Best Korean Cars for 2024
The best used and new Korean cars, trucks, SUVs and more based on a data-driven analysis of each vehicle's reliability, resale value and safety.
Best Korean Cars by Vehicle Type
The success of Korean car brands in America., specifically Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis (which make up the Hyundai Motor Group), is impossible to ignore. After a rough start in the 1980s and 1990s due to quality issues, Hyundai and Kia products benefitted from aggressive powertrain warranty coverage and improvements in quality assessments, substantially improving their image. Although initially seen as second-tier Asian import brands, behind the likes of Honda, Nissan, and Toyota, Hyundai, Kia and Genesis are now acknowledged across the automotive industry as fully competitive with first-tier Japanese and European brands.
Based in Seoul, South Korea, these Korean automakers have invested heavily in the U.S. market over the past two decades. An increasing percentage of Hyundai and Kia new car manufacturing now occurs in the U.S., with additional investment in U.S.-based electric vehicle production in recent years.
While initially focused on smaller hatchbacks and economy cars, Hyundai now produces a full range of models, including the turbo-powered Veloster coupe, attractive Hyundai Palisade SUV, and capable Santa Cruz compact pickup truck. Kia provides a similar range of models, but offers the rear-wheel-drive Stinger sedan and comfortable Carnival minivan, too. Both brands produce compelling electric vehicles, including the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6.
Luxury shoppers should consider the Genesis brand, which has clearly targeted benchmark nameplates like Lexus and Mercedes-Benz. Genesis models are manufactured in South Korea, where premium, rear-wheel-drive luxury sedans remain a popular choice in the local South Korean car market. Genesis models are known for their premium styling featuring a prominent grille and sleek exterior lighting, along with advanced infotainment and driver-assist systems and upscale interior appointments. While Genesis’ image hasn’t quite caught up to German luxury brands like Audi and BMW, close analysis of their design, materials, and performance confirms Genesis vehicles as fully competitive with the world’s most distinguished models.
Below you will find the best Korean cars ranked by their iSeeCars quality score across a number of categories. New and used pricing information, fuel efficiency ratings and cargo capacity figures are also included.
Best Korean Cars
Best Korean SUVs
Best Korean Hybrids
Best Korean Electrics
Best Korean Minivans
How We Rank These Cars
iSeeCars Best Korean Cars are calculated based on the latest research by our data science team and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
We analyze data from over 12 million new and used vehicles in our Longest-Lasting Cars and 5-Year Depreciation Studies, combined with the NHTSA's Safety Ratings to give you an unbiased guide to the best vehicles in each segment.
After being evaluated, vehicles with the highest average scores earn a spot in the iSeeCars Best Korean Cars. (No final score is given to vehicles missing a score in any of the categories, but scores for other categories are still shown.)
Vehicles are scored in three categories:
Reliability
The reliability score represents an analysis of iSeeCars' proprietary research on the longest-lasting vehicles.
Value Retention
The value retention score is based on our data science team's statistical analysis and prediction of 5-year depreciation from MSRP to determine which cars hold their value best, using US Bureau of Labor Statistics data to adjust for inflation.
Safety
The safety score is calculated based on the last five years of crash test ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and incorporates the latest Top Safety Pick information from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
