Hyundai May Be The Next Carmaker To Only Use Hybrid Vehicles

Toyota has recently transitioned several of its previously gasoline-only models—including the Camry, Land Cruiser, RAV4, Sequoia, and Sienna—to exclusively hybrid powertrains. Following the notable success of this strategic shift, a major industry competitor is now evaluating the implementation of a similar approach across its own vehicle lineup.

In a recent statement to CarExpert, Hyundai Australia CEO Gavin Donaldson indicated that the company is evaluating a transition toward an exclusively hybrid powertrain lineup for its mainstream vehicles. Citing the notable success of Toyota’s strategic shift to hybridization, Donaldson remarked:

‘Would we consider making our mainstream cars more hybrid? I think that’s inevitable. I think moving out of ICE into hybrid and EVs [electric vehicles] is inevitable.’

In the United States, Toyota still offers seven models with gasoline and hybrid versions compared to eight that are hybrid-only. As for the company’s gas-only models, just four remain in the lineup if you count the Corolla hatchback and GR Corolla as separate vehicles.

To date, Hyundai’s powertrain strategy has diverged from Toyota’s by prioritizing an aggressive transition toward full electrification while simultaneously maintaining a diverse portfolio of hybrids, plug-in hybrids, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, and internal combustion engines (ICE). This latest development marks the company’s first significant indication of a potential move away from ICE technology.

“Currently, we maintain several products featuring ICE powertrains; however, in the absence of a viable alternative, we must carefully evaluate their continued inclusion in our portfolio,” noted the Australian CEO, offering a measured perspective on the company’s future direction.

Although Hyundai currently lacks hybrid-only models, the brand’s footprint of strictly ICE vehicles is limited to just four models: the Kona, Elantra N, Santa Cruz, and Venue. While retaining internal combustion engines for small, budget-friendly vehicles remains a practical consideration, larger models such as the Sonata, Santa Fe, and Palisade appear well-positioned for a transition to a hybrid-exclusive lineup.

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