Overview
The Korean car industry has come a long way since the turn of the twenty-first century, and the Top 10 Korean Cars to Buy currently are some of the most satisfying and well-liked alternatives accessible in the US. Even though Hyundai and Kia have joined the ranks of imports with American manufacturing facilities, not all of these automobiles are made in South Korea, but they do have a certain Seoul power and Korean history that makes them stand out from the competition.
Even better, the market offers a wide range of these cutting-edge Korean cars, from ultra-luxury luxury sedans to entry-level budget cars and even minivans and crossovers.
That being said, bear in mind that the true Korean rivalry in the US is more comparable to a civil war, given that Hyundai and Kia are controlled by the same group and that GM Korea is the only other firm eligible for today’s honor roster.
Let’s consider it under the following points:
- Chevrolet Spark (2016)
- Chevrolet Trax 2015
- Kia Soul 2015
- Kia Sedona 2015
- Kia Forte Koup 2015
- Kia Sorento (2016)
- Hyundai Veloster 2016
- Hyundai Elantra (2016)
- Hyundai Genesis Sedan 2015
- Hyundai Tucson (2016)
1. Chevrolet Spark (2016)
The only city-sized vehicle among the best Korean cars now offered in the US is the Chevy Spark, which rose from the ashes of GM Daewoo like a miniature phoenix. But its modest size shouldn’t deceive potential customers: The cutting-edge features that the city-friendly Spark can provide are highlighted by a mobile wi-fi hotspot, 4G LTE connectivity, and some of the greatest driver assistance technologies available for the new 2016 models. As a result, the revised Spark makes its debut with lane departure warning, front collision alert, and side blind-zone alert in the 2019 model year.
Recall that the only vehicle in its class to get an IIHS Top Safety Pick designation is the 2015 Spark.
The 2016 Spark is expected to be on sale in the fourth quarter and has an EPA-high rating of 40 mpg in addition to a 16 percent boost in horsepower.
2. Chevrolet Trax (2015)
Like the Spark, the 2015 Chevrolet Trax is a subcompact crossover that was only released in the US this year, which has allowed it to get into a market that is growing quickly. Still, its ancestry goes back to GM Daewoo. Along with the key advantages of 4G LTE connectivity, a mobile wifi hotspot, Siri Eyes Free integration, a standard turbocharged engine, and a host of other premium features meant to remind customers that “small” doesn’t always mean “cheap,” the Trax will also follow the Spark’s tire tracks.
Moreover, “tiny” does not always mean “little,” at least when it comes to cargo capacity. The Trax can hold up to 48.4 cubic feet of gear, more than rivals like the Nissan Juke and Jeep Renegade, further cementing its standing as one of the best Korean cars on the market.
3. Kia Soul (2015)
Unquestionably, one of the most popular Korean cars available for purchase in the US is the legendary 2015 Kia Soul.
Style is everything when it comes to the crossover/hatchback hybrid Soul. Its internal features, which include speaker illumination that can be set to pulse in sync with the music, are as distinctive as its wild design. However, it also offers a pretty excellent price at $15,190, which features six speakers (including tweeters and USB connections on the dash), Bluetooth, cruise control, a rearview camera, a multifunction steering wheel, and even Kia’s Flexsteer technology. Soul owners have the option to adjust the steering feel of their vehicle by choosing between Normal, Comfort, or Sport settings.
But for those who want even more luxury, Kia also offers optional features like voice-activated navigation, heated and ventilated leather front seats, a heated second row, Infinity audio, and a UVO infotainment system.
4. Kia Sedona (2015)
Though it may seem improbable, the 2015 Kia Sedona minivan is one of the trendiest Korean cars on the market. After a recent makeover, the new model has continued to see triple-digit monthly sales increases, but it is now beginning to face equally stunning criticism. For example, the Sedona just appeared on Ward’s 10 Best Interiors 2015, one of the most well-known award shows in the industry, which is a huge accolade for a people mover.
But whether owners opt for more lounge-like “First Class” seats with retractable lower legrests and winged headrests or “Slide-N-Stow” seating for optimum cargo flexibility, one thing is certain: safety. In the end, the IIHS awarded the Sedona a 5-star Overall Safety Rating and a Top Safety Pick distinction, ratings that are lacking from half of its competitors in the conventional minivan class.
