Financial services provider USAA named both the 2012 Hyundai Elantra and 2012 Hyundai Genesis Sedan as 2012 “Best Value” vehicle picks. USAA rated cars in 16 different categories with a proprietary vehicle rating system using quantitative data that takes factors such as cost, safety, reliability and fuel economy into consideration. Both Hyundai vehicles were recognized for offering the best financial value in their respective segments; the Elantra topped the small sedan category and the Genesis sedan won in the large luxury sedan category.
Elantra also made it onto USAA’s Top 10 for Teens list. The list was compiled from the results of a recent survey that identified the top 10 USAA Preferred vehicles that possess reliability, a high safety rating and affordable auto insurance. Additionally, four Hyundai vehicles were also recognized with the USAA Preferred designation: Sonata (midsize sedan), Accent (small sedan), Genesis Coupe (large luxury sedan), and Santa Fe (midsize SUV).
“The goal of the list is to help members identify vehicles that typically offer better safety ratings, lower insurance premium costs, higher fuel economy, better overall reliability and lower MSRP compared to other vehicles in the same category,” said Steve Thompson, assistant vice president, USAA. “The Elantra and Genesis both rose to the top as vehicles that offer these key elements, making them great buys for the value-minded consumer.”
The 2012 North American Car of the Year Elantra adds an ActiveECO System for 2012 that modifies engine and transmission control to smooth out throttle response and increase real-world fuel economy by up to seven percent. Elantra’s standard fuel economy is 29 mpg city and 40 mpg highway, and is powered by an all-new 1.8-liter Nu four-cylinder engine with 148 horsepower and 131 lb-ft of torque.
Hyundai’s Genesis sedan, the 2009 North American Car of the Year, continues its segment leadership in 2012 with exterior design improvements, new direct injection technology for its Lambda V6 engine, new eight-speed automatic transmissions, and enhanced chassis tuning. In addition, a new 5.0-liter direct injection V8 engine is now available exclusively with the 5.0 R-Spec model, which includes unique 19-inch machined-finish alloy wheels, optional Bridgestone Potenza S-04 Pole Position summer performance tires and sport-tuned transmission, suspension and steering calibrations for exhilarating vehicle dynamics.
“The Elantra upholds Hyundai’s commitment to value with emotional design, 40 mpg highway fuel economy and outstanding residual value,” said Scott Margason, director of Product Planning, Hyundai Motor America. “The Genesis sedan also continues to provide ground-breaking value among its luxury competition with lavish features and impressive driving performance. Both cars continue to exceed expectations for consumers in their respective segments.”
For more information on USAA’s “Best Value” list, visit: www.usaa.com/bestvalue.
About USAA Preferred
USAA Preferred vehicles represent vehicles which are determined to be a good financial value using a USAA-developed proprietary statistical model. The model relates MSRP to vehicle features (engine type, drive train, electronic stability control, anti-lock brakes, number of airbags, transmission, body additions, curb weight, horsepower-to-curb weight, height and vehicle category), fuel economy, insurance cost, additional warranty cost, depreciation, and IIHS Top Safety Pick to determine the value. USAA Preferred vehicles are those vehicles ranked in the top 40 percent for each vehicle category AND obtain “Good/Acceptable” crash test ratings from IIHS. In providing this analysis, USAA does not consider factors other than those disclosed in determining USAA Preferred vehicles.
About the Best Value List
USAA Preferred “Best Value” vehicles are typically those vehicles ranked highest in each vehicle category AND obtain “Good/Acceptable” crash test ratings from IIHS and represent vehicles which are determined to be the best financial value using a USAA-developed proprietary statistical model. The model relates MSRP to vehicle features (engine type, drive train, electronic stability control, anti-lock brakes, number of airbags, transmission, body additions, curb weight, horsepower-to-curb weight, height and vehicle category), fuel economy, insurance cost, additional warranty cost, depreciation, and IIHS Top Safety Pick to determine the value. In providing this analysis, USAA does not consider factors other than those disclosed. For more information, visit www.usaa.com/bestvalue.
About USAA
USAA provides insurance, banking, investment and retirement products and services to 9 million members of the U.S. military and their families. Known for its legendary commitment to its members, USAA is consistently recognized for outstanding service, employee well-being and financial strength. USAA membership is open to all who are serving or have honorably served our nation in the U.S. military – and their eligible family members. For more information about USAA, or to learn more about membership, visit USAA online today.