Hyundai’s Flops & Forever Favorites
Hyundai has earned a reputation for building cars that balance affordability, reliability, and style—but not every model has delivered on those promises. Some vehicles sparked high expectations only to leave buyers underwhelmed. This list takes a closer look at both sides of Hyundai’s history on the road. Let’s start with the most disappointing Hyundai models first and see why they fell short.
2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz | Review & Road Test by Kelley Blue Book
1. Hyundai Sonata (2011)
Engine failures, unnerving knocks, and transmissions that stumbled rather than shifted defined the 2011 Sonata’s dark side. And yet, its sleek “Fluidic Sculpture” design dazzled buyers and even snagged a North American Car of the Year nomination before the mechanical flaws took center stage.
2. Hyundai Santa Fe (2007)
Buyers expected reliable Korean engineering in the 2007 Santa Fe but found betrayal at every turn—from temperamental fuel gauges and check engine lights to potentially deadly airbag deployment failures. Nine recalls and 678 NHTSA complaints revealed systemic issues, while fuel pump failures left owners stranded.
3. Hyundai Kona (2019)
Electrical faults and a jarringly stiff ride left early Kona drivers questioning Hyundai’s big electric bet. Still, the SUV made headlines as a daring debut into the EV market, earning North American Utility Vehicle honors despite the rocky ownership experience.
4. Hyundai Veloster (2012)
Hyundai's asymmetrical vision for the 2012 Veloster—one door left, two right—symbolized architectural daring that its mechanics couldn't match. Though marketed with sporty aspirations, the hatchback's legacy became one of knocking engines and grinding transmissions.
Jeremy from Sydney, Australia on Wikimedia
5. Hyundai Entourage (2007)
Hyundai’s move into the family-van space carried promise, especially with its shared underpinnings from Kia’s Sedona, which hinted at ambition that outpaced execution. However, the Entourage’s electrical system quickly betrayed minivan buyers, with sliding doors and basic features acting up like dice rolls.
6. Hyundai Azera (2006)
Though its standard V6 engine broke segment norms, Hyundai's 2006 Azera struggled to deliver on its premium promise. The flagship sedan's bid for luxury status crumbled beneath unreliable electronics, timing chain failures, and unstable steering, while its forgettable design failed to challenge established rivals.
7. Hyundai Accent (2004)
Budget-conscious buyers and students seeking basic transportation found the 2004 Hyundai Accent's low price point compelling, but the vehicle struggled to deliver even modest expectations. Its noisy cabin and subpar braking were compounded by cheap materials and poor build quality.
Arpingstone at English Wikipedia on Wikimedia
8. Hyundai Equus (2011)
Nothing drains a wallet quite like the Equus's notoriously failing air suspension—an ironic twist for Hyundai's Mercedes-challenging luxury flagship. Sure, they threw in a fancy iPad manual to sweeten the deal, but persistent electronics gremlins left many owners questioning this premium experiment.
9. Hyundai Tiburon (2003)
Named after the Spanish word for "shark," the 2003 Hyundai Tiburon prowled the streets with aggressive styling and sporty ambitions. However, its predatory image was undermined by mechanical vulnerabilities, including notorious timing belt failures, sensor problems, and a tendency to rust.
10. Hyundai Palisade (2020)
Persistent cabin odors and infotainment systems prone to freezing soured the experience for many Palisade owners. Even so, its roomy three-row layout and imposing design gave Hyundai a flagship SUV that initially won families over before the problems dimmed its shine.
On the other side of the spectrum, Hyundai has rolled out vehicles that left lasting positive impressions.
1. Hyundai Santa Cruz (2022)
For today's adventurers torn between urban comfort and outdoor capability, the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz delivers both. Its unibody construction and 281-horsepower turbo engine provide SUV-like refinement with truck utility, while the lockable under-bed storage and distinctive front grille design embrace this.
2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz Review: A new kind of truck | CarGurus by CarGurus
2. Hyundai Elantra N (2022)
The Elantra N honors tradition with its engaging six-speed manual and sport-tuned suspension. Modern tech amplifies the thrill of its 276-horsepower turbo engine through a digital gauge cluster and customizable N Grin Control System, seamlessly merging raw performance with precision refinement.
3. Hyundai Ioniq 5 (2023)
Championing sustainability from the inside out, the Ioniq 5's cabin showcases recycled plastics and plant-based fabrics. Its all-electric powertrain delivers an impressive 303-mile range. The retro-futuristic design, inspired by the 1970s Pony, complements ultra-fast charging that makes road trips both practical and exciting.
2023 Hyundai Ioniq 5 - 20 THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW by Downshift
4. Hyundai Tucson Hybrid (2022)
Packing a punch with its 226-horsepower hybrid powertrain, the Tucson Hybrid blends turbocharged muscle with electric efficiency. Standard all-wheel drive delivers confident handling in any weather, while the hands-free liftgate and available 10.25-inch touchscreen transform this capable crossover into a refined everyday companion.
The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid Looks Crazier Than It Is by Doug DeMuro
5. Hyundai Genesis G80 (2021)
The crystal-clear 14.5-inch touchscreen floats like a digital command center, making every interface intuitive. Highway Driving Assist II keeps watchful eyes on your journey, and the quilted leather and authentic wood trim cocoon passengers in luxury. A spirited 300-horsepower turbocharged engine ensures the drive feels equally indulgent.
6. Hyundai Kona N (2022)
At the heart of Hyundai's compact Kona N lurks a muscular 2.0-liter turbo engine, releasing 276 horsepower through an agile eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The performance SUV’s launch control system ignites off-the-line bursts, with N Grin Control tailoring every detail to the driver’s mood.
The 2022 Hyundai Kona N Is a High-Performance Tiny Crossover by Doug DeMuro
7. Hyundai Venue (2023)
Built for urban survival, the 2023 Hyundai Venue comes equipped with essential city-smart features like automated emergency braking and a rearview camera. Its nimble 121-horsepower engine pairs perfectly with compact SUV dimensions. Inside and out, the 8-inch touchscreen and two-tone roof highlight its metropolitan personality.
8. Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy (2022)
Sliding into the Santa Fe Calligraphy's quilted Nappa leather seats sets the tone for a smooth journey, as the 277-horsepower turbocharged engine delivers confident performance. When the drive ends, advanced driver assistance and surround-view monitoring transform parking into a seamless experience.
Worth the BIG Price Tag? 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy Review by Kirk Kreifels
9. Hyundai Palisade (2023)
Most SUVs neglect the third row, but the 2023 Palisade pampers even its rearmost passengers with heated seats, reinforcing its comfort-first mission. This eight-passenger hauler combines a 291-horsepower V6 with versatile cargo capacity that makes family travel both practical and luxurious.
10. Hyundai Nexo (2021)
Meet the Hyundai Nexo, where the only exhaust you’ll leave behind is water vapor—ideal for keeping the planet a little greener as you drive. Its hydrogen powertrain delivers 380 miles of range, matched by vegan leather seating and a 12.3-inch touchscreen that emphasizes futuristic refinement.
