The way we interact with cars is changing fast, and Hyundai is clearly leaning into that shift. With the reveal of Pleos Connect, its next-generation infotainment system, the brand is aiming to make your car feel as intuitive as your smartphone. Set to roll out from May 2026, this new system is more than just a tech upgrade – it’s a glimpse into the future of connected driving.
Pleos Connect is Hyundai’s latest infotainment platform built on Android Automotive OS. It’s designed with three main ideas in mind: simplicity, safety, and flexibility. Think of it as your phone, but seamlessly integrated into your car.
This system isn’t limited to Hyundai alone. It will also power Kia and Genesis vehicles, making it a shared ecosystem across the Hyundai Motor Group. That means a more consistent experience, no matter which brand you choose.
Design
The layout of Pleos Connect feels modern and practical. Hyundai has split the main display into three distinct sections, each serving a clear purpose.
Here’s how it looks:
| Section | Function |
|---|---|
| Driving Screen | Shows speed and vehicle data |
| App Screen | Handles navigation and media |
| Bottom Bar | Quick access to recent functions |
There’s also a slim secondary display placed right in front of the driver. It shows essential info like speed, navigation directions, and media details, keeping your eyes closer to the road.
Features
One of the biggest highlights of Pleos Connect is its smartphone-like usability. If you’ve ever used split-screen apps on your phone, you’ll feel right at home here.
The system allows multi-window usage, meaning you can run navigation and music apps side by side. It’s smooth, responsive, and designed to reduce the need for constant switching between screens.
Hyundai has also kept physical buttons on the steering wheel and below the display. That’s a smart move, as it helps reduce distraction while driving – sometimes, tapping a button is quicker than navigating a touchscreen.
AI
At the core of Pleos Connect is Gleo AI, Hyundai’s new voice assistant. It’s powered by a large language model, making it far more conversational than traditional car voice systems.
Instead of rigid commands, you can speak naturally. Want to adjust the temperature or find a nearby café? Just ask. Over time, Hyundai plans to expand Gleo AI’s capabilities with updates, making it even more useful.
Personalisation
Pleos Connect introduces Pleos ID, a feature that stores your personal preferences. This includes seat positions, infotainment settings, and even navigation habits.
What’s interesting is that this profile can travel with you. If you switch between compatible Hyundai, Kia, or Genesis vehicles, your settings follow. It’s like logging into your account on a new device and finding everything just the way you left it.
Ecosystem
Hyundai is also opening the door to third-party developers through its Pleos Playground platform. This allows developers to create apps specifically for the infotainment system.
Users will be able to download apps from an integrated marketplace, expanding what the system can do over time. It’s similar to app stores on smartphones, but tailored for in-car use.
This approach could bring everything from entertainment apps to productivity tools right into your dashboard.
Updates
Another key feature is over-the-air updates. Just like your phone gets software upgrades, Pleos Connect will continue to improve after you buy the car.
Hyundai can add new features, enhance performance, and even expand AI capabilities without requiring a dealership visit. This keeps the system fresh and up to date for years.
Rollout
Pleos Connect will first appear in the Hyundai Grandeur in South Korea starting May 2026. After that, it will expand globally in phases.
The Hyundai Ioniq 3 is expected to be the first European model to feature this system. By 2030, Hyundai plans to bring Pleos Connect to around 20 million vehicles across its brands.
Impact
So, what does this mean for drivers? In simple terms, cars are becoming smarter, more connected, and more personalized.
Pleos Connect isn’t just about entertainment – it’s about creating a seamless digital experience inside the car. It reflects a broader shift toward software-defined vehicles, where updates and features evolve long after purchase.
This could also influence how future car interiors are designed, with larger screens and more integrated digital elements becoming the norm.
Pleos Connect feels less like a traditional infotainment system and more like a digital companion that grows with you over time. As Hyundai pushes forward with this technology, it’s clear the line between cars and smart devices is only going to blur further.
FAQs
What is Pleos Connect?
Hyundai’s next-gen infotainment system launching in 2026.
Which cars will get it?
Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis models globally.
What is Gleo AI?
An AI voice assistant for car controls and features.
Does it support updates?
Yes, it offers over-the-air software updates.
What is Pleos ID?
A profile that saves user settings across vehicles.
