2028 Hyundai Sonata Preview

There has been conflicting news about a next-generation Hyundai Sonata sedan. It’s canceled, then it’s not. A new one is on its way, then it’s not. Just like a new Nissan Altima, it seems we might never see a next-generation Sonata. Or maybe we will…

Hyundai just released the new-generation Elantra in Korea. And it looks like most of their current extremely angular designs. Just a few weeks later, we saw the new Hyundai Tucson. Looking just like an SUV version of the new Elantra. But what if a new Sonata went in another direction? Something much smoother and more upscale. Something that really does not look like a larger Elantra.

Apparently, development of a new-generation Sonata was confirmed earlier this year. With a 2027 release, probably as a 2028 model. Wether it will make it to the US or not is another story.

The big news under the hood could be if Hyundai decided to use their all-new EREV powertrain. The new EREV is coming very soon to the Hyundai Santa Fe and the Genesis GV70. It will allow for a range of over 600 miles, with mostly an EV-like driving experience. Something like this would instantly put the Sonata above the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry.

The illustrations above show a smoother design for the next Sonata. One that is still inspired by the Ioniq 6. Which I think still works and looks more substantial than the current generation. These illustrations shows a 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 and Honda Accord. 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 officially planned, the Accord and Camry aren’t going anywhere. They are still very good sellers for Honda and Toyota, and I’m pretty sure the next generations are being planned.

Sales of the Sonata have not been fantastic latelly, with just around 60,000 of them sold in the US last year. A fraction of the Accord and Camry with respectively 151,000 and 317,000 units sold.

I really think a newer design and EREV powertrain could easily bring these numbers back up quite a bit for the Sonata.

But who am I… really…