Hyundai Ioniq 3.

Hyundai dropped a few teasers for its upcoming Hyundai Ioniq 3 EV. The car we will see very soon is actually a concept version of Hyundai’s new compact EV. And it already looks quite stylish.

It seems Hyundai is making sure its Ioniq series looks great and distinctive. It all started with the Ioniq 5 a few years ago, looking like a futuristic version of a Giugiaro design from the 1970s. It seems the smaller model will follow the trend.

However, we’ve been burned before, with the Ioniq 6. Yes, the car is stylish and original. Except when you compare it to the stunning concept that preceded it. That concept was quite amazing, and the production car was a let-down when compared to it. The Ioniq 5 concept (called the EV Concept 45) was basically a squashed version of the same design.

The production version of the new Ioniq 3 will be positioned below the Kona EV. And will offer a 58.3kWh or 81.2 kWh battery. Inside, it will use Hyundai’s new Pleos operating system, and unfortunately, will probably come with a minimalistic interior with a big center screen. However, that screen is rumored to incorporate a row of real buttons at the bottom. It could basically look like a Tesla with buttons on the screen and a small 2nd screen behind the steering wheel. Which equals no style or originality at all.

Let’s hope Hyundai does better…

For 2026, Hyundai has dropped most of the Kona EV’s trims. Leaving only the base SE model. SEL, Limited, and N Line are not available anymore. Which could mean the Ioniq 3 would indeed replace the Kona EV in the US by next year. Just like the Kia EV3 would in effect replace the current Nirto EV when it finally makes it over here.