You can read blog post upon blog post about which particular vehicle might be right for you. However, there’s truly no way to fully trust these writers’ opinions. Rather, as a prospective buyer, you might be more comfortable relying on the recommendations of actual automotive experts.
Well, one of the ways that these automotive experts highlight their preferred vehicles is via accolades, and Hyundai has been racking up those awards over the past year. We’ve compiled several of the most notable below, which emphasize attributes like safety, performance, cleanliness, and even “coolness.” Once you’ve seen all of the awards that the brand’s vehicles have collected, you’ll be itching to go shopping for a Hyundai in Charlotte…
Awarded for Safety
Hyundai’s crop of vehicles were recognized with an assortment of accolades for their available safety functions. For starters, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety recognized a pair of the brand’s vehicles with their Top Safety Pick+ designation, including the 2017 Santa Fe and 2017 Elantra (when both cars are equipped with the Automatic Emergency Braking system). To be eligible for this distinction, a vehicle must have above-average grades for “high-speed frontal crash tests, side crash tests, [and] rollover tests,” among other factors.
Meanwhile, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety also recognized a trio of Hyundai vehicles as a regular “Top Safety Pick,” including the Tucson, Santa Fe, and Sonata. These vehicles essentially earned the group’s “Good” rating when it came to “moderate overlap front, small overlap front, side, roof strength, and head restraint tests.” While drivers hope that they never have to rely on these features, the added protection will certainly allow them to travel with confidence.
Meanwhile, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration also recognized several of the brand’s vehicles for their safety capabilities. The 2017 Sonata, Tucson, and Santa Fe each earned the best-possible five-star rating from the group, confirming the vehicles’ “crashworthiness, collision avoidance and other areas that improve the safety of new vehicles.”
Awarded for Being Cool
It might seem a bit hyperbolic to declare a particular vehicle the “coolest” in the industry, but that’s exactly what Kelley Blue Book attempted. Of course, you won’t see us complaining, as the 2017 Hyundai Veloster ended up being named to KBB.com’s 10 Coolest Cars Under $18,000 List, an accolade that might actually be appreciated by a good portion of customers.
“When we look at these rankings, we factor in not only price but what we describe as a ‘cool factor’ represented by a vehicle being both fun to drive and fun to own,” said Jack R. Nerad, the executive editorial director and executive market analyst for KBB.com. “The Veloster definitely fits the bill here, with a visual styling and ownership value that gives first-time owners and other budget-conscious buyers a fun experience without having to break the bank.”
The publication was a particular fan of the unique third door and the one-of-a-kind exterior styling, providing owners with an exclusive, unmatched driving experience. Of course, the affordable pricing is a big reason why the vehicle is so enticing, and the accompanying, extensive warranty means owners will consistently be protected if they come across any issues.
Prospective customers will also appreciate the 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, which is capable of delivering 132 horsepower and 120 pounds-feet of torque, meaning drivers can consistently zoom past their fellow drivers. Meanwhile, thanks to clever inclusions like Gasoline Direct Injection, Dual Overhead Cam, and a six-speed EcoShift automatic transmission, drivers can also anticipate a 35-mile-per-gallon highway fuel efficiency. If you’re already enticed by the low price of the vehicle, you’ll certainly appreciate the extra money you’re going to save at the gas pump.
Awarded for Design
Perhaps you’re seeking a vehicle that offers more luxury and opulence, in which case you’ll appreciate the fact that both the 2018 Sonata and Elantra GT have already been recognized for their design. The two vehicles were named finalists by the Industrial Designers Society of America for their 2017 International Design Excellence Awards. The group particularly values innovative and unique designs, and they also take into account any features that improve driving quality.
For instance, the group was particularly enamored with the major exterior revisions that the 2018 Sonata went through. The bolder stance made for a much more intimidating vehicle, with engineers also adding a new grille, vertical LED running lights, and a more sculpted hood. The inside of the vehicle was also revamped, with the brand adding new ventilation controls and a new audio system, which includes the creative “rocker” buttons.
Meanwhile, the Elantra GT was also redesigned to provide drivers with a more aggressive stance, and many of these exterior inclusions also influence aerodynamics (which, of course, impacts performance). The inside was slightly revamped to maximize storage space, with engineers also prioritizing comfort and driver confidence.
“We are building a variety of charismatic characters for each segment to make Hyundai Motor to be the most loved brand in the automotive industry,” said Sangyup Lee, the Head of Hyundai Styling. “Hyundai Motor will keep developing more distinctive and creative design.”
Awarded for Cleanliness
The 2017 Hyundai Ioniq is one of the most efficient and cleanest vehicles on the road, so it’s only appropriate that the model earned the 2017 Green Good Design Award from the Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design and the European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies. This particular vehicle has been lauded for being the first car in the world to include three “distinct electrified powertrains,” including the brand hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and electric models.
“Hyundai is committed to progressing the future of eco-friendly driving and the Ioniq is just the beginning,” said Chris Chapman, the chief designer of Hyundai Design Center. “The future-focused character of the Ioniq along with its innovative use of recycled and ecologically-sensitive materials has made Ioniq the most fuel-efficient vehicle and a leader in the environmentally-friendly vehicle space.”
