South Korea is slowly but surely proving that they are among the world’s best car manufacturers. The automotive industry in the country is fairly young (started in the late ‘50s), but it’s already one of the leaders in the global market. Its most famous carmaker is Hyundai. The brand created the first Korean automobile, the Pony, in 1975, and this humble car made Hyundai a global brand.
Just like the Japanese, Korean cars are all about practicality, utility, and features. The company has mastered its craft, creating cars that appeal not just to the Asian market but also to the West, especially for buyers who are on a budget.
One of the best-selling SUVs in the world is the Hyundai Tucson. While the company isn’t the brand that initially comes to mind for buyers, especially with the popularity of the Japanese brands, the Korean manufacturer is not one to be overlooked.
Hyundai is among the busiest in the hybrid and electric car sector, proving itself to be an adept innovator. In fact, in 2018, they introduced the Nexo compact SUV, the first of its kind to be powered by Hydrogen. For any type of driver, this Korean brand should always be an option. Here are some of Hyundai’s most reliable cars.
10 2020 Ioniq
Launched in 2017, the Ioniq is the world’s first car with "three electrified powertrains”. It might not be a popular model, but it’s easy to love when drivers get to know it better.
As Toyota Prius’ rightful competitor, the handsome Ioniq attracted admirers that are put off by the Prius' strange styling. The Ioniq is not just fuel-efficient and reliable, but it’s also affordable—perfect for first-time drivers.
9 2020 Elantra
The Elantra is one of Hyundai’s best-selling cars, thanks to its cheaper price tag compared to compact vehicles offered by other Asian brands. It is affordable, but that doesn’t mean quality was sacrificed. In fact, J.D. Power is generous when praising this vehicle.
The seventh-generation units are packed with advanced safety features and sharp design, enough to claim the title of 2021’s "North American Car of the Year." Affordable to buy and easy to maintain ($595 yearly), the Elantra is rich in value.
8 2020 Palisade
Probably Hyundai’s most intimidating car as far as looks are concerned, the Palisade knows how to impress. It is the company’s largest vehicle, making it a perfect choice for the bigger family. This SUV is powered by a V6 and can go from 0-60 mph in just 7.1 seconds (AWD).
It's also praised for its safety features, notably the Safe Exit Assist, which prevents doors from being opened if there’s oncoming traffic. This competent SUV is reliable not just for drivers but for passengers, too. It’s straightforward, powerful, and sharply styled.
7 2019 Kona
Launched just in 2017, the Kona has already gained a reputation as a trusted small SUV. It was even awarded North American Utility Vehicle of the Year for 2019. It might be a subcompact, but it’s packed with power and appeal.
This Hyundai creation topped a J.D. Power study for vehicle technology. Rightly so because its high-tech features, from the infotainment to the driver assistance systems, complement the overall goodness of the small SUV.
6 2019 Genesis G70
Genesis is Hyundai’s luxury vehicle division, and it’s not to be outdone in its sector. The South Korean brand continued its user-friendly and affordable offerings with the G70. Who would’ve thought that a luxury car can be inexpensive?
Considered the competitor of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and BMW 3 Series, the G70 made sure to impress. The exterior looks good: it has powerful turbocharged engines and reliability that’s not just on paper.
5 2020 Veloster N
A report says Veloster means “velocity” and “roadster.” Whle it may not be a drop-top roadster, the N variant of this Hyundai creation surely has the velocity. In fact, the Veloster N can sprint from 0-60 mph in just 5.1 seconds. This high-performance vehicle evidently means business, and buying it and maintaining it won’t break the bank.
U.S. News critics scored it 8.2/10, while J.D. Power commended the Veloster N for its simple yet impressive performance. It boasts an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission, providing a racetrack-ready performance for drivers.
4 2019 Santa Fe
Another proud Hyundai SUV, the seven-seater Santa Fe is all about performance, comfort, and safety. The way things are going with this South Korean brand, it’s not a surprise that this vehicle is among the favorites.
It has a bold aura (look at that grill), a spacious cabin, good-looking interiors, and impressive safety features. Though it had one recall for airbags, the Santa Fe is an overall reliable car. No wonder it’s one of Hyundai’s best-selling cars.
3 2022 Tucson
With its completely redesigned 2022 Tucson, Hyundai continues its tradition of affordability. It is their best-selling SUV and was their best-selling model in 2021. This crossover is not just a head-turner, it’s generous, too, when it comes to features and performance.
Kelley Blue Book gave last year's Tucson a rating of 4.3 (out of 5) for reliability, praising it for its infotainment system, warranty, and styling. The latest Tucson is worth every penny because it offers so much, including superb handling and solid performance. It just works.
2 2021 Venue
The bargain price Venue is still new in the scene, but the small crossover is already collecting applause. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded the 2021 model the ‘Top Safety Pick’, while it earned four stars from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Though the Venue had one recall for seat belt issues, this subcompact is generally reliable. It only comes in front-wheel drive as AWD is not available. Still, it’s not to be missed because it's fuel-efficient, has voice assistance, and is a quality vehicle despite its low cost.
1 2018 Sonata
The Sonata has been in production since 1985 (though not available in the U.S. until 1989), making it one of Hyundai's most reliable vehicles because it has improved through the years. Edmunds recommends this sedan for families partly because of its room, comfort and plentiful standard features.
Its sharp handling was noted by Consumer Reports, as was its commendable braking. It’s also equipped with advanced safety features like a blind-spot monitor. All told, the Sonata just hits all the right notes.