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2027 Hyundai Elantra.

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Hyundai is preparing to launch a new generation of the Elantra, and early signs suggest it could be quite a departure, however,  not necessarily in a good way. 

These new illustrations are trying to show what the redesigned Hyundai sedan might look like, but it seems to depict a worst-case scenario rather than something attractive. It seems the next-generation Hyundai Elantra could be the weirdest of all…

The current Elantra, introduced in 2020, received a mid-cycle refresh just two years ago. Now, rumors indicate a full redesign is scheduled for release sometime next year. This upcoming version is said to embrace a retro-futuristic design language, possibly drawing on visual cues from earlier Elantra generations. The prototype’s flat roofline and upright A-pillars support this theory, but the illustration simply look weird…

One unfortunate carryover appears to be the faux hatchback layout: a fastback silhouette hiding a small, conventional trunk opening. There’s speculation that this new Elantra may serve a broader role in Hyundai’s shrinking ICE (internal combustion engine) sedan lineup. With the Sonata likely being phased out in the U.S. and no replacement planned, the next Elantra could grow in size to fill the gap. In that sense, it could become Hyundai’s final ICE sedan—a symbolic turning point for a brand that’s quickly shifting toward a fully electric future.

Despite the design changes, the new Elantra is expected to ride on the current platform. That’s consistent with the broader industry trend, where automakers are conserving R&D resources for EV development rather than reinventing platforms for their few remaining gasoline models.

By 2027, the Elantra may even transition to being hybrid-only or include a plug-in hybrid variant. Its competition—namely the upcoming Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla—could potentially arrive with standard EV powertrains, pushing Hyundai to adapt even further.

Over the years, the Elantra has evolved into a sharp, modern-looking sedan. Some enthusiasts worry that a retro-inspired direction might undo that progress, especially since earlier generations weren’t exactly design icons. Still, this next generation—possibly the last of its kind—could end up being one of the most interesting Elantras yet. Or the strangest…

Conversation 11 comments

  1. I hate what Hyundai and Kia have been doing the past few years. They actually used to be my favorites, in terms of pushing design, but now they’ve jumped the shark and it’s just weird and stupid. They all look like toy Hot Wheel cars.

  2. ” not in a good way” ?!?!?! Have you seen the CURRENT Elantra? Its a total mess. the 2013 era Elantra was a truly sexy car. The next generation was toned down, but still quite elegant until they put those stupid triangle headlights on at the refresh. And then came this current ghastly generation. I have no hope for the next one.

  4. These comments are wild. The ONLY good design elantra was this past generations. So called ‘toy hot wheel cars’, give me a break! So I guess you guys prefer ugly, bubbly headlights and fat, rounded edge cars from the 2000’s, huh?

    Those days are over. This concept is a joke, but now is the time for futuristic modern design. If you dont like it, then stay inside your house like an old cat lady, grandpa.

  5. What is happening with Hyunday ? My dog can do a better design than this ridiculous one… I have a 2018 Elantra and 2021 Santa Fe… my last cars from Hyundai of course… so disappointing.
    .

  6. I can only say hideous.
    Hyundai has lost it’s way.
    They finally get a foothold in the industry and are now torching the designs.

  7. Actually the best looking Hyundai they had was 2016 then they ruined it it went downhill and 17 when they restyled they should have kept the Sleek design they had in 2016 it really was a nice car I had one it was the best one I’ve ever had beautiful design I mean if they’re going to use it looks like the same body as the Kia K4 with the ugly tail lights why are they using these horrible tail lights on their cars it looks like a freak Show in the back of the car just like the Kia K4 weird not a bad front end the side of the car is not bad but the ugly rear ends my God I wouldn’t want allow that in my driveway

  9. It looks like to me they’re doing it on a budget. Cars are rated today upon their headlights. It’s like they said.I don’t care how it looks.Just put it on there. Really makes the car look bad.

  10. I wish only that would not dump the Sonata line. Bought a 2020. Still driving it and loving it.

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