Over the last 20 years or so, Hyundai's appeal has been rapidly expanding. The Korean brand may have started off as an overlooked underdog in America, but now it's one of the biggest brands out there, with models proving successful in a wide and varied range of key segments. What this means for the used shopper, is that there's a vast array of examples to choose from – but which secondhand Hyundai should be at the top of their hit-list?

Hyundai Motor Company was founded in 1967 by Chung Ju-yung, 20 years after the birth of the Hyundai Engineering and Construction Company. The automotive marque's first model was the Cortina, birthed with the help of Ford in 1968, while its first self-developed car arrived the year after as the Pony . Since then, the company has found success with affordable cars and has consistently become known for reliability and value. Nowadays, its ventures vary from combustion, hybrid, all-electric, and hydrogen mobility solutions to robotics.

This article highlights the most reliable used Hyundai models available right now. The models have been ranked in order from lowest to highest, based on the quality and reliability score provided by J.D. Power. To maximize the dependability of each entry, we've only looked at examples from the last 10 years, from 2014 through to 2023. It's worth noting that a number of Hyundai models, such as the Nexo and some of the Korean brand's wide array of electrified and hybrid models, have not been rated by J.D. Power, and so do not feature within the article.

10 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5

JD Power Quality And Reliability Rating: 73/100

Hyundai has been expanding its electric offerings at a rate of knots in recent years, and one of the most exciting new models has been this – the Ioniq 5. Available in a multitude of guises, the Ioniq 5 varies from being a sensible single-motor commuter, with 168 horsepower on tap, to a gearhead's guilty pleasure, as the 601 horsepower Ioniq 5 N. J.D. Power rates the 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 the highest in terms of dependability, with a score of 73 out of 100 – which, while it isn't dreadful, it's not a score to be writing home about.

"After spending plenty of time behind the wheel of the Hyundai Ioniq 5, we believe this is the new segment leader for affordable EVs."

Nevertheless, the Ioniq 5 joins the list of most reliable used Hyundai models in tenth place, and coincidentally is the highest-rated electric model from the brand, as neither the 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 6 nor 2024 Hyundai Kona EV have been rated (owing to their limited time on the market).

Few EVs have the ability to entice and entertain even the EV agnostics.

9 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz

JD Power Quality And Reliability Rating: 83/100

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz sees a sizable jump in the J.D. Power ratings, from the distinctly average 73 out of 100 awarded to the Ioniq 5, to the much more respectable 83 out of 100 awarded here. The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz sports a few updates over what the older 2022 model offers, most notably a revised and more rugged front fascia. Under the hood, Hyundai kicks the Santa Cruz off with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder, although there's a turbocharged 'four' of the same capacity too, which is good for delivering an extra 90 horses.

For those interested in picking up a used Hyundai Santa Cruz, this model year currently has four outstanding recalls, the more concerning of which detail a potential fire risk from the tow hitch harness, so buyers should be sure to double-check all recalls have been carried out, or plan to have them addressed early-on in their ownership.

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8 2020 Hyundai Kona

JD Power Quality And Reliability Rating: 84/100

"The Hyundai Kona has been at the head of the compact crossover crusade since 2018 and has become so good at what it does that it is making us forget what we used to do before cars like these were around."

Hyundai's diminutive Kona is one of the more versatile subcompact crossovers from within the segment, with a wide variety of drivetrains available. Not only does Hyundai continue to offer gas-only options, but the Korean automaker also produces a fully electric version of the Kona. To date, only the gas model has been rated by J.D. Power, scoring a respectable 84 out of 100. It's the 2020 Hyundai Kona that scores highest, out-performing both the Honda HR-V and Mazda CX-30 of the same model year.

7 2022 Hyundai Palisade

JD Power Quality And Reliability Rating: 84/100

Flying the flagship flag for Hyundai is this, the mighty Palisade – a three-row SUV packed full of impressive tech and premium materials. Although the 2022 Hyundai Palisade highlighted here misses out on some of the later updates seen in the current and facelifted model, it is the most reliable used model out there, according to J.D. Power's 84 out of 100 rating. That sees it level pegging with the diminutive Kona, proving that Hyundai delivers quality and dependability, regardless of the asking price.

In an effort to keep the Palisade relevant and looking fresh in the face of stiff competition, it's a model that's constantly receiving tweaks and updates – the 2026 Hyundai Palisade has already been spotted hitting the streets , and its imposing presence makes quite a statement.

