Hyundai is preparing to launch the Ioniq 3 in 2026, and it could be the brand’s most important EV yet. We’ve had the futuristic Ioniq 5, the sleek Ioniq 6, and the massive Ioniq 9, but this one goes right into the thick of Europe’s biggest-selling segment: the compact hatchback. That means the Ioniq 3 is gearing up to take on the VW ID.3 and the Kia EV3 head-on.

Performance, Range, and Charging

Hyundai hasn’t nailed down the exact specs yet, but it’s widely expected that the Ioniq 3 will share battery options with its Kia cousin, either 58.3 kWh or 81.4 kWh. Thanks to a more streamlined design, the new hatchback might squeeze out more km per charge than the EV3, which already claims up to 605km WLTP. Could it nudge closer to the 700km mark? It’s definitely possible.

Charging tech is expected to be 400V rather than the more premium 800V setup found in the Ioniq 5, 6 and 9. That should keep costs in check, with fast charging peaking around 130 kW, still good enough to add about 160km in roughly 20 minutes. And like most recent Hyundais, it’ll likely support vehicle-to-load (V2L), meaning you can power other devices straight from the car.

Design and Interior

Hyundai hasn’t held back on style. The Parametric Pixel lighting returns, now sharper and more expressive, giving the Ioniq 3 real presence at both ends. A dramatic ducktail spoiler on the concept car suggests Hyundai wants this hatch to have some attitude, though whether it makes it into production remains to be seen.

Inside, the big talking point is tech. Hyundai has positioned the driver display higher up, just above the wheel, to keep eyes closer to the road, while still offering physical controls on the steering wheel. Expect this to carry through to the production model. Another highlight? The Ioniq 3 is tipped to debut Apple’s CarPlay Ultra, which can take over every screen in the cabin, even the head-up display, creating a phone-like ecosystem throughout the car.

And in true concept-car fashion, Hyundai had a little fun: speakers in the rear bumper that can play synthetic “burnout” sounds when overtaking. Probably not making it into production, but it shows Hyundai’s playful side.

Cost Considerations

No official word on pricing just yet, but Hyundai knows it needs to go toe-to-toe with the Kia EV3 and VW ID.3. That means pricing should be competitive, especially if the goal is to grab a slice of Europe’s most contested market. Production is expected to take place in Turkey, helping to keep costs down and avoid non-EU tariffs.

Verdict

The Ioniq 3 might just be Hyundai’s most significant EV launch to date. The Kona Electric has already proved popular, but this new hatch takes the fight to the heart of the European market. If the production model stays true to the concept, with strong range, sharp styling, and tech to match, Hyundai could have another hit on its hands.