Sport-utility and crossover vehicles alike have become incredibly popular in the USA in recent years, which has led many automakers, such as Hyundai, to bolstering their SUV ranges. Novel exterior aesthetics and stylish, ergonomic cabins set Hyundai’s SUV and crossover models apart from the rest, along with appealing price points and plenty of value for the money. They are genuinely attractive cars and are ideal for daily commuting, thanks to a decent level of ride and interior comfort, as well as top-notch safety and reliability ratings. There are also many types of Hyundai SUV models in the range, offering prospective buyers a wide variety to choose from.
Hyundai SUV Models
With a broad range of shapes and sizes on offer, there’s a lot to choose from in the latest Hyundai SUV lineup. You even get a choice of various fuel options, including regular gasoline, hybrid, and electric variants.
- Venue: The subcompact CUV is Hyundai’s smallest and most affordable product in the segment, presenting young drivers and budget-shoppers with a stylish and well-rounded car for daily commuting. A small 121-horsepower inline-four engine does duty throughout the line, along with a continuously variable automatic transmission and front-wheel drivetrain. This is great for city driving but can get rather lackluster and strained on the highway and at higher speeds in general. It is otherwise a value-rich option reinforced by excellent crashworthiness and safety standards.
- Kona: A visually sporty and unique exterior aesthetic helps this compact stand out from the rest. A small-displacement, naturally aspirated four-cylinder unit is standard but a sportier 175-hp 1.6L turbo-four is available, which pulls the automobile from 0-60 mph in a decent 6.3 seconds. It’s truly fun-to-drive, and though the two auto gearboxes don’t do much for engagement, it still manages to feel nimble. There is also an all-wheel-drive setup, which offers improved traction. Hybrid and fully-electric versions of the Kona are available for sale in the USA, too.
- Tucson: Despite its arguably bland appearance, the compact Tucson remains one of the most popular picks from the brand’s gamut. This is not because of its performance, though, as both its inline-four motors provide moderate showings at best. Instead, it focuses on delivering a compliant and refined ride quality, compounding on creature comforts and conveniences. It’s an ideal family cruiser with a capacious and featureful interior, and top passenger protective measures.
- Santa Fe: A near-premium cruiser, the midsize Santa Fe brings a surprising level of luxury for its cost. It gets the same powertrain selection as the Tucson, including the choice between an FWD or AWD system, along with a very similar list of features. It is simply a larger version, which makes it better for vacationing as it offers more passenger and cargo space. And, it’s available as a hybrid from 2021, too.
- Palisade: With a capacious first, second, and third row of seating and a practical trunk, the full-size Palisade is touted as an exemplary, near-luxury family cruiser. It can be configured as either a 7-passenger or 8-passenger hauler, with the 7-seater setup utilizing two second-row captain’s chairs. Whatever the case, a total of 18 cubic feet of cargo room is presented behind the 3rd row. Under the hood of this hefty, imposing cruiser is a 291-hp 3.8-liter V8 unit that cedes power to either the front wheels or AWD system. This isn’t the best option if you’re into off-roading, as you’ll need proper 4WD.
- Nexo Fuel Cell: A one-of-a-kind in the classification, the Nexo is the only hydrogen-powered SUV in the US. It is expensive but highly fuel-efficient with a 95-kW fuel-cell stack comprising 440 individual cells and a 40-kWh lithium-ion polymer battery pack working together to propel the front wheels. The most frugal variant returns mpg-equivalent mileage figures of 65/58/61 across the city/highway/combined cycles. It’s a highly advanced automobile with an ultra-modern inside packed with high-tech specifications all aimed at delivering a premium experience.
New Hyundai SUV and Crossover Price List
Model |
Power |
Engine |
Base Price |
Hyundai Ioniq 5 |
225 hp |
Electric |
$39,950 |
Hyundai Kona |
147 hp |
2.0L Inline-4 Gas |
$20,500 |
Hyundai Nexo |
161 hp |
Hydrogen Fuel Cell |
$59,435 |
Hyundai Palisade |
291 hp |
3.8L V6 Gas |
TBC |
Hyundai Santa Fe |
191 hp |
2.5L Inline-4 Gas |
$27,700 |
Hyundai Tucson |
187 hp |
2.5L Inline-4 Gas |
$25,800 |
Hyundai Venue |
121 hp |
1.6L Inline-4 Gas |
$19,000 |
Hyundai Veracruz |
260 hp |
3.8L V6 Gas |
$28,345 |
Hyundai Kona Electric |
201 hp |
Electric |
$34,000 |
Hyundai Kona N |
276 hp |
2.0L Turbo Inline-4 Gas |
$34,200 |
What to Consider When Buying a Hyundai SUV
There is a lot to like about Hyundai’s SUV and crossover models but, as with any automaker, there are both advantages and disadvantages generally associated with its offering. We recommend browsing through CarBuzz’s comprehensive Hyundai SUV reviews for information on everything you’d need to make a good purchase. To get you started, here are just a few of the more common characteristics associated with the Korean manufacturer:
Pros
- Many powerful and polished engine options
- Attractive, sporty, and worldly designs
- Commodious and stylish cabin spaces
- Diverse trim lineup and specifications
- Industry-leading warranty coverages
Cons
- Pedestrian drive and handling dynamics
- Uncompetitive fuel economy ratings
- Typically not as practical as competitors
- No genuinely capable 4x4 equipment
FAQs
Is there a cost difference between the 2020 and 2021 Hyundai Venue SUV?
For 2020, Hyundai proffered the SUV at around $17,000 for the US. For 2021, that base MSRP was increased to just over $18,000. This $1k price hike may see some buyers turning to the used market, instead.
What is the price of the new Hyundai Kona N performance SUV?
The Korean manufacturer has yet to release pricing details for the new Kona N, but predictions are that it will be in the region of $32k before options.
Which Hyundai tows the most?
A quick review of the lineup shows that the Palisade, when properly equipped, is availed with a commendable maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.