Hyundai Warranty vs. Kia Warranty
1. Coverage Comparison
Hyundai and Kia offer almost the same warranty when it comes to new vehicles. Comparing the coverage of the warranties here, the vehicles have a basic, powertrain, and limited warranty. The basic warranty from both companies covers the same components and problems in the vehicles which are at a general level problems. This warranty covers almost everything on the vehicle except for things not caused by a design flaw or defect in workmanship and materials, so this is a very good coverage at a lasting time of 5 years or 60,000 miles. During the basic warranty term, 5 years / 60,000 miles new vehicle limited warranty, Kia and Hyundai would pretty much take care of any non-accident or environmental damage to your vehicle. Both of these warranties also feature roadside assistance, which is also another plus. The basic coverage of Hyundai and Kia are equal when comparing the components and problems covered as well as the length of time, with a slight edge to Hyundai for their roadside assistance feature. Both companies offer the same coverage for powertrain warranties on newly purchased vehicles. This is the warranty that would deal with the most serious problems in a vehicle, usually caused by a defect in workmanship or materials on a certain part. Powertrain components would include the engine, transmission, transaxle, and drivetrain. Failure of a powertrain component would lead to, worst-case scenario, the vehicle not being able to move. Any problem on a powertrain component would be a serious issue and Hyundai and Kia's warranty coverage of a maximum of 10 years or 100,000 miles from the date of 1st service is a reassurance that they will repair any problems occurring on powertrain components during the given time at no cost to the owner. This coverage is above the industry standard for mainstream vehicles. Learn more about kia reliability in our page "Introduction to Kia Ownership Benefits"
1.1. Basic Warranty
Hyundai: 5 years or 60,000 miles When we closely scrutinize the basic shorter-time/less miles layer of bumper-to-bumper coverage shared by the two brands, we see that Hyundai trumps Kia by offering a superior duration/mileage coverage strategy. Hyundai bumper-to-bumper coverage lasts 2 years longer and 14,000 miles further than Kia's basic warranty. Hyundai's is 5 years/60,000 miles while Kia is 3 years/46,000 miles. In the initial years of car ownership, this aspect of the warranty will mean more to customers than it will during the later years. By offering longer protection for basic coverage repairs, Hyundai demonstrates a commitment of confidence in their vehicles. The long-term cost-savings value of these longer bumper-to-bumper coverage terms is best illustrated by the generic anecdote of two separate potential used car buyers considering either a used low mileage Hyundai or Kia. Common sense would dictate that if equal condition low-cost vehicles of the two brands were available, the vehicle with more years of basic coverage warranty remaining would be the better choice. Kia: 3 years or 36,000 miles We can see that increasingly in recent years, Kia has been seeking to target and poach customers away from companies that produce premium or near-premium priced vehicles and integrate them into the growing segment of consumers who recognize the value in a new or certified pre-owned Kia vehicle. Make no mistake, this is a clear intention of Hyundai's sister company to join its larger relative in the same hunt for market share. An assertion to the previous statement is that Kia models are no longer the low-priced and bare bones mode of transport they were once infamous for producing. Rather, they are now respectable, comprehensively packaged, and engineered vehicles that generally compete well on paper and in the public opinion with almost any other brand of vehicle within their respective segments. This includes the continuous comparisons to Hyundai vehicles made by consumers and automotive journalists. Attaining equal confidence in their vehicles, consumers of either brand desire peace of mind in knowing they are protected against potentially faulty parts or poor workmanship, the first symptom of which is often unforeseen and rapid deterioration of the vehicle./p>
1.2. Powertrain Warranty
Hyundai's powertrain coverage is straightforward to understand compared with scant details provided by Kia. All internal engine parts, transmission, transaxle, and transfer case parts are covered for failure. The discrepancies between the two manufacturers' policies begin with Hyundai's list of exclusions, found later on. Powertrain coverage for Kia excludes too many components to list. Should a system not be listed for coverage, it should be assumed that it is not covered. This is trouble because the average consumer will not be able to discern which components and systems are covered from those which are not. "Normal maintenance service and replacement of parts" is covered in both plans. This terminology is a foxier way of saying wear-item parts are not covered. The definition of wear-item parts varies from one manufacturer to another; it is also likely a topic not covered by your owner's manual.
