Hyundai Sonata Facelift Revealed Photos

27 Mar 2023

486 Hyundai Sonata

Hyundai Sonata Facelift Revealed Photos

When it comes to D-segment/mid-size sedans, the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry are popular choices, but for those seeking something different, the Hyundai Sonata is a compelling option. Since its introduction in 1985, the Sonata has been one of Hyundai's best-selling global models, with over 9 million sales to date. However, despite its popularity, the current generation Sonata has experienced declining sales, leading to speculation about the model's future.

DN8 – Current Generation & Rumors

The current generation Sonata, with the chassis code "DN8," was introduced in early 2019 and went on sale in Pakistan in July 2021 as a locally assembled model. The eighth-generation Sonata has been well-received globally, winning numerous awards since its debut. However, sales in Korea have dropped, and the Sonata has fallen from being the top-selling model to fifth place. The global Covid-19 pandemic, supply chain issues, and the model's polarizing exterior design have been cited as the primary reasons for its sales decline.

Hyundai Sonata's Declining Sales

The declining sales of sedans worldwide have also contributed to Sonata's sluggish performance. In North America, one of the largest D-segment sedan markets, the previous generation Sonata sold over 200,000 units annually, while the eighth generation model could not surpass 90,000 units per year. By comparison, Toyota sold almost 300,000 units of the Camry in 2022, while Honda sold 154,000 units of the US Accord.

DN8 Facelift: New Exterior Design

Despite rumors that the Sonata would be discontinued, Hyundai confirmed the model's mid-cycle facelift by releasing camouflaged images of the vehicle. The facelift marks a significant change for the Sonata's exterior design, with extensive updates and new design elements.

The current DN8 Sonata's design language adopted Hyundai's "Sensuous Sportiness" philosophy, featuring a 4-door coupe profile. The facelift builds on this design philosophy, refining it to the next level. The front fascia has undergone a complete overhaul, with a new bumper and bonnet, giving the Sonata a simpler and modern look. The current model's signature lighting feature, the hidden daytime running light (DRL) strip, is no longer present. Instead, a new horizontally designed LED bar serves as the DRL, giving the Sonata a more distinctive look.

Other changes to the exterior include a newly designed slim bumper, redesigned rear taillights, and a new cutline for the trunk portion. The slim LED light bar across the trunk remains, but the Hyundai emblem is now positioned on the bonnet, inspired by the Hyundai Staria van and the newly released Hyundai Kona and Grandeur.

The facelifted Sonata's changes go beyond the exterior, with rumors suggesting a new engine option, an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, and upgraded safety features.

The Future of Hyundai Sonata

While the facelifted Sonata's changes aim to boost sales, Hyundai is aggressively pushing toward the electric vehicle market and plans to sell three million units globally by 2030. This strategy may result in the discontinuation of slow-selling models like the Sonata and its non-identical twin, the Kia K5.

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