So you‘re car shopping and considering Hyundai. Over 30 different variants across sedans, SUVs and now electric vehicles…the selection can seem overwhelming! Never fear. This comprehensive models overview will compare specs, pricing plus expert and owner impressions that reveal Hyundai as today‘s savvy purchase.
A Quick Brand Background
Headquartered in South Korea, Hyundai Motor Company launched in 1967. While known as a budget automaker into the 90s, massive investments in design, technology and quality caused a massive shift.
Flashforward to today – the lineup now sells over 1.3 million US vehicles annually with surging popularity. What changed perceptions? Awards speak volumes…
- Kona named 2019 North American Utility Vehicle of the Year
- Palisade won 2020 SUV of the Year
- Ioniq lineup claimed 2021 Green Car Achievement Awards
- Entire brand ranked #1 by J.D. Power 2022 Vehicle Dependability Study
Reviewers praise "impressive value", "good looking styling" and "impeccable fit and finish" reflecting thoroughly modern and competitive vehicles. Combine this elevated reputation with still reasonable pricing and Hyundai emerges as the total package.
Now let‘s explore which vehicle fits your needs…
Size and Style Guide: SUVs, Sedans, Hatchbacks and Trucks
Hyundai spans categories offering ideal choices like:
5 Seater SUVs – Kona, Tucson
2 Row Family SUVs – Santa Fe, Palisade, Ioniq 7 (2024)
Midsize Sedans – Sonata, Ioniq 6
Compact Sedans – Elantra, Accent
Electric Crossovers – Ioniq 5, Kona EV
Trucks – Santa Cruz
With this model variety, Hyundai can accommodate small urban commuters to large outdoor adventuring families.
Best selling cars? For 2021:
- Tucson SUV
- Elantra
- Sonata
- Kona
- Accent
- Palisade
- Santa Fe
Now let‘s explore dimensions and capacities…
Size Comparison
| Model | Category | Length | Width | Passenger Capacity | Cargo Cap (cu ft) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Venue | Subcompact SUV | 159"-172" | 70" | 5 seat | 18.7"-32.4" |
| Kona | Compact SUV | 164"-181" | 70"-73" | 5 seat | 19.2"-45.8" |
| Tucson | Compact SUV | 182"-186" | 73"-76" | 5 seat | 38.7"-79.4" |
| Santa Fe | Midsize 2-row SUV | 187"-196" | 74"-76" | 5-7 seat | 36.4"-78.0" |
| Palisade | Midsize 3-row SUV | 196" | 77"-79" | 7-8 seat | 45.8"-86.4" |
| Ioniq 5 | Midsize Crossover | 182" | 74" | 5 seat | 27.7"-59.3" |
| Ioniq 6 | Midsize Sedan | ??? | ??? | 5 seat | ??? |
| Sonata | Midsize Sedan | 192"-202" | 72"-73" | 5 seat | 16"-46.4" |
| Elantra | Compact Sedan | 175"-184" | 70"-72" | 5 seat | 14.2"-26.7" |
| Accent | Subcompact Sedan | 172"-177" | 62"-68" | 5 seat | 13.7"-25.2" |
| Santa Cruz | Compact Truck | 195"-224" | 75" | 4-5 seat | 23.4"-59.9" |
Clearly choices for all needs ranging from Accent and Venue perfect for tight city streets while Palisade and Santa Fe haul the whole family plus outdoor adventure gear.
Power and Performance
Of course you need to match size with adequate capability. Powertrains range from efficient to exhilarating:
Gas engines – Range from 128hp (Accent) to 290hp (Palisade). Performance N Line variants available.
Hybrid options – Sonata, Tucson, Elantra Hybrids combine gas and electric averaging 50+ combined mpg.
Plug-in Hybrid – Tucson PHEV allows 29 electric mile range and 88 MPGe efficiency.
Electric – 258hp RWD Ioniq 5…201hp AWD Kona Electric. 300+ mile range.
Hydrogen Fuel Cell – Cutting-edge Nexo rated at 121 MPGe.
Transmissions – Most models offer smooth and responsive Intelligent Variable automatic shifting. 7 or 8 speed. Performance N Line cars give drivers paddle shifters and manual modes.
Want acceleration stats? The 293hp Palisade V6 hits 60 mph in 7.1 seconds – not bad for a large 3-row family SUV. While behind the curves of sports cars, power stays adequate even when loaded with passengers and cargo.
Handling skews towards smooth and comfortable but Hyundai does calibrate suspension for balanced road feel and responsiveness.
