I’m considering both these hybrids. The Hyundai Limited hybrid has all the features I want at a good price, but I’m worried about reliability.
The Lexus feels luxurious but needs a lot of pricey upgrades to get the features I want, though it has a great reputation for reliability.
Is the higher price worth it? Are Hyundai’s reliability concerns exaggerated?
Concerns about Hyundai’s reliability are overblown.
Sure, there are issues with the Theta II engines and some transmission problems in the Santa Fe. But the NX4 has been around for a bit, and I haven’t heard of serious issues.
You’ll hear all kinds of opinions about Hyundai—both good and bad. The same goes for Lexus. In the end, it’s a matter of personal preference. Pick the one you like better.
Both come with warranties, after all.
Mary said:
Concerns about Hyundai’s reliability are overblown.
Sure, there are issues with the Theta II engines and some transmission problems in the Santa Fe. But the NX4 has been around for a bit, and I haven’t heard of serious issues.
You’ll hear all kinds of opinions about Hyundai—both good and bad. The same goes for Lexus. In the end, it’s a matter of personal preference. Pick the one you like better.
Both come with warranties, after all.
Yep, I’ve driven a Hyundai hybrid for 12 years. I’ve only had minor issues.
Mary said:
Concerns about Hyundai’s reliability are overblown.
Sure, there are issues with the Theta II engines and some transmission problems in the Santa Fe. But the NX4 has been around for a bit, and I haven’t heard of serious issues.
You’ll hear all kinds of opinions about Hyundai—both good and bad. The same goes for Lexus. In the end, it’s a matter of personal preference. Pick the one you like better.
Both come with warranties, after all.
Yep, I’ve driven a Hyundai hybrid for 12 years. I’ve only had minor issues.
I just got a Hyundai Tucson and can’t believe the gas mileage I’m getting. I’ve always bought V6 or American cars. I used to spend $70 a week on gas with my Maxima, but now I’m spending only $10-15 a week. I love how the Hyundai steers. It’s smooth and handles bumps well. Toyotas are reliable, but their steering isn’t great. Nissans struggle with bumps, and Chevrolet steering isn’t good either.
I drove Toyota CVTs for about 2 weeks and got turned off by them. I thought I could handle the technical benefits of a CVT, but the droning while accelerating was a dealbreaker for me.
I bought a 2025 PHEV for around $20k less than an NX350h, and I really like the drivetrain.
I read that Lexus is the most reliable brand on the American market, with Toyota as its cheaper counterpart.
I think my next car will be a Lexus mid-size SUV. I checked one out at the car show this year, and it was really nice for not much more money.
We’re looking at the Tucson, the Toyota Crown Signia, and maybe a Sorento. All HEVs. Odd combo, right? I wouldn’t buy a non-HEV in the Kia/Hyundai family. I prefer ECVT in Toyota or a regular automatic.
The tech in Hyundai, like the cameras, caught my wife’s eye. I’m okay with Hyundai’s reliability, and we tend to keep cars for a long time. The Toyota is new this year, but most of the powertrain is proven.
MysticMuse said:
We’re looking at the Tucson, the Toyota Crown Signia, and maybe a Sorento. All HEVs. Odd combo, right? I wouldn’t buy a non-HEV in the Kia/Hyundai family. I prefer ECVT in Toyota or a regular automatic.
The tech in Hyundai, like the cameras, caught my wife’s eye. I’m okay with Hyundai’s reliability, and we tend to keep cars for a long time. The Toyota is new this year, but most of the powertrain is proven.
If the Crown Signia wasn’t so long (I need to parallel park), I would have considered it.
The tech in the Hyundai convinced me over the RAV4 and CX-5. I just don’t see many older Hyundais on the road that are in good shape, which makes me hesitant to keep it for a long time. I plan to switch after 3-4 years this time.
