8 best Korean cars

Review of the best according to the editorial board. On the selection criteria. This material is subjective and does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

When it comes to buying a car, many people want it to be beautiful, agile, roomy and reliable. In this regard, a number of European brands are in the lead, with Japanese premium models “breathing down their necks”. But if there is not enough money to buy such cars, then it is better to pay attention to Korean cars, which are distinguished by a more affordable price tag and a sufficient level of quality. They are better than Chinese or Russian cars, and maintenance and repairs are relatively inexpensive. We have selected a number of models from the Korean car industry that have collected the most positive reviews and have good characteristics. Perhaps, after this review, you will better understand what car to look for to buy.

Rating of the best Korean cars

Nomination	a place	Name of product	price
Best Korean sedans	1	Kia Optima	RUB 1,264,900
	2	Hyundai Elantra	RUB 1,084,000
	3	Kia Rio	RUB 757,900
The best Korean SUVs and crossovers	1	Hyundai Santa Fe	RUB 2,164,000
	2	Kia Sportage	RUB 1,269,900
	3	Hyundai Tucson	RUB 1,284,000
	4	Hyundai Creta	RUB 972,000
	5	Kia Soul	RUB 974,000

Best Korean sedans

Sedans come in small, medium and large classes, which determine the convenience of parking in tight spaces, the capacity of the passenger compartment and trunk, as well as engine power and a set of functions. Here are some of the best Korean sedans from all categories to choose from.

Kia Optima

Rating: 5.0

The Korean sedan belongs to the middle class and has dimensions of 4855x1860x1485 mm and a huge trunk of 510 liters, which the owners like in the reviews. In Russia, the Korean model has been on sale since 2010 and has already been tested by our roads, lubricants and fuel. The car can be bought with a 2.0-liter petrol engine with 150 hp, or with a 2.4-liter capacity that produces 188 hp. The Korean manufacturer has released another turbocharged version of 2.0 liters with a return of 245 hp. Thanks to a wheelbase of 2805 mm, the sedan stays confidently on the road and enters corners at a speed of 60 km / h.

The advantage of the car is the presence of 9 complete sets, which even representatives of popular models Toyota and Lexus cannot boast of. This variety allows you to choose the cost of the car in the range of 1.5-2.1 million rubles. In addition to the “classic” increase in equipment (R17 wheels, leather upholstery of seats, heated seats, climate control for several zones, etc.), the Korean car has special configurations GT and GT Line, allowing you to surprise on the track with its power and agility.

Advantages

• there are mechanical and automatic transmissions;
• large selection of engine power;
• huge trunk of 510 liters;
• 5 years warranty or 150 thousand km.

disadvantages

• only gasoline internal combustion engines;
• in the city “eats” up to 14 liters of fuel;
• when loaded, it weighs 2 tons.

Hyundai Elantra

Rating: 4.9

The Korean model has been produced since 1990, but it has been supplied to Russia only since 2003. According to its characteristics, the car also belongs to the middle European class, but its dimensions are slightly inferior to that described above and are 4620x1800x1450 mm. You can buy the brainchild of the Korean concern in 4 trim levels. All modifications are supplied on R16 wheels, so the ground clearance here is 150 mm versus 155, as in the KIA Optima. Among the gasoline internal combustion engines of the car, you can choose 1.6 liters, generating 128 hp, or 2.0 liters with a return of 150 hp. Both versions of the power plant are sold both with manual transmission and automatic transmission. Even the simplest version has rain sensors, heated mirrors and a pressure drop indicator.

Judging by the reviews, the owners like the fuel consumption outside the city for a car with a 1.6-liter ICE, which is 6.3-6.6 liters per 100 km. At the same time, drivers keep a speed of 120-150, and in some places 180 km / h. If you drive 80-110 km / h, then the consumption is reduced to 5.5 liters. Agree, for such a large Korean car with a gasoline engine, this is a decent indicator.

Advantages

• stability during sharp maneuvers thanks to a wheelbase of 2700 mm;
• the cost is lower than that of Optima;
• trunk volume 458 liters;
• electric power steering.

disadvantages

• clearance of 150 mm is not enough everywhere so as not to cling to the bottom – motor protection is required;
• halogen headlights;
• no airbags for the driver's knees.

