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Competition invites progress, and the automotive industry is proving that time and again. Hyundai and its (now) subsidiary Kia have often been the underdogs in the industry. Both companies have long been associated with affordable, (mostly) dependable vehicles that weren’t very exciting, but did the job.
Kind of like Toyota and Honda a few decades ago. The two Korean brands have always been about providing great value for money, and their current lineups continue to reflect that. Hence why, the following Korean models have been awarded 2026 Best Cars For The Money.
The methodology: our colleagues from U.S.News measured quality based on parameters like driving dynamics, comfort, as well as how well the tech works. Value was measured based on each vehicle’s price and the cost of keeping it on the road, including maintenance, repairs, and fuel.
Best Compact Car for the Money - Kia K4
I have always claimed that Kia bringing out the K4 was a brilliant move because it is an honest, value-packed hatchback (or sedan, depending on your choice) that starts at $22,290. The base powertrain is a 2.0-liter, normally aspirated, inline-four engine with 147 horsepower.
It is mated to a CVT that sends power to the front wheels. Not the most inspiring combination, but it provides a fairly smooth and relaxed experience. The 1.6-liter turbo-four is a definite step up with 190 horsepower and a 0 to 60 mph time of 7.3 seconds.
The base engine gets 40 MPG (EPA) on the highway and 30 MPG in the city (34 MPG combined). The turbo model isn’t that far behind with 36 MPG on the highway and 26 in the city (29 MPG combined).
The K4’s strong sides are the roomy interior, generous standard equipment, and intuitive infotainment. The cons are a somewhat underpowered base engine and not enough rear headroom for taller passengers (for the sedan).
Best Compact SUV for the Money - Hyundai Tucson
In many ways, the Hyundai Tucson is a cut-price Toyota RAV4. While this is understandably a bold claim, the value-packed compact SUV has everything for those who don’t want a complex hybrid powertrain (although you can still get a hybrid Tucson if you want). The Korean model starts at $29,450 MSRP, and remains fairly affordable even in its highest trim - Limited ($41,025).
The 2.5-liter SmartStream engine comes with 187 horsepower and up to 33 MPG on the highway for the FWD model. Adding all-wheel drive sacrifices 3 highway MPG. The powertrain comes with both, direct and port injection, which is becoming the industry standard. It provides fuel-efficiency, performance, and negates carbon buildup on the intake valves.
The Tucson comes with a spacious and well-made interior, generous cargo space, and lots of standard features. The downside is that it isn’t particularly engaging to drive. I wish they would throw in the 2.5 turbo in the Tucson. With Hyundai planning to become a proper Toyota Gazoo Racing competitor, maybe they will.
Related story: Why, According To A Reputable Publication, Hyundai Is The Best SUV Brand For 2025
Best Compact Hybrid Car for the Money - Hyundai Elantra Hybrid
The Hyundai Elantra is currently the most affordable hybrid sedan you can get. It provides best-in-class fuel economy at 54 combined MPG (58 highway, 51 city), a spacious cabin, and generous standard equipment. There is a clear pattern with Hyundai and Kia models. The biggest surprise compared to other competitors, like the Corolla hybrid, is that the Elantra comes, not with a dreary CVT (like the base model), but with a six-speed dual-clutch automatic.
The 1.6-liter engine is paired with a single electric motor for a combined 139 horsepower. While on par with rivals like the Corolla, the powertrain doesn’t feel quite as spirited - the price for better fuel economy, I suppose. Interior plastics also leave something to be desired. Besides that, it is a well-balanced, affordable sedan with generous standard equipment and a very frugal hybrid system.
Best Compact Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid SUV for the Money - Kia Sportage
Kia Sportage gets two awards for 2026, and both are for its hybrid variants. The full hybrid and plug-in hybrid models feature efficient powertrains that revolve around the 1.6-liter T-GDI engine. Alone, the internal-combustion engine produces 180 horsepower, but with the electric motor, combined output jumps to 227 horsepower for the Hybrid and 265 for the PHEV.
Both variants of the hybrid Sportage provide roomy interiors and a relatively low starting price, compared to the competition. In addition, you also get punchy hybrid powertrains and generous standard equipment. At $30,490, the Sportage is the cheapest way to get a decently-sized compact hybrid SUV.
The only thing that comes close is the Corolla Cross Hybrid, which is smaller and offers less cargo and interior space. The Sportage PHEV is $10,000 more expensive than the Sportage Hybrid, but gets you 38 more horsepower and 34 miles of electric range.
Best Subcompact Hybrid SUV for the Money - Kia Niro
Subcompact hybrid SUVs and crossovers are becoming increasingly popular even in the US. That’s where the Kia Niro comes in. Compact size, functional interior, and exceptional fuel economy, at a reasonable price. The hybrid model starts at $27,390, which makes it more affordable than competitors like the Chevy Bolt and Hyundai Kona. The Niro also comes in more powerful, plug-in hybrid or fully-electric variants, but at a significantly higher price.
The real-life fuel economy sits at 50 MPG combined (53 city/ 45-54 highway). Like the Elantra hybrid, the internal-combustion engine is mated to a six-speed dual-clutch automatic, which makes this hybrid setup feel slightly more engaging than its CVT-equipped counterparts. That said, the combined 139 horsepower from the 1.6-liter hybrid isn’t a lot, but it is adequate for relaxed drivers. The Niro hybrid also comes as a front-wheel-drive-only offering.
Best Midsize 3-Row SUV and 3-Row Hybrid SUV for the Money - Kia Sorento
The Kia Sorento is the definition of "getting a lot of car for the money”. At $32,329 starting MSRP, this is the second-most affordable midsize three-row SUV (second only to Mitsubishi’s Outlander). As with most of the company’s offerings, you are getting rich standard equipment, a spacious cabin, and great comfort. Higher trims, however, are significantly more expensive.
You have a choice between two variants of the 2.5-liter SmartStream inline-four engine. In the base variant, the unit packs 191 horsepower while the turbocharged version gets 281. Fuel economy is rated at 20-23 MPG city and 27-30 MPG highway, depending on which engine you choose. I recommend opting for the AWD model (base models are front-wheel-drive) as it costs just $1500-$2,000 extra. Both engines work with an eight-speed automatic, which is a proven unit, although not the smoothest.
Best Midsize EV SUV for the Money - Kia EV9
Kia is embracing electrification, and you can now get a fully-electric, three-row SUV from the Korean brand. The EV9 wins this year’s award because it simply gets you the most amount of car for the money, without sacrificing quality. At $54,900 starting MSRP, the Korean EV is more affordable than anything in its segment. The Ioniq 9 starts at $58,995 while the Volvo EX90 starts at $81,290. The EV9’s boxy design opens up the cabin, which is good for up to seven passengers.
Base models are rear-wheel-drive-only, but AWD is available with the more powerful, twin-motor trims. Power output ranges from 201 to 379 horsepower. Single e-motor variants can drive up to 304 miles on a single charge, while the more powerful, twin-motor setup is good for around 230 miles.
The 800-Volt architecture allows for fast charging, which gets you from 10 to 80 percent charge in approximately 24 minutes. You also gain 60 miles of range in just six minutes, with 350 kW DC charging. In terms of pricing, interior space, and standard features, the EV9 is unbeatable in the segment. The biggest gripes are some of the interior materials and the mediocre range, compared to rivals.
Source: U.S.News
Image sourced from the official manufacturer press outlets
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