Every automotive brand has a history filled with innovations, successes, and sometimes, models that just didn’t make the cut for the long haul. These vehicles, while no longer in production, often tell a fascinating story about evolving design trends, market demands, and strategic shifts within a company. Exploring them offers a unique glimpse into the brand’s journey and how it has adapted over time.
For enthusiasts and curious buyers alike, understanding these past vehicles can be incredibly valuable. Below, you’ll find a comprehensive list detailing Hyundai Discontinued Models. With exactly 25 entries, ranging from the compact Atos to the versatile ix35, this compilation offers a broad overview of Hyundai’s former lineup. For each model, we’ve organized the data by its Production Years (Start-End), the specific Discontinuation Reason, and any Successor Model, providing a clear picture of its journey.
Are discontinued Hyundai models still a good purchase on the used market?
Absolutely, many discontinued Hyundai models can represent excellent value on the used market. While no longer produced, parts and service are typically still readily available, especially for models that were popular sellers. Factors like reliability, maintenance history, and overall condition remain the most important considerations, just like with any used vehicle purchase. It’s always advisable to have a pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic.
What are the most common reasons Hyundai discontinues a car model?
Hyundai, like other manufacturers, discontinues models for several key reasons. Often, it’s due to evolving market trends and consumer preferences, such as a shift from sedans to SUVs. Other factors include declining sales performance, the introduction of a new, more advanced successor model, or the need to streamline production and focus resources on profitable segments. Sometimes, models are also discontinued due to updated emissions regulations or safety standards that would require costly redesigns.
Hyundai Discontinued Models
| Model Name | Production Years (Start-End) | Discontinuation Reason | Successor Model |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pony | 1975-1990 | Replaced by newer front-wheel-drive compacts as Hyundai modernized its lineup | Excel |
| Stellar | 1983-1992 | Aging rear-wheel-drive architecture and replaced by more modern FWD sedans | Lantra/Excel |
| Lantra | 1990-2000 | Nameplate consolidated into the Elantra as Hyundai standardized its small-car lineup | Elantra |
| Excel | 1985-1994 | Superseded by more modern small cars and newer compact models with improved safety and quality | Elantra/Accent |
| Scoupe | 1988-1995 | Low demand and aging platform in the compact coupe segment | None |
| Tiburon | 1996-2008 | Decline of the coupe market and shifting buyer preference toward SUVs and crossovers | None |
| Atos | 1997-2014 | Replaced by modern city cars and consolidation of small-car range | i10 |
| Getz | 2002-2011 | Replaced by the i20 and compact crossovers as hatchback demand patterns changed | i20 |
| Matrix | 2001-2010 | MPV demand declined and crossovers filled the market niche | ix20 |
| Trajet | 1999-2008 | Shrinking minivan/MPV market and internal lineup overlap | None |
| Terracan | 2001-2007 | Aging ladder-frame SUV replaced by more modern unibody SUVs and crossovers | Santa Fe/Tucson |
| XG | 1998-2005 | Replaced by newer full-size sedans as Hyundai moved further upmarket | Azera |
| Azera | 2006-2017 | Pulled from major markets due to slow sales and product-line realignment | None (consolidated by Sonata/Genesis offerings in many markets) |
| Equus | 1999-2016 | Upscaled into the separate Genesis luxury brand and removed from Hyundai badging | Genesis G90 |
| Hyundai Genesis (sedan) | 2008-2016 | Model moved out of Hyundai into the spun-off Genesis brand | Genesis G80 |
| Veracruz | 2006-2012 | Low sales and overlap with other crossovers like Santa Fe led to discontinuation | Santa Fe |
| ix35 | 2009-2015 | Replaced and rebranded in many markets by the next-generation Tucson | Tucson |
| Veloster | 2011-2018 | Niche coupe-hatch with declining sales as consumer tastes shifted to crossovers | None |
| i40 | 2011-2019 | Phased out in many markets due to weak demand for large estate/sedan vehicles | None |
| ix20 | 2010-2019 | Small MPV demand shifted toward hatchbacks and compact SUVs | None |
| Genesis Coupe | 2008-2016 | Discontinued as Hyundai reorganized performance and luxury models and demand for coupes fell | None |
| Dynasty | 1997-2005 | Market consolidation and replacement by newer executive sedans | Grandeur |
| Santamo | 1998-2004 | Low demand and internal overlap with other MPVs led to discontinuation | Trajet |
| Scoupe Turbo (performance variant) | 1990-1995 | Limited demand for performance subcompact coupes and aging platform | None |
| Tuscani (regional name for Tiburon) | 1999-2007 | Same reasons as Tiburon—declining coupe demand and strategic shift to crossovers | None |
Images and Descriptions
Pony
Hyundai’s first production car; a simple rear-wheel-drive compact that launched the brand internationally and is remembered for affordability and establishing Hyundai’s export business.
