The 2027 Elantra is celebrating its world premiere at the 2026 Busan Mobility Show today, and we’re here at the event to get a close look at Hyundai’s all-new compact sedan, which will be available as a hybrid. Here are some key observations we made about the 2027 Hyundai Elantra at its debut:
Design
The 2027 Hyundai Elantra adopts an all-new exterior with a boxier, more rugged look than a typical sedan. The result is a more imposing stance, with sharper surfaces and stronger SUV-like cues.
At the front, the sedan gets split headlamps, with slim daytime running lights positioned above discreetly integrated low- and high-beam units. The hood looks broad and muscular and appears to sit higher than usual. The narrow upper grille and large lower air intake follow a rectangular theme, while the angular bumper adds to the tough look.
The sides carry this approach further with muscular wheel arches, pronounced shoulders, prominent lower body cladding, and a boxy greenhouse. The flattish roofline and triangular rear quarter glass give the car a slightly old-school sedan character, while the semi-recessed door handles and slim mirrors bring a more modern touch.
At the rear, the split tail lights form a virtual “H” shape, mirroring the front lighting signature and giving the car a wide appearance. The concave upper section, integrated lip spoiler, vertical auxiliary brake light, and sporty diffuser-style bumper make the rear look more aggressive than before.
Interior
The 2027 Hyundai’s interior takes a softer direction than the exterior, with a rounded, lounge-like theme. The dashboard, door armrests, and centre console use curved forms, giving the cabin a relaxed and furniture-inspired look.
The squircle steering wheel features an oblong centre pad with Hyundai’s “H” represented in Morse code. The instrument cluster is a slim display mounted on top of the dashboard, while an all-new Pleos Connect touchscreen infotainment system is offered in 12.9- and 14.6-inch sizes. Hyundai has also retained physical controls below the screen, which should make key functions easier to access.
The infotainment system supports the Gleo AI-based voice assistant, the Pleos App Market, navigation, and other connected functions. Hyundai also equips the 2027 Elantra Hybrid with Digital Key 2, a dual wireless smartphone charger, and 100-watt fast-charging ports. In South Korea, the equipment list also includes a built-in dashcam.
Experience in the 2027 Hyundai Elantra
Stepping into the 2027 Hyundai Elantra, the cabin feels comfortable and reasonably premium for a sedan. The flat-top and flat-bottom steering wheel offers a solid grip, similar to the one I experienced in the Ioniq 6, and it also gets paddle shifters behind it.
The front seats are electrically adjustable and offer very good back support, while the side bolsters hold the body well. The adjustable headrests also provide good support, considering my six-foot frame.
The driving position is comfortable, and the dead pedal is well-positioned even for larger shoes. With the seat adjusted for my height, I had around 10 cm of headroom. The center console armrest and door armrests are placed well, adding to the comfort.
Outside visibility is typical for a sedan, though the small rear quarter glass helps with diagonal rear visibility. The regular sunroof also lets in a good amount of light, but the roofline is still relatively low compared to an SUV, which is understandable.
The new Elantra gets Hyundai’s Pleos Connect infotainment system, so several functions are routed through the touchscreen. However, Hyundai has retained useful physical controls for functions such as volume and climate control. The piano-style HVAC buttons have a tactile feel and are easy to use. The front seats also get heating and ventilation.
Getting into the rear seat requires some care, as the low roofline means you need to watch your head. Once inside, space is generous. With the front seat set to my driving position, my size 12 shoes could slide slightly under the seat, and I had around 8 cm of knee room.
The scooped-out front seatbacks also help free up extra space. Headroom at the back is around 8 cm, and the small quarter glass prevents the cabin from feeling too enclosed.
Rear-seat comfort is good, with supportive backrests and acceptable under-thigh support. Rear passengers get three height-adjustable headrests, a fold-out centre armrest with two cup holders, two AC vents, a 12V outlet, a small storage cubby, and 100-watt USB charging ports mounted on the front seatbacks.
There is also a map pocket behind the co-driver’s seat. However, the floor is not flat, and the central tunnel will make seating three adults abreast less comfortable.
Other practical touches include rear seat heating buttons placed conveniently near the power window switches, cup holders in the rear door cards, and map lights integrated within the roof grab handles.
Specifications
The 2027 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid measures 4,765 mm (187.6 in.) in length, 1,855 mm (73.0 in.) in width, and 1,425 mm (56.1 in.) in height and has a 2,750 mm (108.3 in.) wheelbase. These dimensions refer to the South Korean-spec model, though, and the U.S. figures may slightly vary.
Hyundai will launch the 2027 Elantra Hybrid in its home market with a 1.6-liter gas engine-based powertrain that produces 157 PS (155 hp) and 27.0 kgf.m (195 lb.-ft.) of torque. Hyundai says it has optimized the transmission structure, improved traction motor output, improved battery capacity, and enhanced efficiency.
A Smart Regenerative Braking 3.0 function adjusts the regenerative braking based on forward traffic flow and navigation information, and it can both decelerate and bring the vehicle to a stop. Another highlight Hyundai mentions is a Hybrid Hierarchical Predictive Control System, which controls the charging level through prediction and analysis of the route and road conditions.
A Stay Mode allows the user to enable functions such as climate control and infotainment with the engine shut off for a certain period using the battery power. Hyundai has yet to reveal the fuel economy figures. In the U.S., the outgoing model has an EPA-est. rating of up to 54 mpg (combined).
Release Date
The 2027 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid will go on sale in South Korea between July and September 2026. Its U.S. launch may take place sometime in early 2027.
An automobile engineer by training, I’ve analyzed the global car market since 2005, with a keen focus on EVs since 2008. My journey in online automotive publishing spans 17 years, during which I have reviewed cutting-edge automotive technologies and interviewed leading global CEOs and vehicle developers.
