Hyundai Motor Company has officially confirmed major interior and software upgrades for its upcoming new-generation Tucson and Elantra, according to ETNews, signaling a decisive step toward software-defined vehicles (SDV) and next-level in-car user experience (UX). The highlight is Hyundai’s largest-ever 17-inch infotainment display, paired with a new Pleos Connect (Sconnect) system and a 9.9-inch digital instrument cluster.
17-Inch Wide Center Display: Largest Ever in a Hyundai Mass-Market Model
According to the electrical components industry on the 14th, Hyundai will equip the 8th-generation Elantra (Avante, project name CN8) launching in the first half of the year, and the 5th-generation Tucson (project name NX5) launching in the second half, with a 17-inch wide center display featuring a 16:9 horizontal aspect ratio.
This tablet-style display is the largest screen ever installed in a Hyundai vehicle, excluding Genesis models. It even surpasses several Tesla interiors, matching the Tesla Model S (17 inches) and exceeding the Model Y (16 inches) in screen size.
Positioned centrally on the dashboard, the display reflects global electric vehicle interior trends, emphasizing large, immersive digital interfaces. Hyundai has retained physical buttons beneath the screen for critical functions such as hazard lights and climate control, ensuring usability and safety while driving.
Pleos Connect (Sconnect): Hyundai’s Next-Generation Vehicle Software Platform
The 17-inch display is powered by Pleos Connect, also referred to as Sconnect, Hyundai Motor Group’s next-generation vehicle software platform. Developed by Hyundai’s vehicle software division 42dot, Pleos Connect represents a core pillar of Hyundai’s SDV strategy.
Built on Android Automotive OS (AAOS), the system delivers a smartphone-like user interface, allowing drivers to intuitively access apps, multimedia content, navigation, and vehicle settings. The platform also supports over-the-air (OTA) updates, enabling continuous feature expansion and performance improvements throughout the vehicle’s lifecycle.
9.9-Inch Digital Instrument Cluster for Enhanced Driving Visibility
In addition to the large center display, both the new Elantra and Tucson will feature a 9.9-inch digital instrument cluster mounted at the top of the driver-oriented dashboard.
This screen functions as a dedicated digital cockpit, delivering essential driving information such as speed, driving assistance system status, and vehicle alerts with high clarity and stability. The layout ensures that critical data remains easily visible without distracting the driver, reinforcing Hyundai’s focus on both innovation and safety.
Hyundai’s Vision: From Vehicles to “Moving Digital Spaces”
Hyundai Motor Company aims to transform its vehicles into “moving digital spaces” by expanding the role of the center display beyond traditional navigation and climate functions. The new system integrates entertainment, connectivity, and vehicle control into a single digital hub, accelerating Hyundai’s transition toward fully realized SDVs.
Notably, this large-screen experience was previously limited to luxury Genesis models, making its introduction into mass-market vehicles like the Elantra and Tucson a symbolic milestone. Hyundai plans to extend this display and software strategy across additional Hyundai models and eventually the Kia brand.
Conclusion
With the confirmation of the 17-inch display, Pleos Connect system, and 9.9-inch digital cluster, the new Hyundai Tucson and Elantra mark a turning point in the brand’s interior and software evolution. By bringing flagship-level digital experiences to mainstream models, Hyundai is positioning itself at the forefront of the software-defined vehicle era.
