the World Championship.
In 2004, the automaker took second place in the J.D. Current. It was also included in the list of the 100 most valuable brands in the world. He was also very successful in motorsport, scoring many top ten finishes.
In 2015, Hyundai Motor Company presented its new luxury line known as Genesis. Hyundai Motor Company's brands remain among the most popular in the United States.
What are typical Hyundai problems?
1. Engine storage
As mentioned earlier, Hyundai has encountered several major problems with engine failures. ABOUTimpounded engine, tapping, clipping or other noise.
Unfortunately, many of these engine problems occurred when the car was still considered relatively new. You should carefully study each purchased model of 2011-2016.
2. Airbag faults
Airbags are essential when it comes to road safety. However, in some Hyundai cars, the airbags do not deploy when they are most needed.
This problem has been present on several models since 2009. In 2018, the automaker was officially ordered to launch an in-depth investigation.
3. Incorrect steering/handling
While most people love the trendy styling and fuel economy of the Hyundai range, sometimes handling has been an issue. Some Elantra and Sonata models have smooth ride issues.
Some people have experienced wobbling or clicking when turning. If the driver is not prepared for problems while driving, an accident can occur.
The most reliable Hyundai models
Hyundai Santa Fe Looking 2019
The Santa Fe is one of the cheapest SUVs you can find, but it doesn't lack in good features. According to leading publications such as J.D. Current.
This Santa Fe even ranked first in the mid-size SUV category in the 2019 Initial Quality Study. You can save some money on this used model without giving up anything you love.
Hyundai Palisade 2020
If you want something even fresher, consider the 2022 Palisade. This three-row SUV offers more space and a well-equipped interior.
It is also one of the most reliable Hyundai cars ever made. With a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 291 hp and an eight-speed automatic transmission, you won't miss a thing.
Hyundai Veloster N 2019
There's something beautiful about a hot hatch, but you can't see them enough. The Veloster N may not be as powerful as the Civic Type R or Focus RS, but it's a lot of fun.
If you choose the highest trim level, that adds up to 275 horsepower. It's also cheaper than many of its competitors, making it a better choice.
Less reliable Hyundai models
Hyundai Sonate 2011r
There have been a few years where Hyundai has really struggled, and this 2011 Sonata clearly shows that. It received the most consumer complaints, most of them related to the engine.
There have also been five investigations into this model and as many as 14 recalls. That should be enough to keep him away.
Hyundai Elantra 2013r
This Elantra generated almost as many complaints as the previous Sonata. Again, many complaints were about a faulty engine.
Customers didn't just have to deal with the horrorticking sound, but the engine often failed prematurely. Don't worry about choosing one of them, no matter how low the price is.
Is Hyundai a good used car?
You can't go wrong with a used Hyundai as long as you avoid years of engine trouble. Most used Hyundai cars are solidly built and allow you to drive something reliable for a lower price.
You can find a good selection of vehicles to suit all needs. Choose a reliable family SUV, an economical limousine or something sportier.
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FAQs
How reliable is Hyundai Mechanical? ›
According to RepairPal, Hyundai boasts a reliability rating of 4.0 out of 5.0, ranking 4th out of all 32 car brands. In addition, Hyundai ownership is on the inexpensive side, with only $468 annual repair costs of scheduled and unscheduled repairs. That's way below the $652 average across all vehicle models.
Are Hyundai reliable long lasting cars? ›How Long Do Hyundais Last? As with other vehicles, the longevity of Hyundais varies depending on the level of care they receive over the years. On average, they have a life expectancy of 100,000 to 200,000 miles. However, a well-maintained Hyundai can easily exceed the 200,000-mile mark.
Which is more reliable Toyota or Hyundai? ›While Toyota does make reliable vehicles that hold up for a decent period, it's difficult to deny the facts – Hyundai beats out Toyota in all the most important categories.
Why is Hyundai reliable? ›Why does Hyundai score so well? Hyundai cars are “good all-around performers, with simple controls, impressive fit and finish, and helpful features,” according to Consumer Reports. The brand is known for producing cars with capable engines, sleek interiors and loads of standard features for the money.
