Last updated: 2026-03-04

Hyundai Tucson vs Kia EV6: Reliability Compared

More ReliableHyundai Tucson reliability comparison

Hyundai Tucson

73
GoodReliability score: 73 out of 100, rated Good
VS
Kia EV6 reliability comparison

Kia EV6

57
MixedReliability score: 57 out of 100, rated Mixed

Choosing between the Hyundai Tucson and the Kia EV6? This page compares their reliability scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs so you can make a confident long-term ownership decision between these two compact suvs.

Our reliability scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data, independent repair cost estimates, and sales-normalized complaint rates. The Hyundai Tucson currently leads with an average score of 73/100 compared to 57/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.

How Do the Hyundai Tucson and Kia EV6 Generations Compare?

The Hyundai Tucson's generation history is not detailed here, which makes it challenging to assess its current platform maturity for reliability comparisons. In contrast, the Kia EV6 is currently in its first generation, launched in 2022, with a facelift expected in 2025. Being early in its generation cycle, the EV6 may still be addressing initial production issues typical of new platforms. Buyers might find that as a first-generation model, it could face early-stage reliability challenges. On the other hand, a model with more established generation data, like the Tucson, might offer a more refined experience if it is further along in its lifecycle.

Verdict

The Hyundai Tucson is more reliable than the Kia EV6, scoring 73/100 vs 57/100.

The Hyundai Tucson demonstrates superior reliability compared to the Kia EV6, with a significantly higher average reliability score of 83/100 versus 43/100. The Tucson also has a lower owner complaint rate of 8.9 per 10,000 sold, compared to the EV6's 48.9 per 10,000. Despite having more recalls over a longer period, the Tucson's estimated annual repair cost of $426 provides a tangible advantage, as the EV6 lacks available repair cost data. Key issue areas for both models include the power train and electrical system, but the Tucson's overall reliability metrics make it the more dependable choice.

Key Differences

  1. 1Hyundai Tucson has 40.0 fewer complaints per 10k sold
  2. 2Hyundai Tucson scores 16 points higher in reliability
  3. 3Kia EV6 has 15 fewer total recalls

Category Scoreboard

2Hyundai Tucson
—
1Kia EV6
Reliability ScoreTotal RecallsComplaint RateSafety Rating

Hyundai Tucson vs Kia EV6: Which Is More Reliable?

Hyundai Tucson vs Kia EV6 at-a-glance reliability comparison
MetricHyundai TucsonKia EV6
Reliability Score73/10057/100
Years Tracked95
Total Recalls238
Complaints per 10k Sold8.948.9
Safety RatingNHTSA overall
2026 NHTSA
2026 NHTSA
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Year Wins40

What Are the Common Problems With the Hyundai Tucson and Kia EV6?

The Hyundai Tucson exhibits a higher overall complaint volume compared to the Kia EV6, with notable issues in its engine, power train, and electrical system. The Tucson's engine complaints, totaling 397 with 3 linked to crashes, indicate a significant area of concern. In contrast, the Kia EV6 predominantly faces electrical system issues, accounting for 204 complaints, with a lower crash-link ratio. Both models have crash-linked complaints in service brakes and unknown or other categories, but the Tucson has a broader range of issues impacting vehicle safety features such as forward collision avoidance.

Hyundai Tucson vs Kia EV6 common problem areas comparison
ComponentHyundai TucsonKia EV6
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1.1Low28.4High
POWER TRAIN1.3Low7.8Above Avg
UNKNOWN OR OTHER1Very Low3.3Average
SERVICE BRAKES1.1Low1.8Low
ENGINE1.9Low0.4Very Low
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM0.4Very Low1.3Low
STRUCTURE0.1Very Low1Very Low
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL0.3Very Low0.6Very Low
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE0.5Very Low0.3Very Low
AIR BAGS0.1Very Low0.4Very Low
STEERING0.1Very Low0.3Very Low
LANE DEPARTURE—None0.4Very Low
TIRES—None0.4Very Low
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING0.1Very Low—None
VISIBILITY/WIPER—None—None
EXTERIOR LIGHTING—None—None
SEAT BELTS—None—None
SUSPENSION—None—None

Complaints per 10,000 units sold, aggregated across all tracked model years from NHTSA owner reports.

