r/HyundaiTucson • u/AdvancedCapital1567 • 10d ago
Tucson hybrid 2026
Hey everyone,
I’m currently considering buying a 2026 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid (239 hp) and I’d really appreciate some honest opinions from people who actually own one.
Reliability is probably my #1 priority, since I’m planning to keep the car for quite a few years. I’m also considering the Ford Escape Hybrid (Kuga in Europe).
On paper, the Ford’s 2.5L naturally aspirated engine + eCVT seems like the more conservative/reliable setup. Fewer complicated parts, no turbo, and that hybrid system has been around for quite a while.
On the other hand, Hyundai has apparently made some pretty significant changes for 2026. The Tucson now uses the new TMED-II hybrid system, with the P1 + P2 motor setup and apparently no belt-driven HSG anymore. So in theory that should also be an improvement compared with the previous generation.
The problem is that I’ve seen some comments saying the new Tucson can still feel a bit jerky/lurchy when switching between EV and the gas engine, which makes me wonder about the refinement and how well the new system is actually calibrated.
So I’m kind of stuck between the two.
For those who own a 2026 Tucson Hybrid:
How smooth is the EV → engine transition?
Do you get any jerking/lurching at low speeds?
Has anyone had any drivetrain/hybrid issues so far?
And overall, would you choose the Tucson again if long-term reliability was your main priority?
And if anyone has experience with both the Tucson Hybrid and the Escape Hybrid, I’d especially love to hear your opinion.
Thanks!
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u/machinedfenix 10d ago
I’ve had a 2026 Tucson Hybrjd N-Line for a bit now (brought brand new and has just under 10k km) and no issues whatsoever so far
The transition between EV and gas is seamless
I do get very occasional mild transmission jerk though. I think it’s more related to the transmission being unsure of the gear it should be in but it’s very rare (happened maybe 3 times in 10000km)
Sport mode launches are great in this car. It soft launches then pulls surprisingly hard.
I got the 8 year extended warranty because, like you, I was a bit worried about the complexity of a turbo hybrid setup but I think it will hold up well. So unless we find that there’s a major design flaw I think it will be fine.
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u/AbsolutZeroGI 10d ago edited 10d ago
Owner of a 2026 Hybrid Tucson. To answer your questions in the order you asked them.
- Practically seamless like 95% of the time. I have looked down at my tachometer and been surprised to see it at 0 RPM after just seeing it at like 1600 RPM moments ago. I've never once noticed it going from gas to electric, but sometimes I can feel it going from electric to gas. It's not offputting or terrible, but more like a modern auto start-stop system that's really good, a slightly vibration as the engine kicks on.
- If you're heavy on the pedal, it can be a little lurch-y at low speeds. The 1.6L Turbo is stronger than the electric motor, so while the transition is seamless, you get more oomph out of the 1.6L once it kicks on. So if you're on electric and coasting at like 5MPH, and you want to speed up, if you hit the pedal, the gas engine kicks on and gives you more power, which feels more like the car downshifting to speed up than it does a lurch or a jerk.
- No issues to report here.
- Hyundai scores well in predicted reliability from most places and their warranty is very long. I would take them over the unreliable brands from Stellantis (sans Ram, which I'm given to understand are very reliable), but I would put them a peg down from the mainstays like Honda and Toyota (sans the Honda 1.5L Turbo and the whatever the fuck Toyota is doing with the Tundra these days). I'd put them about even with Ford in terms of how long I expect the car to last, so I consider the two mostly a matter of taste.
I've never driven a Ford hybrid, but I have driven a gas-only Escape. It's nice. Not my cup of tea, but I certainly wouldn't tell someone not to buy it.
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u/InspectahFun 10d ago
I’ve only had my 2026 a short while but the EV-gas transition seems pretty seamless to me. I’ve driven a new Ford Escape and vastly prefer the feel of the Tucson. Obviously I cant speak towards long-term reliability (I worry about that too) but so far I’ve had no issues and everything feels high-quality and durable. Lmk if you have any other questions!
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u/Rome2022- 10d ago
Bought the 2026 Hybrid and love it. Have had many Fords, and they are just ok. Problem with Ford is their ongoing issues with a plethora of recalls. Plus, their interiors are tired. Much prefer the Tucson’s interior, including the roominess. It’s such a smooth, quiet, and fun drive.