Which car brand has the least mechanical problems? ›What is the most dependable car brand? Here are the brand rankings based on the number of problems per 100 vehicles, according to J.D. Power's 2023 U.S. vehicle dependability study. The industry average is 186. The highest-ranking premium brand was Lexus, and Kia was the highest-ranking mass market brand.
What is the most mechanically reliable car? ›The top choices for auto brands that are the most dependable, according to mechanics, are Honda and Toyota. Thanks to excellent engineering and quality design, these brands suffer the fewest breakdowns as do the luxury brands associated with these manufacturers, Acura and Lexus, respectively.
Which lasts longer Kia or Hyundai? ›Hyundai Reliability. Both brands are known for their long-lasting performance and durability, but comparing Kia vs. Hyundai reliability ratings from J.D Power reveals a clear winner: Kia. In fact, Kia beat out all other automakers in 2022 with a score of 145 PP100 (Problems per 100 Vehicles).
Is Hyundai as good as Honda? ›Cars from Honda tend to have a sporty edge, while Hyundai has a hard-earned reputation for value, thanks to its competitive prices and class-leading warranty coverage. Since these brands compete in most mainstream vehicle segments, chances are you'll come across them as you pursue your new vehicle goals.
How long do Hyundai transmissions last? ›How long do a Hyundai Elantra's transmissions last? On average, a Hyundai Elantra transmission should last 100,000 kilometers.
What is better Hyundai or Kia? ›Both brands stand behind their products and offer quality that's matched by few in the business. For 2021, Kia ranked third in the J.D. Power U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study*, ahead of brands like Toyota, Chevrolet, and even Mercedes-Benz. Kia even finished ahead of both Hyundai and their Genesis luxury subsidiary.
Why are Hyundai so cheap? ›
Why are Hyundais so cheap? They're made in bulk, offer older technology, are made with less expensive parts, and are in low demand. Despite these qualities, they are some of the best quality vehicles you will find for this price.
Is Hyundai more reliable than Chevy? ›J.D. Power and Associates' 2021 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Hyundai vehicles are more reliable than Chevrolet vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Hyundai 7th in reliability, above the industry average.
Are Hyundai parts expensive? ›Yes, Hyundai parts are cheaper than most other imported brand parts on the market. That's one of the reasons why Hyundai repair costs are affordable on average, and it means you can go to any qualified mechanic for service.
What is the top rated car brand? ›Consumer Reports released its list of the top car brands for 2023 on Thursday. Taking the top five spots, in order, are BMW, Subaru, Mini, Lexus, and Honda. Taking the bottom five spots are Mitsubishi, Alfa Romeo, Jaguar, Jeep, and Land Rover, with Land Rover at the very bottom.
Are Hyundai cars OK? ›The short answer is that they are very reliable. There is very little question about Hyundai's dependability and this is backed up by reports dating back several years. Looking at past reports for Hyundai reliability, it's hard to find a negative word said about the brand or the vehicles that it produces.
What is the number 1 most reliable car? ›According to this trusted organization, the most reliable cars for 2021 are from brands such as Audi, Buick, Hyundai, and Toyota. The Consumer Reports study is based on surveying more than 400,000 people who own current-generation vehicles made within the last three years.
What car is ranked #1 in reliability? ›While Toyota tops the list of the most reliable brand, having all of its models — except two — with above or well above average reliability scores, Lexus is the only automotive brand that had all of its models rated above average or better in reliability this year (Toyota has more models influencing its overall brand ...
What car does not have a lot of problems? ›| Rank | Most Reliable | Least Reliable |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Toyota Prius | Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra 1500 |
| 2. | Lexus NX | Subaru Ascent |
| 3. | Buick Encore | Volkswagen Atlas |
| 4. | Lexus GX | Jeep Compass |
Toyota vehicles are known for their longevity, and they are proven to last longer than any other brand. Toyotas are built so well they have below-average maintenance and repair costs, which helps contribute to why they remain on the road for so long.