Kia Rio

Rating: 4.8

The Korean sedan belongs to the small class and has dimensions of 4400x1740x1470 mm. The car can be bought with a 1.4 engine producing 100 hp, or 1.6, with a return of 123 hp. All Korean modifications are available with automatic and manual transmission. Even with a 1.4 engine, the car accelerates to “hundreds” in 12.2 s, which drivers like in reviews. The Korean manufacturer issues a 5-year warranty on it. For a small sedan, the wheelbase of 2,600 mm ensures stability when cornering. To turn 180º, the car will need a radius of only 5.2 m. The Korean car is well suited for our roads thanks to the rear torsion beam, which provides smooth bumping and requires minimal maintenance (just replace a couple of silent blocks).

We singled out the car as the best because of the ratio of body size and trunk roominess. In the small class of the car, the luggage compartment volume is 480 liters. For comparison, the sedan “Lada Kalina” has this figure of 400 liters. On a Korean car, you can take an extra bag with you on a trip, while parking on it in a tight area is much easier than on medium and large cars.

Advantages

• ground clearance 160 mm;
• several options for internal combustion engines in terms of power;
• there are mechanics and automatic transmission;
• 5 years warranty.

disadvantages

• some in the reviews do not like the Russian assembly;
• even in the most recent version, halogen headlights;
• there is no factory tint on the top of the windshield.

The best Korean SUVs and crossovers

Cars from South Korean manufacturers in SUV bodies are suitable not only for urban use and driving on the highway, but are allowed to drive on light and complete off-road. It can be a coastal area, forest, fields or rough terrain. On such an “iron horse” hunting, fishing, or rest in places rarely visited by people becomes more accessible to you. Here are some of the best models with excellent flotation characteristics and roomy interiors.

Hyundai Santa Fe

Rating: 5.0

The first place in the category of off-road vehicles is Hyundai Santa Fe, produced since 2000. The Korean manufacturer simultaneously began selling the jeep at home, in the USA and Russia, so the car was repeatedly tested in various operating conditions. The mid-size crossover is presented in 6 trim levels, costing from 2.2 to 3 million rubles. For lovers of diesel engines, the Korean concern offers one version of 2.2 liters with a return of 200 hp. Connoisseurs of dynamics are provided with two options for gasoline installations for 2.4 and 3.5 liters, producing 188 and 249 hp. All Korean modifications are equipped with all-wheel drive and automatic transmission. The crossover's ground clearance is 185 mm.

We recommend a Korean car as the best for a large family. Depending on the number of people, you can choose a version of the car for 5 or 7 seats. In the first case, you get a spacious interior and a trunk volume of 1036 liters, which, if necessary, can be expanded to 2019 liters by folding the second row of seats. A 7-seater Korean jeep, even when the cabin is fully occupied, has space for luggage in the volume of 328 liters, like a regular small class sedan. By folding the seat backs, it can also be turned into a huge area for resting or transporting bulky cargo.

Advantages

• there are diesel and gasoline engines;
• power 188-249 hp;
• ground clearance 185 mm;
• there are models for 5 and 7 seats.

disadvantages

• high price;
• fuel consumption in the city 12-15 liters for a gasoline internal combustion engine 2.4;
• for some, the on-board computer shows incorrect data until you restart;
• weighs 2 tons.

Kia Sportage

Rating: 4.9

The Korean concern has been producing a crossover since 1993. The car has dimensions of 4485x1855x1645 mm and belongs to the small off-road class. Among the complete sets there are only 5-seater versions. A choice of models are offered with a 2.0 diesel engine with 185 hp. or with a petrol 2.0 generating 150 hp. For fans of increased power, there is a 2.4 engine with 184 hp. The Korean crossover can be either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The transmission is also mechanical and automatic. For the price, this car outperforms Santa Fe, because it costs 1.7-2.2. RUB million And in cross-country ability, with a ground clearance of 182 mm and all-wheel drive, it provides equality on the off-road. Of course, in terms of the size of the trunk, there is much less space in the Kia Sportage – after 5 seats, 491 liters remain, which is good for a crossover, but cannot compete with the previous jeep.

Experts consider the car to be the best in terms of suspension softness. There are independent MacPherson struts, a front stabilizer bar and a multi-link rear suspension. This ensures a comfortable ride on irregularities. Judging by the reviews, even on asphalt protrusions with a height of 5-7 cm, shock absorbers do not “pierce”.

