Voice recognition technology has come a long way in the automotive industry over the last few years. Debuting in the new S-Class, Mercedes' latest MBUX system features advanced AI technology that can learn the driver's habits and automatically make suggestions based on their behaviors such as calling a friend at a specific time of the week. AI voice recognition technology is no longer reserved for high-end luxury cars, however.

Hyundai has partnered with SoundHound to integrate advanced voice assistant technology in the 2021 Hyundai Elantra and Elantra Hybrid. As part of the partnership, Houndify voice recognition technology was already available in the Kia Seltos, Kia Sonet, and Hyundai Venue in India, but this is the first time the technology has been available for the US market.

Powered by Houndify, Hyundai's Voice recognition technology in the Elantra and Elantra Hybrid enables drivers to easily access cloud-based information from hundreds of services without taking their hands off the steering wheel. Using Houndify's natural language voice interface has improved the speed and accuracy of the system's voice technology and responses. Thanks to its unique technology, the system can also remember the context of conversations, so users won't have to continually repeat themselves. It can also recognize the driver's behavior and execute regularly used commands before the driver finishes saying the voice command.

In the 2021 Elantra, the voice recognition system is activated by touching the "push to talk" button on the steering wheel. The system can respond to a wide range of commands and make recommendations covering topics including weather, navigation, sports scores, market updates, and restaurant recommendations.

For example, the user can ask if they need an umbrella, find out if it's going to rain in San Francisco, check Apple's stock, find out when the next Super Bowl game airs, or locate Asian restaurants within five miles that are not Thai.