Hyundai’s Shift
Hyundai has long been praised for its complimentary maintenance plan, but that’s about to become a thing of the past. Starting with the 2026 models, Hyundai will no longer provide free maintenance, which covered a driver’s first three years or 36,000 miles. This included oil changes, tire rotations, and a thorough multi-point inspection. The change comes as Hyundai reports the program, originally introduced for 2020 models, became too costly to maintain sustainably.
New Maintenance Options
Instead, Hyundai will shift to offering pre-paid maintenance plans for 2026 models onwards. With options like the “Pre-Paid Basic” plan—covering oil changes and tire rotations—and the “Pre-Paid Schedule” plan—which handles all scheduled maintenance as outlined in the owner’s manual—these plans provide some flexibility. The plans can cover maintenance up to eight years, adapting to how drivers use their vehicles, whether normal or severe usage. Despite the end of complimentary maintenance, Hyundai’s comprehensive powertrain and new vehicle warranties remain unaffected.
Alternatives to Consider
If eyeing a Hyundai with complimentary maintenance, the trick is to snag a 2025 model. Alternatively, other manufacturers offer competitive maintenance deals. Jaguar leads with a five-year or 60,000-mile complimentary maintenance, while BMW, Genesis, and Mini offer coverage for three years or 36,000 miles. Considering Hyundai’s change, these other brands might offer better value for those prioritizing low maintenance costs.
Hyundai’s Route Forward
This strategic pivot was detailed in an email to Autoblog, emphasizing no changes for vehicles already covered under the 2020-2025 plans. Current Hyundai owners should check with local dealerships regarding any questions, as Hyundai’s Customer Care Center remains a helpful resource. The decision is certainly a move many will watch closely, as it’s a notable shift away from what has made Hyundai very attractive to a wide range of consumers.
Driving Impressions
When it comes to driving Hyundais, they’ve positively evolved over the years. From the nimble handling of the Elantra to the muscular Genesis, Hyundai models offer a smooth and confident ride. For instance, the Hyundai Sonata delivers solid performance with its 180 horsepower, and the family-friendly Palisade’s spacious interior and quiet cabin provide a comfortable drive, even in its non-maintenance-inclusive future iteration. Compared to brands like BMW, which may offer a more sporty and luxurious feel, Hyundai remains a value-driven brand catering to a pragmatic driver.
Final Thoughts
Hyundai’s free maintenance shift highlights a trend towards paid plans in the industry. While complimentary maintenance now largely resides with luxury brands, economic factors like recent tariffs and potential price hikes place value brands like Hyundai in an interesting position. Hyundai remains a solid choice for those prioritizing reliability, even as the maintenance landscape shifts.