The 2026 Hyundai KONA: Redefining the Adventurous Small SUV

Two Great SUVs, One Big Decision If you are shopping for a Hyundai SUV in Gaithersburg, MD, you have likely found yourself comparing two of the brand's most popular models: the Tucson and the Santa Fe. At Fitzgerald Hyundai Gaithersburg, both vehicles stand out as versatile options that earned Hyundai the title of America's Best SUV Brand for two consecutive years. Reach out to our team today to schedule your walkthrough and discover which model best fits your daily driving needs. What the Hyundai Tucson Brings to the Table The Tucson is the more compact crossover of the two. This makes it an agile pick for drivers who want easy maneuverability when navigating local traffic or parking in tight spaces. The 2026 Tucson offers multiple powertrain setups, including a standard 2.5L gas engine, a hybrid, and a plug-in hybrid. It also comes equipped with standard wireless Apple CarPlay© and Android Auto© integration, alongside a 2026 NHTSA 5-Star Overall Safety Rating. The Tucson works well for commuters, couples, and smaller families who prioritize fuel efficiency and modern design in an easy-to-handle package. What the Hyundai Santa Fe Brings to the Table If you need more space and a commanding presence on the road, the Santa Fe steps up to deliver. It comes standard with three rows of seating to accommodate up to seven passengers, offering substantial cabin volume for growing families and road trips. The 2026 Santa Fe offers a responsive 2.5L turbocharged gas engine and an efficient 1.6L hybrid powertrain. The Santa Fe gives drivers extra utility, cargo capacity, and passenger room without sacrificing comfort or handling. Powertrain and Efficiency Options Both SUVs deliver strong performance across diverse lineups. The Tucson provides standard gas, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid options, giving buyers broad flexibility. The Santa Fe offers standard gas and hybrid powertrains that balance strong towing capability with everyday efficiency. HTRAC All-Wheel Drive is available across both lineups to enhance traction on slippery roads and during seasonal weather changes. Shared Benefits Worth Knowing Every new Hyundai includes America's Best Warranty, providing coverage for up to 10 years or 100,000 miles. Buyers also receive five years of 24/7 roadside assistance with no mileage limit, along with Bluelink+ connected services. The Hyundai Shopper Assurance program adds further confidence through transparent terms, flexible test drives, and a 3-Day Worry-Free Exchange policy. Schedule Your Test Drive in Gaithersburg, MD Drivers researching a new SUV in Gaithersburg, MD do not have to make the decision alone. Visit Fitzgerald Hyundai Gaithersburg today to compare the Tucson and Santa Fe in person, explore current vehicle availability, and take both models for a test drive.

As summer winds down in Gaithersburg, MD, your Hyundai has likely put in some serious miles - road trips, daily errands, and everything in between. That kind of use can take a toll, making this the perfect time to schedule Hyundai service before fall arrives. Staying proactive now helps you avoid bigger, more costly issues down the road. Check Your Cooling System Before Temperatures Drop One of the most important Hyundai maintenance tips for late summer is to have your cooling system inspected. High heat causes engine coolant to work overtime, and if levels are low or the fluid has degraded, your engine could run hotter than it should. A quick inspection of hoses, the radiator, and coolant levels can prevent overheating and keep things running smoothly as the seasons change. Inspect Your Tires for Summer Wear Prolonged heat and long drives can accelerate tire wear and affect tire pressure. Before the cooler months set in, take time to check tread depth and look for any uneven wear patterns. Rotating your tires regularly is one of the smartest things you can do for your tires - it helps extend their life and keeps your vehicle handling safely in all conditions. Test Your Battery and Electrical System Extreme summer heat is actually one of the leading causes of battery failure. If your battery is more than three years old, have it tested. A weak battery might get you through the summer but could leave you stranded once temperatures start to drop. While you are at it, check that your headlights, brake lights, and interior electrical features are all functioning properly. Refresh Your Air Filter and Cabin Filter Driving through summer months - especially with pollen and road dust in the air - can clog both your engine air filter and your cabin air filter faster than expected. A dirty engine air filter can reduce fuel efficiency and overall engine performance. Swapping out these filters is a simple, affordable step that pays off quickly and is one of the most overlooked maintenance tips. Take Advantage of Hyundai's Ownership Benefits Hyundai makes it easier than ever to stay on top of vehicle care. Every new Hyundai comes with 24/7 roadside assistance for five years with no mileage cap. Hyundai also backs its vehicles with America's Best Warranty, offering coverage for up to 10 years or 100,000 miles. Connected car features through Bluelink+ let you remotely monitor and manage your vehicle right from your phone. For drivers looking for a fast, convenient option, Car Care Express offers quick oil changes and other routine maintenance services without the long wait. Schedule Your Hyundai Service in Gaithersburg, MD Today Late summer is the ideal time to get ahead of fall maintenance before your schedule fills up. Whether you need a tire rotation, battery check, or a full inspection, bringing your vehicle in for Hyundai service in Gaithersburg, MD ensures your car is ready for whatever the next season brings. Stop into Fitzgerald Hyundai Gaithersburg and let our team help keep your Hyundai running at its best.

