Meet Hyundai Pleos Connect: Smarter In-Car Technology Coming to the 2027 Hyundai TUCSON

Hyundai is taking in-car technology to the next level with the introduction of Pleos Connect, a next-generation infotainment system debuting in the U.S. on the all-new 2027 Hyundai TUCSON. Designed to make every drive more intuitive, connected, and personalized, this innovative platform combines advanced navigation, AI-powered voice assistance, smartphone integration, and a growing selection of in-vehicle apps.

For drivers, Pleos Connect promises a more seamless driving experience, whether you’re commuting to work, running errands around town, or heading out on a weekend road trip. Here’s a closer look at how Hyundai’s new infotainment technology works and what it could mean for your time behind the wheel.

What Is Hyundai Pleos Connect?

Pleos Connect is Hyundai Motor Group’s next-generation infotainment platform, developed by 42dot, the company’s global software center. Built on Android Automotive OS, the system is designed to bring vehicle information, entertainment, navigation, and connected services together in one intuitive interface.

Unlike a traditional infotainment system that largely stays the same throughout a vehicle’s ownership, Pleos Connect is designed to evolve over time. Over-the-air software updates can introduce feature enhancements and performance improvements, helping the technology stay current after you drive off the dealership lot.

The platform is built around three key principles: intuitiveness, safety, and openness. That means easier access to frequently used features, a driver-focused interface, and an expanding ecosystem of applications and connected services.

The 2027 Hyundai TUCSON will be the first Hyundai model in the United States to feature Pleos Connect, marking an important step in the brand’s move toward more software-driven vehicles.

Gleo AI: A More Natural Way to Interact With Your Vehicle

One of the standout features of Pleos Connect is Gleo AI, Hyundai’s new in-vehicle artificial intelligence assistant. Powered by large language model technology, Gleo AI is designed to understand everyday conversational requests rather than relying exclusively on rigid, predefined voice commands.

Drivers can activate the assistant using either “Hey Gleo” or “Hey Hyundai” and ask for help with supported navigation tasks, vehicle functions, and information requests.

For example, you may be able to ask for directions to a nearby restaurant, request route guidance, or access a compatible vehicle function using natural language. Gleo AI is also designed to interpret context and conversational history, making it easier to handle related requests without starting over each time.

How Gleo AI Can Help With Everyday Driving

• Simpler navigation: Request destinations and route guidance using conversational voice commands.
• Convenient vehicle controls: Access supported vehicle functions without having to navigate through multiple menus.
• More natural interactions: Communicate with your vehicle in everyday language instead of memorizing specific commands.
• An evolving experience: Software updates are designed to help Gleo AI improve over time.

By making common tasks easier to initiate through voice, Gleo AI can help drivers spend less time interacting with the center display and more time focused on the road. Drivers should still follow safe driving practices and use voice features only when appropriate.

Gleo AI availability may vary by model and trim level.

A Driver-Focused Interface With Large, High-Resolution Displays

Pleos Connect introduces a redesigned interface intended to make important information easier to find and everyday interactions more straightforward.

Depending on the configuration, the system features either a 17-inch or 12.9-inch QHD center display. Both options offer a resolution of 2560 x 1440 pixels, providing a high-resolution space for navigation, media, vehicle information, and compatible applications.

The interface separates driving-focused information from the applications and entertainment drivers use throughout their journeys. Customizable displays and quick-access controls also help make frequently used functions easier to reach.

The Slim Information Display Keeps Key Details in View

Another important feature is the 9.9-inch Slim Information Display positioned above the steering wheel in the 2027 TUCSON. This screen is designed to place useful driving information closer to the driver’s line of sight.

Depending on the information available and vehicle configuration, the display can show details such as:

• Current vehicle speed and posted speed limits
• Driver assistance system status
• Turn-by-turn navigation directions
• Estimated arrival time and remaining distance
• Fuel level and estimated driving range
• Media information and system notifications

Having these details readily available can make it easier to check important trip information without repeatedly looking toward the center infotainment screen.

Physical Buttons Remain Part of the Experience

While Pleos Connect brings a more modern digital interface to Hyundai vehicles, it doesn’t eliminate physical controls for key functions. The continued availability of physical buttons provides familiar, direct access to essential features, giving drivers a practical balance between touchscreen technology and traditional controls.

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Keep You Connected

Smartphone connectivity remains an important part of the modern driving experience, and Pleos Connect supports both wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

With a compatible smartphone, drivers can connect without plugging in a cable and access supported apps and services through the vehicle’s infotainment display. Depending on the connected device and applications used, that can include familiar navigation tools, music streaming, communication features, and other compatible services.

