Hyundai’s Next Gen Excavators Break Ground at CONEXPO

March 23, 2026

Matt Wolfe

Hyundai's Next Gen HX series made its North American debut at CONEXPO in Las Vagas. (Hyundai)

Hyundai’s Nex Gen HX excavator models made their first appearance on North American soil at CONEXPO in Las Vegas. The first five models of Hyundai’s latest HX excavator lineup were the feature presentation of Hyundai’s booth during the show.

“Hyundai has always designed machines with fast, easy maintenance in mind, so our customers can spend more time producing revenue and less time servicing equipment,” said Joe Hodges, Hyundai product manager for excavators. “Owners and operators alike will appreciate the practical, smart technologies that help these excavators deliver everything you expect from Hyundai.”

The Next Gen HX lineup currently consists of five models, the HX230, HX260, HX300, HX360 and HX400. Hyundai also plans to introduce a sixth Next Gen model to North America, the HX210, later in 2026.

These units have peak power ratings of 186, 226, 277, 300 and 336 net hp (139, 169, 206, 224 and 251 kW), respectively, with operating weights of 52,260; 58,140; 72,800; 81,700 and 92,240 lb (23,705; 26,370; 33,020; 37,060 and 41,840 kg). Standard bucket capacities range from 1.2 yd³ (0.92 m³) to 2.66 yd³ (2.03 m³).

Full features

Hyundai's Next Gen excavator family features fully electric controls and engines that are 10% more fuel efficient. (Hyundai)

Hyundai states that the Next Gen models have a slew of new features that will make these excavators run more smoothly while also increasing productivity by at least 22%. The new excavators have fully electrohydraulic (FEH) controls and are powered by Hyundai’s DX Series engines that are nearly 10% more fuel efficient.

The FEH system is standard across the entire Next Gen HX range. All controls including the joysticks, pumps and other traditional hydro-only components are now electric. According to Hyundai, this means that there is no parasitic loss which occurs in traditional hydraulic systems.

This feature reportedly gives the operator faster, more precise control of the equipment while optimizing electric power for reduced fuel consumption. Power savings will vary by model, but Hyundai reiterated that these excavators are at least 9-percent more fuel efficient than previous models and consume less DEF while in operation.

The HX400 is the largest of the Next Gen excavator family. (Hyundai)

In addition to the FEH controls, the Next Gen Hyundai excavators feature joystick steering, spring-strength adjusted lever controls and an optional straight-travel pedal. Operators can also set virtual boundaries for height, depth and sides based on the location of other equipment, buildings or roadways. The system warns the operator when they approach the e-boundaries.

The new HX models incorporate numerous interior enhancements that make these models more comfortable and safer for operators. Updates include a revamped HVAC system and a wider, heated and cooled seat with improved venting as standard equipment. There are two comfort packages available for the cab that bring features like a premium, vegan-leather seat.

The standard interior infotainment system is based around a 12.8-inch high-definition screen. An optional second monitor available as part of the comfort packages supports up to four channels of speaker output.

Better bones

The Next Gen HX400 was on display in Hyundai's booth at CONEXPO in Las Vegas. (SAE Media)

In addition to updated powertrain and comfort features, the Next Gen HX excavators have several structural enhancements for greater strength and durability. All models feature strengthened upper and lower structures that have been tested to withstand external shocks and operations under heavy loads. Hyundai has also made the booms and arms more durable by increasing the box size on the booms and redesigning the overall structure of the arms.

Also standard on all Next Gen HX models are new, larger-capacity, heavy-duty buckets and arms. An onboard weighing function is an optional feature. The system estimates and displays the weight of objects in the bucket to enable calculating trucking costs and shipping volumes onsite. When an overload is detected, an initial warning is displayed on the monitor. A secondary notification will alert the operator to the risk of overturning.

All Next Gen models come standard with a five-year subscription to Hyundai Connect, the upgraded version of Hyundai’s proprietary Hi MATE remote-management system. This includes location tracking and theft prevention, maintenance notifications and fleet monitoring.

Other standard technologies on the new excavators include Equipment Health Monitoring that enables real-time monitoring of equipment conditions to predict potential failures and avoid machine downtime, e-boundary safety and productivity feature that can warn the operator when they approach pre-set boundaries, and a white-noise alert tone that uses a wideband frequency to warn people on the jobsite of the machine’s presence. The sound quickly dissipates compared to other buzzers, reducing noise complaints.

A 330-degree advanced detection system that monitors the sides and rear of the machine is optional. The system provides the operator with visual and audible warnings and can slow or stop the machine if an object enters the warning zone. Also available is Hyundai’s Smart Around View Monitoring that uses a series of six cameras and applies AI to automatically detect a person passing or working around the machine during operation.

Service with a smile

Extended and improved serviceability was also a focus for the Next Gen excavators. The new HX models will have longer fluid service intervals than the outgoing models as well as easier access to critical service points.

“Owners and fleet managers will appreciate that we have extended replacement intervals for engine oil, engine filters and fuel filters from 500 to 1,000 hours when they use CK-4 engine oil,” Hodges said. Hyundai has also extended coolant replacement intervals from 2,000 to 6,000 hours.

Most service points are accessible at ground level. Higher points on the machines can be safely reached by way of a new side-access structure.

Other mechanical changes for the Next Gen HX to simplify and extend service intervals include a reversible fan function that allows for easy maintenance and cleaning and an integrated aftertreatment system that minimizes failure factors with an auto-regeneration system that rarely requires forced regeneration.

Hyundai also reconfigured the pump housing to provide easier access for filter changes. For cold weather operations, an optional low-temperature startup system is available. The system uses an external power source to heat the coolant to increase the engine’s internal temperature, which helps start the engine easier on cold days.

Digging it

Hyundai’s latest lineup of excavators is aiming to set a new standard in a very competitive space. While plenty of competitors already have strong offerings in the segment, Hyundai believes that its machines’ combination of capacity, safety tech and comfort features will be very compelling for current and potential customers.