Korean automakers generally enjoy a very good reputation for reliability, and Hyundai is no exception. The brand has produced plenty of models with an excellent reliability record over the years. From compact electric vehicles to large family haulers, there is something in the Hyundai lineup for every type of driver.
There have been a few hiccups along the way, including a handful of active urgent recalls. However, generally speaking, Hyundai customers have been fairly satisfied with their purchases in recent years, with a relatively low number of complaints filed. Let’s go through every Hyundai SUV currently on sale, ranked from the least to the most reliable (according to J.D. Power reliability score and rate of NHTSA complaints per 1,000 vehicles sold in the current generation).
The data on this list has been compiled from a variety of reputable sources, including J.D. Power’s Quality & Reliability rating, NHTSA recalls and complaints, and manufacturer-supplied sales figures. New vehicles may be ranked lower on this list by virtue of not having a Quality & Reliability score. Recall, complaint, and sales figure data are accurate as of the date of publication but are subject to change.
7 Ioniq 5: New Kid On The Block
J.D. Power Quality and Reliability Rating: N/A
No. of Recalls: 3
NHTSA Complaints/1,000 vehicles: 4.39
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 has not received a reliability rating from J.D. Power and sits at the bottom of the list as a result. An all-electric compact crossover, the Ioniq 5, was first introduced two years ago and immediately earned the World Car of the Year award, offering a mix of practicality, tech, and performance. A wide range of powertrain options are available, with power outputs between 168 and 320hp. Both RWD and AWD options are available. Some trim levels also come with a larger battery pack, giving the Ioniq 5 a range of up to 303 miles.
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As a relatively new model, the Ioniq 5 is well-equipped when it comes to tech: the top-level trim, the Limited, comes with features such as a premium Bose sound system, head-up display, and surround-view camera. The infotainment system has a range of connectivity features, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot (as an optional subscription feature) to keep everyone connected on the go. The Ioniq 5 also comes with the i-Pedal system, which allows for single-pedal driving thanks to regenerative braking.
6 Venue: A Budget-Friendly Option
J.D. Power Quality and Reliability Rating: N/A
No. of Recalls: 3
NHTSA Complaints/1,000 vehicles: 0.79
The Venue is a subcompact crossover, one of Hyundai’s smallest and least expensive models. Like the Ioniq 5, it does not have a J.D. Power reliability rating. However, it does have a much lower rate of NHTSA complaints per 1,000 units sold, which puts it one place higher in the ranking.
The Venue is powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 121 hp. Three trim levels are available: the SE, SEL, and Limited. The upper trims add a number of tech features, such as rear USB ports to keep passengers’ devices charged, as well as convenience features, including push-button start and keyless entry. The infotainment system offers plenty of functions, despite the Venue being marketed as a budget option starting below the $20,000 mark: Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both standard, as are Bluetooth connectivity and a six-speaker sound system. In the higher-level trims, you get additional creature comforts such as a sunroof, heated front seats, wireless charging, and navigation.
5 Tucson: Compact And Practical
J.D. Power Quality and Reliability Rating: 80
No. of Recalls: 5
NHTSA Complaints/1,000 vehicles: 0.70
The Tucson compact crossover enjoys a relatively low rate of NHTSA complaints, although it does have the lowest (but still respectable) J.D. Power reliability rating. It also has an urgent active recall to its name, affecting some vehicles from the 2023 and 2024 model years: a fault in the electric oil pump assembly may cause a fire risk when the vehicle is parked.
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There is a wide variety of powertrain choices available, the base option being a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 187 hp and paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. A hybrid option pairs a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with electric assistance for a total output of 226 hp. There is also a PHEV variant, which produces 261 hp. The Tucson offers a good amount of tech features as standard, even on the lower trim levels, including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a six-speaker sound system, and Bluetooth connectivity. The infotainment system is controlled via an 8-inch touchscreen on the base SE version; higher trims upgrade this to a 10.25-inch unit.
