Hyundai IONIQ 3 N-Line (Source: Hyundai)

The IONIQ 3 is Hyundai’s first compact electric vehicle under the series and a smaller, more affordable sibling to the IONIQ 5.

Meet the newest Hyundai IONIQ EV, the IONIQ 3

Hyundai took the sheets off the IONIQ 3, the newest member of its IONIQ lineup, on Monday during Milan Design Week.

While you can see some resemblance to other models, like the IONIQ 5, the IONIQ 3 is bringing a new look, advanced tech, and “segment-leading driving range” to the lineup.

The IONIQ features a new “Aero Hatch” design that optimizes efficiency and interior space. According to Hyundai, the design is “a new typology that reimagines the compact EV silhouette.”

Signature design elements like the pixel lighting remain, but the electric hatch has a unique style with four dots up front, representing the letter “H” in Morse Code.

“Built for people’s real everyday needs, IONIQ 3 combines an expected segment-leading driving range and aerodynamics with extraordinary levels of space, comfort and practicality,” Hyundai Europe’s President and CEO, Xavier Martinet, said at the event.

Based on Hyundai’s E-GMP platform, the IONIQ 3 will be available with two battery options: 42.2 kWh and 61 kWh, delivering WLTP driving ranges of 213 miles (344 km) and 308 miles (496 km), respectively.

DC fast charging from 10% to 80% takes around 29 minutes with the standard (42.2 kWh) battery. The long-range (61 kWh) battery version takes around 30 minutes.

Hyundai’s electric hatch is powered by a single front-mounted electric motor with up to 144 hp (107.8 kW) and 250 Nm of torque.

The first Hyundai with Pleos Connect Infotainment

The IONIQ 3 is Hyundai’s first European model to feature its new Pleos Connect Infotainment system. The Android-based system is more like using your smartphone, similar to Tesla models and many new electric vehicles.

It’s available with 12.9″ or 14.6″ display screens that offer navigation, connectivity, and access to other vehicle functions.

Hyundai IONIQ 3 interior debuts with Hyundai Pleos Connect Infotainment system (Source: Hyundai)

Measuring just 4,155 mm long, 1,800 mm wide, and 1,505 mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2,680 mm, the IONIQ 3 is even smaller than the Volkswagen ID.3 and the 2027 Chevy Bolt EV.

Despite its compact size, Hyundai said the EV hatch offers a “spacious and flexible interior” with cleverly hidden storage.

The IONIQ 3 is also equipped with Hyundai’s latest SmartSense advanced driver assistance systems, providing safety and convenience features such as Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA2), Remote Smart Parking Assist (RSPA), Memory Reverse Assist (MRA), Surround View Monitor (SVM), and Blind-Spot View Monitor (BVM).

The IONIQ 3 is designed in Europe and produced at Hyundai Motor Türkiye’s İzmit plant. Hyundai has yet to reveal prices, but the IONIQ 3 is expected to start at around £25,000 ($33,500) as a smaller, more affordable sibling to the IONIQ 5.

What do you think of Hyundai’s electric hatch? Would you buy one in the US for around $30,000-$35,000?

Sadly, Hyundai is not expected to bring the IONIQ 3 to the US due to the Trump administration’s tariffs. Plus, hatchbacks are a tough sell, as Americans favor larger SUVs and trucks.