How Prices And Trim Levels Compare
One important purchasing consideration comes down to budget. Here is a trim level overview across top categories:
Sedans
| Model | Trims | Starting Price | Top Trim Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elantra | SE, SEL, N Line | $20,650 | $25,900 |
| Sonata | SE, SEL, N Line, Limited | $25,000 | $35,800 |
| Ioniq 6 EV | Standard Range, Long Range | $45,000 (est) | $55,000 (est) |
SUVs and Crossovers
| Model | Trims | Starting Price | Top Trim Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kona | SEL, Limited, Ultimate | $22,490 | $32,250 |
| Tucson | SE, SEL, Limited, Hybrid/PHEV | $26,820 | $45,370 |
| Santa Fe | SE, SEL, Calligraphy | $28,090 | $46,830 |
| Palisade | Calligraphy | $34,100 | $52,450 |
| Ioniq 5 EV | SE, SEL, Limited | $44,000 | $60,000 (est) |
Analysts praise this "high value positioning available on each vehicle from base models focused on affordable transportation up to tricked-out versions infused with luxury ambitions like quilted nappa leather and matte wood trims."
In other words…options for any budget!
Reviews And Awards Prove Quality Across Classes
While pricing stays generally favorable within auto segments, Hyundai continues gaining on higher end brands for owner satisfaction and expert evaluations:
Awards Haul
- #1 Car Brand – 2021 J.D. Power APEAL awards for creating "most satisfying" new models
- #1 SUV Brand – AutoPacific 2022 Hybrid Satisfaction index
- Most Dependable Brand – J.D. Power 2022 Vehicle Dependability Study
- Best Electric Vehicles – CarBuzz 2022 EV Awards lauding Ioniq 5 and Kona EV
On top of brand acclaim, specific models shine:
- Kona named 2019 North American Utility Vehicle of the Year
- Palisade won 2020 SUV of the Year
- Ioniq lineup claimed 2021 Green Car Achievement Awards
Owner Love
92% of Hyundai owners state they "definitely would" repurchase the brand. Why so much loyalty? The care for detail shines through in Hyundai touchpoints like:
- Easy to use interfaces with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration
- Lighting features from configurable ambient lighting themes to rear reading lamps to illuminated vanity mirrors
- Convenience tech ranging from wireless device charging to power liftgates and remote start
- Active driving aids likeForward Collision Avoidance assist, Blind Spot View Monitor and Safe Exit Warning alert
Expert Impressions
Car & Driver says the Santa Fe plays well against luxury compact SUVs like Acura RDX and Lincoln Corsair.
MotorTrend calls Palisade interior "really nice" and "more premium than the Honda Pilot or even Acura MDX."
AutoTrader names Kona Electric "among the most fun-to-drive affordable electric vehicles."
Warranty And Repair Cost Savings Add Value
The average industry powertrain warranty runs 5 years. Hyundai doubles that to 10 years/100k miles – reflecting confidence in longevity. This protects against expensive transmission or engine issues down the road. Hyundai also exceeds the 3 years/36k miles bumper to bumper standard with 5 years/60k miles comprehensive coverage.
Thinking long term ownership costs? RepairPal issues reliability ratings by analyzing owner surveys and vehicle data. Hyundai scores an impressive 4 out of 5 rating. For context, Toyota earns 4.5 while Ford and Chevy sit at 3.5 out of 5. This above average durability means less trips to the shop. When maintenance does arise, Hyundai vehicles cost on average $474 annual – better than brands with similarly complex technology.
Safety Tech Keeps Your Family Secure
Of course one major benefit to modern autos comes through advanced protection technologies. Hyundai has packaged their segment-leading SmartSense suite of active systems as standard or available across the lineup:
- Forward Collision Avoidance Assist (camera/radar)
- Blind Spot Collision Avoidance Support
- Safe Exit Warning Alert
- Rear Cross Traffic Collision Avoidance Support
- Driver Attention Warning
- High Beam Assist to prevent blinding
- Lane Keeping Assist & Lane Follow Assist
- Adaptive Cruise Control with stop/go capability
This comprehensive level of accident prevention aids and interventions earned nearly the entire Hyundai range an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety TOP SAFETY PICK rating.
Find Your Perfect Model Match
After taking a tour across Hyundai offerings maybe you landed on some frontrunners? I‘ll end with a few model recommendations based on common priorities:
Best Styling – Ioniq 5
Retro modern themes on the trailblazing EV crossover turns heads thanks to pixelated lighting and sleek profile.statements boldly declaring the sustainable future is here!
Best Performance – Kona N Line
Agile SUV ride with 195 horsepower from turbocharged engine plus sport tuned suspension. N Line models infuse excitement throughout sedans and SUVs.
Best Fuel Economy – Ioniq Hybrid Blue
EPA rated an astonishing 59 combined mpg from frugal powertrain optimizing gas and electric power. Blue badging celebrates eco focus.
Best Value – Accent
Even base models pack impressive amenity levels like standard forward collision avoidance assist into the $17k+ sticker providing affordable peace of mind.
Best Road Presence – Palisade Calligraphy
Range topping SUV transports up to 8 passengers in pampered luxury surrounded by quilted Nappa leather and rich woodgrain trim.
Best EV Range – Ioniq 5 RWD Long Range
Covering 303 miles between plugging in…this configuration pushed to the max shows Hyundai‘s next gen battery and efficiency prowess.
I hope this guide amounts to a test drive through specifications, expert impressions and feature details that help determine if Hyundai vehicles match your needs and budget! Reach out with any other questions.