The length and specifics of powertrain warranty coverage is very important because it is the most costly to repair system in your car and can be the most problematic. Hyundai offers 10-year, 100,000-mile powertrain coverage for the original owner who retains ownership. Subsequent owners get powertrain coverage lasting 5 years or 60,000 miles. This is a very strong point for Hyundai, few manufacturers offer transferable warranty coverage which can add value to a vehicle if you decide to sell it. Kia provides the same powertrain coverage as previously stated in the basic warranty coverage section.
1.3. Limited Warranty
Kia's limited warranty is a bit different, covering any component that is found to be defective in material or workmanship. The warranty is also in effect for 5 years or 60,000 miles, so the first part is pretty much the same as Hyundai's. The warranty has an additional stipulation for the powertrain, stating that if the vehicle is certified as a Low Emissions Vehicle, the coverage on the powertrain is extended for up to 15 years or 150,000 miles. This means that some Kia vehicles will have extended powertrain coverage compared to Hyundai vehicles of the same age and class, although the parts covered are not the same due to differences in the definitions of powertrain components between the two manufacturers. The parts covered under Kia's limited warranty are only the same as those under Hyundai's powertrain warranty, meaning that Kia only provides the basic and powertrain coverage in a single package.
Here's where it starts getting a bit serious. Hyundai's limited warranty applies to all its vehicles and offers to repair or replace any component that is defective in material or workmanship. It is in effect for 5 years or 60,000 miles, which is longer than Kia's. A component covered under the limited warranty will be repaired or replaced with no cost to the owner, provided that it is a defect in material or workmanship. This is the case regardless of any subsequent change of vehicle ownership during the warranty period. The warranty covers any parts that are defective in material or workmanship under normal use and maintenance. This is a very positive attribute that both manufacturers have.
2. Additional Benefits
Hyundai Motor America is the only manufacturer to offer a standardized certified consumer program for the pre-owned vehicles it sells. Hyundai Certified Used Cars include the remainder (if any) of the 5-year/60,000-mile New Vehicle Limited Warranty, the reinstatement of the 10-year/100,000-mile Powertrain Limited Warranty, a 150-point quality assurance inspection, the purchase of a Hyundai Protection Plan, rental car and travel interruption reimbursement for covered repairs, a no-charge 90-day trial of XM satellite radio, and a complimentary CARFAX vehicle history report. All of these features add a lot of value to the Hyundai warranty. A used Hyundai vehicle with a certified pre-owned warranty is much more attractive compared to other used vehicles just from the warranty benefit. All of these benefits are somewhat of an insurance policy to make sure that the Hyundai vehicle is in good condition and does not cost too much in repairs. This is a nice safety net for Hyundai vehicle owners at all stages of vehicle ownership.
Hyundai offers a few extra features to their 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty and 5-year/60,000-mile limited basic warranty. Some of these features include concierge services such as customized travel itineraries and emergency airline tickets; trip interruption protection, which includes lodging and meal reimbursement; and 24/7 enhanced roadside assistance. Hyundai's roadside assistance is good for the duration of the limited warranty from the date the vehicle is delivered to the first retail buyer. Roadside assistance includes services such as tire changing, jump starting, lockout service, and delivery of fuel. With Hyundai, this service is tied directly to the vehicle, so if someone other than the owner is driving, they can use these services. If this person is the spouse of the owner, the spouse shall be covered as well. As you can see, Hyundai's increased roadside assistance adds a great deal more peace of mind compared to Kia's limited version, which is good only for the first 5 years. This feature is a little fun, and Hyundai drivers may never have to make full use of it depending on the safety of their vehicle, but nonetheless, it is a valuable addition.
