Often, a new or updated Hyundai or Kia product will appear first in the Korea home market before?typically?making its way to the United States later. So it goes with Hyundai?s mid-cycle refresh for the Sonata sedan now being revealed in Korea with the promise that it is due in ?global markets? later this year.
The current Sonata went on sale here in the U.S. nearly three years ago, so it?s due for a facelift. While Hyundai won’t confirm the Korea-market model?s changes are headed our way, we?re betting they offer a good peek at what changes to expect for our 2018 Sonata.
The updated version?s headlights are slimmer than on today’s car, the grille is sleeker, and the car takes on a pair of pinched dimples that bend away from new cheekbones molded into the front bumper. The look is unmistakably similar to that of the latest Elantra sedan?itself newer than the Sonata?as well as the just-revealed 2018 Elantra GT hatchback. Hyundai also jumbled the Sonata’s taillight internals for a new lighting signature. For the turbocharged top-of-the-line 2.0T model, an eight-speed automatic transmission replaces the six-speed unit currently used. Externally, the 2.0T’s grille is now a sporty black mesh design versus the regular model’s horizontal slats, the headlights wear darkened bezels, and black chrome is used for the rest of the exterior trim.
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