Hyundai Logo

Hyundai

star star star star star_half

5.7

Overall Score

Author: Kaitlyn Short

LAST UPDATED: January 31st, 2022

Founded in 1967, Hyundai is a South Korean car company that, along with its subsidiaries Kia Motors and luxury marque Genesis Motors, makes up the third-largest car manufacturer in the world, behind Toyota and VW. 

With the Hyundai Excel’s robust US introduction in 1986, the brand’s initial reputation was solely as a budget brand. 

Now, the company has put an emphasis on appealing design and quality manufacturing. They back up that emphasis with the country’s best warranty: 5 years or 60,000-mile basic policy and 10 years or 100,000-mile powertrain warranty. This is 40 percent more coverage than most other brands (most feature 3 to 4 years and 5 to 6 years). 

The brand offers compacts, sedans, crossovers, and SUVs, plus sustainable options sold at the company’s more than 800 US dealerships.

thumb_up

The Good

  • Dependability
  • Warranty
  • Style and Tech
  • Sustainable Options
  • Safety

Dependability

On the JD Power Dependability Study, Hyundai ranks well, at #7 out of 31 automaker brands. Additionally, Kelley Blue Book measures dependability by the 5-Year Cost to Own Awards. Hyundai was named Best Brand in 2016 and 2018. Likely related to the brand’s reliability, Brand Keys Customer Loyalty Engagement Index has ranked Hyundai #1 in the auto industry since 2010. 

Warranty

Hyundai has the best warranty available in the US. The company offers a 5-year, 60,000-mile new vehicle warranty, which is lengthy compared to most other companies that only offer a 3- or 4-year warranty. The powertrain limited warranty lasts 10 years or 100,000 miles compared to most other companies, which offer 4 to 6 years of coverage. On top of that, the automaker’s anti-perforation warranty lasts 7 years, while other companies mostly offer 5 or 6 years of coverage. 

New vehicles come with 5 years and unlimited miles coverage for roadside assistance. 

Style and Tech

In recent years, Hyundai has put an emphasis on its sleek, fluid design. 

Additionally, new owners can access Blue Link connected car service free for three years. This includes remote engine start, climate control, remote car finder, enhanced roadside assistance with a button on the rearview mirror, and other features.

Sustainable Options

Hyundai has a long history of developing electric cars dating back to 1991. Currently, the company offers a few different hybrid and electric options, including the best fuel economy in America, the Ioniq Blue Hybrid with a 59 mpg highway fuel efficiency. 

Here is a breakdown of sustainable models: 

  • 2019 Ioniq Hybrid
  • 2019 Ioniq Plug-in Hybrid
  • 2019 Ioniq Electric
  • 2018 Sonata Hybrid

A limited-availability model, the Nexo, is the world’s first and only hydrogen fuel-cell SUV. It has a range of up to 380 miles, which is higher than any fuel-cell, or even any electric vehicle on the market. You can fuel up in just 5 minutes, and it comes with complimentary fuel for 3 years or $12,000, whichever is reached first. It is only available in California, but there isn’t a waiting list. You can test drive it at dealerships now. 

Safety

Several vehicles come with SmartSense, which offers several safety features: 

  • Forward Collision Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian Detection
  • Driver Attention Warning
  • Blind-Sport Collision WArning
  • Lane Keeping Assist
  • High Beam Assist
  • Safe Exit Assist
  • Smart Cruise Control
  • Rear Cross-Traffic Warning
  • Rear Occupant Alert
thumb_down

The Bad

  • Average Consumer Satisfaction

Average Consumer Satisfaction

Hyundai doesn’t have the best rating on the latest American Customer Satisfaction Index study. With a score of 80, it wasn’t the best- or worst-rated in the car market. It tied with 8 other brands, garnering an industry average, middling score.

gavel

The Bottom Line

This dark horse automaker out of South Korea has been building a solid reputation as a reliable car maker with one eye on the present and the other on the future. Hyundai offers a model lineup with safety features and style in combination, as well as several sustainable options, including hybrid, hybrid plug-in, fully-electric, and hydrogen-fueled models.

View Best Car Brands

Was this content helpful?
thumb_up Yes thumb_down No

Star Rating

info

4.5

star star star star star_half

164 Reviews

Review Breakdown

5 grade

60%

4 grade

29%

3 grade

9%

2 grade

2%

1 grade

1%

Sentiment Criteria

Value

star star star star star_half

Quality

star star star star star_half

Service

star star star star star_half

Trustworthiness

star star star star star_half
cancel
info
star star star star star_border

Jonny Hancock

They make a reliable car, however, they are trying so hard to keep up with Toyota and Honda quality is missed. Dashboards, knobs, buttons and displays feel cheap. I would buy this car for a first time car, not a long term car.

