Last updated: 2026-10-10
Hyundai vs Infiniti: Which Make Is More Reliable?
Hyundai
10 models tracked
Infiniti
1 models tracked
Infiniti beats Hyundai on reliability by a clear edge, with fewer complaints per car sold and far fewer recalls. Hyundai offers ten models to Infiniti's one, and it costs less to repair on average.
Is Hyundai More Reliable Than Infiniti?
| Metric | Hyundai | Infiniti |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 70/100 | 75/100 |
| Models Tracked | 10 | 1 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 23 | 13 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 1001 | 182 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $492/yr | $639/yr |
Hyundai vs Infiniti: The Verdict
A clear edge goes to Infiniti. Owners file fewer complaints per car sold, and fewer of those complaints involve crashes, fires, or injuries. Federal recall records show far fewer recalls, and problems are spread across fewer systems. Context matters, though. Infiniti is judged on one SUV, the QX60, while Hyundai covers ten models. The QX60 costs less to repair than a typical midsize SUV, yet Hyundai's brand average of $492 a year still undercuts the QX60's $639. Both brands are trending better, and each rates good overall.
Where Hyundai and Infiniti Differ Most
| Component | Weight | Hyundai | Infiniti |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 61/100Good | 68/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 68/100Good | 70/100Good |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 76/100Good | 84/100Excellent |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 82/100Excellent | 84/100Excellent |
The biggest gap is in recall impact, where Infiniti scores 8 points higher. That single component does the most to separate these two makes.
Hyundai vs Infiniti: Strengths and Weaknesses
Hyundai
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (70/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Very affordable maintenance ($492/year avg)
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- 9 of 10 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- 126 fire-related complaints across lineup
- Above-average repair severity when issues occur
Infiniti
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (75/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reasonable maintenance costs ($639/year avg)
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- Above-average repair severity when issues occur
Which Make Is Cheaper to Maintain: Hyundai or Infiniti?
Based on independent repair cost data, Hyundai is cheaper to maintain at an average of $492/year compared to $639/year for Infiniti. That's a difference of $147/year, which adds up significantly over the life of the vehicle.
Hyundai Repair Cost Range
$426 – $573/yr
Average: $492/yr
Hyundai vs Infiniti Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Hyundai | Infiniti | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUVs(6 vs 1 models) | 67/100 | 75/100 | Infiniti |
Infiniti wins 1 out of 1 shared categories.
Common Problems: Hyundai vs Infiniti
| Component | Hyundai | Infiniti |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 20%1,751 | 20%27 |
| ENGINE | 18%1,597 | 13%18 |
| POWER TRAIN | 15%1,289 | 23%32 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 12%1,095 | 18%24 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 8%745 | 8%11 |
| SEAT BELTS | 4%330 | — |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 3%272 | 3%4 |
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | 3%260 | 2%3 |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 2%203 | 3%4 |
| SEATS | 0%17 | 3%4 |
Share of each make's complaints, with counts below.
Hyundai vs Infiniti Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Hyundai
407
Crash reports
126
Fire reports
342
Injury reports
Infiniti
5
Crash reports
1
Fire reports
8
Injury reports
Every Hyundai and Infiniti Model Ranked
Hyundai Models
Infiniti Models
Hyundai vs Infiniti Reliability Trend by Year
Hyundai's reliability is improving — recent model years average 75/100, up from earlier years. Infiniti's reliability is improving — recent model years average 79/100.
Both makes are trending improving in recent model years — neither is pulling away.
| Model Year | Hyundai | Infiniti | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 76/100(10) | 82/100(1) | Infiniti |
| 2025 | 74/100(10) | 76/100(1) | Infiniti |
| 2024 | 72/100(10) | 73/100(1) | Infiniti |
| 2023 | 67/100(10) | 72/100(1) | Infiniti |
| 2022 | 64/100(9) | 73/100(1) | Infiniti |
| 2021 | 69/100(7) | 81/100(1) | Infiniti |
| 2020 | 66/100(7) | 74/100(1) | Infiniti |
| 2019 | 68/100(5) | 71/100(1) | Infiniti |
| 2018 | 67/100(5) | 72/100(1) | Infiniti |
Models tracked per year in parentheses.
Who Should Buy Hyundai vs Infiniti?
If you want a midsize SUV with the lightest complaint load, lean to the QX60. Target the 2021 model year. Look hard at 2019 and 2023, the two lowest rated. The weak spot is the CVT, which can shudder or hesitate and does not always respond to repair, so drive any candidate long enough to feel it.
If you want choice or lower running costs, lean to Hyundai. The Elantra is the best sedan pick. Favor the 2024 and skip 2020 and 2022, since sudden engine failure after heavy oil burning is the problem to avoid. Tucson, Santa-FE, and Palisade all rate good among the SUVs. Be careful with the Ioniq 5. Owners report sudden loss of drive power tied to the charging control unit, and 2022 and 2023 collect the most complaints. The 2024 is the better pick there. On any Hyundai, check electrical, engine, and power train history first.
The Bottom Line: Hyundai or Infiniti?
Choose Infiniti if you want the lighter complaint and recall load and can live with a single SUV. Choose Hyundai if you want variety and lower repair bills. The Elantra is the strongest model across both lineups. Hyundai's average repair cost runs $147 a year less, which adds up to about $735 over five years. A 2021 QX60 or a 2024 Elantra is the safest starting point.
Hyundai vs Infiniti: Common Questions
Is Hyundai more reliable than Infiniti?
Which brand has more recalls, Hyundai or Infiniti?
Which is cheaper to repair, Hyundai or Infiniti?
What is the most common problem with the Infiniti QX60?
Which Hyundai models should I avoid used?
Comparing Hyundai vs Infiniti? Run a VIN check on any specific vehicle before you buy — uncover hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls.
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How we score Hyundai and Infiniti models
Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.