Consumer Corner
Hyundai Vehicles Available to “Add to Cart” on Amazon Autos
- Customers in the U.S. can buy new Hyundai vehicles directly on Amazon Autos and schedule pickup through participating dealers
- Hyundai is the first and currently only brand available on Amazon Autos
- National program launch kicks off with all-new marketing campaign highlighting the convenience of “Add to Cart”
FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif. /PRNewswire/ — Car buyers around the U.S. can browse, order and finance any new Hyundai vehicle through a participating Hyundai dealer directly on Amazon Autos, and schedule a pickup from the dealer. Amazon’s online vehicle sales experience is available nationally in 54 markets, representing 71 percent of Hyundai’s sales volume.1 This creates another way for Hyundai dealers to build awareness of their inventory and offer more convenience to their customers. Additional dealer participation, markets and functionalities will continue to roll out throughout the year.
“At Hyundai, we put the customer at the center of everything we do, and we are always looking for ways to improve the vehicle purchasing experience,” said José Muñoz, President and CEO, Hyundai Motor Company. “We’re thrilled to be the first brand enabling our dealers to sell vehicles through Amazon Autos. This collaboration allows customers to conveniently discover, learn about, and purchase their preferred Hyundai model from their local dealer through one of the world’s most trusted shopping experiences. It represents the future of automotive retail and our commitment to redefining how cars are marketed and purchased.”
National Marketing Campaign
To support the launch, Hyundai is announcing an extensive marketing campaign that includes integrated partnerships, TV and digital video advertising, social extensions and more. All-new ads highlighting the joy and simplicity of “Add to Cart” begin airing across television, social and digital channels today.
The ad, set in an Amazon fulfillment center, showcases iconic toys and merchandise typically ordered from Amazon, culminating in the reveal of the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe from an Amazon shipping box. The creative then fades into showing how seamless it is to add the Santa Fe to an Amazon Cart on your phone via Amazon Autos. 
The content will air nationally, including during upcoming professional football and basketball games, and on Amazon Prime Video properties. Beyond video, Hyundai is diversifying the channel mix to demonstrate the ease of purchase on Amazon through out-of-home (OOH), audio, website content, paid search and media partnership integrations.
Furthermore, Hyundai is also spotlighting key consumer benefits such as ease and convenience in a mini-campaign series titled “In the Time it Takes”, which will run on digital and social channels beginning in mid-January through March. The creative highlights various scenarios in life that should be simple but take longer than expected (i.e. finding the remote or teaching your parent the newest slang term) and then shows how purchasing a Hyundai vehicle on Amazon Autos is even easier than these tasks and could have been completed in this time.
The integrated program was developed in collaboration with Hyundai’s creative agency of record, INNOCEAN USA, while its media agency, Canvas, coordinated the media buys.
Amazon Autos Vehicle Purchase Experience
The following Amazon Autos information is from About Amazon.
With Amazon Autos, customers have a simple, end-to-end online experience to purchase their next Hyundai vehicle, allowing them to:
- Browse and search for available vehicles at their local dealer by make, model, trim, color, and features
- Get an instant valuation and trade-in their existing vehicle toward the price of the new car
- Select their preferred car
- Secure financing or pay in full
- Complete the checkout process online with their chosen payment option
- Schedule a pick-up time at the dealership
All of this is done within the convenient Amazon experience that customers know and trust, providing a streamlined and transparent car buying process from search to purchase.
Convenient, streamlined experience
With Amazon Autos, customers can search available vehicles from local participating dealers by model, trim, color, features and more—all in one place. Once they select a vehicle, they can secure financing, e-sign paperwork, and complete their order in a matter of clicks.
After finalizing their payment information, customers will select a day and time to pick up their new car at the local participating dealership.
Transparent, haggle-free pricing
Amazon Autos provides transparent, all-inclusive pricing set by the dealer, eliminating the need for negotiation. The price customers see at check-out is the price they pay, inclusive of all taxes and fees.