Advantages

• ground clearance 182 mm;
• trunk volume 491 liters;
• 5 years warranty;
• U-turn with a radius of 5.3 m.

disadvantages

• not everyone likes the extraordinary design of the car;
• weighs 2 tons;
• halogen headlights;
• complex multi-link suspension, which is expensive to repair.

Hyundai Tucson

Rating: 4.8

A worthy competitor to “Sportage” is the Korean compact crossover Hyundai Tucson, which has dimensions of 4480x1850x1655 mm. In the second generation, not everyone liked the “frog” headlights, but in the third generation, the car became similar to the Volkswagen Tiguan or Mazda CX5, which significantly increased its popularity. The Korean small SUV is sold with 1.6L (177HP), 2.0L (150HP) and 2.4L (184HP) gasoline engines, as well as a 2.0L (185HP) diesel engine. ). There are automatic and manual transmissions, front and four-wheel drive. The ground clearance here is similar to the above-described car and is 182 mm. The luggage compartment volume of 488 liters can be increased to 1,478 liters by folding the second row backrests.

Although in terms of parameters “Sportage” and “Tucson” are very similar, the second Korean model still stands out with a lot of electronics when comparing the same configurations. For example, the Hyundai Tucson has a push-button engine start and keyless entry system that automatically unlocks the car's doors when you approach it.

Advantages

• trunk volume 488 liters;
• ground clearance 182 mm;
• LED headlights;
• wide range of transmission, drive and internal combustion engines;
• electric power steering.

disadvantages

• some in the reviews find the seats uncomfortable;
• there are many counterfeit spare parts for this car on the market.

Hyundai Creta

Rating: 4.7

This car of the Korean car industry belongs to the category of mini-crossovers. Its dimensions are 4270x1780x1630 mm, so very little space is allocated for the luggage compartment – 402 liters. The car is available in 7 trim levels. The internal combustion engine can only be gasoline, but with a volume of 1.6 or 2.0 liters, where the power varies from 121 to 149 hp. The drive is available 2WD and 4WD. The small Korean crossover is extremely comfortable to drive thanks to the electric power steering. The torsion bar rear suspension is easy to maintain and provides a comfortable ride on bumps. The car is delivered on light-alloy R16 and is equipped with disc brakes “in a circle”. In the reviews, the owners like the affordable prices for maintenance and repair of this model.

The compact mini-SUV is the leader among Korean cars in terms of ground clearance. Its indicator is 190 mm, which is higher than that of the huge Santa Fe. Combined with all-wheel drive, this is the ultimate picnic, hunting or fishing vehicle that gets you out of sand, soft ground or tall grass.

Advantages

• 5 years warranty;
• mechanical or automatic transmission to choose from;
• relatively affordable consumables and repairs;
• liquidity in the secondary market.

disadvantages

• small trunk 402 liters;
• the seats are not designed for tall people;
• small steering wheel adjustment for reach and angle of inclination;
• pulls away sharply.

Kia Soul

Rating: 4.6

The review is completed by another Korean mini-SUV, but from KIA Motors. The model has been produced since 2008. The car has an unusual design with a flat window line, a slightly sloping roof and a vertical rear overhang, reminiscent of “armored cars”. The Korean concern offers a crossover with 1.6 and 2.0 liter gasoline engines, the power range of which is 123-150 hp. But all modifications are only front-wheel drive, so it's better not to drive off the asphalt on it.

The car has several distinctive advantages at once, making it the best among its kind. Firstly, it is the most compact crossover, which is convenient for parking in tight spaces. The body length is only 4195 mm, which is 7.5 cm shorter than the competitor described above. But the width of the cabin here is 1800 mm, which exceeds the dimensions of the Hyundai Kreta by 2 cm, so the passengers will have more space. Secondly, among the trim levels of the crossover there is the GT Line, which has a capacity of 200 hp. With this potential it is possible to “make” any “older” model at a traffic light.

Advantages

• thresholds are covered with plastic pads that protect against sandblasting;
• ground clearance height 170-180 mm;
• smooth running along the track;
• excellent overview;
• average consumption 6-7 liters.

disadvantages

• body design for an amateur;
• luggage compartment 364 l;
• short gears on mechanics – you have to switch often;
• a huge air intake “catches” stones well;
• front-wheel drive only.

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Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.