Hyundai's Upcoming Sonata Takes Aim At Toyota Camry With Bold Updates
It's been over six years since the eighth-generation Hyundai Sonata was first revealed, and although a recent facelift has kept it fresh, the Korean marque will need an all-new model soon if it is to stay in contention with the newer Toyota Camry and Honda Accord.
Now, thanks to a report by the Korean Car Blog, we have new information about what to expect from the next Sonata, and there will be much that's new. A new design philosophy, Hyundai's new infotainment operating system, and more efficient powertrains are all on the menu.
Kia and Hyundai have consistently been on an apparent mission to push the design envelope, and not just on high-performance or more expensive models. Bold design is a significant part of Hyundai's successful transformation in the United States. The new Sonata is expected to share design cues with the latest Nexo, guided by the brand's Art of Steel design philosophy. This styling direction places an emphasis on strength, flexibility, and retro touches.
NY Mammoth envisioned what this could look like, and the result is a Sonata with a strong shoulder line and rectangular-shaped headlights. A pixel-themed lighting signature is expected to add another flourish to the new sedan.
The arrival of Hyundai's Pleos OS is expected with the launch of the Sonata, although we can't say what the cabin will look like (the new Nexo's interior is pictured below). The interface, which will include a 16:9 widescreen display, will be inspired by smartphones.
Via the Pleos Playground, users will be able to download apps directly to the sedan. Gleo, Hyundai's own AI system, will integrate with support for Level 2.5 autonomous driving.
If it all sounds overwhelmingly sci-fi, one interesting rumor is the use of detachable physical buttons. As long as it's not as clunky as removing the radio face, as was the case in the 1980s and 1990s, this could be a clever alternative to an overabundance of touch-based controls in modern cars.
Overall, though, it sounds like a more tech-forward interior than the Toyota Camry's. Yes, the Camry has taken a big step up, but it's still user-friendly in a typically Toyota way.
The latest Camry marked a huge departure from previous models, since all versions of the Japanese sedan have hybrid power. The Sonata isn't expected to go the same route, which means we can still expect a base 2.5-liter gas engine. A more powerful N Line and an available hybrid should also carry over to the new Sonata.
Front-wheel drive should be standard, with an all-wheel-drive system being optional. For the latter, Hyundai's H-Trac AWD system could be implemented.
One area of improvement we would like to see is a more refined ride/handling balance, as the Hyundai currently falls short of its Japanese competitors in this area. And, with the Camry's latest advancements in hybridization, we hope to see a smoother transition between gas and electric power in the new Sonata hybrid.
The new Sonata should help Hyundai retain its edge over Kia in USA sales.
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