I’m on my second Hyundai (2018 and then 2022 Tucson). No issues so far, but I usually sell and buy before the warranty ends, around 3-4 years in. I’m looking at the Santa Fe hybrid, which has some concerns, but as long as I sell it before the warranty ends, I’m not too worried.
I’d love to jump to Lexus, but I can’t justify the cost right now, and the Hyundai meets my needs well.
StellarStrike said:
I’m on my second Hyundai (2018 and then 2022 Tucson). No issues so far, but I usually sell and buy before the warranty ends, around 3-4 years in. I’m looking at the Santa Fe hybrid, which has some concerns, but as long as I sell it before the warranty ends, I’m not too worried.
I’d love to jump to Lexus, but I can’t justify the cost right now, and the Hyundai meets my needs well.
Are you trading in mainly because of reliability concerns? I’m not looking to trade in that quickly, honestly.
StellarStrike said:
I’m on my second Hyundai (2018 and then 2022 Tucson). No issues so far, but I usually sell and buy before the warranty ends, around 3-4 years in. I’m looking at the Santa Fe hybrid, which has some concerns, but as long as I sell it before the warranty ends, I’m not too worried.
I’d love to jump to Lexus, but I can’t justify the cost right now, and the Hyundai meets my needs well.
Are you trading in mainly because of reliability concerns? I’m not looking to trade in that quickly, honestly.
It’s just a rule for me regarding cars and most large purchases.
Also, I like to minimize the chance of being stuck on the side of the road.
Dolph said:
I’m considering both these hybrids. The Hyundai Limited hybrid has all the features I want at a good price, but I’m worried about reliability.
The Lexus feels luxurious but needs a lot of pricey upgrades to get the features I want, though it has a great reputation for reliability.
Is the higher price worth it? Are Hyundai’s reliability concerns exaggerated?
How long do you plan to keep it? That alone should help you decide. The Lexus engine should last longer than the Hyundai.
Personally, I’m thinking of getting an EV in the next 3-4 years, so the Hyundai will work just fine for me. But if you plan to drive this car for 15 years, go for the Lexus.
Dolph said:
I’m considering both these hybrids. The Hyundai Limited hybrid has all the features I want at a good price, but I’m worried about reliability.
The Lexus feels luxurious but needs a lot of pricey upgrades to get the features I want, though it has a great reputation for reliability.
Is the higher price worth it? Are Hyundai’s reliability concerns exaggerated?
Lexus has the best reliability today, no question. I had a Lexus hybrid for 11 years, and only did regular maintenance. It was a great car, but when I wanted to replace it for more safety features, I found I loved the Hyundai Tucson’s features and tech. It was also much cheaper. I worry a bit about losing that worry-free experience, but I have a warranty and keep up with maintenance. I’ve had the Tucson for a year, no problems, and I’m really enjoying it.
Lexus has a better dealer experience, no doubt. I wouldn’t buy a car based just on that, though.
Dolph said:
I’m considering both these hybrids. The Hyundai Limited hybrid has all the features I want at a good price, but I’m worried about reliability.
The Lexus feels luxurious but needs a lot of pricey upgrades to get the features I want, though it has a great reputation for reliability.
Is the higher price worth it? Are Hyundai’s reliability concerns exaggerated?
I just got a 2025 hybrid limited Tucson and I’m blown away. It’s much better than the CR-V and RAV4, cheaper than the Crown Signia, and taller too. So many features.
The highway drive assist is amazing. I’m hardly driving! Definitely go test drive it.
Dolph said:
I’m considering both these hybrids. The Hyundai Limited hybrid has all the features I want at a good price, but I’m worried about reliability.
The Lexus feels luxurious but needs a lot of pricey upgrades to get the features I want, though it has a great reputation for reliability.
Is the higher price worth it? Are Hyundai’s reliability concerns exaggerated?
I’m debating between the 2025 Tucson and the RX350. Honestly, I’m torn. The Tucson is about 15k cheaper, but I’m also concerned about reliability. I’ve only driven Toyotas for the last 15 years.