Stellar
Mid-size sedan built on Mitsubishi underpinnings that bridged Hyundai’s earliest models and later, more modern compact sedans.
Lantra
Small family car sold as Lantra in some markets; introduced front-wheel-drive layouts and was phased out when Hyundai unified its compact offerings under the Elantra name.
Excel
Entry-level hatchback/sedan that provided affordable transport in early export markets and helped establish Hyundai’s presence outside Korea.
Scoupe
Small two-door coupe with sporty styling for its era; one of Hyundai’s first attempts to offer a sport-oriented model at an affordable price.
Tiburon
Two-door sporty coupe (marketed as Tiburon/Coupe/Tuscani) offered sport styling and value; ended without a direct successor as Hyundai refocused on SUVs.
Atos
Tall, ultra-compact city car known for interior packaging and low running costs; popular in urban markets before being superseded by newer small hatchbacks.
Getz
Practical subcompact hatchback favored for value and reliability; phased out as Hyundai reorganized its global small-car lineup.
Matrix
Compact multi-purpose vehicle (Lavita in some markets) offering versatile cabin space for families; later displaced by compact SUVs and crossovers.
Trajet
Seven-seat MPV aimed at families; modest sales and changing buyer tastes led to discontinuation without a direct replacement.
Terracan
Rugged mid-size SUV on a truck-based platform, notable for off-road ability in Hyundai’s early SUV portfolio.
XG
Near-luxury sedan (XG300/XG350) representing Hyundai’s early push into premium passenger cars before being superseded by larger, more refined models.
Azera
Full-size family/near-luxury sedan offered advanced features for the price; withdrawn from markets like North America as Hyundai shifted strategy.
Equus
Flagship full-size luxury sedan that later evolved into the Genesis G90 when Hyundai spun off its premium division.
Hyundai Genesis (sedan)
Large luxury sedan introduced under the Hyundai name and later relaunched and continued under the Genesis marque.
Veracruz
Three-row crossover SUV aimed at mid-size buyers; discontinued as Hyundai rationalized SUV offerings to avoid internal competition.
ix35
Compact crossover sold as ix35 in several markets (notably Europe) before Hyundai returned to the Tucson name for global consistency.
Veloster
Quirky three-door sporty hatch with an asymmetrical door layout that drew attention but occupied a shrinking segment of the market.
i40
Midsize estate/sedan targeted mainly at European buyers and fleets; overtaken by the growing popularity of crossovers.
ix20
Compact, city-oriented MPV sold primarily in Europe; practical interior space was ultimately less desirable than compact crossovers.
Genesis Coupe
Rear-wheel-drive sports coupe offering a performance-focused option in Hyundai’s lineup; ended as corporate strategy refocused on SUVs and Genesis brand.
Dynasty
Large Korean-market executive sedan that served domestic buyers before being phased out in favor of more modern platforms.
Santamo
Boxy compact MPV aimed at budget-conscious families; modest sales and shrinking MPV demand ended the model.
Scoupe Turbo (performance variant)
Sport-tuned version of the Scoupe notable for being one of Hyundai’s early attempts at a higher-performance offering; short-lived due to narrow market appeal.
Tuscani (regional name for Tiburon)
Regional/badging variant of the Tiburon/Coupe that represented Hyundai’s sporty compact ambitions in select markets.
