Hyundai vs. Toyota Reliability: Detailed Comparison

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Geoff Cudd

Geoff Cudd

I am a serial entrepreneur and a consumer advocate. When I’m not helping car buyers, I love working on ventures that have a positive impact.

I run a cause marketing agency and serve on the board of Vayu Global Health where we are disrupting the medical industry and preventing the needless deaths of mothers and babies during childbirth.

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There are many questions surrounding the reliability of Hyundai and Toyota; which of these car brands is the most reliable and has the least problems?

Comparing Hyundai vs. Toyota's reliability can be hard because both car brands provide great features, impressive performance, and stylish trims. But it is important that you understand the similarities and differences between these two brands to enable you to make proper market decisions.

Toyota has a great reputation for reliability, long-lasting ability, and durable designs and parts. However, slight comparisons between Toyota and Hyundai make Hyundai more reliable than Toyota. Hyundai offers more warranties, affordable pricing, impressive vehicle dependability, and strong body composition.

You should expect a great engine performance from Toyota, low maintenance cost, and the ability to last longer on the road.

You must understand that Toyota holds the position as one of Japan’s best-selling cars, while Hyundai is America’s best Warranty car. Both cars have their individual strengths, and this review explores all you need to know about Hyundai and Toyota.

Hyundai vs. Toyota Reliability

Hyundai vs. Toyota Reliability: Which Is Better?

A decision between Hyundai and Toyota’s reliability depends on your personal needs and preference.

Hyundai has a reliability rating of 4.0 out of 5.0, placing the car in the 4^th position out of 32 car brands, while Toyota has a reliability rating of 4.0 out of 5.0, sitting in the 8^th position out of 32 car brands. This gives Hyundai a higher reliability rating than Toyota.

Toyota offers a repair and maintenance cost of $441, which is lower than the average $468 annual repair cost for Hyundai.

On the other hand, Hyundai has a 10% chance of severe damage, coupled with its high warranty period of up to 10 years. This is an impressive feat, better than the 12% chance of severe damage on Toyota and the five-year warranty period.

Hyundai is an amazing choice if you want high-quality cars at affordable prices with an everlasting warranty. Toyotas are amazing; though pocket-friendly, they are overpriced.

With a Hyundai, you have the assurance that your cars will last longer, but you might aim for Toyotas if you are concerned about retaining the resale value of your car.

Hyundai vs. Toyota Reliability: Design

Hyundai offers better designs than Toyota. Toyotas are relatively plain compared to Hyundai, which puts in extra effort to make its cars stylish.

The debate on design reliability goes beyond appearance and structure, it also covers the electronic and manufacturing taste of each of these cars.

Toyota and Hyundai utilize similar drive models; AWD, FWD, 4WD, and 2WD. However, the purpose of implementation varies for both brands. Toyota features the 2WD model on its trucks to achieve off-road capabilities and impressive gas mileage.

Hyundai’s primary concern for a 2WD model is fuel economy. You must note that Toyota is better than Hyundai in terms of off-road design, as 2021 was Hyundai’s first attempt to produce a pickup truck- Hyundai Santa Cruz Pickup.

Winner: Hyundai

Hyundai vs. Toyota Reliability: Repairs and Maintenance Cost

It is cheaper to drive and maintain a Toyota than a Hyundai. However, Hyundai makes up for its users by introducing a 10-year warranty period.

This covers a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty, 7 years/unlimited miles anti-performance warranty, 5-year/unlimited miles 24-hour roadside assistance, and 5-year/60,000 miles new vehicle limited warranty.

On an overall scale, Toyota has an average annual repair/maintenance cost of $441, a 0.3% chance of an annual visit to the repair shop, and a 12% probability of severe damage.

This is relatively lower than Hyundai, which has a $468 repair/maintenance cost, 0.3 visits, and a 10% probability of severe damage.

You must understand that your maintenance habits and driving conditions play a great role in the durability of your Toyota/Hyundai car.

The model, year of production, and trims of both cars also determine how strong they are and how frequently you visit the mechanic workshop.

Winner: Toyota

Hyundai vs. Toyota Reliability: Durability

Hyundai is more durable than Toyota. All credit to superior engineering and the use of heavy-duty materials for production.

