The Hyundai Sonata will reportedly be extended for another generation, even as mid-sized competitors continue to drop like flies.
The Korean Autoblog reports that a ninth generation of the long-running midsize sedan is in development, dispelling rumors that the Sonata would be replaced by a larger, new-generation Elantra (sold here as the i30 sedan).
Korean media reported in 2022 that the ninth-generation Sonata was not planned and that assembly lines would instead be rebuilt to produce more electric vehicles (EVs).
Most recently, in May 2025, Korean outlet Automatically daily reported that the ninth-generation Sonata is expected to be released in Korea in the second half of 2026.
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It will carry Hyundai’s new “Art of Steel” design language, first used on the second-generation Nexo hydrogen fuel cell electric SUV, which is said to mean an edgy retro look.
In fact, The Korean Autoblog This design language is reportedly inspired by the first-generation Sonata, a fancier version of the rear-wheel-drive Stellar sedan that isn’t sold here.
The current Sonata is offered with a choice of petrol or hybrid power, although Hyundai Australia has not yet sold any electrified variants here.
The next-generation model is expected to continue offering hybrid power. However, it is unclear whether the petrol powertrain will still be available or whether a plug-in hybrid option could be added to the range.
The continued popularity of Korean sedans in Hyundai’s home market – even as SUVs continue to gain ground – has likely helped make the case for a new generation of Sonata.
The Sonata, once the best-selling vehicle in Korea, is in 10th place year-to-date, behind the larger Grandeur (at fifth) and the smaller Avante (also known as the Elantra/i30 Sedan) in second.
However, a facelift in 2023 appears to have given the Sonata a boost and – coupled with disappointing Ioniq 6 sales – may have helped bring a new generation to market.
That’s despite the segment shrinking in markets that were once friendly to midsize sedans, such as the United States, where brands like Chevrolet, Ford, Mazda, Subaru and Volkswagen have all discontinued midsize models in recent years.
In Australia, the Sonata is offered in a single sporty N-Line trim, which features a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine.
It competes in a hollowed-out midsize car market dominated by the best-selling Toyota Camry. As of the end of November, Hyundai Australia has delivered 343 Sonatas this year – a double-digit decline compared to the same period last year, which was mirrored by all rivals.
Among its direct competitors, it surpasses only the Honda Accord (91 deliveries year-to-date) and trails the Skoda Octavia (670) and even the Mazda 6, which was discontinued earlier this year (850). In the new year it will have new competition from the new MG 7 Liftback, a similarly sporty-looking mid-range car.
MORE: Explore the Hyundai Sonata showroom
