6 Hyundai generations rated.
17-20
The 6th gen Elantra is one of the sharpest-looking cars under $15k and offers solid safety ratings, the connecting rod bearing issue from the 5th gen carries over, so a VIN recall check is still required.
11-16
The 5th gen Elantra was praised at launch for its 40-MPG highway rating, but the Nu engine has a documented connecting rod bearing failure concern that Hyundai quietly extended the warranty on, check your VIN.
07-10
Hyundai's 4th gen Elantra was a legitimate compact contender, better built than its predecessor, affordable to run, and simple enough to be reliable.
16-20
The 3rd gen Tucson is the most complete of the three generations, better interior, available ADAS, and the same Nu engine with connecting rod recall still applying to some VINs.
10-15
The 2nd gen Tucson made the necessary safety leap, 5-star NHTSA, IIHS Good, standard ESC, and is priced low enough that its below-average long-term reliability is easier to accept.
05-09
The 1st gen Tucson is an affordable compact SUV, nothing special, nothing terrible. The Beta II engine is chain-driven and durable. ESC is absent and the safety ratings are pre-modern.