Hyundai going back to the future with '80s-style version of its oldest nameplate – report

The Hyundai Sonata will reportedly be renewed for another generation, even as mid-size rivals continue to drop like flies.

The Korean Car Blog reports a ninth generation of the long-running mid-size sedan is in development, dispelling rumours that the Sonata would be supplanted by a larger, new-generation Elantra (sold here as the i30 Sedan).

Korean media reported in 2022 that no ninth-generation Sonata had been planned, with its assembly lines instead set to be converted to produce more electric vehicles (EVs).

More recently, in May 2025 Korean outlet Auto Daily reported the ninth-generation Sonata was expected for release in Korea during the second half of 2026.

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It’ll wear Hyundai’s new ‘Art of Steel’ design language, which debuted on the second-generation Nexo hydrogen fuel-cell electric SUV, which should mean a square-edged, retro look.

Indeed, The Korean Car Blog reports this design language is inspired by the first-generation Sonata, a posher version of the rear-wheel drive Stellar sedan not sold here.

The current Sonata is offered with a choice of petrol or hybrid powertrains, though thus far Hyundai Australia hasn’t sold any electrified variants here.

The next-generation model is expected to continue to offer hybrid power, though it’s unclear if petrol power will continue or if a plug-in hybrid option could join the range.

The continued popularity of Korean sedans in Hyundai’s home market – even as SUVs continue to rise – has likely helped make the case for a new Sonata generation.

Once the best-selling vehicle in Korea, the Sonata is sitting in 10th place year-to-date below the larger Grandeur (in fifth) and the smaller Avante (aka Elantra/i30 Sedan) in second.

However, a 2023 facelift appears to have given the Sonata a bump and may have – in conjunction with disappointing Ioniq 6 sales – helped get a new generation over the line.

That’s despite this segment shrinking in markets formerly friendly to mid-size sedans, like the US where brands including Chevrolet, Ford, Mazda, Subaru and Volkswagen have all discontinued their mid-size models over the past few years.

In Australia, the Sonata is offered in a single sporty N Line trim packing a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine.

It competes in a hollowed-out mid-size car market dominated by the top-selling Toyota Camry. To the end of November, Hyundai Australia has delivered 343 Sonatas this year – a double-digit decline over the same period last year, echoed by all its rivals.

Among its direct competitors, it’s outselling only the Honda Accord (91 deliveries year-to-date) and sits behind the Skoda Octavia (670) and even the Mazda 6 which was axed early this year (850). It’ll face fresh competition in the new year from the new MG 7 liftback, a similarly sporty-looking mid-sizer.

MORE: Explore the Hyundai Sonata showroom