Hyundai's four largest SUVs – the Tucson, Santa Fe, Palisade and Ioniq 9 – will be capable of being locked, unlocked and started with a smartphone or smartwatch in Australia by the end of the year.
Hyundai Australia has confirmed it will 'gradually' roll out digital key technology to allow drivers to lock, unlock and start their car with a smartphone or smartwatch – and share the key with up to 15 other devices.
The technology, known as Hyundai Digital Key 2, debuted in Australia last month in the $119,750 before on-road costs Ioniq 9 electric large SUV, but is now available across the Model Year 2026 (MY26) Tucson midsize SUV line-up, which starts from $38,100.
A Hyundai Australia spokesperson confirmed Digital Key 2 will be offered with the next-generation 2026 Palisade due between October and December, while an updated 2026 Santa Fe is due to launch by the end of the year with the technology.
It has not been announced for other Hyundai models in Australia, such as the Kona, i30 Sedan or Ioniq 5, but the spokesperson told Drive there will be a "gradual roll out to other models in the range".
Digital Key 2 is the latest feature of Hyundai's Bluelink connected-car telematics, which launched in Australia in 2022, though it is not compatible with existing models with the service.
Apple iPhone, Apple Watch, Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel models with an ultra-wideband (UWB) chip work similar to a conventional keyless-entry remote, allowing drivers to lock, unlock and start the car with their phone in their pocket or watch on their wrist.
Devices that do not support UWB instead use near-field communication (NFC), which require the phone to be tapped on the door handle to lock or unlock, and on the wireless charger to start the engine, similar to a contactless card payment.
The digital key is stored in the Apple, Google or Samsung wallets, can be shared with "up to 15 compatible devices" with restrictions, and requires a Hyundai Bluelink subscription to remain active, which is complimentary for five years from the date of first registration.
A mobile network signal isn't required for the digital key, which operates using NFC, or a Bluetooth Low Energy and ultra-wideband connection with the car.
The Honda Accord can be operated using the Honda Connect app, but the brand recommends keeping the physical key, as it will not work if the device is out of battery or has lost its network connection.
Hyundai sister brands Kia and Genesis offer the Digital Key 2 system overseas – including the Kia EV9 and Genesis GV80 – however neither brand has launched a vehicle with the technology in Australia.
Jordan is a motoring journalist based in Melbourne with a lifelong passion for cars. He has been surrounded by classic Fords and Holdens, brand-new cars, and everything in between from birth, with his parents’ owning an automotive workshop in regional Victoria. Jordan started writing about cars in 2021, and joined the Drive team in 2024.
