Is Hyundai Retiring 8th Gen Sonata Globally?

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Have you heard about the 8th generation Hyundai Sonata’s retirement plan? They are saying Hyundai is taking the 8th gen Sonata off the market and replacing it with a new model. Well, the news is not so new. If you recall, we have already covered the rumour and uncovered the truth behind it. For the fun of it, let’s go over the facts one more time.

8th Gen Sonata

The current 8th generation Hyundai Sonata with chassis code ” DN8″ was revealed in early 2019. As per the life cycle and earlier reports, and official inside documents, a mid-cycle facelift was planned for arrival in 2022. A mid-cycle facelift by car companies normally involves aesthetic upgrades/ updates.

Recently, an independent Korean Automobile news agency has shared something interesting. As per reports, Hyundai has scraped/ cancelled the plans for the facelift. Instead, Hyundai has started working on a replacement model in the shape of 9th generation Hyundai Sonata.  The main reason reported is  the overall styling and especially the exterior design which is very polarizing and didn’t attract consumers as expected although it is believed to be one of the most radically designed sedan in recent years.

The 9th generation might arrive in late 2022 or early 2023. The 9th generation will underpin the same platform as the DN8/ 8th Generation Sonata. The 9th generation will be a complete overhaul of exterior and interior styling.  It is reported that the sales of 8th Generation Sonata have been dull in home country South Korea, where Sonata used to be the number 1 selling sedan. Similarly, North America, one of the single largest D-segment sedans, is not attractive and different for Sonata with downward sales.

Globally the automobile market trend is moving towards the Crossover Utility Vehicles/ SUV’s, & conventional sedans sales are hit in negative. But that’s not the only reason for poor sales of Sonata. However, the 8th generation Sonata exterior design created a wow factor initially at launch; as per reports from Korea, the styling is still polarizing and didn’t receive consumer acceptance as expected.

Sonata in Korean Market

The Korean market still has a love for sedans and models like Kia K5, a direct rival. Basically, a non-identical twin [ Sonata and K5 share platform and other mechanicals] is preferred, and sales are much higher. Similarly, in the North American region, in the first six months of 2021, Camry already crossed 200K, while Accord is near 140K units. In contrast, the Sonata is shy of 55000 Units.

Sonata in Pakistan 

The arrival of the current 8th generation Sonata in Pakistan is a welcome surprise and the first of its kind for being a CKD D- segment vehicle. It has started a new flare and attraction in the market, although statistically, the Pakistan market is too small.

Hyundai Nishat was faced some criticism for launching an older Elantra and Tucson, but the arrival of the newer DN8 Sonata helped recover consumer acceptance and trust in the local company. It seems that it was easier for Nishat to introduce the newer Sonata because of low sales in Korea / North America and the easy and early availability of CKD kits and other plant machinery.

As of now, all these are speculations/rumours as far as the early arrival of 9th generation Sonata in the overseas market. Suppose it happens and becomes a reality by late 2022 / early 2023. In that case, we here in Pakistan might still continue with the 8th generation as Hyundai Nishat has to recover its investment return. They will not switch that quickly to the newer / 9th generation.

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  1. Waqas says

    In North America for the first month of is a shy 55 000 Sonata that was sold, well even the number of corolla sold in Pakistan can’t reach that level in one years. i think this instead, the sonata is selling pretty well in North America.

  2. Khurram says

    Toyota Camry is a very durable car, next to it, this ugly looking thing cannot even be considered for purchase.

  3. Waqas says

    @ Khurram, beauty is subjective some people will found this car ugly and some handsome, personaly i think it’s handsome, in Pakistan camry is only available as hybrid and expensive, this car got everything to hit the market, people want changement, and this is a godd car for changement.
    Hyundai, Kia are also durable car.

  4. Khurram says

    Mr Waqas, I agree with personal preferences and I respect them, but for durability I am going to say that Hyundai and KIA are not as durable as Toyota, the company is well ahead both of their rankings combined together. It is the only company in the world that has its presence in more than 80% parts of the globe and its cars, even from 60s are still operating. I doubt that Hyundai or KIA from 80s or even 2000s could achieve what Toyota vehicles have.
    Anyways, 2017 Camry has been recently awarded most durable car award by notable critics, in fact Forbes had placed it among list of cars that can go well beyond 200,000 miles without requiring major repairs. However, I must say that I have always preferred durability over looks so that is entirely my own opinion that I would never consider any other brand except Toyota or Suzuki.

  5. Waqas says

    @Khurram I’am agree with you about Toyota, since you were talking about Forbes, i want to talk about JD Power according to them among the most reliable car in the last 3 years for USA market there is Kia Sorento, for the last 3 years they got 3rd genreation of sorento the one in Pakistan and the 4th generation they just got.
    I will not say Kia is better than toyota, but they aren’t to be underestimated, toyota got the prius, hyundai the ioniq and i believe in Pakistan the cheapest hybrid car is Hyundai ioniq a compact sedan.
    Genesis is the luxury brand of Hyudai as lexus is for Toyota.

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