Hyundai vs Nissan Reliability Comparison Guide
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Table of Contents
Hyundai Vs. Nissan Reliability: A Detailed Comparison
| Features | Hyundai | Nissan |
| Design | ||
| Repair and Maintenance Cost | ||
| Durability | ||
| Technology | ||
| Engine | ||
| Gas Mileage | ||
| Safety |
Which is Better: Hyundai or Nissan?
It is simple: Hyundai is better than Nissan when it comes to reliability. According to Repairpal, Hyundai has a reliability rating of 4.0/5.0, ranking 4th out of 32 brands. This is unlike Nissan, which ranks 9th out of 32, with a reliability rating of 4.0/5.0.
From consumer reports to the Auto Reliability survey list, Hyundai is ranked higher than Nissan for reliability. However, you must understand that the reliability of Hyundai vs. Nissan boils down to the different models in their lineup.
There are some Hyundai cars with better reliability and performance than Nissan cars, and there are some Nissan models that beat Hyundai in their game.
Hyundai and Nissan have similar safety technology and driver assistance systems, but Hyundai has more cars earning the IIHS top safety pick (+) rating. Although the engineering and design philosophies of Hyundai and Nissan boils down to customer satisfaction, supreme driving experience, and fuel efficiency, their strength differs.
Hyundai delivers better cars across different categories; Nissan doesn’t even have a Hybrid car. Both cars optimize the use of unibody construction, but there are better sub-structures for fittings on Hyundai trucks than on Nissan trucks, but Nissan offers more space than Hyundai.
This is without forgetting to mention that Hyundai has a 10-year powertrain warranty, which is 2x what is offered by Nissan.
The cars of both brands are in a tie when it comes to their chances of minor repairs, but you will book a Nissan car more frequently than you would a Hyundai.
Hyundai Vs. Nissan Reliability: Design
The manufacturing, engineering, and design policies of Nissan and Hyundai cars are almost the same, although there are differences in their practices.
Hyundai runs a fully automated manufacturing process. This drives high efficiency and mass delivery, but the quality of work is not guaranteed, like when there is a touch of human integration in automation processes.
Nissan boasts of using human workers for its manufacturing, with less automated systems. With this mechanism, there will be a reduction in mass production, but the quality of cars is guaranteed. However, in the long run, Hyundai handles the supply of its cars, but the introduction of suppliers and agents in Nissan’s supply chain can disrupt its deliveries.
Hyundai aims to continually deliver progressive cars, new and high-quality cars with great practicality and functionality for everyone. Nissans are not largely different as their cars aim for sustained reliability through the use of high-end equipment, modern designs, and innovative solutions.
The design of Hyundai and Nissan are great, and it is hard to place one above the other. Their designs are not boring but have high standards. Every driver will have to choose the design that they connect easily with. You will get an array of designs in Hyundai, just as you will on Nissan.
One of the peculiarities of Nissan designs is that they are loaded with enough sophistication. They rock a sporty outlook, although some users complain about paint peels on Nissan cars. You have the 3-year paint and 12-year perforation warranty to cover that.
Winner: Both
Hyundai Vs. Nissan Reliability: Repair and Maintenance Cost
It is cheaper to repair and maintain a Hyundai than a Nissan. It costs an annual average of $468 to repair/maintain a Hyundai car. This is cheaper than Nissan, which costs $500.
Nissan’s repair and maintenance costs are not costly, considering that it is cheaper than the $652 average cost for all models.
You must also understand that Nissan has a 13% chance of major repairs and a 0.3 chance of minor repairs. Hyundai has a 10% chance of severe damages and a 0.3 chance of minor repairs.
Winner: Hyundai
Hyundai Vs. Nissan Reliability: Durability
The durability of Hyundai and Nissan is always a random pick from a box. Hyundai lasts up to 200,000 to 250,000 miles, with an average lifespan of 15-20 years, while Nissan last about 200,000 to 250,000 miles, with an average lifespan of 10 - 15 years.
Nissan earned a bad reputation for its durability from the introduction of CVTs. These transmissions were so problematic that the durability of Nissan was in doubt. This was similar to Hyundai when they started having steering issues. The durability of these two cars depends on how well you maintain them.
Winner: Both
Hyundai Vs. Nissan Reliability: Engine and Performance
Nissan and Hyundai have a lineup of some of the best engines in the market. It is hard to declare one as better than the other until you compare the engines in the specific models you wish to buy.
This also depends on if we are comparing their diesel or gasoline engines, their level of performance, and the fuel economy demanded from these engines.
For instance: the 2022 Nissan Altima car is loaded with a 2.5L four-cylinder engine, while the Hyundai Elantra rocks a 1,6L four-cylinder engine.
The Hyundai Elantra beats the performance of the Nissan Altima, delivering 201hp and 195lb-ft torque, which is greater than the 188hp and 180lb-ft torque.
When a switch is made in the Nissan car from the 2.5L engine to the 2.0L, the Nissan Altima beats the Hyundai to return an increased 248hp and 273lb-ft torque. The driving feel and mechanism of Hyundai and Nissan cars depend on their different models.
Winner: Both
Hyundai Vs. Nissan Reliability: Gas Mileage
Hyundai and Nissan are gradually adopting the use of fuel-saving technologies on their cars, although this is not available in all models, as seen in Mazda and Honda cars.
For instance, there is an Eco Mode on the 2022 Nissan Sentra, while most Hyundai cars are optimized to feature a normal, eco, and sport mode. You can choose the drive mode that matches your needs.
With all the technologies available for both cars, Hyundai achieves better gas mileage than Nissan cars. The 2022 Hyundai Elantra achieves 33mpg city and 43mpg highway, while the 2022 Nissan Altima returns 28mpg city and 39mpg highway.
Winner: Hyundai
Hyundai Vs. Nissan Reliability: Safety and Technology
There is an impressive array of technology and safety systems on Nissan and Hyundai cars. Both packages are attractive and relevant. Hyundai boasts of a more defined safety technology; the Hyundai SmartSense.
Both car brands offer driver assistance systems, navigation aids, and advanced technologies that aid performance and sustain connectivity. While we understand that Nissan is doing a great job in the safety of its cars, Hyundai has a higher safety rating.
There are five Nissan cars earning the 2021 IIHS top safety pick (+) rating, and six earning the 2022 IIHS Top safety pick (+), whereas there are twelve Hyundai cars earning the 2021 IIHS top safety pick (+) rating.
Winner: Hyundai
Verdict
The differences between Nissan and Hyundai cars are usually slight. You might not need to consider the upgrades and features they offer, but maybe the prices they come in.
If you want more for a lesser price, then Hyundai is your best option. There are strong engines and better fuel efficiency with Hyundai cars, but you can enjoy more space and great safety features with Nissan cars.
