Revamped Hyundai Models Coming in and 2014

The Hyundai Sonata will be updated for 2014, and a redesigned Hyundai Genesis sedan will debut in 2013, Hyundai CEO Kim Choong-ho told Reuters Wednesday. The Sonata debuted in the U.S. in 1989, and the current generation was redesigned in 2011, while the Genesis sedan debuted in the U.S. as a 2009 model and was updated for 2012.

The Sonata is Hyundai’s best-selling model in the U.S., making up 35 percent of all Hyundai U.S. sales, writes Kicking Tires. After the redesigned model went on sale last year, this midsize sedan impressed reviewers with its dramatic styling, above-average fuel economy and value for the money.

A significant revamp after the current generation’s four years on the market is about standard for the industry, and according to Automobile Magazine, the Sonata’s refresh will help it compete better with newer rivals. The Volkswagen Passat and Toyota Camry are all-new for 2012, a new Ford Fusion will hit dealerships as a 2013 model and a redesigned 2013 Chevrolet Malibu is already on sale, with the full lineup coming later this year. The next generation Nissan Altima will be unveiled next month at the New York Auto Show, and a new Honda Accord and Mazda6 are expected to be on their way in the near future.

Hyundai hasn’t announced the changes it’s planning to make on either model, but Autoblog suspects that the updated Sonata will debut in the U.S. in 2013 as a 2015 model. Car and Driver predicts that the new Genesis will offer optional all-wheel drive, and that it will arrive in 2013 as a 2014 model.

Hyundai is having a hard time keeping up with U.S. demand for its vehicles. Between now and 2014, Hyundai is introducing new versions of five vehicles: the Genesis Coupe, Azera, Santa Fe, Sonata and Genesis sedan.

If you’re shopping for a new car in the near future, these updates likely won’t mean much to you right now. However, if you plan to buy in the next year or so, keep an eye out for more Hyundai news. Hyundai’s recent efforts, including the new Veloster and Elantra, have all met with critical acclaim, and publications like Left Lane News say to expect the same when the next Sonata and Genesis eventually hit the U.S.