While Nissan has been among the leaders in the car industry for quite some time, Hyundai models have become more popular in recent decades. Today, both brands are known for their excellent performance, reliability, and reasonable affordability. But which one is better? Find out in this Hyundai vs. Nissan review.
Both Nissan and Hyundai are prime quality brands known for safety, outstanding performance, reliability, and innovation. However, Hyundai ranks as a more reliable brand than Nissan, with lower starting prices and better warranty offers. At the same time, Nissan takes the lead when it comes to lower maintenance costs and brand recognition.
If you want to find out more about the qualities these two brands possess, as well as which one is better, take a look at the comparison below.
Table of Contents
Hyundai vs. Nissan – Reliability Ranking
Both Nissan and Hyundai are highly reliable vehicles, but which one takes the lead? Consumer Reports makes a list of the most reliable cars each year based on the customer experience. According to them, Hyundai is several places ahead of Nissan.
Auto Reliability list for 2020 places Hyundai in the sixth position (out of twenty-six car brands), while Nissan is only thirteenth on the list. However, keep in mind that no manufacturers have models that are worse and better than their average grade.
Vehicle Performance – Which Brand Provides a Better Driving Experience?
Reliability is not the only quality new car owners seek. However, when it comes to performance, it’s hard to talk about the brand in general because different vehicle models have different qualities.
For example, Nissan’s engines are considered superior to Hyundai’s. Still, if you compare Hyundai Tucson to Nissan Rogue, you’ll see that Hyundai’s SUV has more advantages, including bigger maximum horsepower, higher engine efficiency, and more passenger space.
On the other hand, according to J.D. Power 2021, U.S. Initial Quality Study, one of the Nissan models – Nissan Maxima – was the model with the highest score compared to all other brands. Therefore, when considering the performance question, it’s crucial you research the specific models (besides the brand itself).
Both Nissan and Hyundai Offer All-Electric Vehicle Options
Did you know that Nissan was one of the first brands to offer an all-electric car? It shouldn’t come as a surprise since environmentalism is one of the prominent Nissan features. Low fuel consumption and emission reduction combined with a highly reliable engine are some of the most praised Nissan traits.
On the other hand, Hyundai’s also a pioneer of its own – keep in mind that IONIQ is the first model to offer both hybrid and electric powertrains. Additionally, it provides a broader range of hybrid models than Nissan and is a good choice when you’re looking for excellent equipment that comes with basic trims.
Hyundai’s and Nissan’s Warranty Policies – Complete Rundown
When it comes to warranty length, Hyundai is an absolute winner – keep in mind that warranties for Hyundai models can last twice as long as Nissan’s. To get a better picture, take a look at the table below:
| Warranty | Nissan | Hyundai |
| Basic (years/miles) | 3 / 36,000 | 5 / 60,000 |
| Powertrain (years/miles) | 5 / 60,000 | 10 / 100,000 |
| Roadside assistance (years/miles) | 3 / 36,000 | 5 / unlimited |
Price Comparison Between Hyundai and Nissan
Both brands have the goal of providing high-quality vehicles that are accessible to many, which is why they come with reasonably affordable starting prices. However, when looking at comparable models, it is obvious that Hyundai is a little bit cheaper – but not more than several hundred dollars.
Keep in mind that both manufacturers cover a wide variety of models, from SUVs to sedans, with prices ranging from $10,000 to $50,000, depending on the model that has caught your eye. However, note that Hyndais as a brand won the 5-Year Cost to Own Awards back in 2016 as a manufacturer that offers the best value for the money.
Aside from Initial Accessibility, You Should Also Consider Maintenance Costs
Starting price is not the only thing important when looking for the most budget-friendly solution – you should also look at how much you will spend on annual maintenance and repairs. The exact amount depends on several factors, such as the reliability of the vehicle, cost of spare parts, and the like. So, where do Nissan and Hyundai Stand?
According to YourMechanic, Hyundai has had higher maintenance costs over a period of ten years. While ten-year maintenance for Hydnai costs approximately $8,200, for Nissan, the price is around $7,600.
However, note that some of the Nissan models are among those with the lowest and highest maintenance costs – while Nissan Versa, Nissan Rogue, and Nissan Sentra are in the first group, Nissan Murano and Nissan Maxima are very expensive to maintain.
Which Is a Better Option If You’re Buying a Used Vehicle?
Both manufacturers obviously produce safe and reliable vehicles that can provide excellent driving experience in many years to come (if maintained properly). However, keep in mind that older Hyundai models don’t offer the high-quality and reliability that newer models do. Take that into consideration when shopping for used vehicles.
As for the prices of used cars, here are some current costs of comparable Hyundai and Nissan models:
- Nissan Versa / Hyundai Accent – $16,000 – $22,600 / $17,000 – $23,000
- Nissan Rogue / Hyundai Tucson – $17,600 – $27,000 / $16,000 – $33,000
- Nissan Leaf / Hyundai Kona – $14,600 – 36,600 / $18,150 – $30,000
Final Verdict – Which Vehicles Show More Benefits?
It’s safe to say that you will make no mistake by choosing any of these two brands. However, if one needs to take the lead, I would say it’s Hyundai – but only the more recent models. Although some think that Hyundai can’t come close to the quality Nissan provides, a lower starting price combined with excellent performance, rich basic equipment, and higher reliability set the Hyundai brand above the Nissan.