2.1. Roadside Assistance
In conclusion, both Kia and Hyundai have one of the best benefits possible where every customer who uses their service will be overly satisfied with the service provided. By financially assisting the customer in the time of need, it goes to show how both of these companies are looking out for prospective and existing customers in the long run.
Kia's roadside assistance would be the same as Hyundai, considering it is an affiliate company to Hyundai. An annual fee paid will not be refunded if the service is not used, but it will roll over to the next year. They both include 24-hour roadside assistance, towing for inoperable vehicles, and lockout services. This would enable Kia and Hyundai consumers to use this service for the entire year and have the peace of mind knowing they will not lose any money if the service is not used.
If you buy a new vehicle, most carmakers include some type of roadside assistance. But it is normally a pay-as-you-go system where if you don't use it, you don't get your money back. For Kia and Hyundai owners, they will have peace of mind knowing that when their annual fee is paid, it is not refundable, but it will roll over to the next year if the service is not used. This goes to show how Kia and Hyundai are looking out for their customers and trying to provide the best value possible.
2.2. Maintenance Services
Maintenance Credits will not be issued more than 60 days prior to the scheduled maintenance services and it is not eligible for the basic maintenance services such as washing, waxing and cleaning. This Hyundai Maintenance Credit program has been initiated way back in January 2003 and it was not available for all Hyundai models until the sequence of recent years.
This program not only benefits the customer in keeping the vehicle in good shape, but it is also a marketing tool to retain Hyundai customers to continue servicing their vehicle at authorized Hyundai dealers. The eligible vehicles for the maintenance program have a Maintenance Credit account. This credit is based on the vehicle condition, region or special actions performed by Hyundai and it will be valid for use on the scheduled maintenance services during the specific credit schedule period and at the time of the maintenance services. This program applies to both new and used Hyundai vehicles still within Hyundai's vehicle warranty coverage and the warranty period for this program varies according to the vehicle model and year.
Eligible customers are entitled to the Maintenance Credit amount as listed on the appropriate credit schedule for their vehicle and at the time of the maintenance services. These services must be redeemed from their authorized Hyundai dealer within the specific credit schedule period for their vehicle. Failure to redeem the Maintenance Credit during the specified credit schedule period will result in forfeiture of the credit. Unused Maintenance Credits are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Hyundai's scheduled maintenance is branded as "Hyundai iCare". It is a program which is intended to provide the customers a feeling of joy and comfort when owning a Hyundai car. As we know, prevention is better than cure. Hyundai has placed a high emphasis on regular preventive maintenance, to be scheduled through the customer's authorized Hyundai dealer, using Hyundai genuine parts. This in turn is expected to enhance the vehicle's safety, reliability and durability. Recommended scheduled maintenance services for each interval can be found in the owner's manual or online at [Link]
The vehicle's maintenance is something which is crucial for the vehicle's performance. Without a regular maintenance checkup, vehicles are prone to several mechanical issues, some of which may be due to neglecting the service schedule of the vehicle. Both Hyundai and Kia have offered an innovative way to get their customers to concern more about their vehicle's maintenance. Instead of listing down a series of maintenance plans, they have chosen to simplify things just with a Maintenance Credit.
3. Customer Satisfaction
3.2. J.D. Power Rankings J.D. Power Rankings are a good judge of initial quality when purchasing a new car. The Hyundai ranking and the Honda ranking are going to again be hard to separate. In this 2012 study, Hyundai placed 4th in initial quality among all the other car manufacturers. This was a significant improvement from the year prior and showed that Hyundai cars are getting better and are continuing to impress customers. Honda placed 5th in initial quality and their rankings have not fluctuated much over the years. Honda has always been known for producing reliable products that are free of defects. The J.D. Power rankings are going to beneficial for Hyundai when comparing their cars to Honda. If Hyundai can continually build a better product, it may begin to steal customers away from Honda who are looking for a reliable and affordable new car. This may or may not be a positive thing for the used car market. A Hyundai car being bought at a low price is still going to be a better alternative to a used Honda.
