Hyundai has revealed the next-generation Elantra, debuting under its home-market Avante nameplate at the 2026 Busan auto show in South Korea. The 2027 Elantra is bigger and far sharper-looking than before, with an angular, futuristic design that looks pulled straight from a science-fiction film. It is the model’s first full redesign since 2021, and it brings a reworked cabin, a new hybrid powertrain option, and Hyundai’s latest Pleos Connect infotainment system complete with an AI chatbot. The Avante goes on sale in South Korea later this year, with the Elantra expected to reach other markets in 2027.
A Sci-Fi Exterior Makeover
The headline of the redesign is the dramatic new styling. The grille received a major overhaul, with an angular jawline replacing the current model’s wide, sweeping mouth. The headlights were pinched down into thin perpendicular lines that follow the bodywork, giving the front end a look that would fit comfortably on a movie set.
Hyundai abandoned the Z-shaped creases that defined the sides of the outgoing car, replacing them with straight lines and more defined front and rear fenders that complement the angular front. The front and rear windows now blend together, with black trim along the B-pillar, while the C-pillar stands out in the body color and separates the main glass from a small triangular window toward the rear. The wheels complete the jagged theme with a five-spoke star design.
At the back, the new Elantra takes clear inspiration from the current car but with fewer angles and a boxier overall shape. The taillights mirror the perpendicular front lighting, running vertically along both fenders with horizontal beams across the trunk. The ducktail spoiler from the previous generation carries over, though with sharper edges.
The current Elantra remains one of the most popular Korean sedans on Carly, available in both new and used configurations. Every car on the platform comes with a 150-point inspection and a 12-month warranty, so buyers who want the proven current-generation model can buy with confidence while the redesigned version works its way toward the region.
A Reimagined Interior
Inside, Hyundai shrank the instrument cluster and dramatically enlarged the infotainment screen. The new Elantra gets a larger central touchscreen paired with a much smaller gauge display that sits as a thin bar near the windshield. The cabin runs Hyundai’s new Pleos Connect infotainment system, which brings more advanced technology along with an AI chatbot named Gleo.
The gear selector has moved to a column-mounted position behind the steering wheel, freeing up space for additional storage in the center console. While the new cabin has significantly fewer buttons overall, Hyundai wisely kept physical controls for climate and media functions nestled beneath the screen, a detail many drivers will appreciate over all-touch interfaces.
Powertrains: Gasoline and a New Hybrid
The 2027 Elantra will be offered with a choice of gasoline-only or hybrid powertrains. The gas engine carries over as the familiar 147-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder found in the current Elantra. The more interesting addition is the hybrid, which features a new two-motor 1.6-liter setup producing 155 horsepower.
The hybrid option reflects the broader industry shift toward electrification, a trend visible in Saudi Arabia as well, where the hybrid and electric segment has grown rapidly. There is no word yet on a sporty N-Line trim or a high-performance Elantra N, though enthusiasts are hoping Hyundai will add those variants in the future.
In the Saudi market, the Elantra competes directly with the Kia K3 and Toyota Corolla in the compact sedan segment, while Hyundai’s own Sonata sits one tier above. All of these competitors are available on Carly, giving buyers in the Korean and Japanese sedan categories a direct way to compare and purchase with inspection, warranty, and financing from 12+ institutions including Tamara installments regulated under SAMA guidelines.
What It Means for Saudi Buyers
The Elantra has long been one of the most popular compact sedans in Saudi Arabia, valued for its balance of price, features, fuel economy, and Hyundai’s strong warranty backing. The dramatic redesign signals Hyundai’s intent to push the model upmarket in both design and technology, narrowing the gap with more expensive rivals.
For buyers in the region, the redesign means the current-generation Elantra may become more accessible in the used market as the new model approaches, while those who want the latest design and the new hybrid option will have a compelling reason to wait. Either way, the Elantra’s core appeal, a well-equipped, efficient, and affordable sedan, remains intact and continues to make it one of the most sensible choices in its class.
FAQ
When will the 2027 Hyundai Elantra be released?
The next-generation Elantra was revealed as the Avante at the 2026 Busan auto show. It goes on sale in South Korea later this year, with other markets expected to receive it in 2027.
What is new in the 2027 Hyundai Elantra?
The 2027 Elantra features a dramatic sci-fi-inspired redesign with angular styling, thin perpendicular lights, a larger central touchscreen, a smaller gauge display, the new Pleos Connect infotainment system with an AI chatbot, and a new hybrid powertrain option.
Does the 2027 Elantra have a hybrid version?
Yes. The 2027 Elantra offers a new two-motor 1.6-liter hybrid producing 155 horsepower, alongside the carryover 147-horsepower 2.0-liter gasoline engine.
What is the Hyundai Avante?
Avante is the name used for the Hyundai Elantra in its home market of South Korea. The model revealed at the 2026 Busan auto show as the Avante is the same car that will be sold as the Elantra in other markets.
How powerful is the 2027 Elantra hybrid?
The new hybrid powertrain uses a two-motor 1.6-liter engine producing 155 horsepower, slightly more than the 147-horsepower 2.0-liter gasoline engine.
Is there a 2027 Hyundai Elantra N?
Hyundai has not confirmed an N-Line or high-performance Elantra N for the new generation yet, though performance variants may be added in the future.
Where can I buy a Hyundai Elantra in Saudi Arabia?
The current-generation Hyundai Elantra is available new and used on Carly (HalaCarly.com), each with a 150-point inspection, 12-month warranty, and multiple financing options including Tamara and bank financing.
