EVs and Hybrids Take Center Stage
The reasons are straightforward:
expanded EV subsidies
growing demand for hybrids
mass replacement of vehicles over 10 years old
In particular, the entry of Chinese EV brands (BYD, Zeekr, XPeng, Leapmotor) into the domestic market has become one of the key accelerators, as they compete on three fronts simultaneously: price, equipment level and speed of model updates.
Against this backdrop, Korean manufacturers are more aggressively launching new generations and hybrid versions.
What's Coming in 2026
H1:
— KGM Musso
— new pickup for commercial use and outdoor adventures
— Renault Korea Aurora 2
— mid-size SUV
— Kia Seltos 2nd generation — first time with a hybrid + V2L
— Hyundai Staria EV
— first electric MPV
— Updates to Grandeur, Niro + expansion of the Genesis hybrid lineup
H2:
— Genesis GV90
— the brand's first ultra-large electric SUV
— Genesis GV80 Hybrid
— All-new Avante and Tucson
— Santa Fe facelift
Korean brands alone will release 16 new models — that's 6 more than last year.