The Honda Pilot will be up all night too.

6 2023 Hyundai Venue

JD Power Quality And Reliability Rating: 85/100

The humble little Venue has some tough competition, including its own stablemate, the Kona. What the 2023 Hyundai Venue lacks in terms of power, with just 121 horses to its name, it more than makes up for in terms of reliability, boasting a reassuringly high rating from J.D. Power. Further putting prospective buyers at rest is the fact that no recalls are outstanding against the 2023 Venue, plus complaints from current and previous owners are thin on the ground, too.

It may be the smallest SUV in Hyundai's line-up, but the Venue makes a big argument for itself, especially for those seeking out a city-friendly SUV with bags of value and an impressive amount of space inside.

5 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe

JD Power Quality And Reliability Rating: 86/100

Kicking things up a notch, in all respects, is Hyundai's Santa Fe. This stylish SUV is powered by a 2.4-liter inline-four which packs a 185 horsepower punch in base trims, although for those that require a little more urgency, a turbocharged 2.0-liter 'four' is also available, with 235 horses to its name.

"A comprehensive safety suite, which comes standard with advanced features you often have to pay extra for, combined with an easy-to-use and up-to-date infotainment system, presents prospective buyers with a tempting complete package."

Available in both front and all-wheel drive, the 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe looks to be an inherently reliable choice, with just two recalls logged against it, and an impressive 86 out of 100 rating from J.D. Power. Plus, while some earlier model years of the Santa Fe seem to be plagued with some unfortunate issues , the evidence would suggest that later models, such as this, are generally sound options for those after a dependable daily driver.

4 2019 Hyundai Elantra

JD Power Quality And Reliability Rating: 86/100

Hyundai has done much to expand the Elantra's appeal in recent years, including introducing both a high-performance 'N' model and a super economical Elantra Hybrid. However, to find the most reliable model on the used market, you'd need to wind the clock back a few years. It's the 2019 Hyundai Elantra that takes the crown here, thanks to a quality and reliability score of 86/100. We also named the 2018 model year as one of the most reliable Elantra model years available based on recall and complaints data, which suggests any of these later sixth-gen (AD) models are a safe bet for those looking to secure a safe and dependable used sedan.

The Elantra is a rare thing - a stylish and well-equipped sedan that doesn't demand big bucks. The sporty Elantra N isn't too pricey either.

3 2019 Hyundai Tucson

JD Power Quality And Reliability Rating: 87/100

"As an established player in this segment, the Tucson continues to prove Hyundai is right up there with the best of the established brands."

The problem isn't exclusive to this model year, but instead affects Tucson models from 2016 through to 2021. While concerning, it has been picked up and addressed by Hyundai, and as the recall is a good few years old now, a large majority of used models for sale are likely to have had the free correctional work completed.

2 2022 Hyundai Accent

JD Power Quality And Reliability Rating: 87/100

Storming in as the equal-second most reliable Hyundai to buy right now is the 2022 Hyundai Accent . Interestingly, it's the only discontinued model to appear on the list and the very last model year that was available, too. Propulsion comes from a somewhat lackluster 1.6-liter four-cylinder, but performance was never to be the Accent's strong point. Instead, this subcompact sedan ticks the box as a durable and impressively dependable commuter and daily driver, packed with everything you need, and nothing you don't.

The humble Accent went out on a high note, beating key rivals such as both the Nissan Versa and Kia Rio in the all-important J.D. Power quality and reliability rankings.

Hyundai is letting its North American boss take control of the whole mothership.

1 2019 Hyundai Sonata

JD Power Quality And Reliability Rating: 89/100

Standing alone as the single most reliable used Hyundai model of the last decade is the 2019 Hyundai Sonata – a midsize sedan, and the Elantra's bigger brother. Inside, quality materials and a respectable number of creature comforts ensure the Sonata's place as one of Hyundai's more premium models, while under the hood, things are very much business as usual. A simple 2.4-liter inline-four was the base engine of choice, although turbocharged four-cylinder units were offered too.

The J.D. Power rating of 89 out of 100 should do nothing but reassure anyone considering such a model, and any used examples should still be in fine shape, thanks to Hyundai's class-leading warranty, which is a 5-year unlimited-mileage package.