4 Palisade: Value and Comfort
J.D. Power Quality and Reliability Rating: 81
No. of Recalls: 8
NHTSA Complaints/1,000 vehicles: 10.23
The Palisade family SUV is an outlier with its very high rate of complaints per 1,000 units sold due to the relatively low number of vehicles finding a new home since the model’s introduction in 2020 (53,747) and the high number of complaints filed to the NHTSA (550). It, unfortunately, also has an active urgent recall to its name (which applies to some vehicles between the 2021 and 2024 model year), due to a fire risk when the vehicle is parked caused by an issue with the circuit board in the tow hitch harness. That being said, it still enjoys a decent J.D. Power reliability rating of 81.
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Six trim options are available, from the entry-level SE to the top-level Calligraphy Night, a new addition for the 2024 model year. The Calligraphy Night trim level comes with AWD as standard, while in all other trims, it’s available as an optional extra with a $2,000 price tag. Power comes from a 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 291 hp and paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
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3 Kona: A Fresh Look
J.D. Power Quality and Reliability Rating: 82
No. of Recalls: 3
NHTSA Complaints/1,000 vehicles: 0.17
The second generation of the Hyundai Kona started with the 2024 model year, bringing about a radical redesign. The Kona’s new look brings the model in line with other members of the Hyundai lineup, such as the Sonata (from which the Kona borrows its front and rear light bars).
The powertrain has remained the same, with two choices available: the entry-level SE trim is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 147 hp, while the upper two trim levels (N Line and Limited) are equipped with a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 190 hp.
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The higher trims also come with some additional creature comforts: the N Line adds heated front seats and adaptive cruise control, among other features, and the Limited comes with leatherette upholstery, parking sensors with smart parking assist, and a hands-free power liftgate. The Kona is also available with an all-electric powertrain, in its Kona EV incarnation (whose second generation was launched at the same time as its gas-powered sibling). Unfortunately, the Kona Electric is only on sale in 26 states, making it hard to come by depending on where you are based.
2 Santa Fe: Three Rows And A New Design
J.D. Power Quality and Reliability Rating: 83
No. of Recalls: 5
NHTSA Complaints/1,000 vehicles: 2.14
The Santa Fe is a three-row SUV currently in its fifth generation, which began with the 2024 model year. The new design has a longer wheelbase, providing more space for passengers in the three rows of seating to stretch out. The other major upgrade is a new powertrain: a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 277 hp. A hybrid option, producing 231 hp, is also available.
A total of five trim levels are available: the entry-level SE is followed by the SEL, XRT, Limited, and Calligraphy. The hybrid powertrain is only available for the SEL trim and above. The new Santa Fe is slightly longer than its predecessor, allowing for its seven passengers to sit in total comfort. The interior has been upgraded to reflect the new exterior design; the Santa Fe sports a new dashboard with a large touchscreen connected to a digital gauge cluster. The infotainment system is equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as Bluetooth connectivity and wireless charging (in higher trim levels).
1 Santa Cruz: Best Of Both Worlds
J.D. Power Quality and Reliability Rating: 84
No. of Recalls: 1
NHTSA Complaints/1,000 vehicles: 0.11
Dubbed a “one-of-a-kind Sport Adventure Vehicle” by Hyundai itself, the Santa Cruz was first introduced in 2022. It straddles the line between an SUV and a truck: It combines car-like handling, towing, off-roading capabilities, and comfort features with a truck bed. It’s a relatively niche category, with the Santa Cruz’s only real direct competitors being the Ford Maverick and the slightly more expensive Honda Ridgeline. Because of its unibody design, we decided to include it with Hyundai’s other SUVs.
Four trim levels are available, starting with the entry-level SE and going all the way up to the top-level Limited edition. The SE is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 191 hp, while the upper three trim levels are equipped with a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing 281 hp. The Santa Cruz boasts both the highest J.D. power reliability rating and the lowest rate of NHTSA complaints per 1,000 units sold. However, there is one major active recall that applies to some vehicles from the 2022 and 2023 model year: an issue with the circuit board for the tow hitch harness may lead to a risk of fire when the vehicle is parked.