Hyundai Hoards 2021 Best Buy Awards for These Four Models
Hyundai has gained a large following over the years thanks to its reliable and affordable vehicles. Several of its models have earned many coveted awards, like the Hyundai Palisade SUV and Sonata sedan. The automaker also just announced that four of its vehicles won Best Buy awards from Consumer Guide.
The Hyundai Accent, Kona, Palisade, and Venue are all considered to be great values for your money. What did Consumer Guide like about each of these models?
The Hyundai Accent
The standard Hyundai Accent retails around $15,395, which Consumer Guide praised as a great value for a new sedan. Infotainment features are predictably limited, but Bluetooth is standard if you want to pair your smartphone and listen to music. However, the interior definitely feels cheap, filled with hard plastics and other flimsy materials.
However, you can add more desirable options like smartphone integration and still spend less than $20,000. Only one engine is available, a 1.6-liter four-cylinder capable of 120 hp and 113 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed manual is the standard transmission, but higher trims offer a CVT.
Because of its sluggish acceleration, the Hyundai Accent is better suited as a commuter car than a highway driver. The Accent also gets pretty good gas mileage, especially when equipped with the CVT.
The Kona SUV
Consumer Guide didn’t have many bad things to say about the Hyundai Kona. The base trim only costs $20,400 on average, but CG warns that it may not be the best deal. It doesn’t come with the best interior materials and the standard engine isn’t very powerful.
However, for around $5,000 more, you can get a Kona with the optional 1.5-liter turbocharged engine. It makes 175 hp and comes paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. With this engine, you get the best acceleration and no problems passing other cars on the highway.
Consumer Guide also appreciated that, even with a turbo engine and all-wheel drive, the Hyundai Kona is still very fuel-efficient. The cheaper Kona trims are still a good value based on standard features. The standard Hyundai Kona features smartphone integration and a few useful advanced driver’s aids, like forward collision warning.
The Hyundai Palisade
The Hyundai Palisade one of the best family vehicles to buy thanks to all its innovative features. It can seat up to eight passengers and has one of the largest storage capacities in its class. Even better, it has a storage bin underneath the actual cargo floor.
Every seat is comfortable and even adults won’t mind riding in the third row for short periods of time. Getting access to the third row is hassle-free thanks to the grab handles on the sides of the second-row seats. The rest of the interior is finely crafted, with features like quilted leather for the door panels on top trims.
However, Consumer Guide warns that the top trims are a little too expensive, even with all the features offered. Fortunately, even the base Hyundai Palisade comes with a great interior and plenty of creature comforts.
The new Venue SUV
The Hyundai Venue is one of the cheapest subcompact SUVs on the market, starting at just $18,750. Consumer Guide appreciated all its standard features, like smartphone integration and a decent array of driver’s aids. The cargo hold is smaller than average, but the hatch opening is wide and the Venue’s seats fold completely flat.
However, CG wasn’t a fan of the Hyundai Venue’s weak engine, noting that it makes a lot of noise during acceleration. AWD also isn’t offered on any trim and its ride quality can be firm at times. Still, it handles well for its size and has a comfortable interior.