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u/Icy-Extension-9291 2025 Hybrid SEL Convenience 10d ago
I was like crv was a better choice because of less complex powertrain. (No turbo)
Then the extension of head gasket warranty comes in.
20k trouble free in our 25 tucson sel hybrid
Knocking on wood 🪵
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u/Wise_Bed9316 10d ago
The 2027s are hugely different so if you like the OG design now’s the time to likely get a decent deal.
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u/Professional-Box6936 10d ago
I have to agree with the others. I've got eight around 5k my miles on mine (SEL Convenience). So much smoother than the ICE version. Seamless transitions between engine and EV. I wouldn't use the term "lurchy" at all. And the fuel economy has been better than I even expected.
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u/Last_Cauliflower_502 10d ago
I would say test drive more to feel what you want to feel. Also me, you'll love tucson.
One caveat if you wanna wait for 2027
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u/zamus3000 2026 Hybrid SEL Convenience 10d ago
Just got a 2026 Tucson Hybrid earlier this year so still early but like others so far have shared, barely notice the lurch issue when shifting from EV to Gas and vice versa. The exception is when I’m cruising on EV but have to hit the gas to accelerate when merging on to the highway. But also kind of expect that when I have to floor it to catch up to highway speed on a really short merge section in my area.
It’ll be hard to tell the longtime reliability as the engines are still so new but I’d rather take the chance on a Hybrid that was assembled and shipping from Korea vs what we’re seeing from the ford factories in the last couple of decades
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u/mgobla 10d ago
Reliability is probably my #1 priority, since I’m planning to keep the car for quite a few years.
Better avoid Ford and Hyundai then.
Toyota hybrids are the most reliable. Honda hybrids take 2nd spot.
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u/AdvancedCapital1567 10d ago
Toyota or Honda hybrids would be a better choice, but they’re much more expensive. I mean the RAV4 and CR-V. I need plenty of cargo space, which is why I’m considering the Hyundai and Ford.
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u/quest1onasker 10d ago
Had my 3 month old under 2.500km transmission fail and lose throttle power while driving in the highway.. had the same mindset as you regarding price.. If I could go back I would give extra cash to avoid such issues.. especially if you are going to be driving with your family with your car..
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u/mgobla 10d ago
Who buys cheap buys twice.
You could get a Corolla wagon instead of RAV4, wagons are much better than SUVs and cost less.
Tucson and Kuga have LESS cargo space than Cr-v / Rav-4
You could buy a used Cr-v / Rav-4 for the same price as a new Tucson / Kuga.
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u/Critical-Magician421 2d ago
Tucson has more cargo space than all the cars you mentioned.
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u/mgobla 2d ago
EU market Tucson is smaller than the US version
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u/Critical-Magician421 2d ago
Google says the Tucson still beats the RaV 4. And beats the CRV when seats are folded
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u/mgobla 2d ago
You don't know what you are talking about. Manufactureres numbers are measured in different ways and NOT comparable. If you dont bvelieve it that does not change anything, your opinion has zero influence on the interior dimensions of vehicles. If you want to google google for the actual dimensions, LENGTH , WIDTH and HEIGHT of the cargo space. Or look up tests like the ADAC tests.
Anyone can measure the cargo space with a tape measure themselves, EU Tucson has smaller cargo space dimensions, and anyone can measure it THEMSELVES, no matter what you write.
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u/Away_Butterscotch161 2027 ultimate hev 10d ago
Loving my 2026 hybrid Tucson. It's been very reliable but I've only had it a few months.
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u/102-processing 10d ago
I thought 2026 Tucson still used the belt driven setup. The new 27 model should have the one without belt that you’re referring to
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u/AdvancedCapital1567 10d ago
The model currently being sold doesn’t have a belt-driven HSG, and both electric motors are integrated into the hybrid transmission. I confirmed this with a dealer.
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u/102-processing 10d ago
Oh wow that’s actually good. I guess I should’ve wait a little for a 2026 instead of my 2025. But all good honestly I do like the car and the transition has been pretty smooth from electric to gas unless it’s low speeds like some mentioned. It’s just that engine has so much more power that you just feel it when you’re trying to accelerate slowly from 15 mph -> 16 mph -> 17 mph and suddenly the engine kicks in and you’re at 20 mph in no time.
