Not Sitting Still
Something it seems is always happening in Fountain Valley, California, at the U.S. headquarters for the Hyundai Motor Group. Here is look at a few of what the company has planned for the Hyundai brand in the coming year.
New Charging Standard
Beginning in Q4 2024, all Hyundai electric models will use the North American Charging Standard (NACS) that will give Hyundai owners access to more than 17,000 Tesla Superchargers in North America. Existing and new Genesis EV models with the current Combined Charging System (CCS) will have access to the Tesla Supercharging network starting in Q1 2025 with a Hyundai-provided adapter.
Ioniq 5 N Charging Update
For purchased or leased new Ioniq 5 N customers, Hyundai is providing a ChargePoint Home Flex Level 2 charger for free, or a $450 credit for use at ChargePoint’s public charging stations. This includes 2024 models and all 2025 and later EVs.
Safety
Nine Hyundai models have been recognized by the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) with its highest ratings of Top Safety Pick and Top Safety Pick+. The 2024 models are: Elantra, Ioniq 5, Ioniq 6, Kona, Palisade, Santa Fe, Santa Cruz, Sonata and Tucson.
2025 Ioniq 5 XRT Announced
The 2025 Ioniq 5 XRT brings modest off-road capability and a bolder, more rugged appearance to this Hyundai EV for the first time. The XRT joins the Ioniq 5 N performance EV, creating a third Ioniq 5 variant. The XRT will be built in the new Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA) facility in Savannah, Georgia.
Scheduled to be in dealers in fall 2024, it will be eligible for a $3,750 U.S. tax credit at start of sale. If leasing, all Ioniq 5 models qualify for the $7,500 credit that Hyundai passes on to consumers.
2025 Santa Cruz Redesign
The 2025 Santa Cruz compact pickup has gone through a mild redesign with a bolder front end and a wider stance. It also now comes in the XRT trim. The interior has been completely redesigned to match its sibling 2025 Tucson SUV. A small but important change for the new model is that the infotainment and HVAC systems are now controlled by physical buttons and knobs.
2025 Tucson Redesign
The best-selling vehicle in the Hyundai line-up has gone through an exterior refresh and received the same complete interior redesign as the Santa Fe pickup that shares the same chassis. Here is a detailed review of the 2025 Tucson Hybrid.
Ioniq Seven EV
First shown at the 2021 Los Angeles Auto Show as the Seven Concept, the retitled Hyundai Ioniq 9 is expected to go on sale sometime in 2025. This three-row SUV, with fast charging and a minimum all-electric driving range of 300+ miles, will enter the Hyundai line-up similar in size to the gasoline-powered Palisade. While we don’t expect the coach doors and furniture-like seats to make the final design, the Ioniq 9 will look like no other SUV on the road.
Observations
The Hyundai Group (Hyundai, Kia and Genesis brands) continues to be a design leader and a major player in bringing electrified vehicles to market. The announcements for 2024 and 2025 are only the beginning for this vital company that is always pushing the boundaries on style and technology.
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Story by John Faulkner. Photos by John Faulkner and Hyundai.
