2028 Hyundai Sonata.
First, we will soon see a new Hyundai Elantra. However, there have also been persistent rumors about a new Hyundai Sonata coming as well. Which makes the situation a bit confusing for fans of Hyundai’s sedan lineup.
This is quite puzzling since the next-generation Sonata sedan was widely believed to have been canceled, leaving the Elantra as the only traditional Hyundai sedan available in the U.S. market in the near future. In recent years, many automakers have been moving away from sedans in favor of SUVs and crossovers. So the idea that Hyundai might drop the Sonata entirely did not seem unrealistic at all.
However, things may not be so simple.
Many of these test vehicles we’ve seen of the next Elantra over the past year appear to have a longer wheelbase and more stretched proportions. Which would actually place them much closer to the size of the current Sonata. Because of this, some observers now believe that at least a few of these prototypes might not be the next Elantra at all. But rather an early development version of the next-generation Sonata.
If that turns out to be true, it would mean Hyundai has been secretly working on a new Sonata after all. Which actually makes sense since the Hyundai mid-sized sedan would probably still be offered outside of the US.
The illustration above is supposed to show what the next Sonata could look like if it does arrive sometime next year, as a 2028 model. The design appears smoother than the recent Elantra renderings we have seen. While that could appeal to a wider audience. It does remind me a bit of the Ioniq 6 sedan. However, in a larger and more upscale-looking package. Also, something not as controversial looking.
Besides the front end, the illustration shows a very modern design with smooth surfaces and minimal character lines.
If Hyundai changes its mind and decides to offer a new Sonata in the US sometime next year or shortly after, it will continue competing against some very strong rivals. That includes the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, and Nissan Altima, which remain some of the most recognizable and best-selling sedans in the U.S. and Canada. While there is, as far as we know, no replacement for the Altima planned, the Accord and Camry aren’t going anywhere. They are still good sellers for Honda and Toyota, and I’m pretty sure the next generations are being planned.
The Camry is still relatively new, although the latest version is essentially a major update of the generation introduced in 2017. It is difficult to say whether Toyota is already preparing a completely new model behind the scenes. Meanwhile, a new Honda Accord could probably arrive around 2027,, likely about a year after the upcoming 2027 Honda Civic. Which we are expected to see later this year.
Despite the massive popularity of SUVs, midsize sedans continue to attract buyers looking for comfort, efficiency, and lower prices compared to similarly sized crossovers. That’s one reason why Hyundai may still see value in keeping the Sonata alive for the North American market.
For now, everything remains uncertain.