Key Takeaways
- Kia vehicles will receive Hyundai’s Pleos Connect infotainment system in 2027.
- The system features an app-based interface with customizable screens and AI voice commands.
- Initial services include NAVER maps, YouTube, Spotify, and gaming apps.
Kia vehicles are set to receive a significant upgrade as Hyundai Motor Group’s Pleos Connect infotainment system is expected to be introduced in 2027. This new system will bring a smartphone-like experience to Kia cars, enhancing their functionality and user interface.
According to South Korean reports cited by Electrek, the Pleos Connect system is likely to debut first on flagship models such as the Kia K9 sedan and EV9 electric SUV. These vehicles are expected to be among the early adopters of this advanced technology.
Pleos Connect is Hyundai’s next-generation infotainment platform developed in collaboration with 42dot, their mobility software company. It runs on Android Automotive OS and features an app-based interface that allows for customizable screens, split-screen support, and multiple windows. Drivers can download and update compatible applications through the Pleos App Market.
The system also includes a personalized feature known as Gleo AI, which is a large language model-based voice assistant capable of understanding conversational context and processing several commands in one request. It can control navigation, climate settings, and even search for information about news, weather, and sports.
Hyundai has designed the main screen around three areas: driving information, applications, and shortcuts to recently used or pinned apps. A separate slim display can sit directly in front of the driver, showing speed, media, and navigation directions. Physical controls on the steering wheel and below the main screen are retained for frequently used functions.
In the Hyundai IONIQ 3, Pleos Connect is available with either a 12.9-inch or 14.6-inch central display, depending on the specification. A slim driver-facing display is also available to enhance the driving experience.
The Pleos App Market will allow third-party developers to create services for compatible Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis vehicles. Initial services include NAVER maps and automotive tools, while YouTube, Spotify, essential, and genie can run directly through the car without requiring a connected smartphone. Future partnerships are expected to bring gaming, entertainment, and vehicle-management services.
Hyundai plans to gradually install the App Market in Pleos Connect vehicles from 2026 onwards. The company has not confirmed whether the wider rollout will require owners to subscribe to vehicle functions. Current announcements describe an open app marketplace rather than a general subscription system.