Seamless vehicle trade-ins
Customers can get a firm trade-in value for their current vehicle by answering a set of questions about the vehicle’s condition and uploading images of their car. The value, which is provided by an independent third-party, can then be applied towards purchasing their new car through Amazon Autos – streamlining the upgrade process within the familiar Amazon shopping experience. At the dealership, customers complete the process by dropping off their trade-in when picking up their new vehicle.
Trusted Amazon shopping experience customers know and love
Vehicle shopping and purchases happen directly within the Amazon store with familiar features like customer reviews, seller (dealership) reviews, add to cart, and the simplicity of the Amazon checkout process.
“At Fred Beans Automotive Group, we take pride in making sure each customer vehicle delivery is a special occasion, in fact we refer to them as events,” said Beth Gilbert Beans, vice president of Fred Beans Automotive Group, which owns five Hyundai dealerships in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. “The decision to buy a car is significant, and no matter how many years I’ve been in this business, the thrill of handing over a set of car keys never fades. We’re excited to continue providing that feeling through this new sales channel and connecting with the millions of shoppers on Amazon through this new, convenient experience.”
More Hyundai dealers will continue to be added to Amazon Autos. Functionality like leasing and expanded financing options will continue to roll out early this year.
Visit Amazon.com/Autos and HyundaiUSA.com/Amazon to learn more.
Hyundai Motor America
Hyundai Motor America offers U.S. consumers a technology-rich lineup of cars, SUVs, and electrified vehicles, while supporting Hyundai Motor Company’s Progress for Humanity vision. Hyundai has significant operations in the U.S., including its North American headquarters in California, the Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama assembly plant, the all-new Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America, and several cutting-edge R&D facilities. These operations, combined with those of Hyundai’s 835 independent dealers, contribute $20.1 billion annually and 190,000 jobs to the U.S. economy, according to a recent economic impact report. For more information, visit www.hyundainews.com.
Hyundai Motor America on Twitter | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | TikTok
1 Amazon Autos is available at select Hyundai dealers in Atlanta, Austin, Baltimore, Beaumont-Port Arthur, Birmingham, Boston, Champaign/Springfield, Charleston, Charlotte, Chicago, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbia, Columbus, Dallas, Dayton, Denver, Detroit, El Paso, Fond Du Lac, Ft. Myers/Naples, Harrisburg-York, PA, Harrisonburg, Hartford, Houston, Indianapolis, Jacksonville, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Louisville, Miami, Milwaukee, Minneapolis St., Nashville, New York, Orlando, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, Portland, Providence, Raleigh-Durham, Salt Lake City, San Antonio, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, Sheboygan, Springfield, MA, St. Louis, Tampa, Traverse City, MI, W. Palm Beach, Washington, D.C.
SOURCE Hyundai Motor America
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Automotive
Beyond the Sticker Price: Identifying the Most Affordable New Vehicles to Insure for 2026
For most households, buying a new vehicle is one of the largest financial decisions they’ll make. The purchase price is only the beginning, however. To help consumers make more informed purchasing decisions, consider these rankings of the most affordable new 2026 model year vehicles to insure.
Beyond the Sticker Price: Identifying the Most Affordable New Vehicles to Insure for 2026
(Feature Impact)For most households, buying a new vehicle is one of the largest financial decisions they’ll make. The purchase price is only the beginning, however. Fuel, maintenance, depreciation and insurance all contribute to the total cost of ownership, making affordability a consideration that extends well beyond the showroom.
To help consumers make more informed purchasing decisions, Mercury Insurance recently released its annual rankings of the most affordable new 2026 model year vehicles to insure, identifying the top-performing SUV, truck, sedan and electric or hybrid vehicles in four of today’s most popular categories.
