Last updated: 2026-10-10
Hyundai vs Rivian: Which Make Is More Reliable?
Hyundai
10 models tracked
Rivian
2 models tracked
Hyundai comes out ahead of Rivian on reliability, with a clear edge. It wins on repair costs, recall impact, and how widely problems spread, while Rivian draws milder crash, fire, and injury complaints. Rivian's lineup is only two models, and its air bag complaints stand out.
Is Hyundai More Reliable Than Rivian?
| Metric | Hyundai | Rivian |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 70/100 | 62/100 |
| Models Tracked | 10 | 2 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 23 | 23 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 1001 | 87 |
Hyundai vs Rivian: The Verdict
A clear edge goes to Hyundai. It wins on repair costs, recall impact, and the spread of problems across systems, and it offers far more to choose from, including six SUVs against Rivian's one. Rivian's best argument is severity. Owners filed 12 crash complaints against 407 for Hyundai.
Complaint rates are fairly close, at 1.4 per 1,000 sold for Hyundai and 1.7 for Rivian. The bigger gap is concentration. About a third of Rivian complaints involve air bags, while Hyundai's trouble is spread across electrical, engine, and power train systems.
Where Hyundai and Rivian Differ Most
| Component | Weight | Hyundai | Rivian |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 61/100Good | 65/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 68/100Good | 49/100Mixed |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 76/100Good | 66/100Good |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 82/100Excellent | 79/100Good |
Hyundai's advantage in repair costs (+19 points) is the main driver of the overall score difference between these makes.
Hyundai vs Rivian: 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
Rivian
Strengths
- Above-average reliability (62/100 average)
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
Hyundai vs Rivian Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Hyundai | Rivian | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUVs(6 vs 1 models) | 67/100 | 59/100 | Hyundai |
| Trucks(1 vs 1 models) | 68/100 | 66/100 | Hyundai |
Hyundai wins 2 out of 2 shared categories.
Common Problems: Hyundai vs Rivian
| Component | Hyundai | Rivian |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 20%1,751 | 15%20 |
| ENGINE | 18%1,597 | — |
| POWER TRAIN | 15%1,289 | 6%8 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 12%1,095 | 14%18 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 8%745 | 3%4 |
| SEAT BELTS | 4%330 | — |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 3%272 | 5%6 |
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | 3%260 | 2%3 |
| STEERING | 3%226 | 8%10 |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 2%180 | 5%6 |
Share of each make's complaints, with counts below.
Hyundai vs Rivian Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Hyundai
407
Crash reports
126
Fire reports
342
Injury reports
Rivian
12
Crash reports
2
Fire reports
2
Injury reports
Every Hyundai and Rivian Model Ranked
Hyundai Models
Hyundai vs Rivian Reliability Trend by Year
Hyundai's reliability is improving — recent model years average 75/100, up from earlier years. Rivian's reliability has been stable.
| Model Year | Hyundai | Rivian | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 76/100(10) | 59/100(1) | Hyundai |
| 2025 | 74/100(10) | 61/100(2) | Hyundai |
| 2024 | 72/100(10) | 65/100(2) | Hyundai |
| 2023 | 67/100(10) | 61/100(2) | Hyundai |
| 2022 | 64/100 | — | — |
| 2021 | 69/100 | — | — |
| 2020 | 66/100 | — | — |
| 2019 | 68/100 | — | — |
| 2018 | 67/100 | — | — |
Models tracked per year in parentheses.
Who Should Buy Hyundai vs Rivian?
If you want the lowest running costs and the widest choice, lean Hyundai. The Elantra is the strongest model in either lineup. Buy a 2024 and skip 2020 and 2022, since sudden engine failure after heavy oil burning is the problem to avoid. Skip the 2022 and 2023 Ioniq 5, where loss of drive power tied to the charging control unit shows up most. A 2024 is the better used pick there.
If you want an electric truck or SUV and accept a thinner track record, look at Rivian. The R1T is the better choice, rated good, while the R1S is only mixed. For either one, favor 2024. The 2023 R1T drew the most complaints, mostly a passenger airbag that switches itself off for lighter adults. On the R1S, the same airbag problem appears, along with black screens and power loss in traffic. Test the passenger seat sensor before you buy.
The Bottom Line: Hyundai or Rivian?
Choose Hyundai unless you specifically want an electric Rivian. The Elantra is the single strongest model across both lineups, and a 2024 is the one to target. Its yearly repair cost of about $452 beats the $526 compact-car average. Rivian's R1T is a reasonable pick in 2024, but check the passenger air bag and electrical systems first.
Hyundai vs Rivian: Common Questions
Is Hyundai more reliable than Rivian?
Which brand has more recalls, Hyundai or Rivian?
Which is cheaper to repair, Hyundai or Rivian?
What is the most common problem on the Rivian R1T and R1S?
What is the biggest risk on a used Hyundai?
Comparing Hyundai vs Rivian? 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 Rivian 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.