Which brand of car lasts the longest? ›Is Hyundai a high end brand? ›
Although Hyundai isn't considered a luxury brand, it has a luxury manufacturing division called Genesis. Check out our guide to learn more. Is Hyundai a luxury car?
Who makes Hyundai? ›Hyundai Motor Co. (HMC), established in 1967, is the auto sales leader in the Korean domestic market and exports vehicles to 190 countries worldwide. Hyundai Motor Co. operates the world's largest integrated automobile manufacturing facility in Ulsan, located on Korea's southeast coast.
Are Kia and Hyundai engines the same? ›The majority of Kia engines are made by Hyundai, which is their sister company. Both of these companies share several Hyundai engine models, including the Kappa, Gamma, and Theta engines. Aside from that, Kia also produces several of its own engines.
Which is cheaper to maintain Hyundai or Honda? ›Hyundai: Maintenance. Are Honda and Hyundai the same when it comes to maintenance? Not at all, as Hyundai vehicles are more expensive to maintain than Honda vehicles. On average, Hyundai service will cost about $468, while Honda service will run around $428.
Which cars are the best Honda and Hyundai? ›Honda is considered the best in both the small and medium car categories. In addition, the used Honda CR-V outperforms the used Hyundai Tucson in the compact SUV category. However, Hyundai subcompact SUVs are the winners in their category, as drivers rate the used Hyundai Kona better than the used Honda HR-V.
Why Honda is better than other cars? ›Honda Cars: Reliability and Efficiency
Equipped with the superior i-VTEC engines, Honda cars are known to run for a long time without any major niggles while offering superior power to efficiency ratio.
Affected models include 2022 model year Elantra N, Kona N, and Santa Cruz vehicles and Santa Fe, Sonata, and Veloster N vehicles from both 2021 and 2022, with 53,142 total vehicles involved in the recall. Dealers will inspect the transmissions, replacing them free of charge when necessary.
Can a Hyundai last 300000 miles? ›What about 300,000 miles? It's possible, but there's more to consider than luck and randomness. One way to look at things is to research a particular model's reputation for reliability. The theory is that the less likely a car is to break down, the longer it should last on the road.
Does Hyundai have transmission problems? ›Some Hyundai owners with a dual-clutch transmission have reported grinding noises while shifting gears. The defect is usually the result of a damaged or worn clutch. In some cases, you can resolve the issue by replacing the clutch. However, sometimes a total transmission replacement is necessary.
What car brand is similar to Hyundai? ›Kia and Hyundai Motor Group operate independently, but Hyundai is the parent company of Kia Motors. The difference between Kia and Hyundai is that both companies have their own brand philosophies to uniquely produce their vehicles.
Is a Hyundai Elantra a reliable car? ›
Though the Hyundai Elantra is generally reliable, the 2013 model year is the one to avoid, due to engine issues, premature tire wear, and grinding brakes. According to J.D. Power's 100-point ratings for reliability, the Hyundai Elantra's score falls between the high-70s to high-80s, depending on the model year.
Are Kia and Hyundai made in the same factory? ›Technically, no. Kia and Hyundai aren't the same manufacturer.
Which Hyundais are made in USA? ›Team members at Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama proudly assemble the Hyundai Elantra, Santa Fe, Tucson, and Santa Cruz, and the Genesis Electrified GV70.
Does Hyundai use cheap parts? ›Even though Hyundai spares are imported, and therefore are not the cheapest on the market, they're still cheaper than many other big-name brands, including Toyota and Volkswagen, both of which are also imported. In fact, most of the car brands you can buy today are made somewhere else.
What makes Hyundai different? ›Hyundai Design
The company has established a reputation for quality, craftsmanship and reliability, and regularly wins praise in Europe for its unique Five Year Unlimited Mileage Warranty. But the main reason customers choose Hyundai cars is design.
Toyota, which has long had a reputation for high-level reliability, is the most reliable car brand on the Consumer Reports list. Also, Lexus, the Toyota-owned luxury brand, earned the second spot, followed by German automaker BMW. However, for American reliability, the best one is Lincoln.
