'Sci-fi movie design': Global media praise new Hyundai Avante

Hyundai Motor's newly unveiled All-New Avante is drawing praise from major international media outlets and consumers, with reviewers crediting the compact sedan with a bold, future-forward exterior design and an advanced digital experience powered by a next-generation infotainment system.

Leading automotive publications have highlighted how the All-New Avante breaks from the conventions of the compact sedan segment with a more daring aesthetic. Car and Driver described the new model as featuring "a new sci-fi movie-style design."

Fellow American outlet Jalopnik called it "possibly the coolest compact sedan design ever," while British publication Auto Express said it "arrives looking every bit as good as the N Vision 74 concept."

The outlets commonly noted that the sharp front lamp graphics — dubbed "H-Edge Lighting" — along with a three-dimensional grille, voluminous fenders and a low, wide body proportion combine to create an impression that punches above the compact class. Carscoops singled out the fender design, saying it "draws the eye with its supercar-like presence."

Some outlets also noted how the model's concept-car-inspired forms have been seamlessly carried over into a production vehicle, and praised the body's refined execution of complex lines and surfaces across the hood, fenders and doors.

The All-New Avante's interior also received positive reviews. International media pointed to the 14.6-inch center display as the focal point of the cabin, with the next-generation infotainment system Pleos Connect and the next-generation generative AI agent Gleo AI cited as standout digital features. The interface's physical buttons for frequently used functions such as climate control and audio were also highlighted as a differentiating element that enhances intuitiveness.

The model has resonated with consumers abroad as well. Comments on news articles, Reddit, YouTube and online communities included reactions such as "the combination of bulging fenders and flat surfaces is impressive," "retro yet futuristic," and "if I'm buying a sedan, this would by far be my first choice."

"The All-New Avante combines bolder and more refined styling based on the 'Art of Steel' design language, an advanced digital experience, and product value that exceeds its segment," a Hyundai Motor official said. "The global response since its unveiling shows that this Avante is setting a new standard in the compact sedan market."

The All-New Avante made its world premiere at the 2026 Busan Mobility Show, which closed Sunday. The Avante has been Hyundai Motor's flagship compact sedan for more than 30 years since its launch in 1990, and the All-New Avante is the eighth-generation full model change, arriving six years after the seventh generation debuted in 2020.

The vehicle is offered with two powertrain options: a 2.0-liter gasoline engine and a 1.6-liter hybrid. The gasoline model produces a maximum output of 149 horsepower, an improvement of 26 horsepower over its predecessor. The hybrid is equipped with a Smartstream 1.6-liter gasoline hybrid engine delivering a combined system output of 157 horsepower.

The new model runs Pleos Connect, built on the Android Automotive OS. The next-generation generative AI agent Gleo AI handles vehicle controls as well as schedule recommendations, information searches and conversational AI services.