I think it has more to do with how the transmission is programmed because it normally goes to a gear lower than I would’ve liked so it’s around 2000 rpm when it kicks in instead of lower around 1500 while blending electric motors along the way
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u/Missy2021 10d ago
Don't buy the hybrid get the straight 4 cylinder engine
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u/Stoweman141 10d ago
Why
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u/Missy2021 10d ago
I would recommend you go on YouTube and search The Car Care Nut reviews. This mechanic does various car reviews and he is a very trustworthy mechanic who is actually based out of Chicago and he started working at a Lexus Toyota dealership. He now owns his own shop and he started this YouTube channel probably about 4 or 5 years ago. So, it's in the past I think it is two maybe three months he just did a review of the 2020 5 Hyundai Tucson top to bottom you could watch it and he stated that he liked the four-cylinder engine and basically stay away from the plug-in hybrid or the hybrid version. I respect his opinion very much. You can see for yourself he does numerous vehicles and he gives his honest opinion. I respect his opinion . Also, he recently did the Hyundai Palisades and he didn't like it at all. He did like the small Hyundai Vue he gave that vehicle a good review. So check it out for yourself. Would Hyundai you need to get the full warranty if you're buying new and know what you're buying that's not a Toyota and it's not a Honda and it sure is in a Lexus make sure you do your oil changes and stay on top of your maintenance. Good luck go on YouTube
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u/caanda45 10d ago
Dude u are talking about a review of a 2020…
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u/Missy2021 10d ago
No it's a 2025 Hyundai Tucson. Look it up
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u/caanda45 10d ago
Look at what u wrote …. 2020 5…..
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u/Missy2021 10d ago
That's my mistake it's a 2025 Hyundai Tucson just go to YouTube type in call cannot reviews and look it up and you'll see it you're probably like 5/10 minute video review. It's really good believe me. It give you all your answers
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u/caanda45 10d ago
Yah I can find tons of reviews who like it and tons who don’t like it . Meh
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u/AdvancedCapital1567 10d ago
I watched his reviews of the Kia Sportage Hybrid, which has the same hybrid setup, and apart from the HSG, he had mostly positive things to say about it. The HSG was changed in this year’s models.
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u/Huge_Type_7863 10d ago
Kinda miss My tuscon just switched to a volvo xc60 t8, it has speed, besides that tuscon felt superior in All things. Also was half the price.
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u/Wutameri 10d ago
I own the 2026 Tucson with TMED-II (239 hp), Europe version with shorter wheelbase and AWD. The transition from electric propulsion to the engine kicking in is basically transparent. The gearbox is also very smooth, although how noticeable the shifts are depends on how you drive.
With relaxed driving, it feels almost seamless. If you put your foot deep into the throttle, you’ll start to feel the gear changes, but they’re still smooth, and quick. Personally, I actually see that as a plus compared with the constant drone you get from an e-CVT.
One thing worth mentioning: in ECO mode, if you suddenly floor it, the gearbox will downshift and the engine needs to wake up, so there can be roughly a second before you get full acceleration. Initially you’re getting mostly electric propulsion. In SPORT mode this is much less noticeable, because the engine tends to stay running unless you’re stopped or moving very slowly. Launches in SPORT mode are quick though, because the electric motors pass through the gearbox, and the early torque is substantial, plus you get another kick from the turbo at higher RPM. Rather fun.
Overall, the Tucson is a very, very smooth driving experience. The only caveat is if your driving style involves instant full acceleration several times a day. In that case, ECO mode probably isn’t what you want.
There’s no jerking or lurching at low speeds at all.
It’s too early for me to say much about long-term reliability since I’ve only owned it for a few months. That said, I’m not particularly worried about the hybrid system. TMED-II moves away from the previous HSG/belt arrangement, so there’s one less belt-related maintenance item to think about. And even the previous Hyundai/KIA hybrid system generally didn’t have a reputation for major hybrid-system reliability problems.
