Hyundai Models Are Some of America's Most Popular Vehicles in 2019

Year by year, Hyundai continues to build on their success. It seems that they set a goal to match or beat a popular well made car. First they needed to have the Elantra match the Civic. Then the Sonata caught up to the Camry. With those goals achieved, Hyundai is pushing into new markets with new vehicles. 2020 is going to mark the release of several new models and remakes. But until then, the 2019 model line up is still going strong! 

The 2019 model lineup offers some really great value for price with most of their cars. Their best vehicles continue to be refined, while their less than perfect vehicles keep improving each year. Owning a Hyundai means owning a well built and quality vehicle in 2019. 

Hyundai Accent

Specifications: $15,925+ - 38 mpg - 130 hp

Review: When it comes to the compact car segment, a lot of vehicles try to use a gimmick to sell their cars. Hyundai has eschewed that option with the Accent. The Accent is function in motion. The interior is clean and crisp. It provides excellent fuel economy while maintaining adequate power when you need it. You can also pick up the tech features you really want like Android Auto/Apple CarPlay and automatic emergency braking. Basically, no matter your budget, the Accent can provide what you’re looking for. 

Hyundai Elantra

Specifications: $18,130+ - 37 mpg - 147 hp

Review: The Elantra used to be fodder for the rental car companies. They’d pick them up on the cheap and send them out just as fast. However, Hyundai made a real effort to catch up to the Civic and for several years that’s exactly what the Elantra did. The 2019 shows a little bit of regression back, but it’s still a good choice. It looks great, has plenty of power and drivers can get almost any feature as an option. On the downside, the backseat seems smaller than past models and the interior materials don’t always feel or look great in a few places. Still very good, but not quite top of class for 2019. 

Hyundai IONIQ

Specifications: $23,330+ - 55 mpg - 139 hp

Review: The IONIQ represents Hyundai’s desire to get involved with EVs. Available as a Hybrid, Pure EV and Plug in Hybrid, the IONIQ gives people choice. The listed specs are for the standard hybrid. The Electric has a range of 124 miles. The plug in hybrid has a similar fuel efficiency over long distances, and can offer up 29 miles of pure electric driving range. 

Hyundai Kona

Specifications: $21,085+ - 32 mpg - 147 hp

Review: The word that comes to mind with the Kona is “Fun”. It’s a vehicle with zome zip and is fun to drive. It’s a well designed crossover with great curves and is fun to look at. The price point is really good and lets you have fun wherever your destination is too! The upgraded turbo charged four cylinder is the right option in the engine department and brings power up to 175 hp with a very respectable 0-60 mph time of 6.6 seconds. The Kona also has an electric variant for people hunting down a good looking EV. One downside is that fuel efficiency is good, but not outstanding. 

Hyundai Santa Fe

Specifications: $32,045+ - 25 mpg - 185 hp

Review: The Santa Fe is the biggest vehicle Hyundai makes (for now). For people looking at a larger family and needing a third row of seats, they can opt for the Santa Fe XL. The base engine can be a touch weak, with the optional V6 being a good choice. The Santa Fe is solid in almost every category without scoring high marks in any one particular area. One benefit is that automated emergency braking isn’t an option of the standard Santa Fe (yet it is on the XL). 

Hyundai Sonata

Specifications: $23,580+ - 37 mpg - 185 hp

Review: If you’re looking for options, the Sonata is a car with plenty. The Sonata offers 5 different engine variants, including two separate hybrid options. While it’s rare to say this, the hybrids are arguably better. They provide plenty of power and feel smoother than their naturally aspirated counterparts. Fuel efficiency is about where it should be for each engine, but nothing special. The interior is where the Sonata shines. It’s incredibly comfortable and feels properly spacious without being overly expansive. The Infotainment system is intuitive and there’s plenty of space for cargo. It may not be the most flashy interior. What it is, is the vehicle equivalent of comfort food. Your mood perks up after enjoying it. 

Hyundai Tucson

Specifications: $24,445+ - 30 mpg - 164 hp

Review: Small to midsize crossovers are the biggest growth market for vehicles and the Tucson manages to provide a great option in the field. The Tucson is well appointed and styled. Size is good and large adult humans can still fit in the back seats with a good level of comfort.  The ride is comfortable and it handles well. If there’s one drawback to the Tucson, it’s that it can be slightly sluggish. Even the upgraded 181 hp option doesn’t exactly excite. However, it fulfills almost every other need and is perfect for anyone who isn’t planning on some street racting in the near future. 

Hyundai Veloster

Specifications: $19,430+ - 34 mpg - 147 hp

Review: The Veloster was a very hit or miss vehicle for a long time. The styling appealed to a few, but turned off many people. The new Veloster is toned down a bit. In addition to a price drop, the Veloster suddenly represents something rarely seen in the vehicle market: Bargain Fun! The optional 201 hp turbo 4 cylinder turns the Veloster into a hot hatch of some renown. The Veloster is not a big vehicle. Anyone over 6 feet in height should tread carefully. Visibility is also somewhat poor for the driver when trying to look out the rear. However, if you’re looking to have some fun on your morning commute, it’s a great choice. 

All images are courtesy of Hyundai.com