Hyundai and Genesis are in for a rather amazing year. Both brands will reveal as many as 13 different new models - some facelifted, some new. As per my understanding, the biggest news is the imminent arrival of a new premium SUV with a Genesis badge. Judging by the stunning new Hyundai Santa Fe SUV (that isn’t premium), I expect nothing less than extraordinary and stunning from the upcoming Genesis SUV. The second big debut for 2019 is the coming of the new Hyundai Sonata. We're looking forward to that one too.

2020 Genesis SUV

Up until this point, Hyundai-Kia approved the development and production of two Genesis SUVs. I would guess one will be the GV70, while the other will be the GV80. Assuming Genesis will continue to play its premium game as with its sedans, the GV70 should be similar in size to the BMW X5 while the GV80 will get into a proper seven-seater mindstate, like the X7 in my little BMW v Genesis analogy.

This year, we are most likely to see the Genesis GV70 SUV. Already spotted in snowy Sweden camouflaged as the last gen Santa Fe, the Genesis SUV is expected to get a V-6 engine, and, optionally, a V-8. I am talking about that awesome, award-winning, 5.0-liter engine. If the GV70 gets that one, boy would the Genesis SUV be onto a good start.

Back in 2017, Genesis revealed the GV80 Fuel Cell Concept SUV at the New York International Auto Show. We did not hear a lot from the Genesis on the SUV matter since, but we did learn about the advanced propulsion system in the GV80 Fuel Cell Concept.

While no one in their right mind can expect this to reach production in the world of today, I can see the GV80 getting a somewhat similar design as the GV80 concept.

"The GV80 Concept is an SUV that alludes to the confidence and evolution of the Genesis brand – its design is timeless, with an understated yet dynamic overall surface complexity," said Head of Genesis Design, Luc Donckerwolke. "These are all characteristics that embody Genesis products and delicately reflect distinctive elements, which you'll continue to see in future models from our brand."

Nevertheless, we will hear a lot more about the Genesis SUV in the coming months.

2020 Hyundai Sonata

Hyundai is about to reveal an all-new Sonata this year. One that will most likely rewrite the Sonata character like no Sonata before. Right now, we do know that the roof will have an even more swept back silhouette, the car will most likely grow a bit and get an all-new interior possibly heavily influenced by the latest Palisade.

As for the engine options, I would guess that it will feature the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine and an eight speed transmission. And, it will ride on an all-new platform. The visual differences between the new Sonata and the rest of Hyundai automobiles will be radical. Hyundai Design Director, Chris Chapman, infered earlier last year that the differences between the Sonata and the Elantra will be so large that “you're going to think they're from different companies.”

Kinda curious, but definitely in line with the trends many car companies are trying to follow nowadays.

Final Thoughts

Hyundai-Kia and its Genesis premium brand have become so big and so important that they plan to sell 7.6 million vehicles this year. And I think that they are doing an awesome job at making the Genesis brand premium. In fact, the N performance brand will get into the Genesis world and help them build a sports car. Probably an RWD sedan.

“We are definitely doing it,” Donckerwolke told journalists at the CES about the performance-focused Genesis. “I’m actually reviewing the project next week, after CES. I can’t tell you much more about it, but we are definitely doing it. We are not going autonomous for all of our cars!"

Can’t wait for that one.

Further reading

Read our full speculative review on the 2019 Genesis GV80.

Read our full review on the 2017 Genesis GV80 Concept.

Read our full review on the 2018 Hyundai Sonata.