7 years ago

star star star star star_border

Jean C Thompson

My experience has been mostly good. Good prices include many of the best safety options that are extras on other cars. I feel Hyundai could have done more to improve road noise and ride between 2009 and 2017. That lowered their ratings but they didn't bother to improve.

7 years ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star_border

Larry L Nielson Boise, ID

Had to get a car quick as we had a wreck. Rushed to local dealer that I knew. He showed me a few SUV's. Took ride in a Hyundai. Rode nice - comfortable. Had enough power and room for wife and I. Bought the car. Have had it now for 7 years. It runs very well and I have very little problems. It has been a wonderful buy for us. I would highly recommend this auto maker.

5 years ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star_border

Tom Gourley Pleasant Grove, UT

I have found my Hyundai to be a very reliable and enjoyable vehicle. It gets good gas mileage, was reasonable priced, and has never been a problem. When I have taken it in for service the employees have gone the extra mile to take good care of me and make certain I don't pay for anything that can be avoided. They also have great treats in their customer waiting room!

6 years ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star_border

Megan A McEvoy Tallahassee, FL

I currently have a 2013 Hyundai Accent and the car has been very reliable! There was one issue with the battery, but the dealership in Shrewsbury, NJ was very quick to replace it and I had my car back within hours. The car has gotten me from New Jersey to Florida and back twice now without any problems. It is also very good for gas mileage, especially during those 17 hour drives.

6 years ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star_border

Miles Strother American Fork, UT

While living with my cousin I took their car, a 2010 Hyundai Sonata into a Hyundai dealer for a free car wash. They provided free food and a nice space to wait, but the car wash also took over an hour, and there was nobody in line ahead of me. I'm sure it was just a one-time problem, and everything else about my experience showed me Hyundai treats their customers well

7 years ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star_border

Eliana Randall Sandy, UT

I bought my Hyundai from my grandparents who bought it back in 2010. I’ve had it for about 4 years and have only had a problem with the gas cap leaking which was a quick and inexpensive fix. I have been very impressed with how long this car has lasted!

4 years ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star_border

Noah Provo, UT

We got a new Hyundai recently. I love the backup camera feature, it's fantastic and makes me feel secure when I'm backing out of our steep driveway. What I don't like is the bulky-feeling of driving it. It seems to pull against you a tiny bit whenever you turn compared to the CRV I drove before.

5 years ago

star star star star star_border

Christina Healey Provo, UT

Our Hyundai Elantra has seen over 100,000 miles. It’s been a great car with little problems. The 100,000 mile warranty was so amazing to have. The dealership has been awesome to work with that warranty. Getting service done at the dealership takes a long time, so that’s why I give it a 4 star overall rating.

5 years ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star_border

TorShip Saratoga Springs, UT

We recently bought a Hyundai palisade. They have a lot of perks to buying and the dealership also included free car washes and oil changes for life. I feel like the dealership was easy to work with and helped us decide the best car for our family.

6 years ago

star star star star star_border

Brenda Spanish Fork, UT

I loved my little red Hyundai Elantra. I never had any issues with it. I sold it because I needed something bigger. I did have to replace the clutch but I attribute that to my children who used it to learn how to drive a stick shift.

7 years ago

star star star star star_border

Jacob Shaner

I have owned two uses Hyundai vehicles, both Elantras. They have run well, and any time I have needed repairs they have been normal repairs you would expect from cars with high mileage. Good for commuting, and a lot of resources on the internet to fix small problems myself. Again, they were used.

7 years ago

star star star star star_border

Beth Farmer Pleasant Grove, UT

We have a 2010 Hyundai Elantra and overall have been pleased with it. There have been a few minor things that have given out like USB port and windows and locks that I feel should have definitely lasted longer (gave out around 60,000 miles). Other than regular maintenance there have not been any major repairs needed and we just hit 100,000 miles.

7 years ago

star star star star star_border

Neil Garrio

My experience had been good, the Sonata is a great car. I like the safety aspect of Hyundai, and they cam improve by makin options a little more affordable.

7 years ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star_border

Kara Turkson Tallahassee, FL

Hyundai cars are pretty reliable as long as you continue maintenance on them regularly. Parts are not super expensive, so that makes repair costs cheaper than the notable Japanese brands.

4 years ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star_border

Hal Santa Clara, CA

I have had my Sonata for 8 years and over 100,000 miles. I have performed the recommended maintenance at the dealer. I have had no major repairs. It is a comfortable and reliable car.

5 years ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star_border

Logan Hudson Norcross, GA

After driving a sonata that I borrowed from one of my friends I can say that Hyundai has a very quality line of cars. They have great gas mileage, and are family friendly cars.

6 years ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star_border

Bryndie Managua, MN

Felt like a super reliable car for a long time. Worked exactly how we needed it to. However, as soon as we hit close to 200,000 miles everything started breaking and it got very difficult to maintain.