If you’re looking for a new-to-you Hyundai, you’ll see that there’s not just your standard used vehicle anymore—there’s Certified Pre-Owned. Certified Pre-Owned vehicles give you reassurance, documentation, and benefits beyond just a handshake like you’d get with a standard used vehicle, giving Gaithersburg, Maryland drivers more confidence in what they’ve invested in. We’ll walk you through what qualifies a vehicle to wear the CPO tag, what it means for you, and why it’s different from buying a standard used vehicle. What Makes a Hyundai Vehicle “Certified Pre-Owned?” First of all, only models less than 6 years old, with fewer than 80,000 miles can be considered for the CPO program. After that, the used Hyundai must pass a rigorous 173-point inspection before it can be offered for sale. That process checks everything from the engine and transmission to safety systems and interior components. Anything that doesn’t meet factory standards must be repaired or replaced before it every hits the lot. Only vehicles that meet Hyundai's strict standards make the cut. If a vehicle doesn't pass, it doesn't get the certified badge—it's that straightforward. Warranty Coverage You Can Count On One of the biggest advantages of buying a CPO Hyundai rather than a standard used vehicle is the warranty protection that comes with it. Hyundai is known for offering America's Best Warranty on new vehicles, and that confidence carries over into the Certified Pre-Owned program as well. Certified Pre-Owned Hyundai vehicles come with extended powertrain coverage of 10 years or 100,000 miles, as well as the remainder of the original 5-year/60,000-mile new vehicle limited warranty. That’s the kind of peace of mind and support you get when you buy CPO that just isn’t available for used vehicles. For drivers in Gaithersburg, MD who want reliability without the new-car price tag, this kind of coverage makes a meaningful difference. The Value Proposition for Gaithersburg Drivers Buying a used Hyundai in Gaithersburg means you're getting a well-built vehicle at a lower price point than new, but the Certified Pre-Owned route takes that a step further. You're not just saving money upfront—you're also protecting yourself from unexpected repair costs down the road. Beyond the warranty, Hyundai builds its vehicles with quality and longevity in mind. Models like the Tucson, Santa Fe, and Elantra have strong track records for reliability. Now put those models through the Certified Pre-Owned process, and you get a vehicle that’s been checked, corrected where needed, and backed by Hyundai's own standards. Roadside Assistance and Added Perks That’s not all you get when you buy CPO. You’ll get other perks including 10 years of 24/7 roadside assistance with no mileage cap, so if you find yourself stranded with a flat tire or a dead battery on your morning commute, you're not on your own. You can even be reimbursed partially for a rental car if your CPO Hyundai needs repairs. Even if you’re traveling far from home, there’s a Travel Interruption benefit to help you if you break down. A different kind of reassurance comes with the CPO program’s CARFAX® history report. You’ll have the documentation in-hand of the vehicle you’re buying so you know exactly how it’s been cared for. These extras are part of what separates a certified pre-owned Hyundai from a typical used Hyundai Gaithersburg purchase through a private seller or independent lot. You're getting a safety net that goes beyond the vehicle itself. A Smarter Way to Shop Hyundai's Shopper Assurance program makes the buying process more transparent and straightforward, whether you're purchasing new or certified pre-owned. You can explore pricing, review inventory, and even complete much of the process online before stepping into the showroom. For buyers who want a stress-free experience, that kind of transparency matters. Visit Us in Gaithersburg, MD to Learn More Ready to explore your CPO Hyundai options? Stop by Fitzgerald Hyundai Gaithersburg and take a look at what's available on the lot. Our team is ready to walk you through the inventory, answer your questions, and help you find the right vehicle for your needs and budget. Visit Fitzgerald Hyundai Gaithersburg to get started.