Best OBD 2 Scanners For Hyundai Vehicles In 2022
More often than not, the best OBD2 scanners are those that are compatible with multiple makes and models of vehicles.
However, there are times when a brand-specific scan tool gets the upper hand over a cross-brand scanner.
For example, if you drive a Hyundai, you’ll find that an OBD scanner for Hyundai will access systems that other scanners won’t.
It will pull OEM codes and data, thus allowing you to perform in-depth diagnostics on your Hyundai.
And all that for a fraction of the price that you’ll pay for a cross-brand scanner. In other words, the best OBD scanners may well be brand-specific.
With that in mind, if you own or drive a Hyundai, you’ll be glad to know that we recently put several Hyundai OBD2 scan tools through pair paces. And these three emerged as the ultimate best OBD2 scanners for Hyundai vehicles.
- Latest Hyundai news articles…
3 best Hyundai OBD2 scanners (review)
- Autel AutoLink AL319 OBD2 Scanner Automotive Engine Fault Code Reader CAN Scan Tool
The Autel AutoLink AL319 is built with a full-color display, dedicated emission readiness button and multilingual menu. It works on all OBD2-compliant Hyundai vehicles.
These are generally models made since 1996. And yes, it supports all the OBD2 protocols, including KWP2000, ISO9141, J1850 VPW, J1850 PWM, and CAN. In terms of functionality, here’s what you can expect from this affordable Hyundai OBD2 scan tool:
Vehicle information
First things first, the AL319 is a plug-and-play device. Therefore, it will be good to go as soon as you plug it in the car’s OBD2 port.
The scan tool will automatically identify your car and retrieve its vehicle information. You can view the VIN, CIN and CVN. These are all important when you are identifying or buying/selling a car, or trying to purchase replacement parts.
Codes
In addition to vehicle info, the AutoLink AL319 can read and erase engine codes. You’ll get the code as well as its brief description to help you better understand the issue.
Better yet, when you fix the issue, you can turn to the AL319 to clear the codes. And after that the check engine light (CEL) will turn off. This is, therefore, one of the best OBD2 scanners for Hyundai when you have that pesky CEL.
The only downside is that it can’t turn off other warning lights. That’s because it can’t access other systems apart from the engine. Hence it may come up short when you need to diagnose the ABS, airbag, transmission, throttle, chassis or any other system.
Data
Here we’re talking about freeze frame and live data. Freeze frame data is recorded whenever a code is registered. It helps you know the exact time and possible cause of a trouble code.
Live data, on the other hand, shows the performance of sensors, monitors and switches. You can always turn to it when a code isn’t giving you enough information to diagnose an on-board system.
Luckily, the Autel AutoLink AL319 supports both. Alongside freeze frame, you can view live data like fuel system, engine coolant temp, short & long term fuel trim, RPM, throttle position etc.
The only problem with the AL319 is that it doesn’t graph the live data. Therefore, you can’t use it to view or compare PIDs.
I/M readiness
Want to know if your Hyundai is ready for an emission test? The Autel AL319 will tell you.
In addition to I/M readiness in the menu options, the scan tool features a one-click I/M readiness button. Its purpose is – as you’ve probably guessed – to check for emission readiness with a single click of a button. And with that, you’ll know if your car is ready for state and federal emission tests.
Pros and Cons of Autel AutoLink AL319 OBD2 Scanner
| Pros | Cons |
| · 12-month warranty | · Does not support advanced functions |
| · Lifetime free software updates | · No PIDs for live data |
| · Compatible with other car brands, including Honda, Ford, GM, Toyota etc. | |
| · Extremely affordable | |
| · Capable of in-depth engine diagnostics | |
| · Diagnoses and resets the Check Engine Light | |
| · Easy to use |
Final Verdict
If you can only buy one OBD2 scanner for your Hyundai, then make it an Autel AutoLink AL319. More so if you mostly want to diagnose the engine, view live data, check freeze frame and emission readiness. It’s surprisingly affordable, yet it can do all that.
