Last updated: 2026-10-10
Hyundai vs Toyota: Which Make Is More Reliable?
Hyundai
10 models tracked
Toyota
19 models tracked
Toyota beats Hyundai on reliability by a clear margin, with fewer owner complaints per car sold and slightly lower repair costs. Both brands hold a good standing and both are improving, so the gap shows up in the details. Hyundai's Elantra is the exception worth a look.
Is Hyundai More Reliable Than Toyota?
| Metric | Hyundai | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 70/100 | 76/100 |
| Models Tracked | 10 | 19 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 23 | 25 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 1001 | 616 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $492/yr | $482/yr |
Hyundai vs Toyota: The Verdict
A clear edge goes to Toyota. Both brands sit at a good standing, but Toyota draws fewer owner complaints for every car sold, and it rates stronger on complaint severity, repair costs, and recall impact. Its recall total is higher, but it also tracks 19 models against 10 for Hyundai.
Problems spread across systems about evenly. Hyundai owners report mostly electrical and engine trouble. Toyota owners report mostly power train trouble. By body style, Toyota is stronger in sedans and SUVs, and the two brands are even in trucks.
Where Hyundai and Toyota Differ Most
| Component | Weight | Hyundai | Toyota |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 61/100Good | 67/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 68/100Good | 77/100Good |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 76/100Good | 80/100Excellent |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 82/100Excellent | 82/100Excellent |
Dig into the components and repair costs stands out — Toyota outscores by 9 points there, which carries significant weight in the final number.
Hyundai vs Toyota: 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
Toyota
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (76/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Very affordable maintenance ($482/year avg)
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- 19 of 19 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- 93 fire-related complaints across lineup
- Above-average repair severity when issues occur
How Reliable Are Hyundai and Toyota Lineups?
Distribution of model reliability ratings across each make's lineup:
Hyundai
Toyota
Which Make Is Cheaper to Maintain: Hyundai or Toyota?
Based on independent repair cost data, Toyota is cheaper to maintain at an average of $482/year compared to $492/year for Hyundai. The difference is relatively small, so maintenance costs shouldn't be a major deciding factor between these makes.
Hyundai Repair Cost Range
$426 – $573/yr
Average: $492/yr
Toyota Repair Cost Range
$362 – $642/yr
Average: $482/yr
Hyundai vs Toyota Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Hyundai | Toyota | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sedans(3 vs 6 models) | 75/100 | 78/100 | Toyota |
| SUVs(6 vs 9 models) | 67/100 | 77/100 | Toyota |
| Trucks(1 vs 2 models) | 68/100 | 67/100 | Hyundai |
Toyota wins 2 out of 3 shared categories.
Common Problems: Hyundai vs Toyota
| Component | Hyundai | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| POWER TRAIN | 15%1,289 | 19%1,909 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 20%1,751 | 12%1,271 |
| ENGINE | 18%1,597 | 9%963 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 12%1,095 | 13%1,350 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 8%745 | 8%780 |
| AIR BAGS | 2%135 | 9%911 |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 2%203 | 8%796 |
| STEERING | 3%226 | 5%532 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 3%272 | 3%331 |
| SEAT BELTS | 4%330 | 0%32 |
Share of each make's complaints, with counts below.
Hyundai vs Toyota Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Hyundai
407
Crash reports
126
Fire reports
342
Injury reports
Toyota
699
Crash reports
93
Fire reports
633
Injury reports
Every Hyundai and Toyota Model Ranked
Hyundai Models
Toyota Models
Hyundai vs Toyota Reliability Trend by Year
Hyundai's reliability is improving — recent model years average 75/100, up from earlier years. Toyota's reliability is improving — recent model years average 82/100.
Both makes are trending improving in recent model years — neither is pulling away.
| Model Year | Hyundai | Toyota | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 76/100(10) | 86/100(13) | Toyota |
| 2025 | 74/100(10) | 78/100(15) | Toyota |
| 2024 | 72/100(10) | 75/100(16) | Toyota |
| 2023 | 67/100(10) | 75/100(15) | Toyota |
| 2022 | 64/100(9) | 76/100(16) | Toyota |
| 2021 | 69/100(7) | 76/100(14) | Toyota |
| 2020 | 66/100(7) | 73/100(13) | Toyota |
| 2019 | 68/100(5) | 70/100(12) | Toyota |
| 2018 | 67/100(5) | 71/100(12) | Toyota |
Models tracked per year in parentheses.
Hyundai vs Toyota: Head-to-Head Model Matchups
These are direct competitor models between Hyundai and Toyota. Click any matchup for a detailed model-vs-model reliability comparison:
Who Should Buy Hyundai vs Toyota?
If you want the lowest chance of trouble, lean Toyota. The Corolla, Corolla Cross, 4Runner, and Venza all rate excellent. A used Crown is also excellent, and the 2024 is the year to favor. For a truck, the Tacoma has low repair costs. Look for a 2021 and avoid 2018 and 2019. On a test drive, check for an automatic transmission that shudders or hunts for gears at light throttle, and look for brake fluid leaking into the cab.
Lean Hyundai if the Elantra fits your needs. It rates excellent, and its yearly repair costs beat the compact-car average. Buy a 2024 and skip 2020 and 2022. Owners report engine failure that starts with heavy oil burning and can come with no warning light, so ask for oil service records. Skip the 2022 and 2023 Ioniq 5. Owners report sudden loss of drive power tied to the charging control unit. The 2024 is the better pick, but the model's standing is still mixed.
The Bottom Line: Hyundai or Toyota?
For most shoppers, Toyota is the safer buy. The Crown ranks strongest across both lineups, but it has a short record, so favor the 2024 over the 2026. Toyota also costs about $10 less a year to repair, roughly $50 over five years. That is a small gap. If you prefer Hyundai, make the Elantra your target and avoid the Ioniq 5 in its early years.
Hyundai vs Toyota: Common Questions
Is Hyundai more reliable than Toyota?
Which brand has more recalls, Hyundai or Toyota?
Which is cheaper to repair, Hyundai or Toyota?
What problems do Hyundai owners report most?
What goes wrong on a used Toyota Tacoma?
Comparing Hyundai vs Toyota? Run a VIN check on any specific vehicle before you buy — uncover hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls.
Related Make Comparisons
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How we score Hyundai and Toyota 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.