New Hyundai Ioniq 3 Coming Soon: Specs, price and release info

Hyundai is on an electric car roll with a solid line-up featuring everything from the adorable Inster to the adrenaline-fuelled Ioniq 5 N. Yet while the range includes EVs both little and large, there hasn’t been a model to neatly slot between. This is where the new Ioniq 3 comes in. As an electric alternative to Hyundai’s petrol-powered Bayon, the Ioniq 3 promises to provide the latest tech, plenty of space and a range of up to 308 miles.
• The Ioniq 3 is an electric hatchback with crossover styling fitting between the Inster and Ioniq 5 in Hyundai’s range • It will feature a new Android-powered infotainment system, a 1970s inspired interior and promises to be spacious despite its compact dimensions • Up to 308 miles of range • Expected to arrive later in 2026 • Estimated to cost around £30,000

Hyundai is describing the Ioniq 3 as an ‘Aero Hatch’ to highlight the car’s sleek design. Dimension-wise it is very close in size to crossovers like the Ford Puma Gen-E or Vauxhall Mokka Electric, though the roofline is slightly lower, so it is arguably more hatchback-like than other mini-SUVs. At the front four LED dots reference the letter ‘H’ in morse code, while down the side a striking angular roofline and integrated rear spoiler are reminiscent of the Genesis GV60. The Ioniq 3 will be offered with a choice of eleven paint colours, and an N Line trim level will add sportier details.

Inside the interior is apparently inspired by both nature and 1970s Italian furniture. It will feature a range of recycled and bio-bases materials which we hope look less gloomy in real life than they do in the pictures. The key feature, though, is the new Pleos Connect infotainment system, which is Android powered and displayed on a central 12.9-inch or 14.6-inch touch-screen. The Ioniq 3 will also have vehicle-to-load (V2L) technology allowing you to power other devices from the car’s battery and a range of safety features including a self-parking feature for manoeuvring the car remotely. Hyundai also says despite its compact size the Ioniq 3 should have room for up to three adults in the back. There is also a large boot with integrated ‘Megabox’ underneath the floor, although the total area is smaller than the waterproof ‘Gigabox’ storage area in the Puma Gen-E.

The Ioniq 3 will have up to 147 horsepower and share the same platform used across Kia’s electric range from the EV2 up to the EV5 . There’ll be a standard- and long-range version, with the former providing a range of 214 miles and the latter boasting up to 308 miles of range. When you do need to top up the Ioniq 3 will rapid charge from 10 to 80 per cent in around 29 minutes.

No word on pricing yet but we expect the Ioniq 3 will cost in the region of £30,000 when it arrives here in the summer of 2026.

We are expecting it to be a busy year for Hyundai with updates to the Tucson, Bayon and i20 all expected soon.

Competition is fierce in the compact electric corner of the market. Those looking for a more traditional hatchback may also consider the upcoming Volkswagen ID.3 Neo or the updated Cupra Born, while crossovers including the Volvo EX30 and Renault 4 E-Tech may also be on buyers’ shopping lists.