6 years ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star_border

Audrey Mitchell Managua, MN

Have purchased multiple Hyundai vehicles and have never been disappointed. They have kept all their cars up to date with technology and offer great features, the backup camera being a personal favorite.

6 years ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star_border

Ben Crisp Temecula, CA

Ive never owned a Hyundai but i borrowed my brother’s for a month or so and I was extremely satisfied with it. It was a smooth ride and the gas mileage was upper-dece so it was good!

7 years ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star_border

Sydney Pinto Tallahassee, FL

Hyundai is a very dependable company that sells very reliable cars. With having a Hyundai for around three years, it has had barely any problems. Great first car.

6 years ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star_border

Amy Boren American Fork, UT

We bought our son a Tuscon to take to college. It was used and it is working great! It has done great in the snow even though it isn't all wheel drive.

7 years ago

star star star star star_border

Joyce

The sales people have been very accommodating, but Hyundai Finance has been unsatisfactory in customer service.

7 years ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star_border

Marilynn Holland Salt Lake City, UT

We just bought a new Hyundai in the last few months. They gave us great information on the different models so we could make an informed decision

5 years ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star_border

Yolanda Briganti Riverton, UT

We had a Hyundai Elantra. The price was what I liked best. The body seemed to dent easily. It didn't have a lot of power but it got from A to B.

6 years ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star_border

Tiauna Anderson Salt Lake City, UT

I recently bought my Hyundai after I leased it for two years and I still love it! I've had zero problems with it and I love how dependable it is.

6 years ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star_border

Dre35 West Valley City, UT

We have loved our Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The quality of the car is amazing for the price we ended up paying! Great car for what you pay.

6 years ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star_border

Mirna Hanna Tallahassee, FL

Great cars and good customer service at their dealerships. The services are overpriced sometimes but the recall service is really good.

6 years ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star_border

Lindsay Norcross, GA

I’ve had my Hyundai Elantra for over two years now. No problems yet. I do hear some squeaks but nothing major. I’m happy with my purchase so far.

6 years ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star_border

Jon Posey Riverton, UT

Our Hyundai was great at the time. I think since we have moved on, they have stepped up the quality and I am eyeing a new one as we speak.

6 years ago

star star star star star_border

Lesa Stewart Saint George, UT

We owned a Hyundai. We were in a small accident. Our car hardly had any damage. They are built well. We felt safe even though it was a small car.

7 years ago

star star star star star_border

Dekiah1 Alpine, UT

Owned for about 1 year and haven’t had any problems. I love that middle seat folds down almost completely flat for great camping experiences!

7 years ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star_border

Tracy Hill Draper, UT

I love Hyundai because the cars are very spacious and reliable. I love the look of these cars and I’ve always been happy with my Hyundai vehicles

7 years ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star_border

BLF Pleasant Grove, UT

I drove a Hyundai in high school and it was a reliable car. The gas mileage was great and I liked the comfortable drive.

7 years ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star_border

L. Fowler Pleasant Grove, UT

We bought a Hyundai for our kids to drive around and it has been a great starter car. It gets great gas mileage and drives well for the price.

7 years ago

star star star star star_border

Bill Looney

We put 100,000 miles on a car. I liked the way the engine sounded and the tire wear was excellent.

7 years ago

star star star star star_border

Lee Johnson

Hyundai Genesis Coupe. I like the reliability and the performance speed and handling

7 years ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star_border

Susanna Collins Long Beach, MS

I just got my 2015 Hyundai Elantra. I truly love is so much! it is one of the smoothest driving cars I have ever driven

6 years ago

star star star star star_border

Adriana Diaz American Fork, UT

Hyundai is very dependable and Overall fantastic , I will only ever use Hyundai

6 years ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star_border

TTeep Smithfield, UT

We own 2 Hyundai right now. We like the fuel mileage it gets. It's never really had major issues.

5 years ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star_border

Frederline Jean Jacksonville, FL

I like that a Hyundai is a strong, quality car. They look good but they could provide more service.

5 years ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star_border

Tony Riverton, UT

Drove an Elantra for a week and car was actually quite impressive and a great value for the money.

6 years ago

star star star star star_border

Jami Howell Farmington, UT

I have an 06 Senata and it started out great but it has issues with the windows.

7 years ago

star star star star star_border

Tj Carrell

Dependable and comfortable. Low maintenance in my opinion.

7 years ago

star star star star star_border

Jerome A McBean

Good overall quality. Need a little better ergonomics.

7 years ago

star star star star star_border

Donna Summerall

I love my Hyundai Tucson. The ride could be smoother.

7 years ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star star_border

Trey Tipton Rockville, MD

Reliable car, handles well, and comfortable.

5 years ago Edited September 14, 2021