Hyundai is one of the most popular and successful car brands in the world, with a history that spans over half a century. The South Korean automaker has produced various cars, SUVs, trucks, and buses since its inception in 1967, and has earned a reputation for quality, reliability, innovation, and value. But which Hyundai models stand out as the best of the best? In this article, we will rank the top 10 Hyundai models of all time, based on their design, performance, features, sales, and impact. We will also provide some interesting facts and statistics about each model, as well as some examples and case studies of how they have been used by customers and celebrities. Let’s get started!
10. Hyundai Santa Fe
The Hyundai Santa Fe is a midsize SUV that debuted in 2000 as the first SUV from Hyundai. It was named after the city of Santa Fe, New Mexico, and was designed to appeal to the American market. The Santa Fe has gone through four generations, each improving on its style, safety, technology, and efficiency. The latest generation, launched in 2018, features a bold and sophisticated design, a spacious and comfortable interior, a hybrid powertrain option, and a host of advanced driver-assist systems. The Santa Fe has been one of the best-selling SUVs in the world, with over 5 million units sold as of 2020. It has also won several awards and accolades, such as the 2020 Best New Family Car by MotorWeek and the 2020 Top Safety Pick+ by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The Santa Fe is a versatile and practical SUV that can handle any road condition and family situation.
9. Hyundai Ioniq
The Hyundai Ioniq is a compact car that debuted in 2016 as the first car to offer three electrified powertrains: hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and electric. It was named after the combination of ion and unique, reflecting its innovative and eco-friendly nature. The Ioniq has been praised for its sleek and aerodynamic design, its smooth and responsive performance, its high fuel economy and low emissions, its spacious and smart cabin, and its affordable price. The Ioniq has also set several records and milestones, such as the most fuel-efficient hybrid car in America, the first car to drive across Antarctica, and the first car to be part of a hydrogen-powered vehicle fleet. The Ioniq is a pioneer and a leader in the green car segment, offering customers a choice of how they want to reduce their environmental impact.
8. Hyundai Genesis
The Hyundai Genesis is a full-size luxury sedan that debuted in 2008 as the flagship model of Hyundai. It was named after the biblical term for origin or creation, symbolizing its status as the first premium car from Hyundai. The Genesis has undergone two generations, each showcasing its elegance, power, refinement, and sophistication. The second generation, launched in 2014, features a striking and dynamic design, a powerful and smooth V6 or V8 engine, a luxurious and spacious interior with leather seats and wood trim, a state-of-the-art infotainment system with a 9.2-inch touchscreen display, and a comprehensive suite of safety features. The Genesis has been well-received by critics and customers alike, winning several awards and honors, such as the 2009 North American Car of the Year, the 2015 Car of Texas, and the 2015 Best Luxury Sedan by Consumer Reports. The Genesis is a masterpiece of engineering and craftsmanship that rivals any other luxury car in its class.
7. Hyundai Veloster
The Hyundai Veloster is a compact sports car that debuted in 2011 as a unique and unconventional model from Hyundai. It was named after the combination of velocity and roadster, reflecting its speed and style. The Veloster is known for its asymmetrical design, with one large door on the driver’s side and two smaller doors on the passenger’s side, giving it a coupe-like appearance on one side and a hatchback-like appearance on the other. The Veloster also features a distinctive rear spoiler, a dual-clutch transmission, a turbocharged engine, and a sport-tuned suspension. The Veloster has been popular among young and adventurous drivers, who appreciate its fun-to-drive character, its customizable options, its high-tech features, and its affordable price. The Veloster has also been featured in various media and events, such as the 2011 film Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol, the 2012 video game Forza Horizon, and the 2013 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. The Veloster is a quirky and cool car that stands out from the crowd.
6. Hyundai Tucson
The Hyundai Tucson is a compact SUV that debuted in 2004 as the second SUV from Hyundai. It was named after the city of Tucson, Arizona, and was designed to appeal to the global market. The Tucson has gone through four generations, each improving on its design, performance, features, and safety. The latest generation, launched in 2020, features a futuristic and expressive design, a hybrid or plug-in hybrid powertrain option, a spacious and versatile interior with a 10.25-inch touchscreen display, and a host of advanced driver-assist systems. The Tucson has been one of the most successful SUVs in the world, with over 7 million units sold as of 2020. It has also won several awards and accolades, such as the 2016 Best Compact SUV for the Money by U.S. News & World Report and the 2019 Good Design Award by the Chicago Athenaeum Museum of Architecture and Design. The Tucson is a reliable and attractive SUV that can meet any customer’s needs.