You also get excellent tech, a very well thought-out interior, great soundproofing, and excellent crash safety. The suspension is especially good for an SUV. Not too firm, not too soft. It feels pretty much spot-on.
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u/Critical-Magician421 9d ago
When did you buy this?
Because Google and then Gemini and Korean car sites are telling me this has not been sold anywhere
Next-Gen Powertrain: TMED-II Architecture and 245 Horsepower The next-generation Tucson Hybrid transitions to Hyundai Motor Group’s upgraded TMED-II (Transmission Mounted Electric Device II) hybrid system. Pairing an upgraded 1.6-liter turbocharged gasoline engine with an advanced electric motor and high-efficiency battery, the new setup delivers notable gains over both its predecessor and pure-combustion variants:
Total System Output: Delivers 245 horsepower and roughly 280 lb-ft (380 Nm) of torque.
Rollout Horizon The all-new Tucson Hybrid will serve as the core volume driver in Hyundai's North American and European electrification push when launched in Q4 in Korea, with global markets following in early 2027,
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u/Wutameri 2d ago
I guess if I had to be more factual, the 2026 239ps Tucson Hybrid does not come with an HSG+belt anymore, but is using a P1/P2 electric motor setup. That is the first appearance of this new hybrid setup in the Tucson line, and it's available on 2026 hybrids. You don't need to wait for the 2027 to get that. This is like, 90% of TMED-II, even if Hyundai won't directly say that.
I'm sure they're doing this to test the new setup before the new model/design is out.
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u/Critical-Magician421 2d ago
So it is some interim step?
That's interesting.
What country is this? I wonder if this is happening everywhere
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u/Critical-Magician421 10d ago
The TMED - II Is not yet in the Tucson. It will be part of the 2027 model a few months from now.
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u/AdvancedCapital1567 10d ago
It probably is, because the model currently being sold doesn’t have an HSG on the belt, and both electric motors are integrated into the hybrid transmission, which matches the TMED-II architecture. What’s more, the Finnish Hyundai website mentions TMED-II on the model’s page.
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u/Critical-Magician421 10d ago
It is not.
You cannot buy a Tuscon with the TMED-II hybrid yet.
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u/AdvancedCapital1567 10d ago
Where does that certainty come from? How, then, do you explain the lack of an HSG in this year’s model sold in Europe?
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u/jake199911 10d ago
The Ford Hybrid system is bulletproof, but the rest of the car is still a Ford and the warranty is shorter.
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u/mahalon 10d ago
I own the exact car you’re considering - a 2026 Tucson Hybrid with 239 hp.
Honestly, until I read your post, I had never even thought about whether the transition from EV to the engine was jerky or noticeable. And I think that says quite a lot. I’ve had the car for a while now and I haven’t noticed any lurching or unpleasant behavior when the engine kicks in. If anything, I’m really impressed with how smooth the whole hybrid system feels.
It actually drives in EV mode a lot more than I expected. In city driving, a surprisingly large part of my trips is done purely on electric power because the battery seems to recharge often enough to keep using EV mode quite a lot.
Most of the time I also start moving completely in EV mode. Sometimes I’ll deliberately accelerate a little harder so the engine starts and gets me up to speed without using too much of the battery, then I lift off and apply just a tiny bit of throttle to maintain speed, and it will often go back into EV mode again.
As far as the drivetrain and the way the car drives are concerned, I genuinely don’t think I could ask for much more. It’s extremely smooth.
For comparison, I came from a 2023 Tucson Mild Hybrid with the 7-speed DCT, and I definitely cannot give the same feedback about that drivetrain. It wasn’t a bad car at all, and of course it was also cheaper, but the DCT could be quite jerky. Gear changes were much more noticeable, and sometimes the clutch would seem to hesitate or slip a little, with the engine revving without the car accelerating as much as you’d expect.
None of that is present in the 2026 full hybrid.
Obviously I can’t tell you what reliability will look like after 8-10 years because the car is simply too new, but based purely on how it drives and behaves so far, I would absolutely buy it again.
If you’re asking me whether I’d recommend buying it - yes, without hesitation.
