Hyundai represents the most dramatic reputation turnaround in automotive history. Once mocked for the disposable Excel, they bet everything on a 10-year warranty, hired BMW's head engineer to create the "N" division, and are now leading the EV revolution with retro-futuristic designs.
Explore the current production vehicles.
The flagship 3-row SUV that delivers premium luxury without the premium price. With its upscale interior, commanding presence, and family-focused features, the Palisade proves that exceptional comfort and style are attainable for everyone.
The original Hyundai SUV, now completely reimagined. The Santa Fe offers bold, distinctive styling, a versatile and spacious interior, and a range of efficient powertrains, including hybrid options. It’s the adventurous and capable heart of the SUV lineup.
The daring and futuristic compact SUV that shattered the mold. The Tucson stands out with its cutting-edge parametric design, high-tech interior, and a full suite of powertrain options including Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid. It is a bold step forward.
The fun, funky, and energetic small crossover for the urban adventurer. The Kona is known for its vibrant personality, nimble handling, and is available as a thrilling N performance model or a long-range Electric version. It’s a small SUV with a huge attitude.
The cleverly packaged and budget-friendly small crossover. The Venue is the perfect partner for city life, offering a high seating position, agile maneuverability, and a surprising amount of smart technology for an incredible price. It’s big on value.
The game-changing, retro-futuristic EV that has won countless awards. With its groundbreaking 800V ultra-fast charging, spacious 'living room' interior, and head-turning design, the Ioniq 5 isn't just a new car—it's the future of driving, realized.
The 'Electrified Streamliner.' The Ioniq 6 is a stunningly aerodynamic EV sedan that maximizes range and efficiency while turning heads. Its unique design, high-tech cabin, and fast-charging capability make it a bold statement in the electric era.
The category-shattering Sport Adventure Vehicle. The Santa Cruz brilliantly combines the comfort and refinement of a compact SUV with the open-bed utility of a pickup. It's the versatile, stylish, and incredibly capable partner for any adventure.
The compact sedan that refuses to be boring. The Elantra makes a statement with its dramatic, angular styling, a tech-forward interior, and incredible fuel efficiency. The track-ready Elantra N version is a true giant-killer in the performance world.
The mid-size sedan with the daring soul of a four-door coupe. The Sonata stands out with its bold, futuristic design, a premium cabin packed with technology, and a reputation for quality backed by America's Best Warranty. It’s the stylish, smart choice.
The reliable and incredibly affordable subcompact that provided a gateway to the Hyundai brand for millions. The Accent was the quintessential first new car, known for its amazing value, great fuel economy, and surprising durability for the price.
The quirky and rebellious three-door hatchback with a cult following. The Veloster's unique asymmetrical design and fun-to-drive nature, especially in its Turbo and high-performance N forms, made it an icon of individuality and affordable fun.
The groundbreaking car that was the first in the world to offer three distinct electrified powertrains: Hybrid, Plug-in Hybrid, and full Electric. The original Ioniq was a champion of efficiency and paved the way for Hyundai's current EV dominance.
The powerful, rear-wheel-drive sports coupe that proved Hyundai was serious about performance. With available V6 power and a classic RWD layout, the Genesis Coupe was a true enthusiast's car that offered a thrilling alternative to American muscle.
The stylish and affordable sport compact that brought expressive design to the masses. The Tiburon ('Shark' in Spanish) gave young buyers a taste of performance and head-turning looks, helping to build Hyundai's reputation for sporty, exciting cars.
The luxury sedan that shocked the world. This audacious rear-wheel-drive flagship proved Hyundai could compete with the German elite, offering premium features and refinement at an incredible value. It was the genesis of the standalone Genesis luxury brand.
Hyundai's comfortable and luxurious near-premium sedan. The Azera offered a spacious, feature-packed interior and a smooth V6 engine, serving as a bridge between the Sonata and the high-end Genesis sedan for those wanting affordable luxury.
Hyundai's first attempt at a mid-size, three-row crossover. The Veracruz was a comfortable and well-equipped people-mover that focused on a quiet, refined ride. It was the predecessor to the larger and more successful Palisade.
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In the late 1980s, Hyundai entered the US market with the Excel. It cost $4,995. It was cheap, it was everywhere, and it was terrible.
The Excel became the punchline of late-night jokes. Engines failed, door handles fell off, and paint peeled. By the 90s, the brand was on the brink of failure in America. People didn't trust them.
In 1998, Hyundai made a desperate, brilliant move. They introduced "Americaâs Best Warranty": 10 years or 100,000 miles.
