Are you in the market for a new car and considering a Hyundai? You’re not alone. Hyundai has been a popular choice among car buyers for many years now, thanks to its affordable pricing, reliability, and sleek design. However, not all Hyundai models are created equal. Let’s look closer at two of the most popular Hyundai models and two that are not.

The popular Hyundai Tucson is a top-selling model 

Among Hyundai’s diverse lineup, the Hyundai Tucson stands out as the most popular model in terms of year-to-date sales in 2023. According to GoodCarBadCar, the Hyundai Tucson sold 46,170 units in the U.S. market in Q1 2023. This is an increase of 16% from last year’s Q1 39,655 units. The Tucson’s popularity can be attributed to its cutting-edge style, spacious and luxurious cabin, hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains, and advanced safety and technology features.

The Hyundai Tucson offers three different powertrains, with the entry-level model being a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine generating 187 hp. The powertrain comes with an eight-speed automatic transmission and offers the choice of front- or all-wheel drive.

In addition to the standard powertrain, the Tucson offers hybrid and plug-in hybrid options. Both of these powertrains feature a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor. The hybrid powertrain delivers a combined 226 hp, while the plug-in hybrid generates 261 hp.

The Elantra offers impressive powertrains

The 2023 Hyundai Elantra sold 32,473 units in the first half of 2023, making it the second-best-selling Hyundai model after the Tucson SUV. The 2023 Elantra offers six different trim levels: SE, SEL, Blue Hybrid, Limited, N Line, and N. The base SE and SEL models come with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 147 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque. The Blue Hybrid and Limited Hybrid models feature a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor that produces a combined output of 139 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque.

The N Line model boasts a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that pumps out 201 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque. All models except for the N Line come with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), while the N Line offers a seven-speed automated manual.

Is the Hyundai Accent on its way out?

The Hyundai Accent was the least popular Hyundai model in terms of year-to-date sales, with only 30 units sold in the first three months of 2023. This represents a 98.89% decline from the 2,697 units sold in the same period in 2022. The Accent is a subcompact car that competes with models such as the Nissan Versa, Kia Rio, and Chevrolet Bolt.

It offers a low starting price, good fuel economy, and a spacious interior, but it also suffers from a lack of power, refinement, and advanced features. The Hyundai Accent may be losing ground to its rivals and other Hyundai models offering more value, style, and technology. It remains to be seen whether Hyundai will refresh or discontinue the Accent in the near future.

The Veloster is the least popular Hyundai model

The Hyundai Veloster, which has an asymmetrical three-door design, sold only five units in the first quarter of 2023, a sharp decline from the previous years. The main reason for this poor performance is the discontinuation of the Veloster N, the high-performance variant that offered 275 hp and a range of features to enhance driving dynamics.

Hyundai decided to axe the Veloster N to expand its N brand with the Elantra N and Kona N models, which are expected to appeal to a wider audience. The remaining Veloster models, which have a 2.0-liter engine with 147 hp or a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine with 201 hp, are not enough to compete with other rivals in the segment.