Hyundai’s new EV hatchback is everything America wanted—but can’t have
Hyundai has unveiled the latest member of its electric family, the IONIQ 3. Unveiled in Milan, the fully electric compact sedan is designed specifically for the European market. While its bigger brothers, the IONIQ 5 and IONIQ 6, made headlines for their retro-futurism and sleek silhouettes, the IONIQ 3 introduces what Hyundai calls the Aero Hatch typology.
In other words, it’s a design intended to solve an age-old dilemma with hatchbacks: achieving excellent aerodynamics without sacrificing rear headroom and cargo space.
While the IONIQ 3 is positioned as a pragmatic solution for European EV buyers, its absence from North American showrooms feels like a missed opportunity for a market that needs more vehicles like this. There is a lingering sentiment that more appropriately sized and reasonably priced electric vehicles, like the IONIQ 3, could make widespread adoption of electrified vehicles possible.
However, the calculations regarding a possible North American launch remain complicated. Between a historic American preference for larger, more imposing SUVs and the hurdles of import duties on vehicles produced outside the United States, the IONIQ 3 will remain both sporty and forbidden fruit for the foreseeable future.
Art of Steel design language
Morse Code Details
The IONIQ 3 is the first to feature Hyundai’s Art of Steel design philosophy.
Although it looks like a book about the history of Clark Kent, the Art of Steel’s design is defined by a low front end and a roofline that stays high above the passengers before dropping into a rear spoiler. The Art of Steel shape allows the IONIQ 3 to achieve a drag coefficient of 0.263, impressive for any compact hatch.
True to the IONIQ brand, you will find the iconic pixel lighting and a subtle Morse code detail with four central dots representing the letter “H” for Hyundai.
“Hyundai Motor America currently has no plans to offer the Ioniq 3. More broadly, we continually evaluate market trends and customer demand as part of our long-term product planning strategy. We remain focused on developing and delivering vehicles that meet the needs of U.S. consumers. If we have news regarding future products or line expansion, we will share it through our official channels.” ~ Hyundai statement provided to How-To’s sister publication Geek, CarBuzz.
Living room on wheels
Provides sanctuary between work and home
Despite its compact footprint (163.6 inches), the interior is surprisingly generous. Hyundai used its Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) to create a flat floor and a longer wheelbase, enabling what it calls a “furnished space” interior layout.
Think of it less like a traditional car interior and more like a modern living space, or the idea that our vehicles now serve as “third spaces” between work and home. The materials are inspired by Italian furniture from the 1970s and use recycled and biosourced textiles.
The practical aspect has not been forgotten either; The trunk offers 15.6 cubic feet of capacity, including a Megabox (not a Superman villain) hidden under the floor for additional storage space.
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Pleos Connect and the Android automotive operating system
Display screens vary by trim level
The IONIQ 3 is the first European Hyundai to be equipped with the Pleos Connect infotainment system. Built on the Android Automotive operating system, the system is designed to be intuitive and transparent. Depending on the trim level, drivers will interact with a 12.9-inch or 14.6-inch screen.
Other notable technology features include:
- Digital key 2: Can access the IONIQ 3 via smartphone or handheld device.
- Vehicle to be loaded (V2L): Uses the battery to power external devices, inside and outside the vehicle.
- SmartSense Suite: Includes Hyundai’s Highway Driving Assist 2 system, Remote Smart Parking and Blind Spot Monitor.
- What is included
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Windshield support
- Radar band detection
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X, K, Ka
The Uniden R8 is a dual-antenna radar detector with directional arrows, known for its long-range detection and false alarm filtering capabilities. Comes preloaded with red light and speed camera locations and supports firmware updates for continued performance improvements.
Standard and long range options
400-volt architecture supports DC fast charging
Hyundai offers two battery options to suit different lifestyles:
- Standard range: 42.2 kWh battery with a projected WLTP range of 214 miles.
- Long range: 61 kWh battery targeting 308 miles.
The front-wheel drive engine produces up to 107.8 kW, which translates to approximately 147 horsepower.
When it comes to charging, the IONIQ 3 uses a 400-volt architecture. While it’s not the IONIQ 5’s super-fast 800-volt system, it still supports DC fast charging that can boost the battery from 10 to 80 percent in about 29 minutes. For home or destination charging, it supports AC charging up to 22 kW.
Designed and built for Europe
The IONIQ 3 is a local initiative, designed in Europe and produced at the Hyundai plant in Izmit, Türkiye. This is a key part of Hyundai’s goal to electrify its entire European range by 2027.
With its blend of Italian-inspired interior design, practical hatchback layout and the latest Android-based software, the IONIQ 3 looks to be an attractive option for those ready to upgrade to an electric vehicle in Europe.