Which is better Toyota or Chevy? ›The Toyota brand has consistently ranked in the top five in the J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS), while Chevrolet has never reached that lofty status as a brand.
Does Chevy or Toyota last longer? ›The website iseecars.com studied 2 million cars, trucks, and SUVs to see which ones had the potential to last the longest on the road. Turns out Toyotas are your best bet for getting over 200,000 miles of car life. Large SUVs and trucks lasted longest in the survey.
Do Hyundai cars hold their value? ›Best Time to sell Your Hyundai car
Cars are a depreciating asset and within the first year lose up to 20% of their value. It continues to depreciate at 10% in the following years. When it comes to Hyundai cars, these vehicles tend to retain their value a little better than other brand cars.
While a Hyundai holds a decent amount of value over time, certain models can depreciate by up to 65% after three years of ownership. Mileage: Your car's mileage has an immediate impact on its condition, and if you've racked up 100,000 miles or more, you might run into trouble in the resale process.
Can a car last 500000 miles? ›
Depending on how well you treat your car, you could potentially reach over 500,000 miles. In fact, there's a driver whose car reached even more than that. Check out this short video to take a look!
Are Hyundai good on gas? ›Even the fully gas-powered models in the 2022 Hyundai lineup are reaching new heights in fuel efficiency, with 4 models (Accent, Kona, Sonata, Venue) all boasting over 30 mpg combined fuel economy.
Is Hyundai having engine problems? ›Filed in March 2022, the lawsuit alleges engines from the Theta, Lambda, Gamma, Kappa, and Nu families are all faulty and consume too much oil. Model years covered under the class action run from 2009 to 2021, and include pretty much everything Hyundai and Kia sold during that time span.
Does Hyundai make their own engines? ›Hyundai and Kia manufacture their own engines, and a recently discovered manufacturing error might send more than 1 million of those motors to an early grave.
Are Hyundai good on maintenance? ›FAQ: Hyundai Maintenance Costs
Hyundais are not expensive to maintain. RepairPal ranks the brand in 4th place overall, and owners pay an average of $468 per year on repairs and maintenance. This is cheaper than the industry average of $652 per year.
Depending on how much you drive each day, your car's engine could be in perfect working condition for 15 to 20 years. However, in order to ensure that your car's engine is able to last that long, there are a few things that you will need to do on your end to keep it in good working order.
Is Hyundai as reliable as Nissan? ›Hyundai and Nissan have much in common in terms of reliability, and the choice between cars of these two brands is rather common. The best way to make up your mind is to check how you feel behind the wheel.
Do Hyundais still have engine problems? ›Filed in March 2022, the lawsuit alleges engines from the Theta, Lambda, Gamma, Kappa, and Nu families are all faulty and consume too much oil. Model years covered under the class action run from 2009 to 2021, and include pretty much everything Hyundai and Kia sold during that time span.
How many miles is too much for a used Hyundai? ›Often, 100,000 miles is considered a cut-off point for used cars because older vehicles often start requiring more expensive and frequent maintenance when mileage exceeds 100,000.
Is Rogue or Tucson better? ›Verdict – 2022 Hyundai Tucson vs Nissan Rogue
The Hyundai offers more space, and it comes with many more features as standard. Then comes the safety, in which the 2022 Tucson also gets the lead. The reliability ratings are also better for it and so is the more affordable price tag.
Is Nissan just as good as Toyota? ›
When comparing Nissan vs Toyota's reliability, Toyota was ranked by Consumer Reports as the second most reliable out of all car brands for 2021. Nissan ranked a lot lower in sixteenth place. Toyota's are known to be very reliable, lasting their owners decades with few significant problems.
What car will last the longest? ›- Toyota. Toyota Sequoia. Potential lifespan: 296,509 miles. ...
- Toyota. Toyota Land Cruiser. ...
- Chevrolet. Chevrolet Suburban. ...
- Toyota. Toyota Tundra. ...
- GMC. GMC Yukon XL. ...
- Toyota. Toyota Prius. ...
- Chevrolet. Chevrolet Tahoe. ...
- Honda. Honda Ridgeline.