The Sonata is one of Hyundai’s most recognizable models, but its days might be numbered.
According to South Korea’s Chosun, Hyundai has decided to phase out the popular sedan.
Citing a company insider, the publication says the automaker hasn’t started development of a next-generation Sonata and it’s an “open secret” that the car will be discontinued. However, it’s execution isn’t imminent as a facelift is expected to be introduced next year. That should keep the model fresh for a few more years, before it is reportedly dropped.
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We’ve reached out to Hyundai for comment, but the Sonata’s death would have been unthinkable not long ago. However, consumers have embraced crossovers and the company is now focused on electric vehicles.
Furthermore, Hyundai has already revealed the upcoming Ioniq 6 will be roughly the same size as the Sonata and serve as a replacement for the original Ioniq. Of course, given the overlap with the Sonata, it’s possible the Ioniq 6 may serve as its replacement as well.
It’s also interesting to note that Hyundai has previously said “trucks and SUVs have taken over the U.S. market” and “any OEM serious about electrification can’t afford to ignore this segment shift.” The change in consumer preferences has resulted in the death of numerous sedans in America including the Chevrolet Cruze and Impala as well as the Ford Fusion and Focus.
A look at the sales chart reveals Hyundai sold nearly 200,000 Sonatas in America as recently as 2016, but the numbers have fallen significantly since then. Sales plummeted to 131,803 units in 2017 and dropped to 93,142 units last year. Even worse, the company has only sold 9,806 units during the first four months of the year and that puts them on track to finish 2022 with a dismal 29,418 sales at current rates.
While an insider told the publication they “can’t rule out an electric Sonata,” the company is said to be “prioritizing the development of a compact electric car rather than a less popular midsize vehicle.” The overlap with the Ioniq 6 may also make a Sonata EV redundant.
H/T Autoblog and Korean Car Blog
