Hyundai gained popularity after introducing their impressive 100,000-mile warranty, but today they build attractive and high quality vehicles for nearly every buyer. From economical hybrids, sport coupes, luxury vehicles, and trucks soon enough, they have the market covered. But there are a few vehicles that they get exactly right. Here are the five best Hyundais on the market right now.
Genesis Coupe
Hyundai first sold this enthusiast car in 2010, but the 2013+ Genesis Coupe is the one to get, with a refreshed interior, more compliant ride, and improved power. The turbo 2.0-liter four cylinder increased to a healthy 274 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque, and goes zero to 60 in 5.9 seconds and takes the quarter mile in 14.4 seconds. The 3.8-liter V6 received upgrades too, gaining 45 hp to take it to 348 hp, and 295 lb-ft. Acceleration is understandably improved too, as the V6 does 0 to 60 in 5.2 seconds, and the quarter mile in 13.8. By those numbers, it’s basically equivalent to a Nissan 370Z, or you can think of it as a Camaro from Korea. There is a six-speed manual with either engine, but the eight-speed auto is probably faster at shifting than you. Need even more performance? Look for the R-spec package, which adds huge Brembo brakes, firmer suspension settings, and unique 19-inch wheels with grippy summer performance tires.
Ioniq Hybrid
Finally. A good looking hybrid with equally good mileage. Slightly more affordable than Toyota’s Prius, the Ioniq is also slightly more efficient, earning 55 MPG city, and 54 MPG on the highway. Those are impressive numbers, especially for a car this affordable, and one that doesn’t look like an eco-warrior economy car. While it wears the usual Hyundai corporate design outside, inside is surprisingly upscale for the price. Headroom, rear seating, and cargo space are all crossover worthy. Rather than a CVT that takes away your fun, the Ioniq features a quick shifting six-speed dual clutch transmission with a manual shift mode. The result is a hybrid that’s fairly quick. There’s a few other interesting versions too, like the plug-in model which can drive for 27 miles on battery power before switching to gas. Hyundai also offers an all-electric Ioniq, which offers a Nissan LEAF-like 124 mile range, more than enough for the average commute. Car & Driver said it will charge to 80% in just 23 minutes. No need to worry about that expensive battery either, as Hyundai offers an industry exclusive lifetime battery warranty. The Ioniq is here to change the game.
Equus
Originally $70,000, the Equus feels like $100k, but can be yours for way less. Competing with the BMW 7 Series and Mercedes-Benz S-Class is a tall order, but Hyundai actually hit the target with this full-size luxury car that is essentially a limo in disguise. Equus is Latin for horse, and it makes sense here, as the top Hyundai brings 429 horsepower in a 5.0-liter direct injected V8. The eight-speed auto features a manual shift option, and it directs power to the rear wheels. Speaking of, the big 19-inch wheels are a classy design that matches the sophisticated exterior. The inside is built like a safe, with sound levels comparable to the Lexus LS 460, but with more leg room. Wood and piano black trim line the attractive dash, and the seats are equal to the Lexus XC90, among the comfiest anywhere. This car only lasted a few years under the Equus name, before Hyundai created its luxury division Genesis Motors. While the name is gone, the Equus lives on as the equally luxurious and poised Genesis G90.
Santa Fe
If you need an honest SUV and not a car-based crossover, the Santa Fe is hard to pass up for the capability for the price. Its rugged good exterior looks transfer well to the interior, with a modern full-size truck feel to the dash layout. The eight-inch touchscreen infotainment includes Android Auto, and the backup camera screen is bright and high resolution. Hyundai’s time-tested 3.3-liter V6 is upgraded to 295 hp, and 252 lb-ft of torque, so you can tow up to 5,000 lbs. Those are very solid numbers for this class. The six-speed auto puts power to the front wheels, or the Santa Fe can be loaded up with all-wheel drive. Seating is for six or seven people, depending on seats selected. Put those seats down, and there is 80 cubic feet of space for all your stuff. If you don’t need that much space, look to the smaller and similarly styled Santa Fe Sport, which has a four cylinder and five-passenger seating.
Tucson
The Tucson is an attractive compact crossover with standard features and an interior that will make you want one. It drives like a car, since it’s based on the Elantra, and the on-road manners are excellent with a sharp turning radius and quiet ride. There’s also sedan efficiency, with up to 30 MPG. It’s small but strong, as evidenced by the IIHS “Top Safety Pick” award. SE is your base model with 17-inch wheels and front-wheel drive, but it also features voice activated infotainment and backup camera. Eco is the fuel efficient trim, while Sport adds 19-inch wheels and a stack of safety features. Limited rounds out the top trim, with LEDs, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, leather inside and chrome outside, and dual climate control with an air cleaning ionizer. There’s a choice of 2.0-liter or turbo 1.6-liter four cylinder engines, with a six-speed auto or seven-speed dual clutch transmissions delivering excellent gas mileage. The Tuscon can achieve 25/30 MPG in front-wheel drive, and takes a slight hit to 21/26 MPG if you want all-wheel drive.