The system also supports Bluetooth 5.4 and Wi-Fi 6 connectivity.

For daily driving, wireless smartphone integration means fewer cables to manage and convenient access to familiar digital services. Whether you’re following directions to an unfamiliar address or listening to your favorite playlist on the morning commute, your smartphone can remain an integral part of the experience.

Pleos Connect also supports native applications through its own app ecosystem, giving drivers another way to access compatible services directly through the vehicle.

Enhanced Navigation for Commuting and Road Trips

Pleos Connect features connected navigation designed to make finding destinations and planning routes more convenient.

Its hybrid online navigation system combines connected map information with onboard map data. In the U.S., current map information can be downloaded based on the vehicle’s location, while preinstalled map data helps support navigation in areas without an active data connection.

The system also incorporates Google Places-based search, which can provide information about destinations and points of interest, including available photos, business hours, and location details.

Navigation can be displayed in different screen layouts, with support for compatible applications alongside the map. This can make it easier to follow directions while accessing other useful information without constantly switching between screens.

Gleo AI adds another layer of convenience by allowing drivers to search for destinations and request route guidance conversationally.

Why This Matters for Your Daily Drive

From finding a coffee shop on the way to work to locating a restaurant in a neighboring town, integrated navigation and connected search can simplify common travel tasks.

For longer journeys, turn-by-turn directions, route details, and estimated arrival information can help drivers keep track of their trip. The combination of onboard map data and connected features is also designed to provide flexibility when network connectivity is limited.

As with other connected vehicle features, the availability of certain information and services may depend on connectivity and system configuration.

Discover More With the Pleos App Market

Pleos Connect introduces the Pleos App Market, Hyundai’s in-vehicle application ecosystem. It is designed to bring a growing range of compatible apps directly to the vehicle’s infotainment system.

Unlike Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which project supported smartphone apps onto the vehicle display, native Pleos App Market applications run on the vehicle’s Android Automotive OS-based platform.

The ecosystem is designed to support different types of services, including:

• Music and audio entertainment
• Video-sharing and other compatible media platforms
• Productivity tools
• Mobility and lifestyle services
• Vehicle-related applications

Applications can receive updates independently of the vehicle’s broader multimedia software-update schedule, helping individual services add features and improvements over time.

The platform is also designed to support third-party development, creating opportunities for additional applications and connected experiences in the future. Apps distributed through the Pleos ecosystem undergo cybersecurity and verification reviews.

For drivers, the potential benefit is greater flexibility and more ways to personalize the in-car experience as compatible services become available. Using connected applications requires an applicable connectivity data package, and app availability may vary.

Over-the-Air Updates Help Keep Technology Current

One of the most significant aspects of Pleos Connect is its support for over-the-air, or OTA, software updates.

Traditionally, some vehicle software improvements have required a dealership visit. OTA technology can allow supported software enhancements to be delivered remotely, depending on the update and vehicle configuration.

With Pleos Connect, this approach is designed to support ongoing improvements to system performance and features, along with updates to supported services and applications.

For Hyundai owners, this creates the potential for an infotainment system that continues to evolve throughout ownership rather than remaining fixed to the software available on delivery day.

The exact updates available, installation requirements, and supported functions will depend on the vehicle and software release.

What Pleos Connect Means for the Future of Hyundai Vehicles

Pleos Connect represents a broader shift in how Hyundai approaches vehicle technology. The platform brings together AI-powered voice assistance, connected navigation, smartphone integration, native applications, and software updates within a shared infotainment environment.

For drivers, these technologies are intended to make everyday tasks more convenient, provide easier access to important information, and create a more personalized in-car experience.

The focus isn’t simply on adding a larger screen or more features. It’s about making those features work together in a way that feels intuitive and can continue to improve over time.

With the 2027 Hyundai TUCSON introducing Pleos Connect to the U.S. market, Hyundai is offering a first look at how its next generation of connected vehicle technology will shape the driving experience.

Explore Hyundai Technology at Diehl Hyundai of Massillon

Interested in learning more about the latest Hyundai technology? At Diehl Hyundai, we’re here to help you explore the features, connectivity options, and innovations available across the Hyundai lineup.

The all-new 2027 Hyundai TUCSON will be the first Hyundai vehicle in the United States to feature Pleos Connect. Additional details about availability, specifications, connectivity requirements, and model-specific features are expected closer to launch.

Contact our team to stay informed about the latest Hyundai news and upcoming vehicle arrivals. Whether you’re researching your next SUV or simply want to learn more about where in-car technology is headed, we’re happy to help.

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