I’m a Car Expert: 5 Most Improved Foreign Cars That Are Now Worth Your Money
Written by
G. Brian Davis
Edited by
Jenna Klaverweiden
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Cars have become much more expensive — and not all of them are worth the money.
So which foreign cars are now worth their price tag? And which ones have improved the most since the last time you bought a vehicle?
Hyundai Tucson
- 2025 starting price: $28,705
It takes a long time for car manufacturers to improve their brand image. For decades, Hyundai has offered a 10-year powertrain warranty to convince consumers it produced reliable, high-quality vehicles. And over the last decade or two, it’s finally started convincing the crowds.
“Twenty years ago, Hyundai cars were basic, but now models like the Tucson offer good build quality, strong warranties and more modern designs,” said Gavin Yi, CEO of auto part manufacturer Yijin Hardware. “They provide more value for the price, better safety, lower maintenance costs and new features that make them great choices for drivers who want a car that lasts a long time.”
In fact, U.S. News & World Report named Hyundai the best brand for SUVs in 2025.
Hyundai Sonata
- 2025 starting price: $26,900
Hyundai makes more than just great SUVs, however.
Alex Black, chief marketing officer at vehicle background reporting site EpicVIN, can’t speak highly enough of Hyundais. “At the beginning of the 2000s, everyone thought they were cheap vehicles you only bought because you were trying to pinch pennies. Now? They produce cars that truly hold their own against Toyota and Honda — and in some cases like the Sonata, outscores them in features, style and warranty,” he said.
Kia Telluride
- 2025 starting price: $36,390
The other South Korean car manufacturer to make huge strides in reliability, features and design is Kia. The three-row SUV ranks among the best in its class, without the pretentious price tag.
“The Kia Telluride is another example of a Korean car that has started to outshine its Japanese competitors,” Black said. “You’re really getting bang for the buck these days.”
Kelley Blue Book went so far as to award the Telluride 4.8 stars and name it among the best three-row SUVs.
Toyota RAV4
- 2025 starting price: $29,550
Toyota has made dependable cars for decades. But in the last decade or two, it’s built on its reputation for reliability by adding in more innovative features.
“Today’s RAV4 has much better technology and safety features, and is just plain nicer to drive,” Yi said.
Subaru Outback
- 2025 starting price: $29,995
As with Toyota, Subaru’s history of making quality cars goes back decades. But that doesn’t mean they were always a dream to drive.
Black looks back over the last decade or two and sees huge strides by the Outback in particular. “Dependability increased, and their all-wheel drives are still the best, at least for rural or cold-climate areas. Older Outbacks were spartan, but newer ones are full of bells and whistles and make great all-around vehicles,” he said.
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