2013 Hyundai Genesis

From low-cost sedans to three-row EV SUVs, Hyundai has a model for almost every kind of customer. Most new Hyundai vehicles are stylish, functional, and competitively priced, but the brand overall ranks around the middle in Consumer Reports’ Reliability and Owner Satisfaction ratings. Individual models and years vary widely, with some standouts and a few laggards. The core Hyundai lineup includes low-cost subcompacts like the Elantra, and midsized sedans like the Sonata. SUVs include the subcompact Kona and compact Tucson, plus the midsize Santa Fe and larger Palisade, both of which offer three-row seating. Many models are available as hybrids or plug-in hybrids. In our testing, most Hyundai models benefit from a hybrid drivetrain, which adds power and smoothness in addition to improving fuel economy. Hyundai’s EVs are some of the best values among electric cars. The Ioniq models are high-tech, well designed, and can charge quite rapidly at public DC fast charging stations.

Hyundai's upscale sedan is impressive, especially for the price. Though it is by no means a sports sedan, handling is responsive and secure. The quiet and well finished cabin also has an unusually hospitable rear seat for a midsized car. Controls are simple, unless you buy the optional navigation system, which adds a rather fussy multidirectional controller. The car's weak link is its somewhat nervous ride. For 2012, the Genesis got a new eight-speed automatic transmission, which helped the V6 get 22 mpg overall in our tests. While a V8 engine is also offered, we found it to be only marginally quicker than the V6.