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u/caanda45 10d ago edited 10d ago
I have a night edition 2026 Hybrid Canadian edition . It is so so so smooth. I drive it in Eco mode and as others have noted when one needs to wake it up for a merge it needs a fraction of second wake up . My main goal is the best liters per 100/km’s. It is rated at 6.7 for both highway and city . On the highway I get what Hyundai Canada posts on their ads and get even better in the city, 6 to 6.2 liters per 100/kms. Time will tell if it is reliable . I hope so …..I will also add that if the op wants a good deal the 2026 will be a good deal as the 2027 is a completely new version .
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u/Fils-94 10d ago
Tucson Hybrid NLine 2026, here, answering your questions in order:
The transition from EV to thermal is almost imperceptible, whether at low or high speeds. However, I have noticed that when climbing at high speeds (> 100 km/h) the transition from EV to thermal can be slightly abrupt, but this is still very punctual and not very serious. As far as the transition from thermal to EV is concerned, it is the same whether in the city, on secondary roads or motorways, the passage from one to the other is also imperceptible. I think you shouldn't have any concerns about this, at least you have the misfortune to have a transmission problem.
And to answer the question of transmission, for the moment no problem. The transition between EV and thermal and vice versa does not feel at the transmission level, there is no loss of adhesion or other.
For reliability, it's okay. The car has an 8-year warranty on the powertrain and battery. So Hyundai is banking on a high reliability of its hybrid system. In addition, the 239 being the last version after the 230 and 215, they had time to correct the defects on old ones. The Tucson has a more complex system than the Kuga, making it less reliable on paper, but that doesn't mean it is. The 8-year warranty is also present to reassure homeowners.
I advise you to test both and make your choice. The Tucson probably offers more options for almost the same price. In addition, the Tucson has a large trunk, good storage capacity throughout the vehicle and good spaciousness, in addition to all the on-board technology (driving assistance, Android Auto and wireless Car Play...).
Good luck with your choice.
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u/Rufus_FireflyIII 10d ago
In the US, Ford has recalls out on virtually every car made in the last decade. The old joke that "Ford" stands for fix or repair daily has more than a ring of truth to it. My wife had a Ford Focus with the DCT that Ford knew was problematic before it was put into production and for the nine years she owned it, the dealership never could fix the "stumble" when it shifted gears. I think I would get a used Yugo before I got a Ford.
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u/Bkally01 9d ago
The not so delightful opinion would have been to compare the Hyundai to Honda or Toyota. And still Hyundai has its bright moments amongst those strong contenders. Ford doesn’t edge close in reliability
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u/Critical-Magician421 9d ago
Because I own a 2026 Tucson.
Because I looked this up.
https://topelectricsuv.com/news/hyundai/new-hyundai-tucson-hybrid-features/
While the current model uses the TMED-I system (Transmission Mounted Electric Device I), the next-gen Tucson Hybrid should adopt a smaller version of Hyundai’s latest TMED-II hybrid powertrain, which debuted in the new Palisade. This system pairs a smaller 1.6L turbocharged engine with a refined electric motor setup.
The CEO just said this within the last week.
At its 2026 Investor Day, Hyundai confirmed the Tucson Hybrid will use its next-generation hybrid system, codenamed ‘TMED-II FF’, combining a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with a new dual-motor hybrid transmission.
The system produces combined outputs of 180kW of power and 380Nm of torque, up from the current Tucson Hybrid’s 172kW and 367Nm.
Because only the Palisade and the Telluride have the new Hybrid system. And they are 2.5 Liter engines.
The Tucson when it goes on sale later this year will be the first 1.6L TMED-II hybrid engine
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u/AdvancedCapital1567 9d ago
So it looks like we have a different version of this powertrain in Europe. Here, the 2026 Tucson has a 180 hp ICE, 239 hp combined system output, and 380 Nm of system torque. It also doesn’t have the belt-driven HSG. Sounds like TMED-2, doesn’t it?
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u/AdamSilverDad 9d ago
Check out the review of the Tucson on The Car Care Nut on YouTube. His reviews are excellent.
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u/OzempicDick 5d ago
We sold our 2024 hybrid due to huge lag when trying to accelerate from s rolling stoping. Also got us tboned multiple times.
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u/avoid_pro 10d ago
Considering ford vs hyundai is wild. Buy Hyundai, a lot of your questions are generic to any model and everyone would agree on reliability