Hyundai Motor on the 26th unveiled the eighth-generation full-change model of the compact sedan Avante, the "The All New Avante," at the 2026 Busan Mobility Show held at the Busan Exhibition & Convention Center (BEXCO). It comes six years after the seventh-generation model launched in 2020, with design, performance, and safety and convenience features newly changed or improved.
José Muñoz, Hyundai Motor's chief executive officer (CEO), met with reporters that day and said, "Avante is very important as Hyundai Motor's entry model," and added, "Applying the latest, superior technology and product value to an entry model shows how important we consider customers choosing Hyundai Motor for the first time."
◇ Expanded body… only a 5 mm width difference from the Sonata The Edge
As Muñoz explained, the new Avante has achieved noticeable changes. First, the body has been expanded. At 4,765 mm long, 1,855 mm wide, and with a 2,750 mm wheelbase (the distance between the centers of the front and rear wheels), length is up 55 mm and both wheelbase and width are up 30 mm each compared with the seventh-generation model. The width difference from the midsize sedan Sonata The Edge is only 5 mm. Overall length differs by 145 mm and wheelbase by 90 mm.
The exterior, based on Hyundai Motor's new design language "Art of Steel," pursues a harmony of voluminous fenders and strong surfaces. The front creates a wide and low impression with H-shaped "H-edge lighting daytime running lights." A slim-neck outside mirror, lift-up flush door handles, and 18-inch wheels add a sporty feel.
The powertrain comes in two options: a 2.0 gasoline (149 PS) and a 1.6 hybrid (system combined 157 PS). The hybrid model features "Smart Regenerative Braking 3.0," which automatically adjusts regenerative braking based on forward traffic flow and navigation information, and a "hybrid layered predictive control system," which predicts route and road conditions to optimally manage the battery, improving real-world fuel efficiency.
"NSCC 2," which supports automatic deceleration on regular roads, and "SBW P-gear emergency braking," which stops the vehicle with the "P" button in an emergency, are applied for the first time by Hyundai Motor. A "Stay mode," which allows the use of climate control and infotainment without starting the engine while stopped, is also used for the first time.
The All New Avante features the next-generation infotainment system "Pleaos Connect," based on Android Automotive, and a generative artificial intelligence (AI) agent "Glaeo AI." This was also applied to the recently unveiled "The New Grandeur." Centered on a 14.6-inch large center display, Glaeo AI supports not only vehicle control through conversation but also travel itinerary recommendations and emotive dialogue.
◇ Muñoz: "Rivals abandon sedans… Hyundai Motor's competitiveness expands"
Although preference for sport utility vehicles (SUVs) has been rising recently, Hyundai Motor plans to revive the sedan market through The All New Avante while also aiming for a record-high sales volume. As more rival companies abandon sedans, demand for sedans remains solid, which could be an opportunity for Hyundai Motor.
Muñoz said, "It is true the sedan market is gradually shrinking as many customers shift to SUVs, but there is still a customer base that values the essence of transportation and passenger cars," and added, "We expect to continue steady growth in the domestic market as well as globally and set new sales records. We are confident the new Avante will also receive a very positive response from customers."
The company will also target the North American market with the new Avante at the forefront. Muñoz said, "Several rival companies are giving up the sedan segment and turning to EVs or other segments," and added, "Sedan sales are not increasing dramatically, but they remain solid, and with many companies abandoning this segment altogether, we believe we have competitiveness."
The strategy is not to focus only on high-income customers, but to capture consumers seeking youthful and affordable vehicles and turn them into loyal Hyundai Motor customers. Muñoz emphasized, "We are creating a customer journey that starts with Elantra (the Avante's U.S. model name) and leads customers to Sonata, Tucson, Santa Fe, Palisade, and eventually Genesis."
Hyundai Motor plans to disclose the price and specifications of The All New Avante and begin taking orders in the third quarter. Until Aug. 2, it will run an early pass pre-registration event on the official website and plans to offer benefits such as a 1 million won subsidy for first car purchases to selected customers after delivery.