Hyundai has come a long way since its introduction of the Hyundai Assurance warranty in 1999. This commitment to quality, alongside award-winning models like the 2012 Elantra, has cemented Hyundai’s place in the automotive market. But Are Hyundai Good Cars in today’s competitive landscape? Let’s delve into their reliability, fuel efficiency, safety, and overall cost of ownership to answer that question.
Fuel Efficiency: Leading the Charge in MPG and MPGe
Hyundai boasts an impressive lineup of fuel-efficient vehicles, including hybrids and fully electric options. The IONIQ 5, for example, swept the 2022 World Car Awards, winning Car of the Year, Electric Vehicle of the Year, and World Car Design of the Year. This underscores Hyundai’s dedication to electric vehicle innovation under the IONIQ brand.
According to FuelEconomy.gov, the 2023 Hyundai IONIQ 6 Long Range rear-wheel drive model achieves an impressive 140 combined MPGe. The Kona Electric also boasts over 120 combined MPGe. For those seeking a hybrid option, the 2023 Elantra Hybrid delivers a combined 54 MPG. Even Hyundai’s gas-powered models consistently achieve over 20 MPG combined, demonstrating a commitment to fuel efficiency across the board. Plug-in hybrid options like the Santa Fe and Tucson further enhance fuel savings with ratings of 76 MPGe and 80 MPGe, respectively.
Repair Costs: Below Average and Under Warranty
RepairPal ranks Hyundai fourth out of 32 car brands for reliability, with an average annual repair cost of $468. This is significantly lower than the industry average of $652. Furthermore, Hyundais visit the repair shop less frequently and have a lower likelihood of requiring major repairs.
Contributing to these lower costs is Hyundai’s renowned warranty program. The 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty remains unmatched in the industry. While the 5-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty is more standard, it still provides substantial coverage. Certified pre-owned (CPO) Hyundais retain these warranties, offering further peace of mind. Additionally, some older Hyundai hybrid models benefit from a lifetime hybrid battery warranty.
Safety: Consistently Earning Top Marks
Hyundai consistently receives high safety ratings from the IIHS. Several 2023 models, including the IONIQ 5, IONIQ 6, and Palisade, earned the prestigious Top Safety Pick+ award, achieving “Good” ratings across all crashworthiness categories. The 2023 Sonata also received recognition with a Top Safety Pick award. These accolades highlight Hyundai’s commitment to passenger safety.
Cost of Ownership: Competitive Value Across Models
Kelley Blue Book (KBB) data reveals that Hyundai vehicles offer competitive five-year cost-to-own figures. Models like the Venue have even won KBB’s 5-Year Cost to Own Award multiple times. This affordability, combined with the brand’s reliability and fuel efficiency, makes Hyundai a compelling choice for budget-conscious buyers.
Dependability: Proven Reliability Backed by Awards
J.D. Power consistently recognizes Hyundai for its dependability. Various models, including the Sonata, Santa Fe, and Accent, have received awards for their quality and reliability. While the used Hyundai market is influenced by the high demand for new models, J.D. Power’s dependability studies consistently place Hyundai above average in terms of mechanical reliability.
Conclusion: Are Hyundais Good Cars? The Answer is a Resounding Yes.
From fuel-efficient engines to top-notch safety ratings and competitive ownership costs, Hyundai consistently delivers value and quality. Backed by a robust warranty and a track record of dependability, Hyundai vehicles prove to be a smart choice for a wide range of drivers. If you’re in the market for a new or used car, Hyundai deserves serious consideration.
