Does Hyundai Use Honda Engines? (Read This First)

When you do not take the time to know the logo of both Honda and Hyundai, you might get confused on seeing either of the two brands.

The two brands have almost the same logo depicting their names.

However, these two are very different companies that manufacture cars. I know a few people that have asked whether Hyundai uses Honda engines.

So let’s discuss that here.

Hyundai does not use Honda engines. The two automobiles are far apart in comparison, not to mention compatibility in sharing parts. Honda had been manufacturing cars for over 20 years before Hyundai came into the picture. So, Honda has no hand in Hyundais engine production.

Who Makes the Engines for Hyundai Cars?

Hyundai Manufacturing Motor Alabama makes Hyundai engines (HMMA). Before Hyundai began making its engine in 1991, Mitsubishi used to make engines for Hyundai.

It may amaze you to know that Hyundai now supplies engines for Mitsubishi.

The first engine made by Hyundai was a four-cylinder 1.3-liter engine. This engine pumped a good 71 horsepower and 81 pounds-feet of torque.

If you had mistaken Hyundai for Honda and feel Honda makes engines for Hyundai. Both brands have no relationship in terms of their make-up.

Hyundai is a South Korean automaker, while Honda is a Japanese-made brand. During the first years of Hyundai’s production, they had capable hands on the crew.

The only thing they lacked was a powertrain technician. And this made them seek the aid of Japanese Mitsubishi to build their first vehicle. 

The first vehicle built was the pony which surprisingly made a good sale in Northern America. Particularly in Canada, where Hyundais pony became a top-seller.

After some time, the brand made its way to the US. This move gave Mitsubishi a bit of encouragement to do more.

It was the drive that made Hyundai begin its engine production by itself. The Hyundai Coupe was the first model to use a Hyundai-made engine.

It led to the creation of Hyundai Manufacturing Motor Alabama (HMMA). This company now produces almost a million car engines per year. 

What Kind of Engine Does Hyundai Use?

Hyundai uses a four-cylinder 1.3-liter engine that has 71 hp. Hyundai has upgraded the kind of engine they use. They now produce cars that can run up to 119 horsepower.

The engine used by Hyundai is categorized into three which are;

• Four-cylinder engine
• V6 engine and
• V8 engines

Let’s take a closer look at these engine types.

#1. Four-Cylinder Engine

The four-cylinder engine is the first kind of engine produced by Hyundai. This engine type is notable for its efficiency and fuel-conserving nature.

They also have the least horsepower. Therefore, the four-cylinder engine is preferable for people that travel regularly.

In addition, it will help save some cash you would have spent on fuel because of its conservative nature.

#2. V6 Engines

They are the same as six-cylinder engines. This engine type produces more horsepower than the four-cylinder engine. In contrast, it expends more fuel than the four-cylinder.

However, it is the preferred cargo engine.

#3. V8 Engines

The V8 is the same as an eight-cylinder engine is almost the same as a V6. The difference between the two engines is that V8 produces more power and acceleration.

If you are confused about the V, it is how the cylinders are arranged in the engine. Also, the V8 consumes more fuel than the other kinds of engines mentioned.

Hyundai uses these engine types depending on the model of the Hyundai product.

Below are the kind of engines by different models of Hyundai;

• The Kappa G3LA and G3LC engines used by Hyundai Kona and i20 models, respectively 
• The Kappa G4LD engine used by Hyundai Elantra and i30
• Gamma G4FA engine also used for Hyundai i20 model 
• Gamma MPI/GDI/T-GDI engine utilized by the Hyundai accent
• Theta MFI/GDI engine is operated by Hyundai Sonata. It is the turbocharged Hyundai engine.
• D4HB engine is used by the Hyundai Santa Fe model
• The Lambda MPI/ DGI/T-GDI engine is used by the Hyundai Santa Fe also.

And here’s a tip for your storehouse of knowledge; Kia is also a part of Hyundai motors. So most engines produced and used by Hyundai cars are also used by Kia.

Hyundai makes varieties of engines, and they do not have a lot of issues concerning engines. However, there are times when their engines tend to fail.

Are Hyundai Engines Reliable?

Hyundai engines have had lots of issues concerning reliability in the past years. However, I can now vouch for Hyundai engines as a very reliable engine producer.

They can last up to 300,000 miles and even more.

Since its inception, Hyundai has ranked high in reliability studies due to its low repair cost. Also, Hyundai offers more warranty coverage than other brands.

The Hyundai Elantra, Sonata, and Santa Fe are named the most reliable of the Hyundai brand. 

Between 2011 and 2016, there were many complaints concerning the Hyundai engine’s failure. It reduced the engine’s reliability and affected the Hyundai Sonata more than any other model.

Due to the engine issue that 2012 was a terrible year for Hyundai.

The ten (10) years warranty is one of the reasons why Hyundai is a very reliable brand.

Since Hyundai became responsible for making its engine, there has been a lot of development in the brand.

Now, Hyundai engines are compared to brands like Toyota and Honda.

It is rather unprofessional to start comparing Hyundai with Honda and Toyota. With the image both brands have created in the automobile industry, you can not rank Hyundai with them. 

Toyota is the people’s choice when it comes to reliability rating. And they have confirmed that fact over the years.

A Toyota is the average car owner’s choice because of the rugged nature of the engine.

Although Hyundai has evolved over the past years, it still doesn’t have what it takes to come head to head with Toyota in reliability.

Notwithstanding, a Hyundai can serve for over 100,000 miles without any significant fault with the engine.

And this goes a long way in building a reliable reputation for the engine of a Hyundai.

So, in a nutshell, even though Hyundai is not up to Toyota and Honda in reliability, their engines have proven to be very reliable.

Conclusion 

Hyundai is not related to Honda in any manufacturing sense. Although the logo of the two companies is similar, they do not share any parts.

Therefore, Hyundai does not use Honda engines. Hyundai was initially using Mitsubishi engines, but it now makes its engine.