Eighth-gen Hyundai Elantra revealed

Hyundai has officially unveiled the eighth-generation Elantra (known as the Avante in South Korea) at the 2026 Busan International Mobility Show. This is a major departure from its predecessor, featuring a bold new design, a larger body, and a tech-focused cabin.

Design: The “Art of Steel”

The new Elantra abandons its previous sharp, creased look for a cleaner, more sculpted aesthetic called the **”Art of Steel”** design language. Key visual elements include:

– **New Face**: A wider front stance with an H-shaped LED daytime running light strip that stretches across the nose, with smaller headlights positioned lower down for a sportier look.

– **Muscular Profile**: It features flush door handles, flared wheel arches, and a distinctive shoulder line.

– **Rear Design**: A sharp rear end with H-shaped LED taillights and an integrated ducktail spoiler.

Bigger Dimensions

The new Elantra has grown in every key dimension, now being longer and wider than a Honda Civic, to offer nearly midsize-sedan-like interior space.

| Dimension | Measurement | Increase Over Previous Gen |

| Length | 4,765 mm | +55 mm  |

| Width | 1,855 mm | +30 mm  |

| Height | 1,425 mm | No major change |

| Wheelbase | 2,750 mm | +30 mm  |

Tech-Focused Interior

The cabin is built around a driver-centric layout with a strong emphasis on digital screens.

– **Infotainment**: A 14.6-inch touchscreen runs the new Pleos Connect interface. A 12.9-inch screen is also available on some trims.

– **AI Integration**: It debuts **Gleo AI**, a generative AI voice assistant that allows for natural language control of vehicle functions.

– **Physical Controls**: Despite the large screens, Hyundai has retained physical knobs and buttons for essential climate and audio controls.

Powertrains and Features

The new Elantra is offered with two primary engine options:

– **2.0L Petrol**: A naturally aspirated engine producing **147 hp** .

– **1.6L Hybrid**: A strong hybrid setup with a combined output of **155 hp** .

It also introduces a new **’Stay Mode’** for the hybrid variant, which allows the air conditioning and entertainment systems to run off the high-voltage battery when the engine is off. The safety package includes **10 airbags** and an advanced Level 2 ADAS suite with features like Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control.

Launch Timeline

Hyundai will announce detailed specifications and pricing before officially opening orders in the **third quarter of 2026**. Sales are expected to begin in South Korea later this year, with other markets to follow in 2027.