Hyundai is about to unveil its electric hot hatch and a few other new EVs

Hyundai will unveil the IONIQ 3 in just a few weeks, the first of a family of smaller, more affordable electric vehicles.

What new EVs is Hyundai launching soon?

The electric hatch will make its debut at Milan Design Week as a little sibling to the IONIQ 5. We got a sneak peek of it after Hyundai unveiled the Concept Three at the Munich Motor Show in September, a preview of its first compact EV under the IONIQ brand.

Although it bears the IONIQ name, the electric hot hatch will set the tone for Hyundai’s next chapter of design and technology.

The IONIQ 3 will sit between the IONIQ 5 and Inster EV in Hyundai’s European lineup. The company has yet to announce prices or final specs, but given the IONIQ 5 starts at about £40,000 ($55,500), the IONIQ 3 is expected to start at around £30,000-35,000 ($41,000-$47,700).

Hyundai said the electric hot hatch will give it “one of the most complete EV line-ups,” according to Autocar, with seven models ranging from the entry-level Inster to the Staria Electric van, which seats nine passengers.

The IONIQ 3 is just one of five new electrified vehicles that will join Hyundai’s lineup by mid-2027. Two of them will be smaller compact or subcompact models, while the third could offer a taller crossover SUV to sit above the IONIQ 3 (possibly an IONIQ 4?).

Hyundai is also preparing to introduce several hybrids, including a refreshed i30 hybrid and new-generation Tucson and Bayon models.

Xavier Martinet, CEO of Hyundai Europe, told Autocar that the company is “betting on hybrids and EVs for the next few years.” He added that the company has a key advantage due to Hyundai Motor’s economies of scale, which enables it to be flexible in an uncertain market.

Hyundai will begin production of the IONIQ 3 at its manufacturing plant in Turkey in mid-2026. It will be built alongside the gas-powered i20.

With a length of 4,287 mm, a width of 1,940 mm, and a height of 1,428 mm, Hyundai’s electric hatch is about the same size as the Volkswagen ID.3 and Kia EV3. Like the EV3 and EV4, the IONIQ 3 will likely be offered with 58.3 kWh and 81.4 kWh battery pack options, providing a range of up to 391 miles (630 km).

Currently, about 80% of Hyundai’s European lineup is available with an electrified powertrain. By 2027, it plans to offer an electrified option for every vehicle.

While Europe is getting all the fun new electric vehicles, the US continues to miss out. Hyundai is not expected to launch the IONIQ 3 in the US.

For one, it’s built in Turkey, meaning it’s subject to tariffs. And two, it’s a hatchback, which typically doesn’t sell well in the US, where Americans tend to prefer larger trucks and SUVs.

‘We can remain hopeful, right? In the meantime, the IONIQ 5 was the fifth best-selling EV in the US last year. After Hyundai cut prices on the 2026 model year, it’s now one of the few EVs priced under $35,000. Although we won’t see the IONIQ 3, the IONIQ 5 remains one of the most affordable electric vehicles on the market.