Hyundai's 2026 lineup: Facelifts, new models to watch out for
What's the story
Hyundai, the South Korean automotive giant, is all set to expand its Indian portfolio with four new cars in 2026. The upcoming models include facelifts of existing favorites like the VERNA, EXTER, and IONIQ 5. Along with these updates, a brand new car called the Bayon will also be launched in India. Let's take a closer look at each of these upcoming vehicles.
VERNA
Hyundai VERNA facelift
The facelifted Hyundai VERNA, which has been spotted testing in heavy camouflage, is expected to launch in Q2 2026. It will likely be priced between ₹11-18 lakh. The sedan will get a refreshed front and rear fascia, possibly inspired by global models like the Sonata. Inside, it will sport a new curved display for infotainment and digital driver display, similar to what we see on the new Venue.
EXTER
Hyundai EXTER facelift
The updated Hyundai EXTER is also set to launch in Q2 2026, with an estimated price tag of ₹6-9 lakh. The car will get a revamped interior with a 12.9-inch touchscreen and a 9.9-inch digital instrument cluster, both running on the latest Android Automotive Operating System (AAOS). This would make it the first mainstream vehicle to run Google's operating system.
IONIQ 5
Hyundai IONIQ 5 facelift
The facelifted IONIQ 5 is also expected to launch in Q2 2026, with an estimated price of ₹50 lakh. The car will get subtle exterior tweaks such as a new grille, redesigned bumpers, and wheels. It will also have more physical buttons for frequently used functions and a new three-spoke steering wheel. Battery sizes have been increased too with the standard-range variant getting a 63kWh pack powering a rear motor while AWD uses an 84kWh unit.
Bayon
Hyundai Bayon
The Bayon, which is likely to take on Maruti Fronx, will be powered by a new 1.2-liter four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine. This engine promises to be more torquey than the current 1.0-liter and more efficient than the 1.5-liter units. The design of Bayon borrows elements from VERNA but features a raised hatchback stance with an interior that feels familiar yet fresh at the same time.