New spy shots of the 2026 Hyundai Verna facelift hint at a redesigned fascia for the midsize sedan. Launched in 2023, the current-gen Verna attracted some criticism for its polarising design, especially up front, and Hyundai seems focused on addressing that feedback. The Hyundai Verna facelift is expected to launch in the first half of 2026.
- Upcoming Hyundai Verna facelift to feature revamped Sonata-like front bumper
- Alloy wheels, rear LED light bar and rear bumper to be updated as well
- Cabin may include new dual 12.3-inch screens and three-spoke steering wheel
- Same 1.5-litre NA and turbo petrol engines; hybrid powertrain possible
2026 Hyundai Verna facelift exterior design updates
Front LED light bar retained
The new Verna facelift spy shots – captured in South Korea – notably show a camouflaged front end, hinting at fairly substantial styling revisions there. We can glean that the current Verna’s full-width LED light bar will be retained for the facelift, but the main headlight units below look larger, possibly integrating the indicators.
Sonata-inspired front bumper
Moreover, the front bumper of the 2026 Verna facelift seems to have new chunky diagonal elements adjacent to the headlights, resembling those of the current Hyundai Sonata. The central air dam looks more squared-off than that of the existing Verna, and there appears to be a satin chrome lip underneath.
On the side, the only apparent change is an updated set of 16-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, which may be blacked out on the 1.5 Turbo variants, as in the current Verna. The rear end of the Verna facelift test mule is just as heavily camouflaged as the front, but we expect subtler changes here, most likely updated LED signatures for the light bar and a revised bumper design.
2026 Hyundai Verna facelift interior updates
Dual 12.3-inch screens and updated steering wheel possible
Though these spy shots don’t show the Verna facelift’s cabin, we anticipate mild changes, such as new trim pieces and a fresh colour scheme. The Verna facelift is also likely to borrow the dual 12.3-inch screens from the new Hyundai Venue, as well as the compact SUV’s redesigned three-spoke steering wheel.
2026 Hyundai Verna facelift engine and gearbox options
Existing 1.5-litre petrol duo to be retained for the facelift
The upcoming Verna facelift is expected to carry forward the current model’s 115hp 1.5-litre naturally aspirated and 160hp turbo-petrol engines. A 6-speed manual is standard on both motors, with the NA engine also offering a CVT and the turbo a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic.
Verna facelift could offer a hybrid powertrain
Interestingly, the Verna facelift may even get a 1.5-litre petrol-hybrid powertrain. Hyundai has confirmed eight hybrid models across multiple segments for the Indian market by 2030, so the Verna could be a recipient of the new powertrain and thereby serve as a direct rival to the Honda City e:HEV – the only hybrid sedan available in the mass market.
Images credit: Autospy.net
Uday Singh
Lenny D'sa
Dipan Sur
Glenn Noronha
