Hyundai & Kia Models Will Get Native Google Maps Platform

Hyundai & Kia models will get native Google Maps ahead of shifting to an Android Automotive-based OS later in 2026.

Hyundai Motor Group is further tightening its partnership with tech giant Google by announcing a new collaboration to allow its vehicles to adopt the latest Google Maps Platform natively, ahead of fully transitioning to a new OS based on Android Automotive later in the future.

This means that new Hyundai, Kia, and even Genesis models will be coming standard with the Google Maps Platform Places API in their infotainment systems, giving drivers access to information about 250 million places worldwide. According to the group, the first rollout will cover selected Kia models in North America, followed by the rest of the world across its three brands afterwards.

Google says it constantly updates the information on the new Google Maps Platform, with the tech giant claiming a total of 100 million updates were made daily on the platform. This promises to provide drivers and passengers with the most accurate and relevant details regarding the places they’re planning to visit, including business hours, contact information, ratings, and many more.

While this may sound exciting and all, the integration of the new Google Maps Platforms is indeed a soft-landing attempt made by both Hyundai and Google ahead of the big news. That is because from 2026 onwards, Hyundai will roll out an entirely new infotainment system based on Google's new Android Automotive OS.

Not to be confused with the standard Android Auto, which is a very elaborate screen mirroring function, Android Automotive is essentially a full-fledged operating system specially designed for automotive use. It promises to feature more native apps than Android Auto, including streaming services like YouTube and even games too. With this, Hyundai has joined the long list of automakers who adopted the Android Automotive system, including the likes of Honda, Ford, Renault, and Volvo, to name a few.

According to Hyundai, the first model to adopt the Android Automotive OS will be the Genesis GV90, which is positioned above the GV80 as the brand’s upcoming flagship SUV set to go against the likes of the BMW X7 and Mercedes-Benz GLS in the future. Following closely behind the upcoming GV90 in adoption of this new OS is the upcoming, second-gen Hyundai Ioniq 5, which, in other words, means that the Korean automaker is ready to unveil the new model sooner or later.