The Next Hyundai Sonata Could Bring an ’80s Look Back
Hyundai’s midsize sedan isn’t done yet. Despite years of rumors that the Sonata would be quietly dropped, reports out of Korea say an all-new generation (internal code DN9) is in development for a late-2026 debut at home, with U.S. sales likely following as a 2027 model.
The twist is that Hyundai is said to be leaning into a more square, ’80s-inspired look that channels the first-generation 1985 Sonata, wrapped in the company’s new “Art of Steel” design language. In a lineup where crossovers like the Palisade are now the headliners, the next Sonata is shaping up as a chance to reset the sedan with a very different visual pitch.
Boxier, More ’80s, Less Four-Door Coupe
Current Sonatas lean on a low, fastback-style roofline and the “Sensuous Sportiness” surfacing Hyundai has pushed across its cars for years. DN9 is expected to move in the opposite direction. Early reporting and design briefings suggest a taller, more upright three-box profile with straighter lines, stronger shoulders and cleaner, structural-looking body sides. Think less swoopy coupe, more grown-up, slightly retro sedan that nods to the original Y1-era Sonata without turning into a full-on nostalgia exercise.
Hyundai’s Art of Steel language, previewed on other future products, is all about emphasizing the shape and tension of metal rather than hiding it under complex curves. Expect full-width LED light bars front and rear, crisp daytime running light signatures and big “SONATA” lettering on a simplified tail. That fits with Hyundai’s broader move toward bolder, more geometric designs, which already extends to its EVs.
Hybrids First, Software Upgrades And A Cleaner Cabin
Under the skin, the next Sonata is widely expected to double down on electrification rather than shift to a full EV platform. Hybrid powertrains should form the core of the lineup, with a plug-in hybrid likely for markets that support it, building on the current car’s mix of 2.5-liter gas engines and hybrid options. Pure gas-only trims may be trimmed back or region-specific as emissions rules tighten.
Inside, Hyundai is said to be planning a more software-centric cabin with updated infotainment, a new operating system and more advanced driver-assistance features. The aim is to deliver a quieter, more premium-feeling sedan without chasing the kind of all-screen minimalism that some buyers now find cold. Lessons from bigger models, including how safety systems and crash structures are tuned in SUVs like the Palisade, will inevitably filter down to the midsize four-door as Hyundai seeks stronger ratings and a cleaner safety story next time around.
Why Hyundai Still Cares About Sonata
The Sonata’s domestic importance is hard to overstate. It used to be Korea’s best-selling car and still carries a lot of brand weight, even if crossovers and larger sedans have now overtaken it on the sales charts. Globally, it also gives Hyundai a recognizable player against stalwarts like the Camry and Accord, and dropping it outright would leave a gap beneath the electric Ioniq 6 that the market hasn’t clearly justified.
Instead, Hyundai appears ready to give the nameplate one more big swing: a more upright, retro-tinged sedan that plays the “future classic” card rather than trying to be a pseudo-coupe. For U.S. buyers, that will mean another option in a segment that still matters, especially for shoppers who don’t want an SUV and who might currently be gravitating toward value plays instead.