3.1. Reliability Ratings Reliability ratings of cars from each individual company are going to be a key indicator of how the customers feel about their purchases. Whether it was brand new or second hand, customers want things that are reliable and don't have to be replaced or sent in for repairs. The Hyundai and Honda reliability ratings in recent years have been getting better. In a reliability grade study conducted by a research group last year, Hyundai moved from near the bottom at a grade of "D" up to a grade of "C+". This was a significant move and something to be proud of. Honda has had decent reliability ratings for years. This is due to the fact that their cars are relatively simple and don't have many complex parts. Honda uses a similar tactic to Hyundai by wanting to continually provide a better product while stepping into new markets in coming years. The Honda tactic has been successful for the past several decades and Hyundai is hoping to have the same outcome. The reliability ratings of both cars will continue to increase and may reach similar levels in the coming future. This will make it tough for customers to decide what car is better for a particular price.
Customer satisfaction is going to be the most important concept in comparing the two car companies and their warranties. The Kia warranty and Hyundai warranty are going to be similar in many aspects due to the fact that they are both Korean companies and share many of the same resources. The customer satisfaction of each company is a difficult thing to gauge. It can be highly opinion based and very hard to measure. Customers in the US market are beginning to gain more trust for the two respective companies and the correct observations and judgments could not be present until a few more years have passed.
3.1. Reliability Ratings
The reliability rating of a vehicle is crucial because it essentially gives the consumer a prediction of mechanical problems and the life expectancy of the vehicle. According to Consumers Report 2007, both Hyundai and Kia have a reliability rating of 61% and are ranked at 18 and 19 out of 33 car brands. Although they have similar scores and ranks, both ratings are below average. As for more recent ratings in 2012, 2013, and 2014, Hyundai has remained between the ranks of 9-11 and Kia has improved to the ranks 5-7. Within the recent years, both Hyundai and Kia have a rating above 50% and are considered average. On the JD Power vehicle dependability study, which measures problems over the last year on vehicles that are 3 years old, Hyundai and Kia have the same rating of problems per 100 vehicles at 138. This is 16 points more than the average of all makes at 122. Although for this particular study, having below average ratings is better, it is still not ideal for the overall reliability of these vehicles. On the JD Power initial quality study, which measures problems on vehicles during the first 90 days of ownership, Hyundai has 102 problems per 100 cars which is less than the industry average of 113 while Kia has 120 problems. An interesting part about these results is that the quality study and dependability study ratings are reversed comparing Hyundai and Kia while still trying to improve the image on the reliability of their vehicles. Learn more about: Warranty and reliability comparison.
3.2. J.D. Power Rankings
The U.S. Tech Experience Index (TXI) Study is based on a 1,000-point scale, with 568 points recorded as average. Hyundai scored 556 points, a 16-point improvement from 2014, easily outdistancing the entire auto industry and earning a position in the study as a "top improver". This leap of 16 points is significant when no other brand experienced an increase higher than a 9-point increment.
One of the attributes that helped raise Hyundai's ranking was its voice recognition technology. Hyundai's score was helped by the excellent performance of the all-new 2015 Genesis, which was ranked highest among all models in the study, earning high marks in key attributes like the ease of using the technology and the accuracy of the voice recognition software.
Hyundai scores higher on J.D. Power's 2016 U.S. Tech Experience Index (TXI) Study, which measures customers' experiences, usage, and interaction with vehicle technologies in the first 90 days of ownership. Hyundai ranked fifth overall, a double achievement of its seventh-place showing in last year's inaugural study and the first time a car manufacturer has posted a top-five finish in its Model Ranks.