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Hyundai is Bringing 42 New Cars to Crush EV Slump and Trump Tariffs

Hyundai Motor Group is gearing up to unveil 42 new models in 2026, significantly more than the 28 launches planned for this year, as it battles growing challenges including 25% US auto import tariffs, sluggish global EV sales, and economic uncertainty.

The aggressive strategy includes new electric vehicles, hybrids, and updated bestsellers across Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis.

First Full-Size Genesis EV SUV

Genesis will start mass production of the GV90, its first full-size all-electric SUV, in June 2026. It will be available exclusively as an EV. The brand plans to strengthen its foothold in the US, where it sold over 75,000 vehicles in 2024, accounting for nearly a third of global sales.

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Hybrid Lineup Expansion Across Brands

The group will increase its hybrid offerings from 14 to 20 models, adding hybrid variants for popular models such as:

  • Genesis GV80 and GV80 Coupe (September 2026)
  • Genesis G80 sedan (December 2026)
  • Genesis GV70 EREV, offering a 900+ km range using a mix of electric and ICE power
  • Kia Seltos hybrid (January 2026)
  • Kia Telluride hybrid (February 2026)

In 2025, Hyundai’s hybrid sales jumped 30.1% to 904,000 units, even as EV sales fell 22.2% to 397,000 units.

Focus Shifts to Affordable, Small EVs

To counter the EV downturn, Hyundai will prioritize smaller, more affordable electric vehicles:

  • BJ1 electric hatchback from Hyundai (August 2026)
  • i20 EV for export to South America (H1 2026)
  • Kia EV2 (mass production begins February 2026)
  • Kia Syros EV, an electrified version of the subcompact SUV (launch in April 2026)

8 New Models for China

Hyundai is also eyeing a comeback in China with eight new models planned by 2026. Beijing Hyundai will unveil a new all-electric vehicle in August 2025, while Kia’s EV5, made in China and launched in 2023, continues to be a key global EV bet.

Next-Gen Models and Facelifts for Global Bestsellers

Hyundai will also refresh some of its top-selling models:

  • New-gen Tucson SUV and Elantra sedan (both will get hybrid options)
  • Facelifts of Azera, Santa Fe, and Genesis G90
  • Next-gen Bayon subcompact SUV for markets like Europe and India (late 2026)

The Tucson was Hyundai’s top seller in the US in 2024 with 206,126 units, followed by the Elantra.

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Published by
Afaq Wajdan Malik