- FOXWELL NT301 OBD2 Scanner Professional Mechanic OBDII Diagnostic Code Reader Tool for Check Engine Light
One of the weaknesses of the Autel AutoLink AL319 is that it does not graph live data (PIDs). If that’s a deal-breaker for you, you can consider Foxwell’s NT301.
It’s one of the best OBD2 scanners for Hyundai, not just because of PIDs, but also because of its functionality.
Vehicle information
Whether it’s the VIN, CIN or CVN, the Foxwells NT301 will show it. Simply plug it in and it will automatically identify your vehicle model.
In case you’re wondering, this scan tool supports all OBD2 protocols. For that reason, it’s compatible with virtually all Hyundai models sold in the U.S. since 1996.
The best part? It can work on some OBD1 vehicles when paired with an OBD1 adapter. More specifically, it covers 1994 and 1995 models.
Check engine light diagnosis
The first thing you can do with the NT301 is check and erase diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs). More specifically, it scans the engine for code.
With each code you’ll get a definition to help you understand the issue. And once you fix that issue, you can use this Hyundai scan tool to erase the code. Do that for all codes and you’ll turn the check engine light off.
Unfortunately, just like the AL319, this Hyundai scanner doesn’t support diagnosis of other systems. Consequently, if the problem is related to the ABS, SRS, transmission or any other system, it won’t be of help.
Data
The one upside, however, of the NT301 is that it can graph live data. Hence you can use it to view PIDs.
Additionally, this Hyundai scanner reads freeze frame data. The icing on the cake is that you can print out all the data, including codes, live data and freeze frame. That may be necessary when you need to share your diagnostic results for a second opinion.
Finally, as far as data, the NT301 supports Mode 6. Also known as on-board monitoring, this function pinpoints existing problems that have not yet triggered a code or are not detectable in live data.
That’s one of the things that put it up there with the best OBD2 scanners for Hyundai.
Emission readiness
As you would expect, this Hyundai scan tool checks whether or not your car is ready for emission tests. There’s a one-click I/M readiness button to save you the hassle of going to the menus to find the I/M readiness function.
Additionally, there are handy LED lights (red, yellow and green) for indicating readiness status for a smog check.
Pros and Cons of FOXWELL NT301 OBD2 Scanner
| Pros | Cons |
| · Compatible with all OBD2 Hyundai cars and light trucks | · Can only diagnose the engine. No support for other systems like ABS, SRS, transmission etc. |
| · Can print out diagnostic data | · Fails to connect on some car models |
| · Provides code analysis | |
| · 1-year warranty and free lifetime software updates | |
| · Multilingual menu | |
| · Works on some OBD1 vehicles | |
| · Easy to use |
Final Verdict
Despite the few cons, the Foxwell NT301 is an excellent tool for Hyundai car owners. It’s best for check engine light diagnosis, smog check status, live data and freeze frame.
- Autel MS300 Universal OBD2 Scanner Car Code Reader, Turn Off Check Engine Light, Read & Erase Fault Codes, Check Emission Monitor Status CAN Vehicles Diagnostic Scan Tool
Autel’s MS300 is the definition of simplicity. This handheld scanner features only two buttons and a 2-line display screen.
Because of that, it’s a pretty compact and simple-to-use OBD2 scanner for Hyundai. Below are the features that it brings to the table.
Vehicle information
Like all the best OBD2 scanners for Hyundai, the MS300 will automatically identify your vehicle. While at it, the scanner will pull your car’s VIN, CVN and CIN.
The only condition is that it must be a 1996 or newer model. That’s because this scan tool is strictly for OBD2-compliant cars and light trucks.
Check engine light
Primarily a code reader, the MS300 can read and clear engine codes. By doing so, this Hyundai scanner helps you turn off the check engine light.
