2027 Hyundai Elantra aka Avante Walkaround – Completely Redesigned

Hyundai is preparing to move its compact sedan into a new generation with the all-new 2027 Hyundai Elantra, known as the Avante in South Korea. Rather than giving the current model another major facelift, Hyundai has developed a completely new car with larger dimensions, a redesigned cabin, updated powertrains, and a much stronger focus on software and advanced safety technology.

The new generation immediately looks more mature than the outgoing Elantra. Hyundai’s designers have moved away from some of the sharp triangular surfacing that made the previous model so recognizable. The new body still has plenty of character, but the lines are cleaner and the proportions give the sedan a wider, lower, and more substantial appearance.

The front end features extremely slim lighting elements stretching across much of the vehicle, while the bumper has a more technical and geometric appearance. Stronger fenders help give the Elantra a wider stance, and the longer hood changes the overall proportions. Around the back, horizontal lighting emphasizes the width of the car and gives the sedan a more upscale appearance at night.

Size is one of the biggest changes. The new Avante measures 4,765 millimeters long, 1,855 millimeters wide, and 1,425 millimeters tall, with a 2,750 millimeter wheelbase. Compared with the previous generation, that means the body is 55 millimeters longer and 30 millimeters wider, while the wheelbase has grown by 30 millimeters.

Those additional dimensions are not just for appearance. Hyundai has used the extra space to improve passenger comfort. Rear legroom increases by 29 millimeters, rear headroom grows by 18 millimeters, and shoulder room increases by 22 millimeters. Cargo capacity can reach as much as 479 liters, making the new generation more useful for everyday driving and longer trips.

Inside, Hyundai has taken a noticeably different approach. Instead of simply installing another pair of conventional displays across the dashboard, the new Avante introduces Hyundai’s latest digital technology while keeping the cabin relatively clean.

Depending on the configuration, the center display measures either 12.9 inches or an impressive 14.6 inches. A separate 9.9-inch driver information display is positioned higher in the driver’s line of sight. This arrangement allows important driving information to remain easy to see while the larger central screen handles navigation, entertainment, vehicle settings, and connected features.

The infotainment system uses Hyundai’s Pleos Connect architecture. It is designed to support downloadable applications and a wider range of connected services. Hyundai is also introducing Gleo AI, a generative artificial intelligence assistant intended to make interacting with the vehicle more natural.

Thankfully, Hyundai has not moved every function onto the touchscreen. Physical controls remain for frequently used features, including climate functions and hazard lights. The gear selector has also been relocated away from the traditional center console area, creating additional storage space between the front occupants.

The powertrain lineup also receives important changes. In South Korea, the mainstream gasoline model moves from the previous 1.6-liter engine to a larger 2.0-liter gasoline engine. It produces 149 PS and 18.3 kilogram-force meters of maximum torque. Hyundai quotes combined fuel economy reaching as high as 14.3 kilometers per liter, depending on configuration.

The hybrid may be even more interesting. Its 1.6-liter hybrid system produces a combined 157 PS and 27.0 kilogram-force meters of torque. Hyundai has worked on the gasoline engine, electric motor, transmission, and high-voltage battery rather than simply carrying the previous hybrid system into the new generation.

According to Hyundai’s internal testing, the improvements can reduce 0 to 100 kilometer per hour acceleration times by approximately 6%. Acceleration from 80 to 120 kilometers per hour improves by approximately 17%, an important difference when passing or merging at highway speeds.

Hyundai is also targeting roughly a 10% fuel economy improvement for hybrid models equipped with 17-inch wheels compared with the previous version. Smart Regenerative Braking System 3.0 is included, along with predictive hybrid control that can better manage the gasoline and electric portions of the powertrain.

Another interesting addition is Stay Mode. This allows occupants to continue using systems such as air conditioning and infotainment while the vehicle is stationary without requiring the gasoline engine to run continuously.

Safety receives significant attention as well. Hyundai says high-strength steel now represents 58.7% of the body structure, with an average tensile strength of 718 megapascals. Korean specifications can include 10 airbags, including a driver’s knee airbag and a front-center side airbag.

The available driver assistance technology is extensive. Depending on specification, the Avante can offer Forward Collision Avoidance Assist, Lane Following Assist 2, Smart Cruise Control with Stop and Go, Rear Cross Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist, Remote Smart Parking Assist, a Surround View Monitor, and Navigation Based Smart Cruise Control 2.

The navigation-based cruise control system can respond to more than highway conditions. Hyundai says it can adjust vehicle speed for certain intersections, speed bumps, and safety zones on regular roads before returning to the driver’s selected speed.

One of the more unusual safety additions involves the electronic parking button. In an emergency, holding the P button can restrict acceleration and activate hydraulic braking to help slow and stop the vehicle. It provides another method of bringing the car under control if an unexpected situation develops.

Technology and comfort features continue the move upmarket. Available equipment includes a 12-speaker Bang and Olufsen sound system, 100-watt USB Type C charging, Digital Key 2, Built in Cam 2 Plus, laminated front side glass, and a wide sunroof. Over the air software updates will also allow Hyundai to improve supported vehicle functions after the car has been delivered.

South Korean buyers will initially have a choice of 9 exterior colors. New options include Kodiak Blue Matte, Raptor Gray Matte, Graphene Green Pearl, Quantum Silver Pearl, Volcanic Red Pearl, and Goyo Copper Pearl. New interior combinations include Black and Cognac, Burgundy and Ivory Rose, and Chalk Beige.

In South Korea, pricing for the 2.0-liter gasoline Avante begins at 23.98 million won for the Modern trim. The Premium starts at 27.71 million won, while the Inspiration starts at 31.52 million won. The 1.6-liter hybrid begins at 30.42 million won before applicable eco vehicle tax benefits.

For American buyers, there are still some important unanswered questions. Hyundai has not yet detailed the complete United States specification for the 2027 Elantra, so engines, trim levels, equipment, colors, pricing, and the exact launch schedule could differ from the Korean Avante.

The performance side of the lineup is another area worth watching. Hyundai has not yet provided complete next-generation United States specifications for an Elantra N or N Line based on this new platform. Considering how important those models have become to the Elantra family, any future performance announcement could become one of the biggest stories surrounding the new generation.

What is already clear is that Hyundai has done much more than simply redesign the sheet metal. The new Avante introduces a larger platform, more interior space, a completely redesigned digital experience, updated gasoline and hybrid powertrains, and a long list of new safety technologies. If the 2027 Hyundai Elantra arrives in the United States with most of these improvements intact, it could become one of the most technologically ambitious compact sedans in its class.