“Consumers naturally compare purchase price, fuel economy, safety ratings and technology features before buying a vehicle,” said Chong Gao, director of research and development for Mercury Insurance. “Insurance is one of the few ownership costs drivers can estimate before making a purchase. Factoring it into the decision gives consumers a more complete picture of what that vehicle is likely to cost over the years they own it.”
While every driver’s premium is unique, this year’s rankings also revealed a broader trend: Practical, mainstream vehicles continue to offer some of the strongest long-term insurance value.
“Vehicles designed for everyday drivers often strike the best balance between safety, repairability and replacement costs,” Gao said. “That’s reflected in this year’s rankings, where familiar models from manufacturers like Hyundai, Chevrolet, Honda, Kia and Volkswagen rose to the top. It reinforces the idea that choosing a practical vehicle can pay dividends well beyond the purchase price.”
A Cost You Can Plan For
Unlike unexpected repairs or fluctuating fuel prices, insurance is a predictable ownership expense consumers can research before purchasing a vehicle.
Comparing insurance costs alongside purchase price, fuel economy, maintenance expenses and expected repair costs can help shoppers better understand the long-term financial commitment of vehicle ownership.
Factors Influencing Insurance Costs
Insurance costs are influenced by many factors, but repair complexity, parts availability, vehicle safety systems and historical claims experience all contribute to how a vehicle is insured. While advanced safety technology can help reduce accidents, vehicles that are easier and less expensive to repair can also help improve long-term affordability. Among the considerations insurers evaluate are:
- Repair and replacement costs
- Historical claims experience
- Vehicle safety features and crash performance
- Theft frequency
- Availability and cost of replacement parts
- Vehicle performance characteristics
The Most Affordable Vehicles to Insure
This year’s rankings show practical, mainstream vehicles continue to offer some of the strongest insurance value. The top spot in both the SUV and electric and hybrid categories was claimed by Hyundai while Chevrolet led the truck category and Volkswagen topped the sedan rankings. Rounding out Mercury’s rankings were several familiar nameplates recognized for balancing insurance affordability with everyday value.
SUVs:
- Hyundai Santa Fe
- Chevrolet Blazer
- Honda Pilot
- Kia Sportage
- Honda Passport
Trucks:
- Chevrolet Colorado LT
- Chevrolet Silverado C3500
- Ford Maverick and Ranger
- Hyundai Santa Cruz SE
- Toyota Tundra CrewMax
Sedans and Coupes:
- Volkswagen Golf R
- Acura Integra
- Honda Prelude
- Kia K4
- Mazda3
Electric and Hybrids:
- Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid
- Chevrolet Blazer EV
- Kia Sportage Hybrid
- Ford Escape Hybrid
- Honda CR-V Hybrid
“The smartest vehicle purchase isn’t always the one with the lowest sticker price,” Gao said. “It’s the one that delivers the best overall value over time. Comparing insurance before buying gives consumers another tool to make a more informed decision.”
Visit MercuryInsurance.com to see the full rankings and request a quote to get a more complete understanding of long-term ownership costs.
Photo courtesy of Hyundai America (Hyundai Santa Fe)
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock (couple using laptop)
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financial wellness
Covering Basic Expenses with Credit Cards Adds to the Growing Debt Cycle
The Debt Cycle: For many Americans, credit cards were once reserved for emergencies, major purchases or added security when shopping online. However, today, people are increasingly relying on credit cards and unsecured debt to cover basic everyday expenses like groceries.
Covering Basic Expenses with Credit Cards Adds to the Growing Debt Cycle
(Feature Impact) For many Americans, credit cards were once reserved for emergencies, major purchases or added security when shopping online. However, today, people are increasingly relying on credit cards and unsecured debt to cover basic everyday expenses like groceries.
According to a survey of 2,000 U.S. adults with at least $10,000 in unsecured debt conducted by Atomik Research on behalf of Accredited Debt Relief, a debt consolidation company specializing in unsecured debt relief, credit cards are no longer just a financial convenience but a tool for managing the rising cost of everyday necessities.
