A Hyundai head up display (HUD) projects valuable information onto your windshield while driving, including vehicle speed, navigation instructions, and more—but this high-tech feature is only available in the priciest of Hyundai models.

Modern amenities abound in the latest Hyundai models, from suites of safety-improving driver’s assistance features to more creature comforts. But one you won’t want to miss is the head up display—a futuristic projection that helps you drive safer with less effort. But do you really need it?

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Hyundai head up display: what it is and do you need it?

A head-up display, or HUD (sometimes called a heads-up display) is a technology that projects important vehicle information on a transparent display onto the windshield just below your line of sight. With a HUD, you’ll be able to view data like vehicle speed, navigation instructions, the current speed limit, and more—all without ever having to turn your head or take your eyes off the road.

The primary purpose of the head-up display is to enhance your driving experience while helping you drive safer. In a Hyundai, the HUD projects a 10- to 12-inch display of information using a small projector and a translucent screen on the windshield, which can be customized in your vehicle’s settings to show exactly the information you want to know most. Here’s what you can see on a Hyundai head-up display:

Turn-by-turn navigation instructions

Traffic signs

Vehicle speed

Local speed limit

Engine RPM

Cruise control settings

Vehicle status and warning messages

Advanced Driver’s Assistance information (like lane-keeping assist and blind-spot monitoring)

Telephone and call information

Audio and entertainment settings

While it’s not an absolutely necessary feature, it’s one of those things that many drivers agree you don’t know you need until you actually try it—and it’s also helpful in discouraging

distracted driving

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Which Hyundai models have a head-up display (HUD)?

First released in the Ioniq 5, there are now a number of Hyundai models that include the head up display as a standard feature. The catch? It’s only available in the highest (aka most expensive) trim levels—and it’s not an available option for every vehicle. The 2022 Hyundai models that currently feature head-up display technology are:

Hyundai Palisade Limited

(starting MSRP of $45,840)

Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy

(starting MSRP of $47,290)

Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy

(starting MSRP of $41,410)

Hyundai Sonata Limited

(starting MSRP of $34,400)

Hyundai Kona N

(starting MSRP of $34,200)

Hyundai Kona Limited

(starting MSRP of $28,600)

Additionally, two 2023 models are slated to come with built-in HUD: the 2023 Veloster N and the 2023 Ioniq 6.

Key Takeaway The Hyundai head-up display (HUD) is mostly available in upper trim levels as a premium feature.

Can you add a head-up display to a Hyundai?

It is possible to add a head-up display to a Hyundai that doesn’t have one built in—but the price can be steep, depending on the product you choose.

If you want a true Hyundai HUD (like the ones that come standard in the above models), you’ll have to invest in replacing your entire windshield. That’s because the Hyundai HUD requires a specialized screen to visibly display projected information—it won’t just work on any regular windshield.

On the other hand, there are a number of aftermarket head-up display systems available at a lower price. These cheaper, slightly clunkier gadgets attach directly to your car’s dashboard to project an image onto the windshield or its own small screen. These types of systems are powered by electricity—you’ll need to plug it into a 12-volt power port or your car’s OBD2 port to work.

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How to use the Hyundai head-up display

Your Hyundai head-up display has two distinct view modes: Standard Display (SD) mode, which arranges key features and information in your line of vision, and Augmented Reality (AR) mode, which displays dynamic directions as you drive using your car’s navigation system.

You can switch between display modes, adjust the brightness and height of the display, or turn the HUD off and on at any time using your driver infotainment touchscreen. In most cases, HUD settings will be located under the “Settings” or “Setup” icon on your display. After clicking on the appropriate icon, you may have to tap the “Vehicle” option to access specific HUD controls.

Once you’ve selected the HUD option in your vehicle’s settings, you’ll be able to select the display mode of your choice, turn the HUD on and off, adjust the brightness and angle of the display, and even select which content you would like to see projected on your screen.

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Is a Hyundai head up display worth it?

It’s safe to say that Hyundai’s head-up display isn’t an essential piece of tech—but it can certainly enhance your drive and improve the way you operate on the roads, which is why it’s a standard option in trim levels that cater to a premium driving experience.

Using a HUD helps keep you focused on where you’re going and gives you instant access to the most important features in your vehicle—not to mention it’s downright convenient.

The downside, of course, is that you’ll have to invest in a higher trim level to get access to genuine Hyundai HUD—although models like the Kona make this high-tech feature surprisingly accessible to many buyers.

Ultimately, the choice is yours. If you don’t mind splurging a little on a higher trim level, the Hyundai head-up display could be well within your reach—especially in Hyundai’s latest Kona. But if you’re more interested in maintaining an overall low cost of car ownership, the HUD is a feature that can add unnecessary expenses to your purchase price—and possibly your

car insurance

rates, too.

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