Instrument Clusters Are Now Paid Extras in Two Hyundai Models
Pay-to-Play: Hyundai Now Charges Extra for Driver Displays
By Jack Fitzgerald | Published: September 1, 2026
In a move that mirrors the controversial cost-cutting trends of the tech industry, Hyundai has decided that the driver's instrument cluster—a feature traditionally considered standard—is now an optional luxury in certain models.
Remember the era when purchasing an iPhone automatically included a pair of headphones and a wall charger? It didn't feel like a "bonus"; it felt like the company was providing the essential hardware required to actually use the product.
By 2020, Apple had stripped those accessories from the box. Now, Hyundai is adopting a similar philosophy by removing core hardware from its vehicles.
The "Pleos Connect" Ecosystem
The controversy centers on Hyundai's latest infotainment architecture, known as Pleos Connect. This system typically consists of a dual-screen layout: a primary central touchscreen paired with a sleek, 9.9-inch instrument cluster positioned above the dashboard.
However, depending on the model and trim, that second screen might be missing entirely.
Cost Breakdown by Model
The financial impact varies wildly depending on which car you are configuring:
| Model | Market | Option Cost | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avante (Elantra) | Korea | 350,000 \text{ KRW} \approx \255$ | Available as a standalone add-on for base trim. |
| Ioniq 3 | Global/Korea | \approx \5,000$ | Not an option; requires a full trim level upgrade. |
| Grandeur | Korea | Included | Standard across all trims due to higher base MSRP. |
The Ioniq 3 Dilemma
For the electric Ioniq 3, the "base" experience is essentially a Tesla-inspired minimalism. If you want a dedicated screen in your line of sight, you cannot simply check a box; you must jump to the next trim level, which carries a hefty price premium.
How it Works Without the Cluster
If you opt for the budget route, you aren't left completely blind. According to the manufacturer's configurator, critical data—such as current vehicle speed and system warning messages—are simply relocated to the central infotainment screen.
{
"display_mode": "central_only",
"speedometer": "central_screen",
"warnings": "central_screen",
"driver_cluster": "null"
}
What This Means for North America
Currently, the Pleos Connect system has not yet migrated to the US market. This means American buyers of Hyundai, Kia, or Genesis vehicles aren't yet forced to choose between their wallet and their sightlines.
However, the clock is ticking. Hyundai has set an ambitious goal for the end of the decade:
- Deploy Pleos Connect in vehicles globally.
- Integrate system into North American lineups.
About the Author: Jack Fitzgerald
Associate Editor, News
Jack's passion for the automotive world is fueled by a lifelong obsession with Formula 1. His journey began as a dealership detailer during his college years at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, where he spent his time hunting for stories across the state. This persistence eventually led him to his current role at Car and Driver.
Current Mission: To keep his 2010 Volkswagen Golf running long after it should have been retired.