In fact, 66% of respondents reported having used a credit card to cover the cost of groceries within the last year. Other essentials aren’t far behind: 47% said they’ve used it for gas or transportation, 45% for utilities and 33% for rent or housing costs.
How Everyday Expenses Turn into Long-Term Debt
Debt builds over time when credit becomes part of monthly operations. For those struggling with cost-of-living pressures, using a credit card to cover groceries or utility bills may seem manageable in the moment. When the unexpected happens – a car repair, medical bill or unusually high energy bill – however, the balance adds up for the 46% of respondents who take on additional debt at least most of the time an emergency occurs and, without an executable plan for repaying it, could shorten the runway for taking care of such expenses in the future.
Because nearly 3 in 10 survey respondents rely on credit or borrowing just to get through a typical month, the data suggests what may have been a stopgap has become a routine part of managing personal finances. In fact, one-third of survey respondents said they depend on credit more than they did a year ago.
Lack of a Financial Cushion Makes Paying Down Debt Difficult
Breaking the debt cycle becomes especially difficult without emergency savings. Only 28% of respondents say they can cover expenses and save.
Additionally, 45% reported their income is enough to get by but not get ahead. Many said they’ve even put off taking a vacation or saving for the future due to their financial situations. When each paycheck is already committed to existing bills – 29% of respondents listed the cost of everyday expenses as the biggest barrier to reducing debt – making meaningful progress toward paying down debts becomes more difficult.
The Emotional Cost of Carrying Debt
Financial stress affects more than just the household budget. The survey found 25% of respondents are concerned about their financial future, with 12% worried they’re facing long-term financial instability. What’s more, nearly 7 in 10 said their current debt situation has negatively affected their mental well-being.
Without meaningful changes, whether through increased income, debt relief or financial support, these households may continue to rely on unsecured credit as a necessity rather than a strategic financial tool or occasional supplement. To learn more and find support to regain financial stability, visit AccreditedDebtRelief.com.
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock
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Automotive
EV Interest Climbs as Gas Price Uncertainty Pushes Families Toward Electric SUVs
With ongoing uncertainty surrounding global oil prices, more U.S. consumers are buying and showing more interest in electric vehicles (EVs). The shift comes as car shoppers weigh fuel costs, improving affordability and a growing number of family-friendly electric SUVs.
EV Interest Climbs as Gas Price Uncertainty Pushes Families Toward Electric SUVs
(Feature Impact)With ongoing uncertainty surrounding global oil prices, more U.S. consumers are buying and showing more interest in electric vehicles (EVs). The shift comes as car shoppers weigh fuel costs, improving affordability and a growing number of family-friendly electric SUVs.
Watch this video to learn more
According to Spectrum News, EV sales increased in the first quarter of this year. In the same time frame, interest in new EVs increased 16% and interest in used EVs increased by 30%. As families look for opportunities to ditch the gas pump without sacrificing power or space, new all-electric options create a compelling argument for families to turn to EVs.
For those looking to offset their weekly fuel up, the 2026 Kia EV9 can save drivers around $1,800-3,400 per year compared to gas-powered SUVs. Cars.com named the 2026 Kia EV9 the Best Electric Vehicle of 2026 for the second consecutive year.
“The Kia EV9 stood out because it delivers everything we want from a modern electric SUV – strong real-world range, fast charging, excellent space and comfort, and smart flexibility across the lineup,” said Mike Hanley, Sr. Road Test Editor, Cars.com.
For those who aren’t ready to switch to a fully electric vehicle, Kia has expanded its hybrid options. The 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid adds horsepower and updated design features, while the Kia Telluride model offers a hybrid version for the first time with a total driving range of up to 637 miles on the Ex FWD-trim.
To learn more about the Kia EV9 and Kia’s hybrid models, visit Kia at kia.com.
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