Inside the package is a CD that contains code definitions. Granted, it’s a noble idea to include code definitions, but people don’t use CDs that much these days.
Additionally, like the other two, it does not cover any other systems. As a matter of fact, it doesn’t pull live or freeze frame data. That can be a good thing if you just want a scanner that will diagnose the check engine light. No complicated functions.
I/M readiness
Besides engine codes, you can rely on the Autel MS300 to check if your car is ready for emission tests. It will scan all the emission systems, including O2 sensors, EVAP, fuel and others to ascertain if you’re good to proceed with a smog check.
Pros and Cons of Autel MS300 Universal OBD2 Scanner
| Pros | Cons |
| · Simple, basic and straightforward | · Too basic. Only diagnoses the engine |
| · One of the most affordable Hyundai scan tools | · DTC lookup comes in CD, which is an obsolete form of storage |
| · Effective at diagnosing check engine light | |
| · Small and compact. Measures 6.3 x 1.97 x 9.06 inches and weighs a mere 11.3 ounces | |
| · Compatible with other car makes (must be OBD2-compliant) | |
| · Solid construction |
Final Verdict
The tradeoff for this scanner’s small range of functions is that you pay under 20 bucks for it. And you get a well-built and effective Hyundai scan tool that will pull generic as well as manufacturer-specific codes.
Best OBD2 scanners for Hyundai COMPARISON CHART
How do our three best OBD2 scanners for Hyundai measure up against each other? Check out the comparison table below.
| Autel AutoLink AL319 | FOXWELL NT301 | Autel MS300 | ||
| Compatibility | Vehicle Compatibility | OBD2 | OBD1 & OBD2 | OBD2 |
| OBDII Functions | Read & Clear Codes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| I/M Readiness | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Data Stream | Yes | Yes | No | |
| Freeze Frame Data | Yes | Yes | No | |
| O2 sensor Test | No | No | No | |
| On-Board Monitoring | No | Yes | No | |
| Evap System Test | No | No | No | |
| Vehicle Information | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Manufacturer Specific Codes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Turn Off Check Engine Light | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Read live PCM DataStream | Yes | Yes | No | |
| Support CAN (Controller Area Network) | Yes | Yes | No | |
| DTC Lookup | No | Yes | Yes (in CD) | |
| System Diagnosis | Engine | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Fuel System | No | No | No | |
| Ignition System | No | No | No | |
| Electrical System | No | No | No | |
| Exhaust System | No | No | No | |
| Transmission | No | No | No | |
| Suspension and Steering Systems | No | No | No | |
| Brake System | No | No | No | |
| SRS | No | No | No | |
| Special Functions | Oil Reset | No | No | No |
| TPMS Reset | No | No | No | |
| EPB Reset | No | No | No | |
| SAS Calibration | No | No | No | |
| IMMO Keys | No | No | No | |
| Battery Maintenance (BMS) | No | No | No | |
| ABS Bleeding | No | No | No | |
| Electronic Throttle Position Reset | No | No | No | |
| DPF Regeneration | No | No | No | |
| Gear Learning | No | No | No | |
| Fuel Injector Coding | No | No | No | |
| Key Coding | No | No | No | |
| Key Programming | No | No | No | |
| ECU Coding | No | No | No | |
| ECU Programming | No | No | No | |
Final Thoughts on top 2022 OBD2 scanners
The best thing about these three best OBD2 scanners for Hyundai is that they’ll get the job done.
Want to diagnose the check engine light? Any one of them will do a great job.
Need to run a smog readiness test? Pick one from the three and it will deliver.
Trying to view live or freeze frame data? Both the Autel AutoLink AL319 and the Foxwell NT301 will be of great help.
If you’re more concerned about graphing live data, then the latter will make more sense. That’s because out of these three, only the NT301 has that capability.
And the Autel MS300 is the simplest of them all. It’s perfect if you want a code reader that occasionally does I/M readiness checks.
