Hyundai’s family of ‘Ioniq’ electric models is expanding with this, the new Hyundai Ioniq 3. Due on sale in autumn 2026, it’s a compact, sporty-looking hatchback that’s about the same size as a Ford Puma. It’ll be available with two battery options, offering a maximum range of just over 300 miles.
Here’s what we know so far about the 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 3.
2026 Hyundai Ioniq 3: Price, Specs and Release Date
- 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 3: styling and dimensions
- 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 3: interior design and practicality
- 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 3: engines and driving dynamics
- 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 3: price and release date
2026 Hyundai Ioniq 3: styling and dimensions
Hyundai describes the Ioniq 3 as an “Aero Hatch”, reflecting the fact that it’s both aerodynamically efficient and a hatchback. In truth, like the (much) larger Ioniq 5, the Ioniq 3’s exterior design is hard to pigeonhole. It combines elements of coupe, hatchback and SUV, as well as both futuristic and retro touches.
The overall shape is ‘optimised for both aerodynamic efficiency and generous interior space’, according to Hyundai, with a roofline that’s fairly straight but curves down dramatically behind the rear doors. While the chunky contrasting wheelarches are SUV-like, the coupe-ish rear end, large boot spoiler and low, pointy nose give a sporty vibe overall.
Diagonal creases along the sides are examples of Hyundai’s new ‘Art of Steel’ design language – a philosophy ‘inspired by the raw tension and purity found in steel production’.
As we’ve come to expect from Hyundai, there are distinctive ‘pixel’ lighting signatures, contained within simple horizontal strips. Four central LED ‘dots’ feature at both the front and rear – a reference to the letter ‘H’ in Morse code, apparently.
At 4.2m long, the Ioniq 3 sits halfway between the Kia EV2 and Kia EV3 that it shares its basic platform with. Rival cars that are more or less the same size include the Ford Puma Gen-E and Renault 4 E-Tech, as well as the forthcoming Cupra Raval and Volkswagen ID.Polo.
2026 Hyundai Ioniq 3: interior design and practicality
The Hyundai Ioniq 3’s interior design represents a shift for the brand. Most of its current models have a slim, wide infotainment screen that stretches across more than half the dashboard, but the Ioniq 3 has a very different look thanks to a large, rectangular central screen and a separate (and much smaller) driver display.
The overall concept is similar to that of the Renault 5 E-Tech and Volkswagen ID.Polo, with a row of physical buttons beneath the central screen and a defined shelf separating the upper and lower sections of the dashboard. The centre display is either a 12.9-inch or 14.6-inch unit depending on spec, but all Ioniq 3s will feature Hyundai’s new Pleos Connect operating system.
Despite its compact size, the Ioniq 3 has the same wheelbase as the larger Kia EV3 – at 2.68 metres, it’s longer than that of the Ford Puma Gen-E, Renault 4 E-Tech and VW ID.Polo. Hyundai says its interior offers ‘genuine five-seat comfort’ thanks to its flat floor and deceptively high roofline. Maximum boot capacity is 441 litres – exactly the same figure as the Volkswagen ID.Polo.
2026 Hyundai Ioniq 3: engines and driving dynamics
The Hyundai Ioniq 3 will offer a choice of two battery/electric motor combos: standard or long-range.
Here’s the full rundown:
| Battery size | Power output | Maximum range |
|---|---|---|
| 42.2kWh (standard) | 145bhp | 214 miles |
| 61kWh (long-range) | 133bhp | 308 miles |
Hyundai hasn’t quoted a maximum charging speed, but says the Ioniq 3 will charge from 10-80% capacity in 29 minutes with the standard battery and 30 minutes with the long-range battery.
Both versions have front-wheel drive, while Hyundai quotes a 0-62mph time of 9.0 seconds with the standard battery and 9.6 seconds for the long-range version.
2026 Hyundai Ioniq 3: price and release date
Prices for the Ioniq 3 haven’t been announced, but given that Hyundai’s smallest EV, the Inster, starts from about £24,000 we’d expect the Ioniq 3 to start at about £28,000. That’s roughly the same as the Kia EV2.
Hyundai says that 11 exterior colours will be available, although only eight will be offered at launch. Trim levels will include N Line (pictured), which features sporty cosmetic upgrades including 19-inch alloy wheels.
More details of the Hyundai Ioniq 3 will be announced closer to its on-sale date in autumn 2026.
