First Look: 2027 Hyundai Elantra Adopts a Radical New Design

Hyundai rolled out an all-new version of the compact Elantra sedan and it grows longer while adopting a more radical design language, inside and out. It will also offer a new hybrid among drivetrain options. When will it come to the U.S.? More from Headlight.News.

The badge says, “Avante,” but what you’re looking at is better known in the U.S. as the Hyundai Elantra, and the Korean carmaker is ready to roll out an all-new version of the compact sedan.

Though sharing the same underpinnings as the latest-generation Kia K4, the Hyundai Avante/Elantra adopts a decidedly different design language, abandoning the Z-shaped creases of the outgoing model, while adding bolder, more muscular haunches. The interior, meanwhile, feels more like a living room than the cabin in today’s sedan.

Making its debut at the Busan Auto Show in South Korea, deliveries of the Avante package are set to begin shortly in Hyundai’s home market for the 2027 model year. We’re likely not going to see the U.S. version show up immediately, several insiders said, and could carry a 2028 model year designation.

What’s new

It’s been six years since Elantra was last given a major makeover. The 2027 Hyundai sedan is bigger in virtually every dimension than the outgoing model – reflecting what Kia did with its own compact K4 with which it shares underpinnings.

The eighth-generation package is barely recognizable compared to the existing Avante/Elantra, with more muscular styling and sharper edges. The added dimensions translate into a roomier cabin.

The new sedan will get a major makeover of its infotainment system using AI technology. It also will boast more digitally controlled safety technology. A new, two-motor hybrid is in the offing, as well.

Design

The 2027 Avante/Elantra adopts the sort of styling you’d expect on a more expensive grand tourer than you’d expect of a mainstream, relatively affordable sedan. That includes the steeply raked front air scoops, razor-thin headlamps and bold flaring of both front and rear quarter-panels.

Hyundai abandoned the controversial Z-creases on the outgoing sedan but retains crisp creases, notably with the slash running through the rear door panels. About the only detail that carries over is a rear ducktail spoiler.

In its updated form, the 2027 sedan stretches to 187.6 inches in total length, about 2.2 inches more than today. The wheelbase is up 1.2 inches, to 108.3 inches. Avante/Elantra is now going to be 1.2 inches wider, at 73.0 inches. It stands at 56.1 inches.

The added space translates into a more spacious cabin. While the exterior may relay on sharp angles, the interior is more smooth and curvaceous and, based on the initial images coming out of the Busan show, it adopts a more upscale feel adding, among other things, more soft-touch materials.

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Technology

As it has done on the past several generations of new products, Hyundai continues to expand the size of the screens it’s using on the new Avante/Elantra. Depending upon trim and options, there’ll be a base 12.9-inch infotainment touchscreen, or a bigger 14.6-inch display. Either way, buyers will get the new “Gleo AI” voice assistant running on the new Pleos Connect software. That combination first debuted on the Korean market Grandeur flagship. While the infotainment display is larger, however, the digital gauge screen is a bit smaller.

The good news is that Hyundai continues to hold the line, unlike so many competitors, maintaining physical controls for a number of functions, including climate control. But Avante/Elantra will have plenty of useful tech onboard, including multiple camera views, 100-watt USB-C ports and twin smartphone pads allowing you to keep your device charged up while using wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

From a safety perspective, there’ll be more features added to the current list of advanced driver assistance systems, including Smart Cruise Control 2, Memory Reversing Assist, Remote Smart Parking Assist, SBW P-mode Emergency Braking, and Pedal Misuse Safety Assist. At least in the Korean package, Avante will feature 10 separate airbags. It’s unclear if all these features and functions will carry over to the U.S. model.

Powertrain options

Today’s Elantra offers four powertrain options, including the base 2.0-liter I-4 gas engine, 1.6-liter turbo package in the N Line, a 1.6-liter hybrid and a 2.0-liter turbo-four in the Elantra N.

While full detail have yet to be released it appears the new sedan will retain the 147-hp gas engine, but the hybrid will adopt a new two-motor design making 155 hp, up from 139 today. The new hybrid adopts “Smart Regenerative Braking 3.0” and a “Hybrid Hierarchical Predictive Control System” to better recapture energy during braking an coasting to boost fuel economy.

We’ll have to wait to find out what plans are for N and N Line models. Some reports suggest the top-line N could get a 2.5-liter turbo package.

The new Elantra, meanwhile, moves the gearshift lever up to the steering column. That will open up space for not only those twin charging pads but more storage in the center console.

Pricing and availability

During the debut in South Korea, Hyundai Motor President and CEO Jose Munoz declared, “The All-New Avante is a model that sets a new standard for its class by balancing unrivaled design, interior space, safety, and digital experience.”

Clearly, the automaker is planning to take the lead with styling designed to win back buyers who might be growing tired of SUVs.

We’ll have to wait to find out pricing, however. Currently, the U.S. Elantra SE package starts at $23,870, including delivery fees.

While the South Korean market will soon have the new 2027 Avante in showrooms, several sources cautioned on background that we won’t immediately get the U.S. Elantra. The betting appears to be a late 2027 arrival, probably as a 2028 model year package.