Many drivers argue the durability of Hyundais against Toyotas. This is because we will find more old Toyotas on the street than you will see Hyundais.

The argument on Hyundai vs. Toyota’s durability stems from the rumors that Hyundai is made from 60% Hyundai parts and 40% Korean parts. This is entirely false. Hyundai has production plants worldwide, with Korea handling up to 40% of its production output.

It is indisputable that there are ‘Made in US’ Hyundai cars, as seen in the VIN or serial numbers, but there are no factual data to back up the fact that Hyundais are made from less inferior materials.

We can confirm that Hyundai makes its steel, eliminating the need for middlemen manufacturers to produce OEM products. This cuts costs and improves the assurance of the car’s parts and design.

Hyundais last up to 200,000 to 250,000 miles, with an average lifespan of 15 to 20 years, while Toyotas last up to 150,000 to 200,000 miles, with a lifespan of 13 to 17 years.

You must understand that Hyundai has proven its strength in producing cars that handle off-road driving, as seen in Hyundai Tucson. However, Toyota trucks are more reliable and durable when it comes to off-road driving, as seen in the Toyota Tundra and Tacoma trucks.

Toyota has more features and design that handles extreme pressure, but Hyundai has support for long-lasting drives, as long as you don’t use them in driving conditions they aren’t for.

Winner: Hyundai

Hyundai vs. Toyota Reliability: Gas Mileage

Hyundai and Toyota have impressive gas mileage/fuel efficiency. The differences boil down to varying models of these cars. You will always find Hyundai and Toyota cars in every list of new cars with the best gas mileage.

The most fuel-efficient Hyundai car is the Hyundai IONIQ Hybrid, cruising with a fuel efficiency of 59 MPG. This is with the Toyota Prius coming closely behind with a fuel efficiency of 54 to 56 MPG.

The boost in gas mileage in Toyota and Hyundai is because of the integration of Eco and Hybrid models.

Winner: Both

Hyundai vs. Toyota Reliability: Technology

Hyundai provides more reliable technological features than Toyota. We can classify Toyota’s technology as basic, but this doesn’t rule out its efficiency and functionality.

Hyundai features cutting-edge technology features and innovative systems that beat Toyota’s basic technology. These systems incorporate infotainment and safety management routines that entertain, connect, and keep passengers safe. However, the technological differences between Hyundai and Toyota are narrowed if Toyota trucks are considered.

In recent years, Toyota has invested heavily in its technology, placing it on an equal scale with Hyundai. Hyundai adopts a Hyundai SmartSense technology package, while Toyota adopts a Toyota Safety Sense package. There’s a Hyundai smart cruise control on Toyota, which is regarded as dynamic radar cruise control.

Both car brands adopt similar drive assistance systems and infotainment.

Winner: Both

Hyundai vs. Toyota Reliability: Safety

The safety ratings of Hyundai and Toyota depend on the individual models and years of production of both brands. Toyota and Hyundai made it to the IIHS 2022 top safety pick with the Hyundai Elantra and Toyota Corolla 4-Door Hatchback.

The Hyundai IONIQ 5, Kona Electric, and Tucson HEV have a five-star NHTSA safety rating, just as the Toyota Corolla Cross, RAV4 Prime, and Tundra also have five-star safety ratings.

Both car brands have made the selected list of cars with advanced driver assistance systems.

Winner: Both

Summary

Is Hyundai more reliable than Toyota? It is your sole duty to decide if the reliability of Hyundai or Toyota matches your needs.

Hyundai’s warranty period, durability, and design are an added advantage to the brand, but if you are looking for cars that can handle intense towing, trailering, and off-road driving conditions, you should consider Toyota.

It is not a coincidence that up to 80% of Toyota’s old cars are still on the road to date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Hyundai made by Toyota?

No. Hyundai is not made by Toyota. Hyundai is owned and managed by the Hyundai Motor Group, a South Korean- company. While Hyundai is primarily made in Seoul, South Korea, Toyota is made by Toyota motor corporation, a Japanese company.

Why is Toyota so reliable?

Toyotas are reliable because of their design, production techniques, quality management routines, and improved engineering practices. Toyota achieves its high-level reliability by maintaining total quality management through all stages of production. Every part of a Toyota car is built to last, from the engine to the integration of an innovative management system.