Dolph said:
I’m considering both these hybrids. The Hyundai Limited hybrid has all the features I want at a good price, but I’m worried about reliability.
The Lexus feels luxurious but needs a lot of pricey upgrades to get the features I want, though it has a great reputation for reliability.
Is the higher price worth it? Are Hyundai’s reliability concerns exaggerated?
We compared these exact cars and planned to get the NX350h, but the 2024 Tucson Hybrid Limited convinced us, and after 13,000 miles, we have no regrets and no issues. The Lexus interior felt nice but cramped, especially in the back and cargo areas. The Tucson has all the top features as standard, is very quiet, and refined. I recommend the Hybrid Limited. We have a Lexus GS350, so we know Lexus quality well. I liked that the Tucson has mechanical all-wheel drive, and I’m getting 35-38 mpg after the break-in period and first winter. We plan to keep it for a long time.
Dolph said:
I’m considering both these hybrids. The Hyundai Limited hybrid has all the features I want at a good price, but I’m worried about reliability.
The Lexus feels luxurious but needs a lot of pricey upgrades to get the features I want, though it has a great reputation for reliability.
Is the higher price worth it? Are Hyundai’s reliability concerns exaggerated?
These two cars were my top choices too. I ended up getting the Tucson, and I’m really glad I did. The NX is generally smaller. The Tucson’s interior is spacious compared to the NX. Getting a NX Hybrid is tough in some areas, at least for me, meaning I’d pay top dollar. For the Tucson, I could negotiate the price since there were more on the lot. For the NX, you need their luxury package for features like the 360 camera. The Tucson Limited has a 360 camera, which is my favorite feature.
Dolph said:
I’m considering both these hybrids. The Hyundai Limited hybrid has all the features I want at a good price, but I’m worried about reliability.
The Lexus feels luxurious but needs a lot of pricey upgrades to get the features I want, though it has a great reputation for reliability.
Is the higher price worth it? Are Hyundai’s reliability concerns exaggerated?
Between my wife, my parents, and me, we’ve owned six different Hyundai vehicles (latest being a 2024 Tucson Hybrid) and never had a serious issue beyond normal wear and tear (like brakes). Right now, I’m driving a 2007 Elantra that’s still going strong. Everyone’s experience is different, but I have nothing but good things to say about Hyundai reliability.
Dolph said:
I’m considering both these hybrids. The Hyundai Limited hybrid has all the features I want at a good price, but I’m worried about reliability.
The Lexus feels luxurious but needs a lot of pricey upgrades to get the features I want, though it has a great reputation for reliability.
Is the higher price worth it? Are Hyundai’s reliability concerns exaggerated?
Between my wife, my parents, and me, we’ve owned six different Hyundai vehicles (latest being a 2024 Tucson Hybrid) and never had a serious issue beyond normal wear and tear (like brakes). Right now, I’m driving a 2007 Elantra that’s still going strong. Everyone’s experience is different, but I have nothing but good things to say about Hyundai reliability.
That’s great to hear! What’s the highest mileage you’ve had on any of them before selling or trading (or do you still have it)?
Dolph said:
I’m considering both these hybrids. The Hyundai Limited hybrid has all the features I want at a good price, but I’m worried about reliability.
The Lexus feels luxurious but needs a lot of pricey upgrades to get the features I want, though it has a great reputation for reliability.
Is the higher price worth it? Are Hyundai’s reliability concerns exaggerated?
The pace of technology in cars is really fast these days. Driving assistance, safety features, navigation, and OTA updates are all examples. Customers expect these features in their cars now.
In a time when technology is changing so fast, it’s usually better to keep a vehicle for about 3-4 years instead of a long time. After three years, new tech can make older models less competitive.
If you’re thinking of buying a used car after three years, would you prefer a Tucson with all the latest features, or a Lexus that doesn’t have them?
If you’re looking at a Lexus, I suggest test driving the Santa Fe Hybrid Calligraphy. It has the latest features you won’t find in a Lexus right now.