Korean cars today confidently compete with European and American cars. Despite the fact that South Korean brands are much younger than the leading brands of Europe and the USA, they have become just as famous and enjoy great popularity all over the world.
Why are Korean cars one of the best in the world?
The Korean automobile industry can be called a phenomenon. What started as artisanal workshops has transformed into a highly developed industry, which first worked effectively for the production of famous Japanese cars, and then set up the production of cars of its own design, which in a short period of time gained popularity in the global market.
Advantages of Korean autos:
- High level of quality. In terms of quality, Korean-made cars are not inferior to Japanese, European and American ones.
- Budget cost. Having excellent technical and operational characteristics, Korean cars are cheaper than the same Japanese or German ones.
- Original design with smooth lines, inherent in all Asian cars.
- Good electronic set up, technologically advanced.
- Wide model range, including a large selection of cars with hybrid powertrain.
Best Korean Cars: Top 5
In our ranking, we've gathered the best, bargain-basement used Korean cars to buy:
- Hyundai Elantra from 2020.
- KIA K5 from 2020.
- Hyundai Tucson from 2020.
- Hyundai Sonata from 2019 onwards
- KIA Sorento from 2020.
Let's talk about the features and benefits of these Korean cars in detail.
Hyundai Elantra
Hyundai Elantra is a comfortable sedan "C" class. In 2020, the seventh generation of the model is already released. The car is built on the platform of the compact K3, but has a widened and lengthened wheelbase. In the design was used the concept of Parametric Dynamics - three lines on the sides of the body connect to a single point. Three diameters of 15, 16 and 17 wheels are available. Depending on the configuration, the car has a multi-lever independent or semi-independent suspension at the rear.
The interior is spacious, ergonomic, equipped with two large screens - dashboard and multimedia. There are Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, heated front and rear seats, wireless charging for gadgets, dual-zone climate control.
The sedan is equipped with front-wheel drive, equipped with gasoline engines, gas and hybrid powertrain. Gasoline engines are 1.6 and 2 liters, 123-204 hp, with 6 MKPP, IVT and 7-DCT (depending on the configuration). Quite dynamic (acceleration to 100 km/h in 10-11 sec) and economical. The hybrid has a power of 141 hp and consumes an average of 4.7 liters per 100 km.
KIA K5
In the Korean market, the sales of the car started already in November 2019, and only in December this magnificent D-class sedan was introduced in the global market. In the fifth generation, the car underwent revolutionary changes. The exterior has changed, which became aggressive, more sporty due to the blocked rear window and optimized dimensions.
The architecture of the front panel has changed, which has become more adapted to the driver. A 12.3-inch digital screen has been added instead of the dashboard, pucks instead of switches, and a voice-activated multimedia system has been added.
The sedan is available with a gasoline 2-liter atmospheric 150 and 194 hp. For the first time, the front-wheel-drive K5 has optional all-wheel drive. In general, KIA K5 received good equipment in the field of technology, safety in Comfort and more expensive modifications.
Hyundai Tucson
The Hyundai Tucson is a reliable K1 crossover that comes with front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. It is the best-selling crossover of the brand. In September 2020, the fourth generation of the model premiered. Bright design features - a huge radiator grille, sharp edges of the side body panels, sharp corners of the taillights.
The interior has a clear delineation of driver and passenger space. In the basic configuration, the crossover received adaptive cruise control, pedestrian recognition and automatic braking, lane control, blind spot monitoring with camera image display on the monitor. For the first time, in addition to the standard set of airbags, Hyundai Tucson has a cushion between the driver and front seat passenger.
Powertrains available in the 4th generation: petrol-turbo 1.6 liter 150 hp with different transmission options (6-MCP, 6-iMT, 7-DCT), petrol 2 liter 155 hp with 6-speed manual and automatic, petrol-turbo 1.6 liter 180 hp with 6-iMT and 7-DCT. Diesel configurations: turbo-diesel 1.6 liter 155 and 136 hp. Hybrid - 1.6 liter, 230 hp.
Hyundai Sonata
Hyundai Sonata - 5-door sedan "D" class, in 2019 re-released already in the 8th generation, equipped with front-wheel drive, available in gasoline, gas and hybrid configuration. The car received a new bright design and acquired a unique option - hidden illumination, thanks to which the car looks very original in the dark.
Inside, the Sonata has also changed dramatically. Instead of a steering wheel, the interior is now steering wheel steering wheel, and soft, high-quality leather is used in the trim. The sedan has received excellent equipment - from LED lighting and high-quality, functional entertainment systems to a full package of electronic control assistants and safety systems.
Engine modifications: gasoline 1.6-2.5 liters 160-190 hp, hybrid - 2 liters, 152 hp.
KIA Sorento
In 2020, serial production of the fourth generation of the KIA Sorento crossover began. The car was designed on the N3 platform, which is characterized by a more compact compartment for the powertrain, shortened front and rear overhangs, extended wheelbase. The car retained a well-recognized silhouette, but acquired sharper outlines and a noble profile.
In different modifications, five-, six- and even seven-seat saloon is available. In this case, the volume of the luggage compartment depends on the filling of the cabin. The interior uses high-quality soft, pleasant to the touch materials. Up front there is a 12.3-inch dashboard, multimedia screen, which provides access to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging.
The car has advanced electronic stuffing - adaptive cruise control, auto parking, blind spot monitoring, keyless access. The package of safety systems includes 8 airbags, re-collision warning with emergency braking function, lane control, cross-traffic control and others.
Depending on the sales market, the SUV is equipped with different power units. Available options are: gasoline - 2.5 liters (180 hp, rear and all-wheel drive, 6 automatic transmission), 3.5 liters (249 hp, all-wheel drive, 8 automatic transmission), diesel - 2.2 liters 199 hp (all-wheel drive) and 210 hp (rear and all-wheel drive) - all with 8-DCT transmission.
