Hyundai is entering the compact electric vehicle segment with its new model, the Ioniq 3. Joining the successful Ioniq family, this model serves as a smaller counterpart to the popular Ioniq 5. However, the Ioniq 3 introduces a fresh design language first revealed at the Munich Motor Show in September as the "Concept Three."
The design philosophy, termed "Art of Steel" by Hyundai, draws inspiration from the company’s advanced steel manufacturing techniques. The vehicle’s silhouette, called the "Aero Hatch," presents a sleek, almost hot-hatch-like profile, finished with a distinctive ducktail spoiler at the rear.
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Despite its bold new shape, the Ioniq 3 retains signature features from the Ioniq lineup, including the distinctive Parametric Pixel lights at both the front and rear. Recent prototype sightings in South Korea and Europe, often with minimal camouflage, suggest the production model will closely resemble the Concept Three’s striking design.
Hyundai labels the Ioniq 3 as a key part of its next phase in electrification. Production is set to begin in early 2026 at Hyundai’s factory in Turkey, with customer deliveries expected shortly thereafter.
Designed to compete with European-focused small electric vehicles like the Volkswagen ID.3, the Ioniq 3 measures just over 14.04 ft in length, 6.36 ft in width, and stands about 4.59 ft tall. Its wheelbase is notably long at 8.92 ft, contributing to a spacious and agile urban driving experience.
While Hyundai has yet to announce final pricing and battery specifications, the Ioniq 3 is expected to share components with its corporate cousin, the Kia EV3. This points to two battery options: a smaller 58.3 kWh pack and a larger 81.4 kWh pack. The larger battery should deliver an impressive range, with the smaller pack likely capable of around 365 miles on the WLTP cycle.
Pricing will aim at the entry-level market. Considering the Kona Electric’s UK starting price of approximately $48,100, the compact Ioniq 3 should be more affordable, expected to start near $34,300.
For North American consumers, the Ioniq 3 will not be available soon. Hyundai’s focus is clearly on meeting demand in European and other global markets for compact electric vehicles.
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