Almost every Hyundai model has been enhanced in some way
Hyundai has announced a range of updates for its 2026 models. Following record sales for the first half of the year, the Korean marque is taking nothing for granted, even shuffling trims and making updates to models that are still fresh. We’ll only cover the new features and changes not known about before, and will leave links to 2026 models we have already covered. With that being said, here’s what’s new for Hyundai.
All-New Hyundai Models
2026 Hyundai Palisade Hyundai
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A few all-new Hyundai models have been announced for 2026, and we’ve covered these ones already. You can read more about them at the links below:
- 2026 Hyundai Palisade
- 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 6 N
- 2026 Hyundai Nexo Hydrogen Fuel Cell EV (details to come)
The 2026 Ioniq 9 is Hyundai’s first three-row EV, and a rival to the equally futuristic Kia EV9. Also a new model for the 2026 model year, it features a range of up to 335 miles and is topped by a Performance AWD variant with 422 horsepower. A single-motor 215-hp model starts the range, and in the middle is a 303-hp dual-motor derivative.
It’s possible to seat six or seven occupants in the high-tech cabin, which is available with features like panoramic 12.3-inch displays, massaging seats, and ambient lighting with a pixel motif.
One of the most expensive Hyundais ever, the Ioniq 9 starts at $58,955 and goes all the way up to $76,490.
Updates To Core Models
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Hyundai has refreshed several of its core models for the 2026 model year. Here’s what to expect.
2026 Hyundai Kona/Kona Electric
The little crossover now comes with new SEL Sport and SEL Premium trims, while the following trims have been discontinued: SEL, SEL Convenience, N Line S, N Line. The two new SEL trims get features like a larger console tray, wireless charging, heated front seats, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, and LED interior lighting.
Multiple trims have also been dropped for the Kona Electric, including the SEL, Limited, and N Line. The Standard Range battery option for the SE is all that’s left, with the Long Range one discontinued, too.
2026 Hyundai Venue
For Hyundai’s smallest crossover, the Limited trim has been dropped. To compensate, the SEL trim now gets heated front seats, heated mirrors, and wireless device charging. There is also an SEL with a two-tone roof for those wanting a sportier look.
2026 Hyundai Tucson
One of Hyundai’s top-selling models, the compact Tucson adds a new Blue SE trim below the Blue hybrid variant. The Blue hybrid has been renamed the SEL, and the N-Line hybrid has been dropped.
When equipped with trailer brakes, the new Tucson can now tow up to 2,750 pounds in non-hybrid form, up from 2,000 lbs previously. The XRT gains a Terrain mode, and Ecotronic Gray is a new color for the hybrids, replacing Titan Gray.
Related: Hyundai Tucson Generations Overview: How This RAV4 Rival Has Evolved
2026 Hyundai Santa Fe
When we drove the new Hyundai Santa Fe, we mentioned that its dual-clutch transmission wasn’t the smoothest, and Hyundai seems to have fixed this issue already. On gas-only models, this transmission has been replaced by a conventional eight-speed automatic, which should make the crossover even nicer to drive.
Here are a few other changes to the 2026 Santa Fe:
- Pecan Brown Nappa leather interior (Calligraphy)
- Standard second-row captain chairs and optional bench (Limited)
- Dual wireless chargers (Limited, XRT)
- Terrain Mode (XRT)
- Third-row USB ports (SEL, XRT)
Hyundai has also discontinued the option of a Forest Green Beige interior.
Most of these changes also apply to the Santa Fe Hybrid, which also receives a new SE trim.
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2026 Hyundai Elantra And Elantra N
The only changes to Hyundai’s sedan is a new SEL Sport Premium trim and updated 17-inch gloss black wheels for the SEL Sport. Nothing at all has changed for the high-performance Elantra N.
2026 Hyundai Sonata
Three new trims have been added for the mid-size Sonata: Blue HEV, SEL Sport FWD, and SEL Sport AWD.
Outside, a panoramic sunroof and 18-inch alloys are new for the SEL HEV and SEL Sport, respectively. The SEL Sport now gets a leather-wrapped steering wheel and wireless device charging.
2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz
Besides discontinuing Dark Green from the interior color palette, nothing else changes for Hyundai’s compact pickup truck.
Related: I Drove the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz & 2025 Ford Maverick, Which One is Best? Here’s My Brutally Honest Review
2026 Hyundai Ioniq 5
Charging is now more convenient, as the previous Level 1 charging cable is now upgraded to a Level1/Level 2 combination. Sage Silver Matte is a new color, and Ultimate Red and Cosmic Blue Pearl expand to all trims; previously, these two colors were reserved for the XRT.
There are a few more interesting changes for the Ioniq 5 N. The N Drift Optimizer Pro previously had a single mode, but it now has 10 selectable stages. The charging port changes from CCS to NACS, and Performance Blue Pearl is a new color.
Hyundai has announced that the 2026 Ioniq 6 is a “product enhancement model,” and we can expect more details to be announced shortly.