It’s been 54 years since Hyundai rolled out its first car, the Cortina. Since then, the South Korean automaker has grown to offer more than a dozen models in its lineup. But with many options across multiple segments, which Hyundai vehicles are the best? The folks at TrueCar ranked the 10 best Hyundai cars, trucks, and SUVs of 2022.
10. Hyundai Venue
2022 Hyundai Venue | Hyundai Motor America
MSRP: $20,245
Hyundai’s smallest SUV, the Venue, is in its second model year. All three trim levels — the SE, SEL, and Limited — have the same 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine. It provides 121 hp and 113 lb-ft of torque and comes standard with front-wheel drive across all trims.
Noting a curb weight of around 2,600 pounds, TrueCar reviewers note the acceleration of this Hyundai SUV can be slightly lacking at freeway speeds. For new-SUV shoppers, the Venue is ideal for a lively drive around town.
Inside this 2022 Hyundai subcompact crossover are plenty of room for four adults and ample cargo space. The eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system is easy to use, and safety features abound. Pedestrian detection, forward collision warning, lane-keep assist, and a blind-spot system come standard.
However, reviewers say the interior feels cheaper than others in the subcompact segment. But the standard features and one of the best warranties make the Venue a bargain SUV.
9. Hyundai Kona
MSRP: $22,545
The Venue’s larger sibling, the Kona, is another model in Hyundai’s group of affordable crossovers. The 2022 Kona comes in five trim levels: SE, SEL, N Line, Limited, and N.
The SE and SEL have a 2.0-liter inline-four engine making 147 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque. All-wheel drive is optional, but perks like forward-collision mitigation, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and that eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system come standard across the Kona line.
The N Line and Limited trims upgrade the engine to a turbocharged 1.6-liter inline-four pushing out 195 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque. The infotainment touchscreen bumps up to 10.25 inches, and there’s a wireless charging pad inside. The Limited trim gets upgrades inside with leather upholstery and better plastics. More driver aids are standard, like adaptive cruise control, automatic wipers, and rear parking sensors.
The N gets even bigger wheels (19 inches) and a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four. It nearly doubles the base model’s performance with 276 hp and 289 lb-ft of torque. The brakes are upgraded, as is the sporty exhaust, and occupants ride in sports seats to enjoy the upgraded interior trim.
Though the cargo area is smaller and the rear seats can be tight in this SUV, the 2022 Hyundai Kona remains a great option at one of the best price points in its class.
8. Hyundai Ioniq 5
MSRP: $45,245
The Ioniq 5 debuts for this model year, and TrueCar has already named it the second-best electric SUV. The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 offers four trims: SE Standard Range, SE, SEL, and Limited.
The SE Standard Range makes 168 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque with its 58-kWh battery pack. It’ll take you 220 miles on a full charge. All Ioniq 5 models have fast-charging capability, keyless entry, push-button start, heated seats, a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and a six-speaker audio system. The SE has the same features as the SE Standard Range trim, but the battery pack is now 77.4 kWh, and the electric motor makes 225 hp.
The SEL provides more luxury upgrades. They include simulated leather upholstery and wireless smartphone charging. You can also get this trim in all-wheel drive.
The Limited adds perks like an eight-speaker Bose premium audio system and a panoramic sunroof. And driver’s aids include an automated parking system, automatic rear braking, head-up display, and 360-degree camera system.
7. Hyundai Santa Cruz
MSRP: $25,685
Hyundai’s sole entry in the truck segment is its midsize pickup/SUV mashup, the Santa Cruz. It’s brand-new for 2022, but TrueCar has already named it the best midsize truck.
The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz offers four trims: SE, SEL, SEL Premium, and Limited. A 2.5-liter inline-four powers the SE and SEL, making 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque. An eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system and composite cargo bed come standard in both trims. Keyless entry, push-button start, heated front seats, blind-spot intervention, and rear cross-traffic alerts are standard on the SEL.
The SEL Premium gets a significant power boost with a 2.5-liter turbo-four. This Santa Cruz model harnesses 281 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque with standard all-wheel drive. The Limited takes that power and gives you more amenities. They include a larger touchscreen, built-in navigation, premium sound system, adaptive cruise control, and leather upholstery.
The Santa Cruz is based on Hyundai’s flagship Tucson SUV and offers plenty of utility without inconvenient size.
However, TrueCar reviewers note the storage in this Hyundai model is limited, and there is no hybrid option. The gas-only powertrains average 22 mpg combined.
6. Hyundai Ioniq
MSRP: $24,645
With both plug-in and standard hybrid options, the 2022 Hyundai Ioniq is a compact hatchback that will give you fantastic fuel efficiency at a low price. There are seven trims and two powertrains: a 1.6-liter gas-electric inline-four hybrid and a 1.6-liter plug-in inline-four. Both offer 139 hp and 109 lb-ft of torque; the former gets 55 mpg combined, and the latter gets 52 mpg.
Hyundai’s answer to the iconic Toyota Prius, the Ioniq offers many standard features. They include forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. It has a more traditional look than the Prius, and the cabin is comfortable with plenty of cargo space thanks to the hatch area.
But the seats in this Hyundai car can be stiff on road trips, and with a smaller engine, its acceleration isn’t the fastest.
5. Hyundai Santa Fe
MSRP: $28,445
The Santa Fe was Hyundai’s first SUV when it debuted in 2000. Now in its fourth generation, the 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe remains a solid option in the segment.
