While fuel efficiency and safety top the list of what buyers typically look for in a new car, reliability is also important. After all, no one wants to spend much of their money or time taking the car to the repair shop when they could be using it instead. Brands like Toyota, Honda, and even Hyundai are all popular options. Here are the seven most reliable Hyundai models.

1. The Hyundai Accent is the most reliable Hyundai model

According to RepairPal, the Hyundai Accent has a near-perfect reliability rating. Out of 21 vehicles in the subcompact car segment, the Accent ranks fifth for several reasons. One is how many times you’ll need to take the vehicle in for an unscheduled repair, with the car averaging 0.2 times a year.

In comparison, other subcompact cars average 0.3 times a year, while the average frequency for all car models is 0.4 times annually. The probability of a major repair is 8% compared to an 11% average for vehicles in the same market segment and 12% for all vehicles.

The Accent was discontinued after the 2022 model year to cater to an expanding SUV lineup from the manufacturer. However, for the final model year, Edmunds notes that it came with a 1.6-liter inline-four engine capable of 120 hp and 113 lb-ft of torque.

2. A Hyundai Elantra GT is a surprisingly reliable choice

The Hyundai Elantra GT hatchback is another discontinued car, with the last model year being the 2020 variant. It came with an FWD system and a choice of two engines, a 161 hp rated four-cylinder and a 201 hp turbocharged four-cylinder alternative. The former was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, while the latter allowed buyers to pick between manual and automatic transmissions.  

With 36 cars in the compact car segment, it ranks seventh for reliability, primarily due to the lower-than-average chance of needing significant repairs. While average compact vehicles have an 11% chance of having a major repair issue, the probability of the Elantra GT having severe problems is only 9%. This also translates to lower annual maintenance and repair costs at $397 compared to the segment average of $526.

3. The Hyundai Elantra earns high marks for dependability

Unlike the first two, the Hyundai Elantra is still in production with a $20,500 starting price, according to Hyundai. The standard available engine is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that can produce 147 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque. However, you can also get a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine capable of 201 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque or a hybrid option using the 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine. The hybrid engine doesn’t produce as much horsepower at 139 hp, but it’ll definitely save you at the pump.

Regarding reliability, it comes just behind the Elantra GT on RepairPal’s rankings. Buyers still have to make the same 0.3 visits to the repairman annually. Also, like the Elantra GT, the chances of needing significant repairs are 9%. However, the lower ranking compared to the Elantra GT is because it costs, on average, $55 more to repair and maintain per year.

4. A Hyundai Tucson SUV will always get you there

Even with lower reliability than the first three models, the Hyundai Tucson ranks 5th in the compact SUV segment out of 26 options. The probability of major issues for this model is 10%, whereas the average for compact SUVs is 11%.

If you bought this car, you’d still have to make the same 0.3 trips to the repair shop annually as other compact SUV owners. However, you’d spend $95 less due to fewer major repairs.

The 2023 Hyundai Tucson comes with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 187 hp or a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder with the potential of 226 hp or 261 hp, depending on whether you get the hybrid or plug-in hybrid.

According to Car and Driver, AWD is standard with the electrified variants, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.

5. Is the Hyundai Sonata reliable? Research says yes

The Hyundai Sonata competes with 23 others in the mid-size car segment and ranks fifth for overall reliability. Owners typically pay $458 annually for repairs with 0.3 unscheduled visits to the repair shop for the same period.

For context, other cars in the mid-size car segment also average 0.3 repair shop visits annually, but their average annual maintenance costs are $526. This is because they have a 12% probability for major repairs, while the chance of dealing with significant issues with the Hyundai Sonata is 1% lower.

You can get the 2023 Hyundai sonata with gas and hybrid engine options. Gas engines include a 2.5-liter four-cylinder producing 191 hp, a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 180 hp, and a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder pushing 290 hp. As for the hybrid engine, it’s a 2.0L four-cylinder that puts out 192 hp with up to 52 mpg.

6. Have confidence in a Hyundai Santa Fe

The sixth most reliable Hyundai model is the Hyundai Santa Fe. It’s also the second-most reliable mid-size SUV out of 26 options, according to RepairPal.

Compared to a segment average of 0.4 visits to the repair shop per year, owners of the Santa Fe average about 0.2 trips annually. Consequently, they spend about $58 less on annual repairs compared to other mid-size SUVs and $137 less than the average for all vehicle segments.

Also, the probability of major repairs for the Santa Fe is 10%, while it’s 13% for other mid-size SUVs.

There are four powertrains to choose from with the 2023 Santa Fe. Two are gas-powered, including a 2.5-liter four-cylinder capable of 191 hp and a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 277 hp.

The hybrid Santa Fe has a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine with dual electric motors pushing 226 hp. As for the plug-in hybrid, it features a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine as well paired with a single electric motor with 260 hp.

7. The defunct Hyundai Elantra Coupe is a reliable used car option

The last Elantra Coupe came with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that could make 173 hp and 154 lb-ft of torque. It also featured a six-speed automatic transmission.

Despite not being in production for a few years, the Hyundai Elantra Couple is also one of the most reliable Hyundai models. It ranks 12th out of 36 for reliability in the compact car segment.

Notably, owners have to make more unscheduled annual visits to the repair shop than others with compact cars. However, they spend $29 less due to a 9% probability of significant repairs, while the segment average is 11%.

Hyundai reliability goes back over a decade

If you grew up in the 90s, it may be hard to believe in Hyundai reliability. But it’s 2023, and the Korean automaker has grown up significantly since its early days. Now, you have 10-plus years of the most reliable Hyundai models to choose from. So take your pick, save your cash, and get a car or SUV you can count on.