Hyundai’s design team, led by Simon Loasby, is standing firm on its philosophy of progressive styling. The 2026 Ioniq 6 reflects this mindset with split DRLs, a cleaner front and rear layout, and the removal of the divisive second rear spoiler. The result is a car that looks more mature and athletic while still standing apart from the crowd. However, Loasby emphasized that future electric sedans from Hyundai won’t follow a conservative path just to appeal to the masses. He described the goal as being not necessarily less polarizing, but certainly more progressive, striking a delicate balance between innovation and acceptability.

This design-first strategy makes it clear that Hyundai isn’t chasing Tesla by imitation. Instead, it's carving its own identity, one that appeals to a customer looking for bold design choices and forward-thinking engineering.

As Hyundai explores future directions, there’s talk of blending characteristics from its gas-powered Sonata with the avant-garde Ioniq 6. While both sedans occupy a similar footprint, they cater to different mindsets. According to Loasby, that distinction could change as customer expectations shift. He suggests that the future might see both models converge into a single offering that merges practicality with futuristic appeal.

Though there’s no official word on whether a next-gen Sonata will go electric, the door is open for evolution. With market dynamics shifting and electrification accelerating, Hyundai is preparing to redefine what a modern sedan looks and feels like by the end of the decade—one that continues its break from tradition while competing head-on with Tesla’s best.