2027 Hyundai Elantra Could Be Hyundai’s Boldest Sedan Yet.

The next-generation 2027 Hyundai Elantra is already generating a lot of attention, and not only from car nerds. There have already been countless renders illustrations imagining what the new compact sedan could look like. Why not add 2 more images to that long list.

One thing nearly all of these pictures have in common is a dramatic departure from the current generation’s styling. That major shift has already been hinted at by the many spy shots of prototypes seen testing over the past few months.

If most renderings are even somewhat accurate, the new Hyundai Elantra could represent one of the boldest design changes in the model’s history. While the current version, launched in 2020 and updated in 2023, already looks more futuristic than most compact sedans. The next generation may push things even further with a rather strange blend of retro-futuristic themes.

Recent prototypes appear to show a flatter roofline and more upright glass surfaces. Some car nerds have even noticed similarities to older Hyundai sedans from the 1980s and 1990s, mixed with modern EV-inspired styling cues. That combination could give the next Elantra a very distinctive personality. Although not everyone may appreciate the unconventional look.

One element that seems likely to remain is the fastback-style profile combined with a traditional trunk design. It creates the appearance of a hatchback without offering the practicality of one. It is still surprising Hyundai has not introduced a true hatchback version for global markets. Especially since the sporty silhouette already hints at one.

The next Elantra may end up becoming much more important for Hyundai than previous generations. Rumors continue to suggest that the Hyundai Sonata may eventually disappear from the U.S. lineup, potentially allowing the Elantra to grow slightly larger and move further upscale.

If that happens, the Elantra could effectively become Hyundai’s primary gasoline-powered sedan. As the company continues accelerating toward an EV-focused future. Despite the dramatic exterior redesign, the next model is still expected to ride on an updated version of the current platform rather than an entirely new architecture.

Hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants are also expected to be a bigger part of the menu by 2027. Competitors like the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla are both moving toward expanded electrification.

At the same time, newer reports suggest the upcoming Elantra could initially continue using updated versions of today’s engines. Hyundai may focus more heavily on design, technology, and efficiency improvements before introducing larger mechanical changes later in the model cycle. So basically, who really knows…

With updated versions of the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla expected pretty soon, it will be very interesting to see how buyers react to Hyundai’s radical new direction. Current rumors suggest the next-generation Elantra could debut before the end of this year.