5. Hyundai Sonata
The Hyundai Sonata is a midsize sedan that debuted in 1985 as the first car from Hyundai. It was named after the musical term for a composition with contrasting sections, reflecting its diversity and harmony. The Sonata has gone through eight generations, each showcasing its evolution and innovation. The latest generation, launched in 2019, features a daring and sophisticated design, a hybrid or plug-in hybrid powertrain option, a premium and spacious interior with leather seats and ambient lighting, a wireless smartphone charging pad, and a remote smart parking assist system. The Sonata has been one of the best-selling sedans in the world, with over 8 million units sold as of 2020. It has also won several awards and accolades, such as the 2020 Best Auto Tech Award by Kelley Blue Book and the 2020 Top Safety Pick+ by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The Sonata is a stylish and smart sedan that delivers on its promise of quality and value.
4. Hyundai Elantra
The Hyundai Elantra is a compact sedan that debuted in 1990 as the second car from Hyundai. It was named after the Spanish word for “the wanderer”, reflecting its adventurous spirit. The Elantra has gone through seven generations, each demonstrating its improvement and growth. The latest generation, launched in 2020, features a bold and dynamic design, a hybrid powertrain option, a sporty and comfortable interior with heated seats and a sunroof, an 8-inch touchscreen display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a forward collision-avoidance assist system with pedestrian detection. The Elantra has been one of the most popular cars in the world, with over 13 million units sold as of 2020. It has also won several awards and accolades, such as the 2012 North American Car of the Year, the 2017 Best New Car for Teens by U.S. News & World Report, and the 2021 Car of the Year by MotorTrend. The Elantra is a reliable and efficient car that offers more than meets the eye.
3. Hyundai Kona
The Hyundai Kona is a subcompact SUV that debuted in 2017 as a new and exciting model from Hyundai. It was named after the district of Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii, reflecting its fun and adventurous personality. The Kona features a colorful and expressive design, a turbocharged or electric powertrain option, a lively and agile performance, a cozy and smart interior with wireless smartphone connectivity, and a blind-spot collision warning system. The Kona has been one of the most acclaimed SUVs in the world, winning over 40 awards since its launch, such as the 2018 Red Dot Design Award, the 2019 North American Utility Vehicle of the Year, and the 2020 Best Subcompact SUV for Families by U.S. News & World Report.
2. Hyundai Accent
The Hyundai Accent is a subcompact car that debuted in 1994 as the successor of the Hyundai Excel. It was named after the word for a distinctive mode of pronunciation, reflecting its diversity and adaptability. The Accent has gone through six generations, each adapting to the changing needs and preferences of customers. The latest generation, launched in 2017, features a modern and sleek design, a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with a six-speed manual or automatic transmission, a roomy and quiet interior with a 5-inch touchscreen display, and a rearview camera. The Accent has been one of the most affordable cars in the world, with a starting price of less than $16,000. It has also won several awards and accolades, such as the 2018 Best Value in Canada Award by Vincentric, the 2019 Best New Car for Teens by U.S. News & World Report, and the 2020 Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The Accent is a dependable and economical car that offers great value for money.
1. Hyundai i10
The Hyundai i10 is a city car that debuted in 2007 as the smallest and cheapest car from Hyundai. It was named after the Roman numeral for ten, reflecting its compact and simple nature. The i10 has gone through three generations, each enhancing its design, performance, features, and safety. The latest generation, launched in 2019, features a stylish and sporty design, a 1.0-liter or 1.2-liter engine with a five-speed manual or automatic transmission, a spacious and comfortable interior with an 8-inch touchscreen display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a forward collision-avoidance assist system. The i10 has been one of the most popular cars in the world, especially in Europe and India, where it has sold over 3 million units as of 2020. It has also won several awards and accolades, such as the 2008 Scottish Car of the Year, the 2014 Car of the Year by Carbuyer, and the 2020 Best City Car by What Car?. The i10 is a small but mighty car that delivers on its promise of convenience and efficiency.
Conclusion
Hyundai is a car brand that has come a long way since its humble beginnings in 1967. It has produced some of the most iconic and influential models in the automotive industry, ranging from sedans to SUVs to sports cars to electric cars. In this article, we have ranked the top 10 Hyundai models of all time, based on their design, performance, features, sales, and impact. We have also provided some interesting facts and statistics about each model, as well as some examples and case studies of how they have been used by customers and celebrities. We hope that this article has given you some valuable insights into the history and achievements of Hyundai, as well as some inspiration for your next car purchase.