Next-Gen Hyundai Hybrid Powertrain Promises EV-Like Efficiency

Hyundai Motor Group pulled the wraps off its next-generation hybrid powertrain, raising the bar for both performance and efficiency. The new system promises a smoother, smarter, and more refined drive for future models.

At the heart of it is a clever new transmission that pairs two electric motors with a range of engines, striking the right balance between power and fuel savings no matter the car size.

The P1 motor kicks in for engine starts, battery charging, and a bit of extra push when needed, while the P2 motor takes care of driving the wheels and regenerative braking. Together, they make shifts smoother and the ride quieter.

This setup can be matched to engines that span from the low-100 PS range all the way up to mid-300 PS, making it viable to be used in small cars right up-to big SUVs, and still deliver strong performance and great efficiency.

The first engine to get the new treatment is a 2.5-litre turbo hybrid, using a smart over-expansion cycle that tweaks how air and fuel mix in the cylinder for better fuel economy and cleaner power.

Hyundai also reworked the pistons and added a triple-range fuel injection system to make combustion quicker, smoother, and more efficient.

The transmission itself now uses Active Shift Control and the P1 motor to speed up gear changes and cut down on vibrations when the engine kicks in - making the whole drive feel more polished.

This powerplant equipped In the all-new Palisade, hits a consumption range of 14.1 KM/litre and has a power output of 334 PS with 460 NM of torque - all while being 45% more efficient.

There’s also a new 1.6-litre turbo hybrid in the mix, offering better torque and about 4% more fuel efficiency than before, making it both quick and frugal.

Hyundai also introduces advanced electrification features like e-AWD, Stay Mode, V2L, and Smart Regenerative Braking, bringing hybrid models closer to EV-level versatility and driving confidence.

e-AWD uses a rear-mounted P4 motor to boost traction and acceleration, while e-Handling 2.0 and e-EHA 2.0 improve cornering stability and emergency steering by precisely managing torque between front and rear motors.

e-Ride 2.0 improves comfort by using motor control to reduce pitch and bounce when crossing speed bumps, offering a smoother, more controlled ride.

Stay Mode lets the car run in-cabin systems like air-conditioning and media for up to an hour without starting the engine, while a reservation feature uses the nav system to prep the battery before arrival.

As for V2L, it delivers up to 3.6 kW to power external devices, whether the engine is running or not. While Smart Regenerative Braking and Hierarchical Predictive Control optimize energy recovery and fuel efficiency using navigation data.

Production of the new system has begun for the new Palisade hybrid, with plans to expand it across more Hyundai and Kia models, including a rear-wheel-drive variant in 2026. 

It was also announced, Hyundai’s premium arm Genesis will also adopt the tech for future luxury hybrids.