Hyundai’s Rear Turn Signal Dilemma: Will the Grandeur Fix It?

Hyundai Motor Group’s Chronic Problem
Rear Turn Signal Visibility
Will the New Grandeur Solve It?

There’s a prominent issue with the recent Hyundai Motor Group’s new vehicles. It’s about the location of the rear turn signals. Turn signals are lights that indicate the intention to change direction, so their visibility is very important. However, in many of the latest models, such as the Hyundai Tucson, Grandeur, Santa Fe, and Kia K3, the rear turn signals are so low that they are hardly visible.

The problem was solved with the Kia Carnival after its facelift last year, but Tucson’s signal lights have moved even lower. What if the position of the rear turn signals in the Grandeur’s facelift gets adjusted? Imaginative prediction images have been posted, and they have drawn various reactions.

Imaginative Prediction Images Emerge
Focus on the Changed Taillights

On the 6th, a YouTube car prediction image specialist, New York Mammoth, posted a rearview prediction of the Grandeur facelift. Although it resembles the current model, subtle changes can be seen everywhere. The license plate housing changes to an inverted trapezoid shape and is finished in black, adding a touch of luxury. The ends of the lower bumper’s chrome garnish also point in the opposite direction compared to the previous design.

The reflector that used to fill the lower bumper is now only on the sides, with the center finished in black, giving it a more organized look. However, the most significant change is in the taillights. The central part crossing the trunk lid remains the same. However, you can see that the outline near the rear quarter glass has become thicker.

Finally, the Elevated Turn Signal
Why is it Less Likely to Happen?

As mentioned, the current Grandeur’s rear turn signals are notoriously hard to see. They are often difficult to spot due to their thin shape and low position, even when maintaining a distance from the car. However, visibility concerns will be resolved entirely if the turn signals are integrated into the taillights, as shown in the prediction. Even though there are many opinions that the existing linear shape is neater, aesthetics are a matter of preference and not necessarily a safety problem.

However, the real issue is elsewhere. It is the increase in manufacturing costs. Changing the taillight box will involve alterations in the design of the trunk, rear quarter panels, and a bumper that envelops them. The plastic bumper can be easily modified, but metal parts like the trunk and rear quarter panels require the entire mold to be changed. Since it would inevitably lead to a price increase, they don’t usually touch the mold unless car manufacturers change the design to a full-change level.

Genesis GV70 is the Hope
Will Grandeur’s Day Come?

Therefore, there is one thing we can look forward to integrating the turn signals into the current linear taillights. The Genesis GV70 facelift, set to launch in the year’s first half, confirmed that the rear turn signals have been integrated into the taillights. However, it’s not expected to be easy for the Grandeur. While the GV70’s taillights are double-lined with enough space for the light source, the Grandeur’s are not.

The issue with the turn signal position would have been resolved long ago if they could go beyond the current level, which merges brake lights with turn signals through brightness adjustment and changes the color. However, it’s not a guarantee that Hyundai will be able to realize this. We look forward to seeing whether the Grandeur facelift model will meet the expectations of potential and existing owners.