The interior featured a new Tesla-like infotainment screen at the center. A closer look at the new Hyundai IONIQ 3 reveals much more than just a massive new screen.
Leaked images reveal new Hyundai IONIQ 3 EV interior
The IONIQ 3 is set to arrive as a smaller, more affordable sibling to the IONIQ 5 as Hyundai expands its EV lineup.
Despite its compact size at just 4,287 mm long, Hyundai said the IONIQ 3 will set the tone for its next chapter with a fresh look and advanced new tech.
It will be one of the first models to run on Hyundai’s new Pleos software and infotainment system. The next-gen infotainment system features a smartphone-like UI, similar to Tesla’s, with a large touchscreen at the center.
Hyundai’s new tech stack and software platform integrates everything under one roof, including the infotainment system and OS. The setup is not only easier to use but also unlocks new features such as autonomous driving and real-time data analysis.
We are finally getting a closer look at the new system after leaked photos surfaced online, revealing the IONIQ 3’s interior for the first time.
The images, courtesy of TheKoreanCarBlog (via SH Prohots), show the Tesla-like floating infotainment at the center of an otherwise minimalistic interior. Even the steering wheel resembles that of Tesla models.
Unlike Tesla, however, Hyundai still includes a driver display cluster and several physical buttons. Hyundai said the first vehicle with its new Pleos Connect infotainment system will arrive in Q2 2026, which is the same time the IONIQ 3 is expected to launch.
If you look at the vehicle displayed on the screen, it appears to be the updated Grandeur, Hyundai’s flagship sedan. Hyundai is expected to reveal the Grandeur facelift later this year or in early 2026.
Hyundai previewed the IONIQ 3 in September, unveiling the Concept THREE at the Munich Motor Show. The IONIQ 3 is Hyundai’s first compact model under its IONIQ EV series.
It features Hyundai’s new “Art of Steel” design, inspired by advanced steel technologies. According to Hyundai, the Aero Hatch profile is “a new typology that reimagines the compact EV silhouette.”
The concept featured a customizable, futuristic interior design with “hidden surprises” throughout, but it will look more like the images above when it arrives next year.
Hyundai will begin IONIQ 3 production at its manufacturing plant in Turkey in Q2 2026. It will sit between the Inster EV and Kona Electric in Hyundai’s European lineup.
At 4,287 mm long, 1,940 mm wide, and 1,428 mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2,722 mm, the Concept Three is about the size of the Volkswagen ID.3 and Kia EV3.
Top comment by Tom D
I'd rather they stick with the current dual 12.3" screens, which is what I have in my Ioniq 6. The screens look like they're actually part of the dashboard. That's as opposed to the more "Tesla-like" look in that Ioniq 3 interior photo, where it looks like someone glued a giant iPad to the center of the dash.
We will learn final specs and prices closer to launch, but the IONIQ 3 is expected to be available with 58.3 kWh and 81.4 kWh battery packs, like the Kia EV3. The former provides a WLTP range of 260 miles, while the latter is rated at 365 miles.
The Hyundai Kona Electric starts at £34,995 ($47,000) in the UK, so the IONIQ 3 is expected to be priced closer to £25,000 ($33,700).
How do you feel about the new interior design? Do you like the changes? Or should Hyundai stick with the dual 12.3″ screens on current EV models, like the IONIQ 5? Drop us a comment below and let us know your thoughts.
Source: TheKoreanCarBlog, SH Proshots
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