It was unheard of. It forced the company to improve quality immediately, or else the warranty claims would bankrupt them. It worked. The cars stopped breaking, and buyers started returning.
Improving quality wasn't enough; Hyundai wanted to be cool. So, they did something audacious: they hired Albert Biermann.
Biermann was the head of BMWâs "M" divisionâthe man responsible for the M3. Hyundai gave him a blank check to create a performance line. The result was the "N" Division (Veloster N, Elantra N). Suddenly, Hyundais were popping, banging, and handling better than Volkswagen GTIs. They became genuine driver's cars.
Today, Hyundai is arguably leading car design. The Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6 look like concept cars that escaped the studio. With their "Pixel" lights and sharp lines, they lean into a retro-futuristic 80s aesthetic that makes Tesla look boring by comparison.
While modern Hyundais are great, the transition period had a major hiccup.
Hyundai is the proof that where you start doesn't determine where you finish.
The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid is a major highlight for the US market, featuring a redesigned "accessible premium" look and a high-efficiency 2.5L hybrid powertrain. For American families, it delivers an estimated 329 combined horsepower and can travel up to 619 miles on a single tank.
Key interior updates for 2026 include a digital rearview mirror, built-in dash cams, and UV-C sterilization compartments in the center console. It maintains its status as a top-tier 3-row SUV with available HTRAC All-Wheel Drive (AWD) and a towing capacity of up to 5,000 lbs.
The 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9 is the brandâs first three-row all-electric SUV, offering a significant range of up to 335 miles on a single charge. Built on the award-winning E-GMP platform, it features 800V ultra-fast charging capability, allowing it to charge from 10% to 80% in approximately 24 minutes at a 350kW DC fast charger.
For US buyers, the IONIQ 9 also introduces the North American Charging Standard (NACS) port natively, providing seamless access to the Tesla Supercharger network alongside traditional CCS adapters.
Hyundai continues to offer Americaâs Best Warranty for its 2026 lineup, which includes:
For electrified models like the IONIQ 5, IONIQ 6, and IONIQ 9, Hyundai also provides a 10-year/100,000-mile Hybrid/EV Battery Warranty, ensuring long-term peace of mind for American drivers transitioning to electric mobility.
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz remains a versatile Sport Adventure Vehicle popular in the US. When equipped with the 2.5L Turbocharged engine and AWD, it offers a towing capacity of 5,000 lbs. For 2026, the Santa Cruz features an updated XRT trim with more rugged exterior styling and improved off-road tech, making it an ideal choice for American weekend adventurers hauling small trailers or boats.
Hyundai Pay is an integrated in-vehicle payment system available in 2026 models like the Tucson, Santa Fe, and Palisade. It allows US drivers to find and pay for parking at over 6,000 locations across the country directly from the vehicleâs 12.3-inch touchscreen.
Future updates for 2026 are expected to expand this service to include seamless payments at participating fuel stations and EV charging hubs, reducing the need to use physical cards or smartphone apps during transit.
Many 2026 Hyundai models, including the Kona, Tucson, and Palisade, are equipped with HTRAC All-Wheel Drive. This system features a specialized Snow Mode that optimizes traction by controlling engine power and braking between the front and rear axles. For the US market, Hyundai also includes battery pre-conditioning on its electric (IONIQ) models to maintain charging speeds and performance during harsh winter months in colder states.
Hyundai has been named the 2026 Best SUV Brand by U.S. News & World Report, largely due to its standard Hyundai SmartSense safety suite. Standard features across the 2026 SUV lineup include:
No, the 2026 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid is a "self-charging" hybrid. It uses a 1.6L turbocharged engine and an electric motor that recharges through regenerative braking and engine power while you drive. For US drivers who want the ability to plug in, Hyundai offers the Tucson Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV), which provides nearly 33 miles of all-electric range before switching to gas power.
Most 2026 Hyundai models feature Over-the-Air (OTA) software update capabilities. This technology allows the vehicle to receive enhancements for the infotainment system, navigation maps, and even powertrain performance remotely. For US owners, this means fewer trips to the dealership for minor software fixes and a vehicle that stays updated with the latest features throughout its lifespan.
As part of Hyundaiâs "Progress for Humanity" vision, the 2026 IONIQ models utilize sustainable interior materials. These include headliners made from recycled PET bottles, bio-based paints derived from vegetable oils, and eco-processed leather treated with flaxseed oil. These materials provide a luxury feel while significantly reducing the environmental footprint of the vehicle cabin.