At the end of the current generation, the Sonata will be discontinued worldwide.
Even though sedans are not as popular today, it is still news that we hear about automakers closing down saloons. The Hyundai Motor Group appears to be planning to discontinue three of its sedans. This includes the Sonata, Kia’s Stinger, and K5.
The global Sonata may not make it past this generation, as it is facing the chopping blocks. The facelift is expected to be available in the next years. It will then go on sale until 2027/2028, when Hyundai will end the midsize sedan. Automotive News says it’s speculation. “Sonata is still and will remain an important part Hyundai’s product line-up.”
It is very likely that the Stinger will be the first sedan to receive the proverbial axe. Production will cease after the quarter. Although rumors of the end of production for the rear-wheel drive liftback have circulated on the Internet for many years, it now appears that it is actually happening. Although it was not a very popular model, the Stinger helped Kia to improve its image and showed it can produce exciting cars rather than econoboxes.
The Optima was once known as the K5, and the K5 has the same underpinnings of the Sonata. Therefore, it makes sense that Kia would discontinue this version. It’s not surprising that more sedans are being discontinued. These three vehicles would be joined by the Ford Fusion and Buick Regal, Volkswagen Passat and Mazda 6, to name just a few.
Ford sells the Fusion in China as a next generation Mondeo, while the Regal in Europe is sold as an Opel Insignia. However, the name will be used for an SUV. The global Passat production has been discontinued. However, there will be a new model in 2023 that is likely to be a wagon-only model. Mazda has decided not to make a next-gen 6, but the current model is still available in certain regions.
Toyota will say goodbye to the Avalon following the 2022 model year. It will join a sedan cemetery where the Impala and Cadenza, RLX CT6, CT6, GS Continental, MKZ and Azera rest in peace.