It also offers plenty of power options. The base 2.5-liter inline-four makes 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque on the SE, SEL, and XRT trims. Driver’s aids like lane-keeping assist, driver attention warning, adaptive cruise control, and forward collision mitigation come standard across all trims.
In the Limited and Calligraphy trims, the 2.5-liter inline-four is turbocharged to 281 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque. Perks like automated parking, rain-sensing wipers, blind-spot cameras, and a surround-view camera system are now included. The Calligraphy trim gives you comforts like premium leather seating with quilted stitching and a faux-suede headliner.
Although it doesn’t have third-row seating like some rivals, the 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe gives you more options than many with trims and powertrains (hybrid and PHEV models are also available). The ride is smooth and comfortable and comes at a budget-friendly price.
4. Hyundai Sonata
MSRP: $25,195
Like many other Hyundai cars on this list, the 2022 Hyundai Sonata makes its mark in the midsize sedan segment with its value. There are nine total trims for the Sonata in its second year after a redesign. They include three hybrid models (Blue, SEL, and Limited) and six gas-only trims (SE, SEL, SEL Plus, Limited, N Line, and N).
The 2.0-liter inline-four hybrid powertrain makes 192 hp and gets 47 mpg and 52 combined mpg, depending on the trim. For gas-only trims, there are three powertrains: a 2.5-liter inline-four pushing 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque (for the SE and SEL models), a 1.6-liter turbo-four notching 180 hp and 195 lb-ft (for the SEL Plus and Limited trims), and a 2.5-liter turbo-four harnessing 290 hp and 311 lb-ft.
Safety features such as lane-keep assist, driver attention warning, and adaptive cruise control are standard across all trims and powertrains. When you get to the more powerful models, features like leather seating surfaces, smart parking assist, and a 12-speaker Bose sound system come standard.
With this array of trims, the 2022 Hyundai Sonata has something for every driver, plus a lower price than competitors and a great warranty.
3. Hyundai Elantra
MSRP: $21,245
Hyundai’s compact sedan, the Elantra, is now in its third decade and seventh generation. There are seven trim levels with four powertrains. A 2.0-liter gas-only inline-four engine powers the SE, SEL, and Limited trims, producing 147 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque. All three get between 35 and 37 mpg combined.
A 1.6-liter hybrid inline-four gives the Hybrid Blue and Hybrid Limited 139 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque and a combined 50 to 54 mpg. A turbocharged 1.6-liter gas-only inline-four in the N Line produces 201 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque and gets 31 mpg. And the turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four in the N harnesses 276 hp and 289 lb-ft of torque.
No matter the powertrain, a host of standard safety equipment is included. Forward collision mitigation, rear cross-traffic collision avoidance assist, safe exit warning, and automatic rear braking are among the many standard features across all Elantra models.
Though it does not have a hatchback option, the Elantra sedan offers more room than the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic. TrueCar named the Elantra the best compact car of 2022.
2. Hyundai Palisade
MSRP: $34,845
With three rows of spacious seating, the 2022 Palisade is the largest crossover SUV Hyundai produces. It also provides plenty of user-friendly technology.
There are four trims for the Palisade: SE, SEL, Limited, and Calligraphy. All have the same 3.8-liter V6 making 291 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque.
An 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, forward collision mitigation, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring are standard across all trims. The SEL adds more perks, such as a sunroof, keyless entry and push-start, heated front seats, second-row captain’s chairs, and roof rails. Two packages are also available — Convenience and Premium — to give you more upgrades.
The Limited trim takes those upgrade packages and adds a head-up display, 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, a 360-degree camera system, and digital instrument panel. The Calligraphy adds an extra touch of luxury with a faux-suede headliner and unique grille and wheel designs.
Though the gas mileage isn’t great — just 21 combined mpg — the 2022 Hyundai Palisade can run on regular unleaded gas, unlike some competitors. And thanks to its warranties, luxury, and easy drivability, TrueCar named the Palisade the best full-size SUV of 2022.
1. Hyundai Tucson
MSRP: $26,195
Taking the top spot on TrueCar’s list of the best Hyundai cars, trucks, and SUVs is the automaker’s best-selling SUV, the Tucson. The new model saw a complete redesign for 2022 that now includes hybrid and PHEV options. It also comes in seven trim levels: SE, SEL, N Line, Limited, Blue Hybrid, SEL Convenience Hybrid, and Limited Hybrid.
A 2.5-liter inline-four powers all of the gas-only SE, SEL, N Line, and Limited trims, making 187 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque. Driver’s aids like lane-keeping assist, forward collision mitigation, and driver attention warning come standard. The SEL adds perks like blind-spot intervention, adaptive cruise control, and keyless entry. Optional Convenience and Premium packages offer even more features.
The N Line aligns with the SEL but adds a premium Bose audio system, sports front seats, and a unique exterior trim. The Limited takes the SEL’s packages and expands the features to include paddle shifters, a heated steering wheel and rear seats, a panoramic sunroof, a surround-view camera system, and a 10.25-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system.
The Blue Hybrid matches the SEL in features, and the SEL Convenience takes hybrid power in an SEL with the Convenience package. The Limited Hybrid is similar to the standard Limited, with standard and plug-in hybrid options.
The standard 1.6-liter hybrid powertrain gives drivers 226 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. The plug-in hybrid Tucson powertrain pushes out 261 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque.
Larger than previous generations, the 2022 Hyundai Tucson offers comfort, various powertrains, practicality, and a smooth ride and handling.
Keyword: 10 Best Hyundai Cars, Trucks & SUVs According to TrueCar