Hyundai is near revealing a significant replace for its Sonata, and one of many closing prototypes has been noticed present process cold-weather testing in Sweden’s Lapland area.

The mid-size sedan is at present into its eighth technology, with the final redesign coming for the 2020 mannequin 12 months. This up to date model ought to debut later this 12 months as a 2024 mannequin.

A reveal on the 2023 New York auto present in early April is a powerful risk. It is the place the present mannequin debuted 4 years in the past.

The prototype is closely camouflaged however we all know the up to date Sonata will ditch the present mannequin’s typical headlight design in favor of the cut up headlight design seen on latest Hyundais just like the redesigned 2024 Kona, in addition to the Staria van bought abroad. Search for a light-weight bar spanning the entrance and serving because the daytime operating lights, with the primary headlight models to be positioned under this and built-in with the entrance fascia’s facet intakes.

The taillights may also be reworked, and a shot of the inside reveals a single panel combining digital screens for each the instrument cluster and infotainment hub. The present sprint design within the Sonata includes a separate hood for the instrument cluster, and a comparatively small infotainment display screen.

Given the numerous modifications to the design of the outside and cabin, it is not clear if Hyundai will shake issues up within the mechanical division. The vary is at present topped by the spectacular Sonata N Line which boasts a 290-hp 2.5-liter turbo-4. There’s additionally a 192-hp hybrid possibility for consumers seeking to save fuel.

The updates to the Sonata cannot come quickly sufficient. It was solely a decade in the past that Sonata gross sales within the U.S. averaged greater than 200,000 models per 12 months. Nevertheless, the nameplate has didn’t crack into six figures since its final redesign, with 2022’s whole coming in at simply over 52,000 models. Sedan gross sales typically have been on the decline however rivals just like the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord are nonetheless promoting strongly, registering gross sales of round 295,000 and 154,000 models, respectively, within the U.S. final 12 months.