While many companies are walking away from traditional compact sedans to chase sport utility vehicle margins, Hyundai is doubling down with a completely revamped Elantra. Official word straight from chief executive officer Jose Munoz confirms that the eighth gen is locked in to support the brand's push of 36 new or refreshed vehicles for North America by 2030.

  

Fresh spy photos give us our clearest look yet at the upcoming iteration, which is designated CN8 by its maker. The 2027 model tosses out the old playbook in favor of a muscular and tech-forward overhaul that can also tow a small trailer when the need arises.

While not officially rated for towing in North America, the outgoing Elantra tows up to 1,100 kilograms (2,425 pounds) in Australia, where it's called i30 Sedan. For the current generation, Hyundai leaned heavily on what its design studio calls Parametric Dynamics.