These new gen cars are better than some of the luxury cars that are double in price nowadays. It’s crazy that people think Hyundais aren’t up to snuff and rather get a Honda or Toyota. It’s crazy
The issue is that people had similar perceptions from 2016 to 2019, only to discover that they had purchased vehicles with poor theft protection and engines prone to catastrophic failure. I hope they have learned from these mistakes, but only time will reveal that.
As a Hyundai owner of two vehicles that I enjoy, along with being a former Honda owner, I can see both the advantages and disadvantages of each brand.
Hyundai has significant issues with its U.S. dealer network. While not all dealers are problematic, many struggle with after-sales support. For example, Hyundai has had to remind dealers to use the correct oil weights as specified in the manual, yet many owners report that this isn’t being followed. Warranty support is also inconsistent at several dealerships, leading to regular complaints. Having the best warranty is great, but it loses its value if consumers can’t rely on dealers for routine maintenance. Although the cars themselves may surpass the performance of their selling network, the dealerships play a crucial role in shaping Hyundai’s reputation, and the company should do more to ensure they maintain high standards.
Additionally, Hyundai’s Theta II engine issue remains a significant concern that the company has yet to resolve completely. Because this engine has been used in many vehicles over a long period and has not been addressed promptly by Hyundai—resulting in substantial NHTSA fines—and with some dealers posing roadblocks, it continues to tarnish the brand’s reputation.
On the positive side, Hyundai excels in several areas, offering excellent value with numerous features for the price, and their technology—particularly in telematics and infotainment—is continually improving. However, even as a Hyundai owner, I would feel much more confident if they could address their dealer network issues and engine problems. Whether it’s a matter of quality control or design flaws, they need to ensure consistent quality across all facilities, especially in North America, where consumer protection may not be as robust as in the EU.
I’ve owned two Kias, which share the same mechanicals, and so far, I’ve had a good experience. However, Kia and Hyundai do deserve some criticism, particularly regarding the Theta engine issue in North America.
The problem isn’t just that it existed; it’s that they allowed it to persist for a decade without a proper resolution. For example, Toyota recently recalled 100,000 Tundras due to issues with spinning rod bearings, and although they haven’t identified a fix yet, they’re actively working to address it.
While some of the criticism directed at Kia and Hyundai is unwarranted, they still have improvements to make. Hopefully, the Smartstream engines will help alleviate some of these concerns.
Edit: Maybe Toyota will also implement a knock sensor update.
I agree. I find Toyotas to feel somewhat cheap, while Hondas are decent. However, Hyundai tends to offer more features.
I really miss my Sonata and wish it hadn’t been ruined. My boss gave it to me as a gift, and I only had to pay a low tax on it. I took great care of it, keeping up with regular oil changes and handling small repairs. We had a good 14-month run until it was stolen. I was initially hesitant about owning it, but over time I grew comfortable and thought I’d have it for a while.
It was taken around 4 a.m., and I didn’t realize it was gone until I was ready to leave for work. I later found out it had been abandoned just outside the city, and a few days later, I saw the damage those thieves caused. It was incredibly frustrating, and I hate how everything turned out. Fortunately, my insurance provided a rental and covered the costs, so I ended up with a $13K check, which I used to buy a 2018 Ford Fusion Hybrid. I’m still adjusting to the new car, but I wish things could have ended differently with my Hyundai.
Rest in peace, silver Sonata (January 27, 2023 - May 3, 2024).
It’s not that surprising. Toyota and Honda have been viewed as the most reliable car brands for around a decade, and there’s a solid reason for that reputation. Meanwhile, Hyundai has been dealing with the fallout from issues related to faulty security systems and engine failures over the past ten years.