Update: The entire story has been revised to include new info.
Going by South Korean outlet ETNews, the next-gen Hyundai Tucson (codename: Hyundai NX5) and next-gen Hyundai Elantra (codename: Hyundai CN8) are set to be launched in the first half of 2026 in the local market. We anticipate the reveal of both vehicles in the U.S. towards the end of next year for either MY27 or MY28
Pleos is Hyundai’s new mobility software platform, and Pleos Connect is the next-gen infotainment system under this umbrella. It will replace the ccNC (Connected Car Navigation Cockpit), ccNC Lite, or older systems used in the Elantra and Tucson variant lines.
20+ mil Hyundais to use Pleos Connect
Hyundai hasn’t confirmed which vehicle the Pleos Connect would debut on, but notes that it would be launched in Q2 2026 in-vehicle. Furthermore, it has confirmed that it would deploy it in no less than 20 million vehicles by the end of 2030. This pretty much confirms that every Hyundai vehicle either during a generational change or a facelift will adopt Pleos Connect in the next 5 years.
Pleos is Hyundai’s new mobility software platform, and Pleos Connect is the next-gen infotainment system under this umbrella. It will replace the ccNC (Connected Car Navigation Cockpit) and ccNC Lite systems used in the current Tucson family.
New Features
Android-based with Gleo AI
Pleos Connect is based on Android Automotive OS, with customizable features. It is an open and scalable Android development environment, with improved compatibility with mobile apps. It features a smartphone-like user interface with split-view and multi-window functions, and includes ‘Gleo AI’ voice-controlled intelligent assistant.
Two apps on the screen
Up to two apps can be displayed simultaneously on a single screen, or one app can be enlarged for a focused view. Full-screen video and game playback are supported, and on wide displays, passengers can interact with content directly through touch.
Driver personalization
Additionally, Pleos Connect comes with personalized services using ‘Pleos ID’ where one connected profile is accessible in all Pleos Connect vehicles.
Driver personalization comes via Pleos Account, which stores vehicle settings and individual driver profiles, ensuring a familiarized experience across vehicles and driving sessions. Gleo AI introduces a conversational layer, enabling natural voice interactions and context-aware services, such as automatically adding destinations to navigation based on the flow of conversation.
Pleos App Market
Apps created with the Pleos Connect SDK can be distributed through the Pleos App Market, improving personalization further. The system supports plug-and-play hardware, allowing external devices to be recognized and used safely, even while driving. Continuous OTA updates should enhance features, harden security, and refine the interface, well after the next-gen Elantra and Tucson have left dealers.
Physical Buttons
During our time in the Tucson Hybrid and Tucson Plug-in Hybrid models early last year, we had two complaints. The gloss black bezels on the center console proved to be a fingerprint magnet, and the shortage of physical buttons proved to be a bit annoying. With the facelift (MY2025), Hyundai addressed both areas, redesigning the Tucson’s center console area for practicality.
However, more can be expected in this area. Simon Loasby, Hyundai’s Senior VP of Design and Head of Hyundai Design Center, told Autocar on the sidelines of the Seoul Motor Show 2025 that future interiors would balance physical buttons and digital displays.
While the infotainment system would allow deeper interaction through additional interface layers, he said that physical buttons will ensure that drivers keep their hands on the wheel and their eyes on the road when operating frequently-used functions.
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.
