Hyundai unveils Pleos connect infotainment for 2026

Hyundai has announced Pleos Connect, its next-generation infotainment system, set to launch in production vehicles from May 2026. The system will power Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis models, supporting the company's software-defined vehicle strategy. Pleos Connect aims to deliver a more connected, intuitive, and smartphone-like in-car experience.

Key Highlights

• Hyundai introduces Pleos Connect infotainment system, launching in May 2026
• System features AI voice assistant Gleo AI and personalized user profiles
• Pleos Connect will reach 20 million Hyundai Kia and Genesis vehicles by 2030

Pleos Connect System Features

Pleos Connect is built on Android Automotive OS and focuses on three pillars: intuitiveness, safety, and openness. The interface is designed to feel familiar to smartphone users, offering a cleaner layout, faster response times, and deeper integration with vehicle functions. Over-the-air software updates will allow Hyundai to add new features and improve system performance after delivery.

The main display is a large central screen divided into three sections: driving information, an app screen for navigation and media, and a bottom bar for quick access to recent functions. A slim secondary display ahead of the driver shows key information like speed, media, and turn-by-turn navigation.

Pleos Connect supports split-screen and multi-window functionality, letting users run multiple apps at once. Hyundai retains physical buttons on the steering wheel and below the main screen for essential controls, aiming to reduce driver distraction and improve usability.

AI Integration and Personalization

At the core of Pleos Connect is Gleo AI, Hyundai’s new AI-powered voice assistant. Built on a large language model, Gleo AI manages vehicle controls and convenience features in a more natural way. Hyundai plans to expand Gleo AI’s capabilities through future updates, covering a broader range of applications and services.

Pleos Connect introduces Pleos ID, a personalized user profile that stores preferences such as seat settings, infotainment layout, and navigation habits. This allows users to transfer their settings across compatible Hyundai Motor Group vehicles.

The system also opens to third-party developers with the Pleos Playground ecosystem, enabling downloadable in-car apps via an integrated app marketplace. This approach aligns with the industry trend toward larger integrated displays and increased software functionality.

Rollout and Future Plans

Pleos Connect will debut on the new Hyundai Grandeur in South Korea in May 2026, followed by a phased global rollout. The Ioniq 3 will be the first European model to feature the new system. Hyundai aims to equip around 20 million Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis vehicles with Pleos Connect by 2030.

CarBike 360 Says

As Hyundai transitions toward a software-defined future, the Pleos Connect system marks a pivotal milestone in redefining the cabin experience. By harmonizing intuitive UI design with robust AI integration and scalable architecture, Hyundai is effectively bridging the gap between traditional automotive control and modern digital convenience, setting a new benchmark for connected mobility that will undoubtedly influence industry standards for years.