5. Kia Forte Koup (2015)
Hyundai and Kia provide a range of fast Korean cars to American customers, but the 2015 Kia Forte Koup distinguishes out because of its subtle performance package. Unlike other mainstream manufacturers that focus on serving up hot hatches, only Kia and Honda provide affordable athleticism in the shape of coupes. Forte Koup SX and Civic Coupe Si are compared. The Kia has 20 lb.-ft. more torque and an MSRP savings of $2,300; the Civic, on the other hand, has 3 more horsepower, but it is only available at higher power levels of 1,000 rpm.
There is also the entry-level EX variant, which starts at $18,590 and offers significant output benefits over the base SX trim. This version has a 201-hp turbocharged engine that produces 195 lb.-ft. of torque.
6. Kia Sorento (2016)
The best-selling Korean crossovers in America, like the 2016 Kia Sorento, have done so by following market trends and skillfully positioning their brands as top performers. The Kia Sorento has held the top rank in terms of volume sales for a lengthy amount of time, but demand has climbed even more for the 2016 model year due to a complete redesign.
Updates like this are undoubtedly helpful.
1. A redesigned, more durable body structure that provides extra luggage capacity, headroom, and legroom in every row.
2. The Sorento’s first-ever turbocharged engine, which has an EPA line of 20/27/23 and 240 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque
3. Two more drivetrain choices that can deliver up to 29 mpg or 290 horsepower
4. Contemporary technology, including UVO networking, infotainment, Harman “Clari-Fi” audio, and
5. The heated second row, 14-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, Nappa leather upholstery, and a heated and ventilated front row are just a few of the opulent features.
7. Hyundai Veloster (2016)
After a major revamp for the 2016 model year, it looks like the Hyundai Veloster will be the most fashionable Korean hatchback for a while to come.
Consider this: With redesigned front and back ends, an abundance of new amenities, and a top-of-the-line Rally Edition that will significantly improve performance, the 2016 Veloster is currently on display at dealerships. The latest high-performance Hyundai retains its turbocharged 201 horsepower and 195 lb.-ft of torque engine, but the Rally model will be equipped with exclusive aero body parts, lighter 18-inch RAYS wheels, a sport shifter from B&M Racing, and an upgraded suspension system over the R-Spec model.
Both the Veloster Turbo and the standard model have been enhanced for 2016. A revised 7-inch entertainment/navigation system and athletic seats in black and yellow are among the new features of the former, while the latter stands out thanks to its first seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.
8. Hyundai Elantra (2016)
The Hyundai Elantra is the only vehicle in the major small market to be offered in three distinct body styles: coupe, sedan, and five-door hatchback. This is an interesting little-known fact. And although that helps explain why the Elantra was the best-selling Korean car in the country at the time this story went to press, quality isn’t compromised for quantity.
In the major small market, the Hyundai Elantra is the only car available in three different body styles: coupe, sedan, and five-door hatchback. This intriguing little-known information is worth knowing. Quality isn’t sacrificed for quantity, even though it helps explain why, at the time this story went to print, the Elantra was the best-selling Korean vehicle in the nation.
9. Hyundai Genesis Sedan (2015)
With differing degrees of success, Hyundai and Kia have brought various Korean luxury cars to the US market, with the exception of the Hyundai Genesis Sedan. The car has made a name for itself among entry-luxury options with its elegant and sophisticated design, the first all-wheel drive system ever available on a Hyundai, and the most powerful V8 engine available from Hyundai, even though it doesn’t compete with ultra-luxury models like the Hyundai Equus or Kia K900.
Although the Genesis has a 9.2-inch high-definition display screen, it also has a considerable amount of high-end amenities, such as genuine wood and aluminum accents, a sophisticated Sensory Surround Safety system, 17-speaker Lexicon audio, and the newest infotainment technology. All of this is on top of the Genesis’ affordable pricing.
In addition to the Sedan, a Genesis Coupe is also offered at Hyundai dealerships, providing a distinctive contrast to the four-door model.
1O. Hyundai Tucson (2016)
One of the newest Korean cars on the market this year will be the 2016 Hyundai Tucson, which is expected to hit shops in July and offers one of the most extensive safety feature packages in the small-crossover class.
The Tucson pushes the envelope by including autonomous braking with pedestrian recognition in addition to all the basic driver assistance systems like backup sensors, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic warning, and a standard rearview camera arrangement.
Engineers have since greatly raised the Tucson’s EPA ratings; Hyundai expects owners of some variations to get an additional 5 mpg in addition to the safety ratings that these innovations are expected to enhance. Additionally, it has a brand-new 1.6-liter turbocharged engine that generates 195 lb.-ft. of torque and 175 horsepower. The engine’s performance is channeled through the segment’s first seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox.
