Hyundai Motor Group is preparing to launch a new generation of in-car software, marking its most significant move yet toward fully software-defined vehicles. The new infotainment system, known as PLEOS Connect, is expected to first appear in the 2026 Hyundai Avante (known as the Elantra in some markets), followed by a broader rollout across the company’s portfolio, including the redesigned Tucson.
The development signals Hyundai’s commitment to becoming a serious player in the software-defined vehicle (SDV) space — a growing segment where vehicles are increasingly driven by code rather than mechanical engineering alone.
In-house software takes the lead
For the first time, Hyundai has developed its own infotainment platform entirely in-house. PLEOS Connect combines redesigned hardware — including a larger centre display — with a new software layer intended to transform the user experience.
The company has opted to build the system on Android Automotive OS (AAOS), not to be confused with Android Auto. Unlike the smartphone mirroring app, AAOS is a full operating system embedded in the vehicle, giving Hyundai full control over interface design and performance. This shift allows for tighter integration between software and hardware, including support for multitasking through multi-window app functionality.
The interface is designed to resemble a smartphone or tablet, with swipe-based gestures and customisable layouts. Hyundai says this will reduce the learning curve for drivers and offer greater personalisation.
Gleo AI: Hyundai’s in-car assistant
Central to the new system is Gleo AI, a proprietary large language model (LLM) developed by Hyundai. Gleo allows for natural language interactions and can handle compound voice commands — such as adjusting climate settings while navigating to a new destination — without the need for pre-set phrases.
The system also draws on real-time data, including traffic, weather, and vehicle diagnostics, which can be queried in a conversational style. While voice assistants are increasingly common in modern vehicles, Hyundai’s emphasis on in-house AI development mirrors broader industry trends aimed at reducing dependence on third-party tech providers.
A new interior layout
Hyundai’s next-generation models featuring PLEOS Connect will adopt a more minimalist design ethos. A large, tablet-style centre screen will dominate the dashboard, replacing many of the physical controls with touch-based interfaces. This approach aligns with broader trends across the automotive sector, especially in electric vehicles, where manufacturers are moving toward sleeker, more digital cabins.
To reduce driver distraction, a secondary screen positioned atop the dashboard will provide essential driving information — such as speed, fuel range, and navigation prompts — within the driver’s eyeline. This dual-screen layout aims to strike a balance between aesthetic minimalism and functional clarity.
Tied to Hyundai’s software roadmap
The PLEOS Connect platform is the first major public output of Hyundai’s software-defined vehicle division, which is overseen by President Song Chang-hyun. The division includes 42Dot, an autonomous tech company acquired by Hyundai in 2022, and the Hyundai & Kia AVP (Autonomous Vehicle Platform) Headquarters.
The initiative is part of a broader strategy announced in late 2022, where Hyundai pledged to invest heavily in SDV development and transform its vehicle lineup into “software upgradeable platforms” by the end of the decade.
Target: 20 million vehicles by 2030
According to Hyundai, the goal is for more than 20 million vehicles to be equipped with PLEOS Connect by 2030. If achieved, that would represent one of the most widespread deployments of an in-house infotainment system in the global automotive industry.
The system will first roll out in South Korea, with the eighth-generation Avante (CN8 project code) due for release in Q2 2026, and the fifth-generation Tucson (NX5) expected in Q3 2026. Hyundai and Kia models in other markets, including Australia and the United States, are likely to adopt the system in the years following.
By consolidating control over both software and hardware, Hyundai joins a growing list of carmakers — including General Motors, Mercedes-Benz, and Volkswagen — that are rethinking the role of operating systems in modern vehicles.
