- Hyundai may make some models only hybrid like Toyota.
- Some vehicles, such as small hatchbacks, may have internal-combustion powertrains.
- Hyundai’s hybrid vehicles are already outselling combustion vehicles.
Toyota recently decided that many of its models that were once available with gasoline engines – including the Camry, Land Cruiser, RAV4, Sequoia and Sienna – can now only be purchased with hybrid powertrains. This strategy is working so well that one of Toyota’s major rivals is considering a similar strategy within its own lineup.
Hyundai Australia CEO Gavin Donaldson said car expert The company is considering shifting its mainstream cars exclusively to hybrid powertrains, noting that Toyota has done “exceptionally well” at switching to hybridization. He said:
‘Should we consider making more of our mainstream cars hybrid? I think it’s inevitable. I think the move from ICE to hybrid and EV (electric vehicles) is inevitable.
In the United States, Toyota still offers seven models with gasoline and hybrid versions, while eight models are hybrid only. As far as the company’s gas-only models go, there are only four models left in the lineup if you count the Corolla hatchback and GR Corolla as separate vehicles.
Photo by: Hyundai
Hyundai’s hybrid strategy
Hyundai’s powertrain strategy up to this point has differed from Toyota’s, making a more aggressive push toward full electrification while offering a range of hybrids, plug-in hybrids, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles and internal combustion engines. This is the first meaningful mention of a move away from ICE vehicles.
The Australian CEO pared down his statement, saying, “At the moment, we have some other products that are ICE powertrains, (and) until there is an alternative we have to consider where we want to put them in the portfolio.”
Hyundai doesn’t have any hybrid-only models in its current lineup, but like Toyota, it only has four vehicles that are fully ICE: the Kona, Elantra N, Santa Cruz, and Venue. Depending on price, it might make sense to keep smaller affordable cars available with ICE powertrains, but larger models like the Sonata, Santa Fe and Palisade could easily convert to a hybrid-only lineup structure.
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Source: Hyundai
Motor1’s Opinion: Despite consumer misconceptions about hybrids, they perform exactly like ICE vehicles, only with better fuel economy. Aside from a handful of spirited performance vehicles, heavy-duty trucks, and affordable economy vehicles, there are a few reasons why most vehicles in 2026 shouldn’t have a hybrid powertrain. The increased cost is minimal; Most of them are more powerful than their ICE counterparts, and the fuel savings immediately offset the price increase over the ownership period.