Which Is Cheaper to Maintain: Hyundai Tucson or Kia EV6?

The Hyundai Tucson, with an annual repair cost of $426 and a repair frequency of 0.3 visits per year, offers a transparent view of maintenance expenses. The major repair risk is 10%, meaning there's a 1 in 10 chance of a significant issue each year. While specific data for the Kia EV6 isn't available, industry estimates suggest electric vehicles typically have lower maintenance costs due to fewer moving parts. However, initial repair data for new EV models can be sparse. For cost-conscious buyers, the Tucson provides clear, predictable expenses. However, the EV6 may offer savings in the long run, especially if electric vehicle reliability trends continue. The choice depends on preferences for predictability versus potential long-term savings.

How Does Hyundai Tucson vs Kia EV6 Reliability Compare by Year?

Hyundai Tucson vs Kia EV6 year-by-year reliability scores
YearHyundai TucsonKia EV6Edge
202575/1006R / 251C69/1000R / 0CHyundai Tucson
202477/1004R / 87C59/1002R / 38CHyundai Tucson
202375/1002R / 142C52/1003R / 98CHyundai Tucson
202266/1003R / 433C46/1003R / 215CHyundai Tucson
2026(predicted)76/100(predicted)60/100(predicted)Hyundai Tucson

Best years to cross-shop: The 2024 Hyundai Tucson scored 77/100 and the 2025 Kia EV6 scored 69/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.

Who Should Buy the Hyundai Tucson vs the Kia EV6?

If you prioritize reliability and low running costs, the Hyundai Tucson is your best bet. With a reliability score of 83/100 and an estimated annual repair cost of $426, it offers peace of mind for budget-conscious drivers. The Tucson's repair frequency is low at 0.3 times per year, with a 10% risk of major repairs, making it a dependable choice for everyday use. Although it has 23 recalls, the owner complaints are significantly lower at 8.9 per 10,000 sold, suggesting satisfied customers overall. On the other hand, if you are drawn to electric vehicles and can tolerate some uncertainties, the Kia EV6 might appeal to you. However, be prepared for a reliability score of 43/100 and higher owner complaints at 48.9 per 10,000 sold. While the EV6 has fewer recalls at 8, the lack of clear data on repair costs and frequency could mean unforeseen expenses. Choose this if you're willing to embrace the cutting-edge excitement of an EV with some trade-offs in reliability.

Hyundai Tucson vs Kia EV6: Common Questions

Is the Hyundai Tucson more reliable than the Kia EV6?
Based on our data, the Hyundai Tucson is more reliable with an average score of 73/100 compared to 57/100. That's a significant difference worth considering.
Which has more recalls, the Hyundai Tucson or the Kia EV6?
The Hyundai Tucson has more recalls (23) compared to the Kia EV6 (8). More recalls don't always mean worse reliability — some are minor — but it's worth reviewing what each recall covers.
Which has fewer owner complaints, the Hyundai Tucson or the Kia EV6?
Adjusted for sales volume, the Hyundai Tucson has a lower complaint rate at 8.9 per 10,000 sold versus 48.9 for the Kia EV6. This per-sales normalization gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.
Is the Hyundai Tucson or Kia EV6 safer?
Both the Hyundai Tucson and Kia EV6 received the same NHTSA overall safety rating of 5/5 stars. Check the frontal, side, and rollover sub-ratings above for a more detailed comparison.

Related Reliability Comparisons

How We Calculate Reliability Scores

Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.

Key Ranking Factors

1

Complaint Severity

NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

Recall Impact

Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.

4

Issue Diversity

Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.

Scores are grouped into four tiers:

  • 80–100: Excellent — Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
  • 60–79: Good — Reliable with some minor concerns
  • 40–59: Mixed — Notable issues, research before buying
  • 0–39: Risky — Significant problems, proceed with caution

Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.

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